Breast Enlargement

Breast Enlargement (Augmentation) is the procedure to enlarge the breasts by insertion of silicone implants under the breast. It is commonly carried out because the breasts are a different size or for ladies who want larger breasts for cosmetic reasons. It is important to note that if your breasts are drooping, they are unlikely to be corrected with augmentation alone and a Mastopexy (Breast Lift) procedure may be required to lift your breasts over the implants. Mr Price can advise you on this during your consultation.

The operation takes place under a general anaesthetic and whilst there a re a number of methods of performing the procedure, the following is a description of the commonest technique carried out by Mr Price.

A small cut is made under the breast, near the fold. Some ladies will also need a small 'lift' procedure during the operation. When this is carried out (See the Breast Lift page), the implant is put in through the Breast Lift incisions. A pocket is then made to place the implant – this can be either directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall. Once the pocket is made, a drain is placed and the implants inserted. The wounds are then sutured with dissolving sutures and dressings are applied.

The decision regarding which layer is best for your implant is made at the initial consultation with Mr Price. Generally, sub-mammary is Mr Price’s preferred position but this means that in the upper part of the breast, the implant is only covered by skin and fat – if you are lucky enough to be very thin, this may mean your implant is more obvious and so placing the implant beneath the muscle may be better. The downside of this position is that it can be more uncomfortable after the procedure.

For information on the implants themselves, please look at the Breast Implants page.

After the operation you will have a drip in your vein, giving you fluid. Antibiotics are used during the operation and if you use the Oral Contraceptive Pill these might interfere with this – you should use alternative methods of contraception until the next month. You will have dressings on, which will be changed the following day before you leave the hospital. You should wear a support bra, with no under-wiring, constantly (day and night apart from showering) for two weeks after the operation. The longer you can wear this, the better the breasts will heal – up to a month is ideal.

The procedure is generally straight forward but there are a number of things you should bear in mind. The first, and most important, is that if the implant becomes infected (relatively uncommon), then it will need to be removed for a period before being replaced. This is because infection on the implant cannot effectively be attacked by the body and as such is almost impossible to clear with antibiotics. Other possible problems include a change in nipple sensation and, in the long term, capsular contraction, discussed on the Breast Implant page.

To make an appointment to discuss Breast Enlargement surgery in Cambridge or Peterborough, please contact Mr Price’s secretary.