Why Choose To Have A Breast Enlargement?
This popular and very successful procedure is obviously for patients wishing to increase the size and fullness of the breast and/or remove some minor drooping. Patients tend to be those that have either always had small breasts or those that have lost breast volume following children. For a small group of patients with very different sized breasts then you may wish to have surgery on one side only.
Stephen McCulley has performed this operation for over 15 years and has a special interest in this procedure offering all types of implants and latest operative techniques.
Procedure In Brief
The procedure involves the placement of an implant under the breast tissue. This can be placed directly below the breast (sub glandular placement) or under the chest wall muscle (sub-muscular placement). Access to place the implant can be through the arm pit (trans-axillary approach), nipple (trans-aereolar approach) or most commonly under the breast at the crease (infra-mammary approach). The advantages of these different options are discussed below.
Under The Muscle Or Under The Breast?
Stephen McCulley will help judge which is best for the patient. Under the muscle is usually for patients who are very thin or specifically request this type of procedure.
Under the Breast
Implants placed directly under the breast fills any laxity slightly better. It can therefore give a slightly better ‘lift’. It is less painful to have done and frequently removes the need for a drain.
Under the Muscle
Placing the implant under the muscle gives more ‘padding’ over the implant and therefore can reduce the chances of feeling or seeing the implant edge. This is often preferable in very thin patients where the ribs are easily noticeable. Under the muscle also has a slightly lower capsule formation. It does require the partial division of the muscle, which is uncomfortable, and increases the risk of bleeding slightly. However, the cut in the muscle prevents it from flattening or moving the implant when it contracts.
Which Approach?
Armpit
The armpit incision avoids a scar on the breast. However, it does leave a scar in the armpit, which can be visible in some patients, and it is only good for sub-muscular placement.
Breast Crease
Under the breast crease (infra-mammary approach) is mose frequently performed and can be used for all operations. The scar heals well and can be hidden in the crease.
Nipple
The nipple approach is useful if the nipple is larger and the breast is small. Some concerns remain regarding higher infection risks for this type of approach, but if you wish to have this option the risk of infection can be discussed during your consultation.
Fat Injection Techniques
This method involves using patients own fat to increase fullness or volume in the breast or face, for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes.
The fat is removed by Liposuction from the thigh or abdomen, specially prepared and re-injected into the area using small needles. This procedure is used for both breast augmentation and breast asymmetry (differing breast sizes). It is also a well established technique in treating defects or indentations following breast cancer removal.
The great advantage of the technique is the ability to permanently enhance these areas with the patients own fat. The disadvantage is the unpredictable survival of the fat. Usually about 50% of the injected fat survives and the treatment may need repeating. There are virtually no scars and depending upon the area to be treated it is performed as a day-case under local or general anaesthetic. Click here to read more about Fat Injection techniques.
Scars
The scars will depend on the technique used (as above). They tend to be quite pink in the first 6 weeks moving to purple over the next 3 months and then fade to white. Most patients will form very good quality scars over time. Some reach this quickly, others take longer or may form raised or stretched scars. How other wounds have healed in the past may be an indication.
Medicines
A full medical history will be obtained before any surgery. As a precaution, do not take any over the counter medicines or herbal remedies prior to surgery or for 3 days following. Also avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and Voltarol based tablets. It would be useful to bring a list of any prescribed medications to your pre-op assessment.
Smoking
If you are a smoker, try and stop for a minimum of six weeks before and five days after surgery as it can reduce the chances of complications.
Breast Screening, Self-Examination & Breast Cancer
There is no direct link between silicone implants and an increased risk of breast cancer. In fact, the incidence of breast cancer in patients with implants is marginally lower. If you are considering having implants and have a family history of breast cancer, we would recommend mentioning this in your consultation and having a breast screening before proceeding.
Implants will make mammography and self-examination more difficult as the implant appears solid. This can usually be overcome by taking more views during a mamogram, and in some patients it will help by pushing the breast tissue forward.
Recovering from Breast Enlargement (Augmentation)
Length Of Surgery
The operation takes 1.00-1.30 hours depending on the type of technique used to insert the implants.
Nights In Hospital
Usually one night.
Dressings
You will wake up with either simple dressings or more commonly skin glue on the wounds, and there might also be strapping on the breasts. Dressings will be reduced either on the day of discharge or a few days later. The wounds will then be checked again at 7-10 days.
Washing
The glue dressings are water-resistant so you can shower after surgery. However, we suggest avoiding vigorous washing over the wounds for the first five days. After this time you can be less cautious.
Drains
Drains may or may not be required. They are usually used for implants that are placed under the muscle, and are kept in for 24-48 hours.
Bras
You should bring a soft (non underwired) sports bra in the planned new cup size into hospital with you. The bra should feel comfortable, whilst still providing support. You will need to have two bras at home that can be worn on rotation. The chest measurement does not usually change but can reduce by 1-2 inches. You will be able to wear an underwired bra after 8 weeks; this should be properly fitted to your new shape and size.
Time Off Work
People vary in recovery; younger patients tend to experience more discomfort with this type of surgery, but patients should allow at least 2 weeks of recovery (full anaesthetic can take longer to recover from). Patients with highly active physical jobs may require longer
Time To Exercise
Patients usually feel able to walk a distance at 5-7 days, swim by 10-14 days (if fully healed). Strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) should be avoided for 6 weeks.
Post-Operative Instructions
Day 1-4 You should be taking it very easy! You should not be looking after very young children or doing housework without help.
Day 5-14 You can start doing more exercise including walking for longer, shopping etc. You will have very little pain by the end of this period. If all wounds are appear fine at day 10 you are unlikely to ‘damage’ anything by increasing your activity. Build up activity as you feel fit.
Week 3-6 You should be back to work and doing anything you wish by 6 weeks.
Driving
Although you may feel able to drive by 7-10 days, you need to be completely free of pain and restriction, being able to confidently perform an emergency stop without hindrance or pain. This is to ensure you will be covered by your insurance and may be in your second to third week.
Recovery and final outcome
You should expect some bruising and some swelling in the breast. This will last for 2-3 weeks. Your breasts will be slightly firmer and higher than the expected end result. You will have a good shape immediately but it will soften and become more natural by 4-6 weeks, continuing to improve over 6 months.
Follow up
We will check your wound at day 7. If you require any further follow-up this will be done by the Cosmetic Nurse or Stephen McCulley. You will then have an appointment with Stephen McCulley at 3 months. You will not be charged for any follow up appointment relating to your surgery.
Implant related problems and complications
If you experience any side-effects that you are concerned about please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What does Breast Enlargement (Augmentation) cost?
Breast augmentation including premium round or shaped implants from £7,750 (bilateral)
Costs with recommended Associate of Stephen McCulley from £6,475
What Is Included In The Cost?
The prices listed are all inclusive and cover:
- The pre-operative assessment and investigations
- The operation
- Hospital stay and any treatment required
- All follow up (nursing and with Stephen McCulley) relating to your surgery
- Any emergency problems or re-admissions relating to your surgery within the first year
Prices as of August 2023. There can be some variation of costs with complexity of problem and
hospital used. A full quotation will be provided after consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to see more then please view our frequently asked questions on Cosmetic Breast Surgery!
