Breast
EnlargementBreast
Enlargement, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Boob Job
WHY AND
WHEN IS A BREAT ENLAREGENT PERFORMED? The
size of a woman's breast will largely be determined by genetics but it will also
be influenced by fluctuations in weight, pregnancy, breast feeding and hormonal
changes. Some
women have problems with asymmetry (one breast much larger than the other). Others
have very small breasts, breasts that are out of proportion for their frame or
breasts that decrease in size after pregnancy. Surgery would not usually
be offered to a teenage girl whose breast might not have reached full maturity.
WHAT IS INVOLVED
IN THE OPERATION? Breast
enlargement surgery will usually be performed under a general anaesthetic, takes
one to two hours and in some cases might be performed as a day case without the
need for an overnight stay in hospital. The surgery involves placement of
an implant either under the skin and breast tissue or deeper under the muscle
under the breast. There are many different types of implant available.
They all have a silicone outer layer but may be filled with silicone (cohesive
gel that doesn't run if cut), saline (salt water), oils or a combination of these.
The choice of implant should be discussed with your surgeon and the position of
the scars should also be discussed. There are different techniques available which
result in different scars either under the breast, around the nipple or in the
armpit. Before
the operation, depending on your age and fitness, you may have to undergo some
simple health checks such as blood tests and a mammogram. If you decide
on surgery you will be required to sign a consent form giving permission for the
operation. This requires that you are aware of the risks and complications involved
with the procedure. ARE
THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS? There
are general risks associated with a general anaesthetic including chest infection
and DVTs (clots in the veins of the legs). There are risks specific to breast
surgery. Bleeding,
sometime requiring a return to theatre and problems with wound healing and infection
can occur particularly in those who smoke and it is therefore advisable to stop
smoking before the operation. In some cases infection might result in the
implant having to be removed. In most cases the scars will fade and be hardly
noticeable and would not be visible in normal underwear or swim wear. Scars
vary enormously from one woman to the next and some people can have problems with
red, raised, and lumpy scars. Internal scarring around the implant, known
as a capsule, occurs to some extent in up to 10% of women. In the worst
cases this leads to hard painful breasts and may require further surgery.
Asymmetry (one side different in size or shape) can occasionally be a problem
as can numbness or altered sensation. Rupture or leakage of the implant
is rare. Despite media reports, there is currently no convincing evidence linking
implant to increased risk of breast cancer or other health problems such as autoimmune
diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. It is possible to have mammograms after breast
enlargement surgery and it may also be possible to breast feed in many cases.
WHAT HAPPENS
AFTER THE OPERATION? After
the operation there will be swelling and pain and you will be advised to take
pain killers and wear a supportive bra day and night. You may have dissolvable
stitches but any permanent stitches will need to be removed at around 10 days.
WHEN CAN NORMAL
ACTIVITIES BE RESUMED? You
should avoid lifting, driving and strenuous activity for up to 3 weeks. Depending
on your job, you should be able to return to work 2 to 4 weeks after the operation.
The
British Association of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.baps.co.uk/ More
Information ... |
