Breast Enlargement in London, UK
Breast Augmentation
2-1/2 hours
Time
One Day
Length
£6000
Starting price
What is breast enlargement surgery?
Breast enlargement, breast augmentation or ‘boob job’ is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the size and shape of patient’s breasts. This is typically achieved by insertion of breast implants underneath patient’s breasts, or sometimes under the pectoral muscle which lies underneath the breast tissues.
It is important to know that breast enlargement could also be achieved through fat transfer to breasts which is the second most common method to enlarge a breast or through tissue transfer, known as free flap augmentation, although the last method is very rarely used in a cosmetic setting.
Choosing your breast implants
Breast enlargement is different to other plastic surgery procedures as the main determinant of the outcomes is not the surgical skills, but it is the combination of these surgical skills with the wisdom of the patient when they decide on their implants.
Choosing breast implants is the most crucial part in the procedure and hence, it is advisable to spend as much time as needed before deciding on the breast implant.
There are three main things to consider while choosing the right breast implants. These are the size, shape of the implant, and where to insert it.
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Implant size
Patients should go through two ‘’sizing consultations’’ before they decide on their implant size. This is usually done with the surgeon, nurse or patient coordinator before the surgery takes place. During the consultation, patients wear a special bra and top and try few different sizers in front of a mirror till they find the size they opt to have.
Some patients do what is known as the Rice Test where they try different bags full of rice in front of a mirror at their home to help them have an idea about what they would like to be.
- 2 -
Implant shape
There is no right or wrong answer with implant shapes. However, surgeons usually recommend their patients to consider the shape of their existing natural breasts before they decide on the implant shape. For example, if the patient’s breasts look round with nipple setting in the centre, then a round implant would fit better, but if their breasts have some droopiness to them with the nipple slightly low, then a tear drop implants would be their best option.
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Where to have the implants inserted
Patients can have their implants inserted in one of three possible planes:
A - Underneath the gland, i.e., on top of their muscle.
B - Underneath the muscle.
C - Dual plane: this is having the implant partly under the gland and partly under the muscle.
Whatever plane is used, the main aim is to have the implants well covered by the patient’s natural tissue to minimise risks, like rupture, leakage or feeling the edge of the breast implants.
What are the most common breast implant brands in breast enlargement surgery?
The most common breast implants used in the UK are Mentor, Motiva, Allergan, and Sibben. There are so many other brands in the market, and they all come with smooth, textured, microtextured, low, moderate, and high profiles of round or tear drop, also known as anatomical, shape.
Do I need a breast uplift with the enlargement?
Most breast enlargement surgery patients do not require an uplift. Some patients may require a breast uplift, also known as mastopexy surgery, either at the time of breast enlargement surgery or as a separate procedure prior to the enlargement surgery if they have droopiness to their breasts beyond a certain point. This happens more commonly with a history of multiple pregnancies or massive weight loss.
How long does breast enlargement take?
Breast enlargement surgery is usually performed as a day surgery procedure. Patients leave the hospital on the same day, a few hours after their recovery. The surgery itself can take between one and one and half hours.
Do I need drains after surgery?
It is unusual to have drains after breast enlargement surgery. Drains were used more often in the past due to the length and techniques of the surgery. Nowadays, thanks to the advances in surgical and anaesthesia sciences, the risk of bleeding is much less than before, hence the rarity of using a drain in breast enlargement surgery.
Aftercare
What is the aftercare procedure following breast enlargement surgery?
Following breast enlargement surgery, patients leave the operating theatre with their dressings and garments on. They are sent home with some painkillers with or without antibiotics. Breast augmentation patients are advised to take rest for few days and avoid driving and exercises for a few weeks.
The first change of dressings usually takes place between 7 and 10 days by a qualified nurse or the surgeon. Patients usually have their follow up with their surgeon at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months before they are discharged.
What should I do after breast enlargement surgery?
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Mobilise and walk to prevent blood clots.
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Drink plenty of fluids.
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Eat a healthy diet with high protein to help your wounds to heal.
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Wear your garments day and night for 6 weeks then at night only for another 3 weeks.
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Shower using natural cleaning materials and tap dry with cotton towels.
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Leave the dressings intact if there are any. They are usually waterproof or semi waterproof.
What should I avoid after breast enlargement surgery?
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Smoking or sitting with any smokers for at least two weeks.
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Driving for 2 weeks after surgery at least.
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Exercising for 4 weeks at least after surgery.
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Spending a long time in a bath or open water.
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Exercising your chest or upper arm muscles for at least 2 months after surgery.