Breast Augmentation: What You Need to Know Before Surgery

Introduction

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic breast procedures. Whether you are considering surgery to increase breast size, restore volume following pregnancy or weight loss, or improve breast symmetry, it is important to understand what the procedure involves before making a decision. Knowing what to expect from your consultation, surgery and recovery can help you approach your treatment with realistic expectations.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, sometimes called breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure used to increase the size and alter the shape of the breasts. This is usually achieved using breast implants, although the most appropriate approach will depend on your individual circumstances and the advice of your plastic surgeon.

The aim is not simply to make the breasts larger. A well-planned breast augmentation considers your existing breast shape, chest dimensions, body proportions, skin quality and the amount of natural breast tissue you have.

Every patient is different, so there is no single implant size or shape that is right for everyone.

Why Do Women Choose Breast Augmentation?

There are many reasons why someone may consider breast augmentation. Some women feel that their breasts are naturally small or have changed over time.

Breast volume can change following pregnancy and breastfeeding, significant weight loss or the natural ageing process. Some women may also have breasts that are naturally different sizes or shapes.

Breast augmentation may therefore be considered to increase breast volume, restore lost fullness or improve differences between the breasts.

It is important that the decision to undergo surgery is personal. Breast augmentation should be something you choose for yourself rather than something you feel pressured to do by another person.

Choosing the Right Implant

One of the most important parts of the breast augmentation process is selecting an implant that is appropriate for you.

Breast implants are available in different sizes, shapes and profiles. The choice is influenced by factors such as the width of your chest, the amount of existing breast tissue, your skin envelope and the appearance you would like to achieve.

A larger implant is not necessarily the best implant. Choosing an implant that is too large for your anatomy can create an unnatural appearance and may increase the risk of complications.

Your surgeon should discuss the available options with you during your consultation and explain why a particular implant may be suitable for your body.

What About Breast Asymmetry?

Minor breast asymmetry is extremely common. In fact, most women have some degree of difference between their breasts.

Differences can involve breast size, shape, position, the nipple or the amount of available breast tissue. In some women, the difference is more noticeable.

Breast augmentation can sometimes be used to improve breast asymmetry, but it is important to understand that surgery cannot necessarily make two breasts completely identical.

Your surgeon will assess your individual anatomy and discuss what may realistically be achieved.

What Happens During Your Consultation?

Your consultation is an important part of the breast augmentation process.

Your surgeon will discuss your reasons for considering surgery and what you hope to achieve. They will assess your breasts and chest and consider factors such as your existing breast tissue, breast shape and skin quality.

You should have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, implant options, potential risks, recovery and expected results.

It is also important to discuss your medical history, previous breast surgery, medications and any other factors that could affect your treatment.

A good consultation should be a two-way conversation. You should feel comfortable asking questions and should have enough information to make an informed decision.

What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation is normally performed under a general anaesthetic.

The implant is inserted through an incision, with the position of the incision and placement of the implant determined according to your anatomy and the surgical plan.

The implant may be positioned either behind the breast tissue or partly or completely beneath the chest muscle, depending on the individual circumstances.

Your surgeon will discuss the proposed approach with you before surgery and explain why it has been selected.

The length of the procedure can vary depending on the surgical technique and whether any additional procedures are being performed.

What Is Recovery Like?

It is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling and tightness following breast augmentation.

You will be given specific postoperative instructions and advice about pain relief, wound care and physical activity.

You will usually need to take some time away from work, with the exact amount depending on your occupation and how your recovery progresses. A physically demanding job may require a longer period away from work than an office-based role.

Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until your surgeon advises that it is safe to resume them.

Your breasts will continue to settle and change during the recovery period, so the appearance immediately after surgery should not be considered the final result.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Breast implants are not generally considered lifetime devices.

Although modern breast implants can remain in place for many years, there is no fixed time at which every implant needs to be replaced. Some women may never require further surgery, while others may need additional surgery because of complications or changes in their breasts.

Your surgeon can discuss the expected longevity of your implants and the importance of monitoring your breasts following surgery.

What Are the Risks?

Breast augmentation is surgery and, like all surgical procedures, carries potential risks.

These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, capsular contracture and problems involving the implant.

Breast implants can also rupture or develop other complications that may require further surgery.

There are also specific considerations associated with breast implants, including the very rare association between breast implants and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, known as BIA-ALCL.

Your surgeon should explain the potential risks and benefits of breast augmentation during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision about whether surgery is appropriate for you.

What Should You Consider Before Surgery?

Before deciding to have breast augmentation, it is worth considering your expectations, your reasons for wanting surgery and the practical aspects of recovery.

You should understand that the result will depend on your individual anatomy and that cosmetic surgery cannot guarantee a particular appearance.

It is also important to consider the possibility of future surgery. Your breasts will continue to change naturally with age, pregnancy and changes in weight, regardless of whether you have implants.

Taking time to understand the procedure and discussing your expectations openly with your surgeon can help you decide whether breast augmentation is right for you.

Preparing for Your Operation

Once you have decided to proceed, your surgical team will provide instructions about preparing for your operation.

These may include advice about medications, smoking, eating and drinking before surgery and what you should bring with you on the day.

You should follow the instructions provided by your surgical team carefully. If you have any questions or concerns before your operation, discuss them with your surgeon or healthcare team.

Planning ahead can also make your recovery easier. Arrange for someone to help you after surgery if required and make sure you have enough time away from work and your normal activities.

What Results Can You Expect?

The aim of breast augmentation is to create an improvement that is appropriate for your individual body and your goals.

The final appearance depends on many factors, including your natural breast shape, existing breast tissue, skin quality, implant choice and surgical technique.

It is important to have realistic expectations. Breast augmentation can change breast size and shape, but it cannot completely stop the effects of ageing or future changes in your body.

Making an Informed Decision

Breast augmentation is a personal decision and should not be rushed.

Before undergoing surgery, make sure you understand the procedure, the alternatives, potential risks, expected recovery and the possibility of needing further surgery in the future.

Your consultation is the ideal opportunity to discuss your expectations and ask any questions you may have.

If you are considering breast augmentation, a consultation with a suitably qualified plastic surgeon can help you understand the options available and whether the procedure is appropriate for you.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation can provide an effective way of increasing breast volume, restoring fullness and addressing certain differences in breast size and shape. However, achieving a good result involves much more than simply choosing an implant size.

Understanding your options, having realistic expectations and taking the time to discuss the procedure with your surgeon are all important steps before surgery.

If you are considering breast augmentation, MG Plastic Surgery can provide further information about the procedure and arrange a consultation to discuss your individual requirements.