BREAST AUGMENTATION
This is probably the commonest procedure performed in the UK today. Despite the media scaremongering in the past there is no evidence that breast implants predispose to or cause disease or illness.
The standard cohesive silicone gel breast implant is currently the implant of choice with most surgeons. Implants are available in various shapes and sizes. Each patient is evaluated accordingly at preoperative consultation.
Patients are admitted on the day of surgery. Under general anaesthetic, an incision (approximately 3.5 cm.) is made in the crease under the breast and a pocket is created either behind the breast or the muscle and an appropriate implant is inserted. A stitch is inserted under the skin and painlessly removed after a week. Patients are discharged the following day.
In addition to the usual post operative sequelae (see Factors Common to all Surgical Procedures ) the following are applicable to breast enlargement.
Sensory Changes : Nipple sensation usually returns to normal but there can remain partial loss of sensation. Total sensory loss is extremely rare.
Breast Feeding and Breast investigations (Ultrasound scanning, mammography) should not be impaired.
Capsular Contracture: A breast implant is treated by the immune system as a foreign body. A covering of tissue (capsule) forms naturally around the implant in every case. This capsule has the ability to thicken or contract around the implant resulting in the breast becoming firm or hard. Usually this does not cause a problem but if it does, further surgery may be necessary (usually less than 5% of cases) to remove the capsule. Your surgeon will discuss this in more detail with you.
Flying & Deep Sea Diving is not affected.
Leakage & Rupture of implants is extremely rare.
Lifespan of Implants : Implants cannot be guaranteed for life. In general a scan after ten years is recommended and a change of implants is usually required after about fifteen years.
Further information can be obtained by reading ' Basic Account of Cosmetic Surgery' available from The British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons. ( www.b-a-c-s.co.uk )
For more detailed information contact us on 020 7487 5736.
