BREASTS
Breast ENHANCEMENT
Also known as breast augmentation or a ‘boob job’, surgery involves increasing the size of the breasts by the use of implants or lipomodelling (lipofilling/free fat transfer).
Who is it suitable for?
Breast enhancement is beneficial for women who have breasts that are small in proportion to their body build or when their breasts have lost volume from weight loss, breast feeding, pregnancy, ageing or for those with asymmetrical sized breasts.
What is involved?
The simplest method is by inserting a silicone gel filled implant into a pocket made behind the breast (subglandular) or behind the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular) through an incision beneath the breast. Other possible incisions are in the underarm area or around the nipple-areola, and depend on the woman’s wishes and the type of clothing she usually wears. Surgery is done under a general anaesthetic as a day case or with an overnight stay in hospital.
Lipomodelling uses a person’s own fat that is harvested from areas where there is an excess, using liposuction. The fat is processed and then injected in small packets into the area for augmentation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if this procedure is right for me?
Most satisfaction is gained when you yourself decide that you wish to alter your body form or appearance. The best outcome is achieved when you and your surgeon agree that the chosen operation will achieve your goals and expectations, and that you understand and have carefully considered the potential benefit from the procedure against the possible unwanted effects and risks from it.
How long does the procedure take?
1.5 to 2 hours.
How much does this procedure cost?
From £6000.
This depends on the length of stay in hospital, type of implant or amount of fat transferred. You will receive a cost breakdown before you book the operation.
Are there any potential side effects?
With any surgical procedure, there is a potential for unwanted effects. It is essential for you to minimize any risk factors (stop smoking, avoid blood thinning medications, stop the oral contraceptive pill, discuss other medications or supplements) when planning surgery. Optimal healing from surgery occurs when you are in peak physical health. The best results are obtained when you are at your ideal weight and that it is maintained in the long term.
Potential unwanted effects include: asymmetry, capsular contracture, unsightly scars, implant leak or rupture, visible implant, BIA-ALCL (breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma), skin irregularities from liposuction.
Important things to know about breast surgery: your breasts will naturally change with age, pregnancy and breast feeding, the life-span of implants is limited and you will need further surgery for exchange or removal of your implants in the future, mammograms are less sensitive with implants obscuring some of the breast tissue, sensation may be altered.
Lipomodelling usually requires more than one operative procedure. Harvesting of the fat by liposuction is usually done under a general anaesthetic. If more than one procedure is required, you have the option of ‘fat banking’ where the whole required amount of your fat is harvested under the one general anaesthetic and the subsequent fat injections are done under local anaesthetic.
Related Procedures
Breast Uplift
Known as a Mastopexy, this procedure involves reducing the skin envelope of the breasts and repositioning the nipple-areolae to match the new shape.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is beneficial for women who have breasts that are heavy and/or large in proportion to their body build or for those with asymmetrical sized breasts.
Breast Examination
Found a change or something worrying in your breast? Put your mind at rest by having it examined and investigated as soon as possible.
ABOUT DR JACQUELINE LEWIS
Based in London, Dr Lewis is a highly respected surgeon, with over 30 years experience in helping women feel good about their bodies.
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