Breast Augmentation

The first step is to schedule a consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, you will discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. This is an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of what to expect.

Selecting the appropriate surgeon for your breast augmentation surgery is vital to ensuring a successful outcome. Effective communication is essential. Ensure that the surgeon listens to your concerns, answers your questions clearly, and provides detailed explanations about the procedure. A good surgeon will make you feel comfortable and confident about your decision.

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. This evaluation includes a physical examination and a review of your overall health. Your surgeon may also order imaging tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, to assess the size and shape of your breasts and plan the surgery accordingly.

Preparing for surgery

Preparing for breast reduction surgery involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and successful procedure.

You will receive pre-operative instructions from your surgeon. These instructions may include guidelines on medications to avoid, dietary restrictions, and other preparations. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to minimise risks and ensure the best possible outcome.

By taking these steps, you can feel confident and well-prepared for your breast enlargement surgery.

During breast augmentation surgery, general anaesthesia is typically administered to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.

The surgical process begins with the incision, where the surgeon selects an approach based on the desired outcome and pre-operative discussions. Common incision techniques include the inframammary fold approach, which involves making an incision in the crease under the breast; the peri areolar approach, which follows the edge of the areola; and the trans axillary approach, which is made through the armpit. These options allow the surgeon to access the area for implant placement with minimal visible scarring.

Once the incision is made, the breast implants are inserted. The placement of the implants is determined by the type of implant chosen and the extent of enhancement desired. Implants can be placed either behind the pectoralis muscle, also known as the breast muscle, or in front of the muscle and under the natural breast tissue. This decision is made based on the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s expertise to achieve the best aesthetic result.

After positioning the implants, the surgeon closes the incision using dissolvable sutures. In some cases, a drain may be attached to remove any excess fluid or blood, aiding in the healing process. The incision site is then dressed, and the breasts are wrapped with a supportive bandage or surgical bra, as per the surgeon’s preference. The drain is typically removed before the patient is discharged to go home.

Overall, the procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes, after which patients can begin their recovery journey under the guidance of their medical team.

Following breast augmentation surgery, patients are moved to a recovery area where they are closely monitored as they awaken from anaesthesia. It is common to feel groggy and experience some discomfort, but pain relief medication will be provided to manage any pain.

The initial recovery period typically involves some swelling and bruising around the breast area, which is a normal response to the surgical procedure. Patients are advised to wear a supportive surgical bra or bandage to help minimize swelling and support the new breast contours as they heal.

It’s crucial to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include guidelines on how to care for the incision sites, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and specific concerns to watch for in the surgical area or in your general health.

Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities and exercises that involve the upper body for at least four to six weeks to allow proper healing. Light activities and walking are encouraged to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to monitor your progress and ensure that the implants are settling correctly. These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions that may arise during the recovery process.

Most individuals can return to work and normal daily activities within a few weeks, depending on the nature of their job and how their body is healing. However, it is important to listen to your body and give yourself ample time to recover fully.

The final results of breast augmentation surgery will become more apparent as swelling decreases, and the breast implants settle into place. This process may take several months, but the outcome typically provides enhanced breast size and shape, contributing to improved self-confidence and satisfaction with one’s body image.