Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation or enlargement is an operation in which an artificial device made of silicone gel or saline is used to enlarge and enhance the appearance of the breast.

The best candidates for the operation are those who have lost breast mass after pregnancy and breast-feeding, or those whose breasts have failed to develop fully.

The aim of the operation is to produce a natural looking breast. Those who wish exaggerated enlargements, an artificial “Baywatch” look or who are having the operation for reason of fashion are usually not suitable.

At a preoperative consultation your expectations will be discussed and the likelihood of those expectations being met detailed. The breasts will be checked for symmetry, the amount and quality of the breast tissue assessed and the degree of breast droop or ptosis noted. If you are over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer we recommend a mammogram. Decisions about the implant type (of which there are a number), placement either behind or in front of the chest muscle and size can then be made. A second consultation is often valuable.

Usually a breast augmentation takes between 1 and 2 hours and is carried out under general anaesthesia at our day stay surgical facility. Postoperative pain is easy to control with simple pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs and most people can resume normal activities within three or four days although significant exercise should be avoided for three weeks. A soft supportive bra should be worn for three weeks and this provides security.

Good results are usually achieved but cannot be guaranteed. All surgical procedures have risks and there are some risks particular to breast augmentation which will be detailed to you preoperatively.

We endeavour to quote a cost for the operation which is fixed and inclusive of implants, theatre charges, surgical and anaesthetic fees.

Discuss with us the benefits of breast augmentation for you.