What to Expect from your Breast Surgery
Surgery does not have to be such a daunting experience. Our experienced team is here to guide you through everything, from the decision-making process to the hospital stay.
The First Consultation
Once you’ve decided that you want to enlarge your breasts rather than have a breast lift treatment or a combination of the two, you will have your first consultation with your surgeon.
In this consultation, you will learn more about what breast enlargement surgery entails and discuss your desired size outcomes, as well as the shape of the silicone implant and the placement.
You will also learn about how to prepare yourself and your body for the treatment.
While we aim to achieve the desired breast size and shape for each of our patients, we always ensure that you have realistic expectations of the treatment procedures and the overall results.
Before the Operation
Because of the recovery and aftercare requirements, you will need to plan ahead to have a friend or family member take you home from the hospital after the treatment. You will be advised to not drive for 1 to 2 weeks.
You will also do well to make any necessary changes in your home. For example, moving everyday items from high shelves down to a more accessible level because stretching to reach things is not advised in the first few weeks.
You will also need to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding food, drinks, and smoking in the time before your surgery.
The Operation
Surgical treatments like breast augmentation require a general anaesthetic. Thereafter, your breast enlargement surgery will take between 1 and 2 hours.
All breast enlargement procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and no patients require any surgical drains. All of the stitches are dissolving and hidden under the skin.
Recovery & Aftercare
We are meticulous about taking every precaution to minimise infection during and after the treatment and take several measures to ensure this doesn’t happen. We will arrange a wound check 1 week after your procedure and follow-ups in the clinic at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months to ensure the healing process is going well.
This is a day-case treatment so you will not be required to stay overnight at the hospital. However, while most patients feel up to going home the same day, preferring to recover at home, you do have the option of staying in hospital overnight should you prefer.
Rest is extremely important after your surgery. Just because it does not require a hospital stay, that does not mean you can resume normal activities straight away. Your breasts will be sensitive and possibly sore with some swelling and bruising in the first few days.
You will be able to get in the shower to wash as soon as you like, but driving and exercising will have to wait for 2 to 6 weeks. Most of the swelling and discomfort usually settles within 1-2 weeks, but it can take a few months to settle completely.
The scars are usually around 5-7 cm and in the natural crease under the breast. They can also be placed around the areola. These will fade in the first 12 months.
Implant & Treatment Technique
There is a huge variety of techniques and implants available, all of which will be explained during your consultation in order to find the best treatment for your body.
Implant Size
During your initial consultation we will talk through exactly what type of enhancement you are looking to achieve and the volume difference you are aiming to gain.
Implant Placement
Most people with a modest breast volume get a more natural result by placing the implants partially under the muscle using a “dual plane” technique.
Those with more breast volume who are just looking for a little bit extra often do better with implants under the breast and on top of the muscle.
Implant Shape
Choosing the right implants for your body is very personal. It depends partly on what is important to you, the chosen technique, and your general body frame.
Most patients having them placed under the muscle opt for round implants. Those choosing to have implants above the muscle sometimes get a more natural result with teardrop-shaped implants.
We will discuss a variety of options in your consultation and help you decide what’s best for you.
