Though the name may suggest otherwise, breast augmentation entails far more than simply augmenting the size and proportion of the breasts. This cosmetic surgery procedure also means improving the overall shape of the breasts through careful assessment of where volume is required and adjustments of breast tissue in relation to the implant(if required) to improve the overall contour and to achieve the desired excellent result. This contextual nature necessitates a systematic process from initial consultation to actual surgery, under the supervision of an expert Plastic Surgeon.
In this article, you’ll gain a complete perspective on all there is to know about breast augmentation surgery, including what to expect, what the surgery involves, and post-surgery recovery best practices.
What is Breast Augmentation?
In a general sense, breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to increase the size (and by extension, the relative shape and proportion) of your breasts. There are two different ways of breast augmentation.
Implant based Breast augmentation. This is the most common method used by placing implants of desired/ appropriate size.
Fat transfer based breast augmentation – This method is best in selected patients who have adequate fat in the rest of their body where fat is harvested from these areas and injected with care into the breast tailored to the areas that require improvement. This is also a good method of correcting certain deformities of breast like tuberous breasts with minimal scarring. The drawback of fat transfer is the unpredictable nature of fat take (30 to 50% loss) and may require more than one operation to achieve desired result.
In the U.K and worldwide, the breast augmentation surgery most commonly involve placing implants in the breast or underlying muscle. The two common types of implants include:
Silicone implants (common method in the U.K): These breast augmentation implants come pre-filled with silicone, requiring only implantation at the time of surgery.
Saline implants: These implants are filled with saline at the required amount during surgery.
Before the question of breast augmentation surgery arises, however, Mr. Jag Jagadeesan will hold a thorough consultation session and a clear assessment with you regarding the indications and specifics of your breast augmentation requirements.
When is Breast Augmentation Performed?
In broad terms, breast augmentation is performed either due to personal preference or medical advice.
Clients who opt for breast augmentation out of personal preference often desire a better overall aesthetic in their breast proportions, whether through shape, contours or size.
In some other cases, breast augmentation surgery may be suggested by a cosmetic surgeon to alleviate health-related issues in the chest area like tuberous breasts.
At Mr. Jag’s breast augmentation clinic in Birmingham, our patients seek out breast augmentation for one of the above two reasons. In either case, your cosmetic surgeon will fill you in on what you can expect from a breast augmentation surgery.
What to consider before Breast Augmentation?
First and foremost, the misconception to clear about breast implants is that they are not permanent. An implant’s average lifespan lasts around 10 years (many occasions longer). Other factors also contribute to your implant’s longevity, such as the natural ageing of your breasts themselves.
Breastfeeding (and pregnancy changes in general) are a major point to consider during breast augmentation consultation. In general breast feeding is not affected by a standard breast augmentation procedure. But the breast goes through the natural pregnancy and post pregnancy changes and the shape may be affected in the long term. If you are considering having children in the near future – it would be advisable to have the breast augmentation procedure after pregnancy changes have completed, so the result can be long lasting. Depending on the nature of the surgery, your medical history, and the type of implants, Mr. Jag will advise the appropriate procedure, keeping your wellbeing foremost.
Prior to the surgery, You will also be advised to stop taking any medications that could have repercussions during surgery, such as Oral Contraceptive Pills(OCP) or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and common painkillers like asprin.
Bear in mind that a breast augmentation surgery is not the same thing as a breast lift treatment. In effect, this means that a breast augmentation will not rectify sagging breasts by itself.
For suitable patients, in place of implants, your cosmetic surgery expert might suggest fat transfer which involves transplanting some existing fat from your body and injecting it into the breast.
Mr. Jag Jagadeesan will conduct a thorough review of your relevant medical history before your breast augmentation procedure. During the consultations, you’ll also have the opportunity to bring forth any questions and clarifications you may have regarding the procedure, so that your mind is at complete ease.
What is the Breast Augmentation procedure?
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia procedure with an overnight stay in the hospital. After a period of observation post-surgery, you will usually be discharged the next day after the drains are removed.
Once you are prepped for the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will place the breast implants in position through any one of three incision areas:
Under your breast (Most common)
Through your underarms
In the nipple region
Your surgeon will create a pocket in the incision region to place the implant in. Once the implants/new tissue is secure, the incision will be sealed with stitches and surgical tape, concluding the breast augmentation procedure.
Breast Augmentation Post-surgery Recovery
Following the surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will prescribe medication to cope with any immediate pain you may feel post-procedure. You will also be advised to wear adequate chest support with your attire to reduce strain on the breast region.
You should be able to resume normal day to day activities within three or four days after the procedure. Avoid any strenuous physical activities such as lifting heavy weights and extensive workouts for around 8 weeks.
The results of your breast augmentation procedure are visible right after the procedure is complete. Over time, the tissue’s swelling and redness will heal and settle down for a natural look.
When Should I See My Doctor After Breast Augmentation?
A follow-up appointment after your breast augmentation treatment usually happens a week or two after the procedure. Your cosmetic surgery expert will ensure all is in order, including how well your post-breast augmentation healing is coming along.
You should always consult your cosmetic surgeon at the earliest in case of any complications following breast augmentation surgery. These include, but are not limited to:
Excessive breast pain
Bleeding/bruising in the breast region
Implant leak/rupture
Any fluid discharge from/around the implant
Fever, fatigue or excess sweating
Mr. Jag Jagadeesan: Best Breast Augmentation Clinic in Birmingham.
At Mr. Jag Jagadeesan’s clinic, we place utmost emphasis on the comfort and safety of our clients that seek breast augmentation in Birmingham. Our clinic is equipped with world-class facilities to guarantee complete client satisfaction with our breast augmentation procedure, which is one among the extensive range of services we offer.
As the best breast augmentation clinic in Birmingham, we walk you through the complete process of breast augmentation, from consultation to post-procedure recovery. We take extra care to ensure all your doubts regarding breast augmentation are cleared, granting you complete peace of mind from the moment you walk through our doors.
Mr. Jag Jagadeesan is known for being one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Birmingham. He holds extensive expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery, having trained in multiple renowned institutes worldwide. He is well-known for his patient-friendly approach and particular care towards specific needs of patients at every step of the procedure they choose. These attributes have seen him gain the reputation of offering the best breast augmentation procedure in Birmingham.
Book a consultation with Mr. Jag Jagadeesan today to get the best cosmetic surgery in Birmingham.