Cosmetic surgery using implants to enhance breast size and shape

Procedure Summary

The first silicone-filled breast implants were developed by two plastic surgeons from Texas, Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin. Saline-filled implants appeared on the scene in 1965 and inflatable implants followed in 1974. Nowadays, implants for breast augmentation come in numerous shapes and sizes. A vast majority of them have an outer shell made from a firm, silicone elastic (or elastomer) and are filled with either silicone gel (a semi-liquid that feels natural and moves realistically) or saline (these are usually inserted empty and then filled with salt water).

Who can benefit from breast enlargement?

Candidates for breast implant plastic surgery are typically women who are generally dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts and wish to obtain a shapelier and sexier appearance. Many woman seek breast augmentation surgery after their breasts have shrunk following breast-feeding, or as part of a breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy, or simply to correct unevenly sized breasts.

As well as a physical enhancement, breast implants can bring psychological benefits to women who may have previously felt inadequate due to their slender and lifeless breasts. If this sounds like you, you should be sure that breast implants are the best solution to your feelings of anxiety.

“My breasts always looked deficient,” said one woman who has undergone breast augmentation surgery. “Some women suit a flat chest, but I just looked, and felt, like I was lacking. After discussing it with my surgeon, I decided to have cosmetic surgery to move up two cup sizes – and it has made me feel complete, both physically and mentally.”

As long as you are in good general health and have realistic expectations of the results, there are few reasons why anyone would be unable to have a mammaplasty operation.

Undergoing a breast augmentation procedure

Once you are certain that cosmetic surgery to enlarge your breasts is right for you, you need to think about the most suitable type and size of implant. As one patient commented, “I just thought an implant was an implant, but you can select from a range of round ones and more natural shaped ones, as well as the choice of sizes.”

The actual operation will last between 1 and 2 hours, and usually require general anaesthesia. Most surgeons will require you to stay overnight at the hospital or clinic.

Depending on what best suits your own particular body, the surgeon will begin by either making a small cut underneath the armpit, beneath the nipple, underneath the breast or occassionally in the abdomen. Implants may then be positioned either in front of the pectoral muscle or behind it. If saline implants are being used, they are generally inserted empty to minimise the size of the incision necessary and then filled with the salt water solution afterwards.

Your breasts will be dressed for the period after the operation, and this will help to minimise any discomfort. Even so, you will feel sore and tired for a few days afterwards, and it will take up to a week before you are ready to return to work. It will then take a further 2-3 weeks before physical contact with your breasts will be possible. It can take up to 5 weeks after the operation for the swelling to go down completely. Scarring will start to fade after a few months, although the scars will never disappear completely.

The results of a breast implant procedure are not permanent, and the implant itself only has a limited useful lifespan. The amount of time your breast implant will last is uncertain and may vary according to your body and your lifestyle.

Possible risks

Although presenting only a very small risk, capsular contracture is the most common problem with breast implants. This occurs when scar tissue forms naturally around the implant and then contracts. Capsular contracture can cause the implant to lose its original shape and softness, occasionally causing some discomfort. The solution to this is usually to replace the implant. At your initial consultation with the cosmetic surgeon, it is worthwhile, therefore, asking if they cover the cost of further surgery in this event.

As with all surgical procedures, there is a slight risk of infection and blood loss. Occasionally there may be creasing or rippling of the breast around the implant and a loss of sensation in the breast. If you think the implant may have ruptured you should contact your doctor immediately as it may have to be removed.

Although some anecdotal evidence suggests that breast implants affect your ability to breast feed, there is no scientific evidence to show that the procedure has any effect on fertility, pregnancy or the ability to breast feed a baby. However, if you have been breast feeding in the 12 months prior to your surgery, you may find that milk is produced for a few days after surgery. This can be halted using prescription medication.

As with all cosmetic surgery, it is essential to follow the advice of your practitioner after the procedure. This will make the outcome as successful as possible and reduce the risk of complications

Choosing a surgeon

Only fully trained surgeons, experienced in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission should perform a breast implant procedure. And remember, cosmetic surgeons tend to specialise in one particular area, so a recommendation from a friend after a successful nose job doesn’t mean that the surgeon will be the right choice to perform you breast enlargement!

The typical cost for the procedure will be between £4000 and £6000. If a breast enlargement is something that you are considering, you can discuss all of the issues mentioned here in greater depth during a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.

Breast Implant Types

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Polyurethane-Coated Breast Implants 

Titanium-Coated Breast Implants

Cohesive Gel Breast Implants

Titanium Mesh Breast Implants

Related Breast Enlargement Information

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