Cosmetic Surgery in Glasgow

Breast Enlargement

What is it?
This procedure can enlarge or reshape the breast by the insertion of implants.

What are the benefits?
There are a number of factors which determine the size of your breasts. This can be genetic, hormonal or body weight. Many women are very self-conscious about their breasts and this procedure enables women to regain their self-confidence giving them larger, fuller, firmer breasts.

What is involved in the procedure?
The surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic and the patient will remain in hospital overnight. The surgeon will make a small incision (4-5 cm) under each breast or around the nipple. The breast tissue is then lifted from the underlying muscle thus creating a pocket. The implant is placed in this pocket and then the skin is closed with a dissolving stitch.

A light dressing will also be applied. This procedure takes approximately an hour and a half. If the tissue is thin, the implants are sometimes placed behind the muscle, but your consultant will discuss this with you prior to surgery.

What are the risks and possible after-effects?
Like any surgery, cosmetic surgery involves a shock to the body and there are always risks associated with it. Every patient is different. Recovery and the risk of side-effects depend on several factors, including age, general health and fitness level. Smoking, drinking alcohol, weight problems and/or taking drugs for medical or other reasons also increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. Following breast enlargement, all patients will experience some swelling, bruising, tiredness and numbness. A small number of patients may experience infection, which is treatable with antibiotics. Occasionally, the body reacts to the implants by creating a hard capsule of scar tissue around them.

What will happen following the surgery?

Post-Op
Before being discharged from hospital, usually the following day, your consultant will check that all is well and answer any questions you may have following surgery. Any medication you may require, post-operative instructions and a review appointment will be also be arranged before discharge. You will be given contact telephone numbers should you require any help or advice once you are home. You will need to wear a good support/sports bra for the first 2 weeks to provide support and reduce any swelling.

Week 1
Your support bra should be worn 24 hours a day and your breasts should not be immersed in water. Normal daily activities should be resumed as soon as possible as this will help in the healing process. No driving or strenuous activities/exercise should be done until after your first post operative review appointment. Your dressings and stitches will be removed 7-10 days following surgery. You will then be able to bathe and shower fully as normal. You should also be able to drive again.

Weeks 2-4
During this period the bruising clears and swelling reduces. The sensation starts returning, most patients experience burning sensations and sharp shooting pains in either or both breasts. The nipples may be sensitive to touch and have a burning sensation. Occasionally, implant movement may produce noises. All this should settle by the end of this period.

Weeks 6-10
Much of the swelling and soreness will have eased by this stage and your consultant will see you for a final post-operative review appointment. He will advise you regarding more strenuous exercise and you should also be fit for air travel, sunbathing, taking care not to expose any scar tissue.

General matters pertaining to cosmetic surgery.
1. Expectations and limitations: Cosmetic surgery may satisfy many needs and often provides inner confidence. It may enhance your quality of life significantly. It is however, not the answer to all of life's problems. It is vital to understand the limitation of such surgery. The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to improve one's appearance. But do not expect miracles. Most patients understand these limitations and have a realistic view of what may be achieved. Wrong expectations and over expectations may lead to disappointment. Being realistic brings satisfaction.

2. General risks of Surgery and Anaesthesia such as blood clots, chest complications, pain and discomfort, infection, swelling, bruising, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, problems in the healing process, numbness, sensitivity etc.

3. Subjective Nature of Cosmetic Surgery: It has been emphasised that, the final assessment of the result is a matter of subjective opinion. Hence, while a probable expected result has been advised, this is in no way a guarantee of a good result.

4. Scars: All surgery involves creating some scars. Although these are placed in locations to hide, any scar, in theory, can become prominent. It normally takes 12-24 months for scars to fade away completely.

5. Time lag for final results: Every operation is followed by a period of healing, before tissues return to normal and the final result is apparent.

6. Numbness: Loss of sensitivity is a consequence of all surgery and it takes time for normal sensation to return.

7. Revisions and Refinements: Every operation may sometimes need more refinement to achieve a satisfactory end result.

8. General Asymmetry: Every human body is asymmetrical between left and right sides. This normal difference will persist after the surgery and shall be obvious.

9. No guarantee has been given for final cup size following breast enlargement or reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Augmentation

How safe are implants?
Extensive research has been carried out into breast implants. One of the most comprehensive studies (IRG 1998) found no scientific relationship between silicone gel implants and immune reaction, long-term illness or specific connective tissue disease. The Department of Health continue to monitor new scientific evidence and communicates its findings to the public.

Do the implants ever rupture?
It is virtually impossible for silicone implant to rupture spontaneously. In the unlikely event that this does occur (due to a strong force as in a car accident) the gel-like nature of the filling and the surrounding scar tissue means that the substance will stay in place and will not leak or migrate outside the casing, so removal is easy.

How long do implants last?
The average expectancy of an implant is probably around 15 years, but this depends on many factors. Your consultant can advise you regarding these factors.

Do implants increase the risk of breast cancer?
There is no known association between breast implants and breast cancer. However, having breasts implants can interfere with the ability of x-rays to detect the early signs of the disease. It is vital, therefore that you tell the radiographer you have implants, so that they can perform the screening using a different technique.

Will implants affect my ability to breastfeed?
Implants do not affect breastfeeding.