Breast Augmentation - Implants

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.

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.

The risks associated with breast augmentation surgery

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.