Breast Augmentation - Implants

Breast augmentation is the medical term given to enlarge the breasts using an implant.

There is a great deal of natural variation in women’s breasts. Aside from genetics and body shape, breasts can alter in shape and droop with age. They can also be affected by breastfeeding and weightloss. Some women also have underdeveloped small breasts or one breast much bigger than the other.

A breast augmentation can address all these issues, improve body shape and help inspire body confidence. In the case of women who are self conscious about their small breasts, it can give them a new found feminity.

Mr Chana is one of the UK's leading plastic surgeons in breast procedures. Highly experienced and skilled, he is known for his personable manner and the quality of aftercare he offers.

Mr Chana only uses breast implants made of silicone. They tend to look and feel more natural than implants filled with saline. Silicone implants have an outer silicone shell and an inner silicone compartment, containing a cohesive gel substance which greatly limits the chance of the implant leaking. The implants also have a textured surface which helps reduce the risk of capsular contracture occurring.

Breast implants usually last about 10 years.

Video with patient testimonial for Breast Augmentation

THE BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION

At your consultation, Mr Chana will talk to you about why you are considering surgery and what you want to achieve from it. He will assess your medical history, examine your breasts and guide you through the breast augmentation procedure very carefully.

He may want to take photographs of your breasts to use as reference and help in planning your surgery. A number of important decisions will need to be made with respect to the shape and size of the breast you want and the type of implant that will be used.

Mr Chana and his team will be on hand to make sure you understand all aspects of the surgery and recovery.

CHOOSING THE CORRECT IMPLANT SHAPE AND SIZE

Breast implants can be round or teardrop-shaped. Round implants look more fuller in the breast. Teardrop implants allow separate widths and heights to be chosen. With any breast augmentation the desired size and projection comes down to personal decision, however there are certain considerations that you should keep in mind. Some women prefer a rounder breast with a fuller cleavage, in which case a round implant is suitable. Others choose a teardrop shape as they feel it looks more natural. Either way, the most important consideration is that you find the implant that best works for you. Both options have differences that need to be discussed.

Mr Chana advocates creating a natural appearance with any breast augmentation. Therefore he will discuss with you in detail what he believes will suit you best, bearing in mind that age, height, the size of your ribcage and firmness of your skin all need to be taken into account before planning the desired outcome. Breast implants do not come in cup sizes, they are measured in volume. Mr Chana will take measurements of your current breast and body shape during your consultation to ensure that you are given the appropriate implant size.

At the consultation, patients can also try on different sizes of breast implant using a special bra to assess for themselves the likely postsurgical result.

POSITIONING THE IMPLANTS

Breast implants can be placed in a pocket either on top of the breast muscle tissue, or deeper inside under the muscle. Placing the implant on top of the muscle is only suitable for women who have enough existing breast tissue to adequately cover the implant, otherwise it will be visible and more palpable. In thin chested women, it is preferable to place the breast implant under the muscle since this covers it and creates a more natural cleavage. Once the implant has been inserted, your body will form a layer called a capsule around it.

There is also a procedure called the ‘dual plane technique' which Mr Chana often uses. It is a particularly specialised procedure and favoured by a lot of women, as it creates the best of both worlds. Whilst some of the lower half of the breast implant sits under the breast tissue, a portion of the upper part is placed under the muscle to help create more of a natural-looking cleavage.

THE RAPID RECOVERY TECHNIQUE

Mr Chana uses a 'rapid recovery technique' for his breast augmentation surgery. Modern breast surgery techniques use a fibreoptic light to stop all bleeding points inside the breast cavity which hold the breast implant. In this way, drains can be avoided in almost all patients which greatly aids recovery. At the same time, Mr Chana’s anaesthetist will employ a technique that provides a quicker recovery from the general anaesthetic so that all being well, you will be able to leave the hospital the same day.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

The best thing any patient can do, is to be as healthy as possible going into an operation. Keep up with regular excercise, eat well and make sure you get enough sleep. If you are concerned about your weight, set out on a plan to reduce it and get it under control. If you smoke, stop at least six weeks prior to surgery, as this will help limit post-operative complications.

THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A BREAST AUGMENTATION

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks. If you get an infection around the wound or implant you will need antibiotics. Mr Chana will prescribe them. Excessive bleeding or a haematoma (blood clot) around the implant is unusual, but possible. If it cannot be controlled, it may need a further operation. Aspirin or aspirin-like medication (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory tablets) must not be taken. Mr Chana and his aftercare team will be on hand throughout your recovery should you feel unwell or be concerned about something.

There will be red scars following surgery, which will change to a purple colour as the healing process begins. They should fade to become much paler after about 18 months.

Most patients will experience a change in nipple sensation after surgery. Some or all of it will return during the recovery period, but they may remain tender to the touch for a number of weeks. In a few rare cases, loss of sensation can be permanent.

Some breast asymmetry is also normal, which very occassionally can be made more noticeable after a breast augmentation. Also, try and maintain your body weight, as putting on or loosing weight can affect breast shape.

Movement or displacement of the implant can occur, even after surgery. Although highly unusual, it can be corrected.

In up to 10% of women, the layer of tissue or 'membrane' around the implant can become firm and hard. This is called a 'capsular contracture' and will require further surgery to remove and replace the implant. There have been cases where with wear and tear, some silicone may leak out the implant due to a disruption in the shell of the implant. Since modern implants are made of a cohesive gel ( gummy bear implants) the silicone tends to stay in shape and within the breast capsule. However, it will require surgery to remove and replace the implant.

Breast implants are not permanent. Most have a lifespan of around 10 years, although some patients have been known to have had them for 20 years with no complications. Mr Chana recommends that you keep a long term check on your implants. An MRI scan is advisable, particularly as you approach between five to ten years.

Medical silicone is used safely for most breast implants and is not associated with breast cancer. However, a very rare form of lymphoma called ALCL has recently been associated with silicone implants. The current risk of this is 1 in 24,000. It is associated with textured implants. Mr Chana will discuss this risk with you carefully during consultation and a decision made with you to decide which type of implant you feel most comfortable choosing for your surgery. You can read more about ALCL here

You will also be given a detailed information leaflet on breast augmentation which deatails all the risks comprehensively.

FAQs

Is breast implant surgery right for me?

Breast implants are suitable if you are concerned about the small size of your breasts, a drooping shape or an imbalance in size. Implants are a reliable method of increasing and balancing breast size and can produce an enlargement of one or more cup sizes.

What are the different types of breast implant available?

Silicone implants are most commonly used since they contain a cohesive or 'form stable gel' which greatly limits the chance of the implant leaking. They look and feel very natural. Saline implants are less commonly used since they have a greater tendency to ripple and are less durable and deflate if they leak. Implants can be smooth or rough in texture. A rough texture will help reduce the rate of capsular contracture. There is also a type of silicone implant with a polyurethane coating, which is less commonly used, but it can reduce the rate of capsular contracture. Mr Chana only uses breast implants made of silicone.

Are breast implants safe?

Medical silicone is used safely for most breast implants and and there is no increased risk of breast cancer. Movement or displacement of the implant can occur, even after surgery, which although highly unusual, can be corrected. In up to 10% of women, the layer of tissue or 'membrane' around the implant can become firm and hard. This is called a capsular contracture and will require further surgery to replace the implant. The newest generation of silicone gels called 'form stable gel' produces a very cohesive substrate and leakage from a breast implant is quite rare. If it should occur, it will do no medical harm, but it will require surgery to remove and replace the implant. A full rupture of the implant is relatively rare. One issue which has been discovered in a few isolated cases of breast implant patients around the world is a type of lymphoma (cancer of white cells). However it cannot be stressed how rare this condition is given the amount of women who have had successful breast implant operations. If you are concerned about undergoing surgery please speak with Mr Chana or a member of his team. If you are looking for an alternative solution to implants, increasing the breast size with fat transfer is a possible option. However, at best it can only achieve a one cup size increase and often requires a repeat procedure at a later date.

Deciding on what implant size and what cup size with breast implants?

Breast implants are not measured in cup size, but in volume. The best way to decide on what will best suit you, is during your consultation with Mr Chana, to try different sizes of implant in a sports bra. This will provide you with a sense of size and the approximate volume that you feel comfortable with. However, this exercise is not a guarantee of exact cup size and your final decision will be influenced by the anatomy of your current breast and overall body shape. Mr Chana will advise you accordingly throughout your consultation.

Do breast implants need to be changed?

Breast implants tend to have a 10 year lifespan, but they don't necessarily need to be changed at this age. However, it is advisable to have an MRI scan to check the integrity of your implants as you approach 10 years and then every two years thereafter. The other reason for breast implants to be changed is if you develop a complication such as a capsular contracture.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

I had met a lot of consultants and Mr Chana was definitely the most personable and caring. My post surgical results were far better than I could ever imagine. I can't recommend him enough. He helped me choose a size that was appropriate for my body type and did not push me into any size smaller than what I wanted. I was able to choose the brand of implant that I wanted. He gave me excellent advice about shape and texture of the implants and explained pros and cons in detail. There was no conveyor- belt type attitude to his surgery and I felt my needs were met as an individual. I had post op pain for 2 days only ! And was up and about 1 day post op. His anaesthetist he worked with was excellent too with a great bedside manner and managed my pain well. A chaperone was always offered at all appointments. Highly recommend Jag Chana.

R Bossick
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Mr Chana is extremely professional, he is completely understanding and guides you all the way. I waited for years to pluck up the courage to have my surgery but after my initial consultation any worries I had were gone and my big day booked in. I was only in for the day and everybody at Spire Bushey makes sure your day runs smoothly and efficiently. I took Mr Chanas advice on implant size which was slightly bigger than I had thought - the results are amazing and of course his advise was right. Anyone who is deliberating please see Mr Chana and you won't be disappointed.

A five star review posted on Realself.com by one of Mr Chana's patients
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Thank you again to you and your team for your care and attention with my surgery. I'm so pleased with the results!

Ms Skillcorn
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You are an outstanding cosmetic surgery company and I will feel forever in your debt for mending my disfigured body and giving me my self-confidence back. I never thought there would be a bright light at the end of my cosmetic surgery nightmare, so thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you did for me.

Rachael Claxton
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BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

Breast augmentation patient

ADDITIONAL VIDEOS

Kate's breast augmentation story

Kelly's breast implant journey

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Breast Augmentation - Implants