Sometimes referred to as a "breast aug" or "boob job" by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry. Breast Augmentation Before & After Photos Breast augmentation is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty. When fat from another part of the patient's body is used to create the improved breast volume, the procedure is referred to as fat transfer breast augmentation.
Breast implants may also be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or injury
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted. Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will assist you in making this decision.
In preparing for breast augmentation, you may be asked to:
Breast augmentation surgery should be performed in an accredited outpatient or ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. This is for your safety. If your surgeon has a may informal setting, he or she may not be a board-certified plastic surgeon. If your breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis, arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Step 1 – Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. You and your plastic surgeon will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include: along the areolar edge (peri-areolar incision), the fold under the breast (inframammary fold) and in the armpit (axillary incision). A belly-button approach is associated with a higher complication rate. Incisions vary based on the type of breast implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy and patient-surgeon preference.
Step 3 – Inserting and placing the breast implant After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:
Step 4 – Closing the incisions Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time the incision lines will fade. The quality of scar depends on many things, including your genetics, exposure of your body to nicotine and infection.
Step 5 – See the results The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Get more information about breast augmentation results.
During your breast augmentation consultation be prepared to discuss:
Your plastic surgeon will also:
The consultation is the time to ask your plastic surgeon questions. To help, we have prepared a checklist of questions to ask your breast augmentation surgeon that you can take with you to your consultation. It's important to understand all aspects of your breast augmentation surgery. It's natural to be nervous about it, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
Breast implants do not impair breast health. Careful reviews of scientific research by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine have found no link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases. Information on Breast Implant-Associated ALCL
What’s the difference between round and tear-drop shaped implants? Round implants add volume to the upper part of the breast giving a lifted look. Tear-drop shaped (anatomical) implants are more in keeping with the natural shape of the breast, so may be considered depending on the desired result.
What is the most common incision site used in the Avoca Clinic? Inframammary is the most common incision site we use, but at your consultation your surgeon will discuss the best method for you.
What is in a breast implant? All breast implants have an outer shell of silicone elastomer (a very strong synthetic shell) and are filled with either silicone gel or sterile salt solution (saline). Here at The Avoca Clinic we use silicone implants only as most women feel that silicone breast implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue.
What is the most common implant you use? We use Nagor and Mentor ranges of implants. Nagor implants are made in the UK, and have an excellent reputation for quality and a lifetime warranty. The implant we use the most of in their range is called the Impleo Implant: it is a premium round implant with a textured surface filled with high cohesive silicone. However there are many choices of shape and size and profile for implants. At The Avoca Clinic we also use Mentor Breast Implants. Mentor, a Johnson & Johnson brand, has been producing the highest quality of implants for more than 20 years. They are approved by the FDA (US Food and Drugs Administration), come with extensive warranties and exceed CE and MHRA testing standards following more than 20 years of clinical data. They are also one of the worldwide leading providers of breast implants.
What is the ‘profile’ of an implant? ‘Profile’ refers to how far the implant will stand out. There are a variety of different profiles designed for different women and the looks they want to achieve. High and extra high are the largest, while medium and low are more subtle. Your surgeon will advise you which profile will best suit your breasts.
How will I know what type, size and shape of implant is for me? You will discuss the size and shape with your surgeon, who’ll take into account your body size and natural shape.They’ll be able to advise on whether such shape and size is possible for your body. In the Avoca Clinic, our Breast Suite has a visualisation system so women can see what the different sizes and shapes will feel and look like on their own body.
What kind of anaesthesia does Avoca offer? We carry out all our breast surgery under general anaesthetic.
Where are the surgeries performed? Breast Augmentations are performed in our own private, purpose built, multi-disciplinary surgery and aftercare facility. We have access to the very latest procedures and techniques in the cosmetic surgery industry.