Breast Enlargement Surgery (Augmentation)

Breast enlargement surgery, also known as a mammoplasty, involves placing a breast implant either under the breast tissue or underneath the muscle to enhance the current size and shape of any given person’s breasts. Many women choose to undergo breast augmentation for a number of reasons including boosting one’s self esteem, weight loss or uneven breasts. At Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic, we work with the UK’s leading plastic surgeons to ensure that your breast enlargement operation gets you the results that you want and deserve.

Reasons for Breast Enlargement Surgery

The choice to have a breast enlargement can be one of the biggest decisions you will make. Many people choose to have a breast enlargement for a number of different reasons. A mammoplasty, or breast enlargement, is the surgical procedure in which implants are used to enhance the current size and shape of any given person’s breasts. The number of women to have a breast augmentation has risen considerably since 9,652 people back in 2015. Since then, it is becoming more and more popular for people to go ahead with breast enlargement surgery, also referred to as a boob job.

Genetics determine your breast dimensions and women who have suffered from congenital underdevelopment, breast asymmetry or contour deformity may seek breast surgery. Whilst genetics hold a great deal of responsibility for the shape and size of your breasts, other factors can also affect their appearance. Factors such as significant weight gain/loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding may cause the breasts to fluctuate in size, resulting in natural loss of breast volume and long-term changes, therefore breast augmentation can help you achieve the results you want.

As you get older many women notice that the appearance of their breasts changes. Known as ptosis, the gradual droop of breasts during the ageing process may also be corrected by a breast enlargement procedure. For more severe cases, nipple repositioning using an uplift may also be necessary.

Alongside genetics and general stages of a woman’s life, such as having children and ageing, many people struggle with confidence issues which could stem from having small or uneven breasts in which the patient may feel very self-conscious about when wearing certain items of clothing, resulting in low self-esteem. Breast augmentation remains to be the most popular cosmetic procedure in the UK to date, which demonstrates the ability to achieve a satisfying outcome in most patients.

The breast enlargement operation

The breast enlargement operation is becoming more and more common worldwide and with a rising demand, the procedure has become a common practice for plastic surgeons. Breast augmentation is a surgery in which we offer to increase the size of the breasts with the aim to make them firmer and fuller yet still keeping them in proportion with the rest of the body.

Before the operation, the patient is assessed on an individual basis and the decision on where to place the implant is discussed during the consultation. The breast enlargement surgery involves making an incision in the skin or below the breast, next is positioning the implant and lastly is the stitching of the incision and covering it with a dressing.

The surgery for breast enlargement lasts between 1-2 hours with general anaesthetic. The breast augmentation procedure involves inserting a breast implant either under the breast tissue or behind the muscle of where the breast lies. The type of breast implants are commonly round but they can be moulded to create a more natural breast shape for the patient, this includes a teardrop shape or anatomical implants. However, the shape of the actual breast implant to be used in the operation would be discussed with the surgeon during the consultation. Also, when the surgeon is making an incision, they will minimise any scarring, however scarring from the mammoplasty will begin to fade over time into a faint white line within 6-12 months.

The recovery of breast enlargement surgery would be taken care of in stages, for example after 1-2 weeks, the stitches would need to be removed however this is only if dissolvable stitches weren’t used. You would need to wear a supportive bra for several weeks after the boob job and will also be advised not to drive for 10 days. Once the breast augmentation procedure has taken place, we advise on a total of 1-2 nights in hospital and then a recovery time of 1-2 weeks off work to allow the body to rest post operation in which driving is not advised during the recovery time.

Opting for breast enlargement surgery with breast implants can occasionally result in problems, for example, the forming of thick and obvious scarring, the breast tissue feeling hard, a ruptured breast implant, creases or folds in the implant and many more which would be discussed with the Consultant Plastic Surgeon. Also because it is an operation, small risks are always involved which can include excessive bleeding, infection, an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic or a blood clot forming in the deep veins. However, risks involved are very uncommon due to the high frequency of the procedure.

Breast Enlargement FAQ

Will I have scars following breast enlargement surgery?

Initially the scars will be red, but these should fade over 6-12 months. You can expect minor scarring from your breast enlargement surgery under the crease of the breast, however these should fade significantly over time and become much less noticeable. Your surgeon will explain where the incisions will be made to place your implants during surgery. One technique leaves a scar under the breast hidden in the breast crease, or your surgeon may approach breast augmentation using the method where the incisions are made around the areola or through the armpit.

Which breast implants will be most suitable?

During your breast enlargement consultation, your Plastic Surgeon will discuss the look and shape you wish to achieve from your boob job operation. Your surgeon will then suggest recommendations on which size of breast implant may be beneficial to you. Although your cosmetic surgeon will be able to give you an idea of your new bra and breast size following breast implants, this is a guideline. Your surgeon will discuss your desired surgical outcome and results you are aiming to achieve from breast augmentation surgery and will advise the best implant options, taking into consideration your body size and shape.

How will pregnancy affect my breast implants?

Becoming pregnant affects breast implants if you gain a lot of weight during pregnancy, as the skin of the breast can stretch, which may cause sagging of the breasts following pregnancy. In most cases, breastfeeding is still possible following breast augmentation.

When can I drive after breast augmentation surgery?

Your surgeon will normally recommend resuming driving 2 weeks following breast enlargement surgery, to allow sufficient recovery time and for insurance purposes.

How long after breast enlargement should I exercise?

You are advised to not to commence strenuous exercise until 6 weeks following your breast enlargement operation, including lifting, bending, stooping, swimming or vacuuming.

However, all the benefits, risks and your expectations of the breast enlargement procedure will be discussed further and explained thoroughly during the consultation with a fully registered Consultant Plastic Surgeon.

• Procedure Time: 1-2 hours (general anaesthetic)
• Hospital Stay: 1-2 Nights
• Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks off work

Get in contact with Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic to organise your breast augmentation procedure on 0151 329 0866 or fill out an online contact form for you nearest clinic here.