What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation involves an operation where implants are inserted into your breasts to increase their size, change their size or to make them more symmetrical.

The procedure is often known as breast augmentation or as a 'boob job'. Breast augmentation or mammoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size and volume of the breasts. Normally, surgery is recommended with implants in both breasts to make them more symmetrical. Implants can come in various shapes, generally round, oval or anatomical. Currently, there are prostheses with a rough-textured surface to provide a more natural look. The incision scar for breast surgery is practically invisible.

Woman who would like a breast augmentation with implants

How can breast augmentation help?

Enhance your appearance or improve the symmetry of your breasts.
Improve your self-confidence.
Correct uneven breasts after breast surgery for other conditions.

Are there different types of breast implants?

There are two types of breast implants to choose from, saline or silicone.

Silicone implants

They are more commonly used in the UK. They’re less likely to wrinkle and feel more natural.

Saline implants

These are more likely to fold, rupture or go down over time. The saline will safely be absorbed into your body in the case where this may occur.

Ensure you discuss the pros and cons of each type with your surgeon, the size and shape, as well as where they’ll be placed. Breast implants can be placed either behind the breast muscle or just behind the breast.

What risks are involved in the breast augmentation procedure?

Infection
Breast pain
Scar tissue that can distort the shape of the implants
Implant rupture or leakage
Folds or creases in the implant
Thick, obvious scarring
The implant rotating within the breast
Correcting these complications may require more surgery

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants will need to be replaced at some point. Often women will need further surgery after roughly 10 years because of problems with their implants or because their breasts have changed around the implants.

What should you consider if you’re thinking of having breast implants?

Breast implants won’t prevent your breasts from sagging
Mammograms may require additional specialised views
You may not be able to breastfeed or you may produce less milk than usual
The surgery may result in more sensitive, less sensitive or completely numb nipples

What's involved in the breast augmentation procedure?

Your surgeon will make a single cut incision in one of three places:

Under your arm
Around your nipple (peri-areolar)
In the crease under your breast

When the implant is in place, the surgeon closes the incision, typically through stitches and it will be bandaged with surgical tape and skin adhesive.

How long does it take to recover from the breast augmentation procedure?

You should be able to move around soon after having breast enlargement surgery. It can take a few weeks to fully recover from surgery. You will want to take up to two weeks off from work. You shouldn’t drive for at least one week.

You may be recommended to wear a sports bra or a compression bandage for extra support and to help with the positioning of the breast implants. You may be prescribed medication to help ease the pain.

For up to three months after breast augmentation surgery, you must avoid strenuous exercise or lifting for at least a month

After six weeks you can return to most of your normal activities. Your scars should also start to fade.

After a few months, your breasts should start to feel and look more natural and you may be able to stop wearing the sports bra or compression bandage.

What are the results of a breast augmentation like?

It’s important to keep in mind that breast will continue to age after undergoing the surgery and that weight loss or weight gain may alter the way your breasts look too. However, the procedure often helps improve your self-esteem greatly as well as body image.

If you have thought about getting breast implants and undergoing augmentation surgery, get in contact with a plastic surgeon who specialises in this procedure.