What is Breast Enlargement or Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation - or breast enlargement as it is more commonly known, is the surgery performed for enlarging or reshaping the female breasts by the insertion of breast implants. Breast enlargement is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery operations.

Why is breast enlargement popular and what are the benefits?

Ever since the rise of human consciousness and culture, the womanhood has been defined more in terms of one organ than any other - female breasts! A buxom breast-line is a symbol of feminine beauty for women and men alike! The best breast is the natural female breast until nature misses a beat or takes its toll.

Women choose surgery to enlarge their breasts for a variety of reasons. There are two main groups of patients who need breast enlargement. First group is those women in who the breast had never developed and they need enlargement to bring their bodies into proportion. Such women will have smaller breasts in relation to their frame. Breast enlargement in these patients is intended to restore this balance and bring the breasts back into proportion to the rest of the body.

The second group who needs breast enlargement are those females, who have lost the breast fullness and volume, a consequence of childbirth, pregnancy and aging. In this group of patients breast shape is more or less defined and breast implants will restore the volume and shape.

The benefits of breast enlargement are self-evident. Your breasts will be larger, fuller, firmer and more shapely.

What does Breast Enlargement involve?

Breast enlargement is performed either under sedation or general anaesthetic. You can choose to have breast enlargement under either type of anesthesia. An overnight stay after this surgery is generally not necessary. Your surgeon will make a small incision (usually 4- 5 cm ) under each breast. The breast tissue is then raised from the underlying muscles and a pocket created, into which is inserted a textured silicone breast implant. The skin is then closed with small stitches and a light dressing applied.

The whole breast enlargement procedure usually takes about an hour to perform. Sometimes if the tissue is thin, implants are placed behind the muscle. In the breast enlargement with implants under the muscle, there may be additional risks in the surgery. Your surgeon shall explain the operation plan at the time of your consultation.

What are the risks and likely after-effects of Breast Enlargement?

Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgery, involves a "trauma" to the human body and there are risks associated with any procedure. So is the case of breast enlargement. Each woman's body is different, and your general health, level of fitness, age and genetic profile will all have an effect on the speed of healing and also on the risk of side-effects. Fortunately the breast enlargement is low risk surgery and generally 2 to 4 % patients may have any problems, which are generally mild in nature.

If you smoke, drink alcohol, are overweight and/or take drugs for medical or other reasons, the risk of complication during and after surgery can be greatly increased. Smoking, in particular, is discouraged because it increases the risk both of wound breakdown and thrombosis (blood clots).

After a breast enlargement it is normal for all women to experience swelling, bruising and numbness. A very small number may also encounter infection. In the long run, a minority of cases (about 10%) the body may react to the implants by creating a hard capsule of scar tissue around them. This is correctable.

What will happen after the breast enlargement operation?

Your surgeon will see you when you have come round from the anaesthetic to check that all is well, and will discharge you providing you are fit to return home. You will be given medication and full post-operative instructions along with the surgeon's mobile phone number and the nurse's/Clinic Manager's number in case you need to contact them at any time. You will need to wear a support bra continuously for the first two weeks following breast enlargement to provide support and reduce swelling.

Week 1

During the first week after breast enlargement surgery, you should not remove the support bra at any time and you will not be able to immerse your breasts in water. You should try to resume normal daily activities as soon as possible: general mobility will help speed up the healing process. You should NOT, however, drive or undertake any strenuous activity or exercise.

You will see the nurse after 7-10 days so that she can check your progress and remove your dressings and stitches. After your check-up you should be able to bathe and shower fully as usual, using unscented products. 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 are sensitive to touch and burning.

Weeks 6-10

You can expect much of the swelling and discomfort to have eased by now, and you should be able to start gentle exercise again. Your surgeon will see you again, usually 8-10 weeks afterwards for a full post-operative consultation. You can also travel by air and can sunbathe if you wish, taking care not to expose any scars to the sun.

We're confident that you will be delighted with the results. For that reason, we guarantee that we will provide post-operative cover for a full three years after your breast enlargement surgery. It's our way of ensuring that you have peace of mind and confidence in Linia.

Frequently asked questions about Breast Enlargement

How safe are breast implants?

I've heard about health scares in the past

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 reactions, long term illness or specific connective tissue disease. The Department of Health continues to monitor new scientific evidence and communicates its findings to the public.

Do breast implants ever rupture?

It is virtually impossible for silicone breast implants 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 means that the substance will stay in place and will not leak or migrate outside the casing, so removal is easy.

How long do breast implants last?

Many of our patients have the idea that implants have a defined "shelf life" of around ten years. This is not true, and we would never advise routine replacement for the sake of it. The average life expectancy of a breast implant is probably closer to 15- 17 years, but this will depend on many factors. Your surgeon can advise you of these.

Suspension Uplift

Involves moving and suspending the whole breast through a small incision around the nipple.

I've heard that implants increase the risk of breast cancer.

Is this true?

There is absolutely no known association between breast implants and breast cancer. However, all breast implants interfere with the ability of x-rays to detect the early signs of breast cancer. It is vital, therefore, that you tell your 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 breast feeding.