Breast Enlargement FAQ

Breast Enlargement FAQ Related Information:

Why do people have breast enlargement surgery?

There are a number of reasons why women decide to have this surgery. Some are young women who have small breasts and want improvement in the way they look. Many women have to have such surgery to balance the breasts when one is larger than the other. It is also a reconstructive technique when women have their breasts removed because of breast cancer. For many women, being pregnant and breastfeeding takes a toll on their breasts and cause them to sag. Doctors may recommend a breast lift in conjunction with the enlargement and the two procedures are done at the same time.

What does this surgery entail?

Breast enlargement surgery involves placing an implant either under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle to make the breast larger. The surgeon will make a small incision in the bottom crease of the breast, in the armpit or along the bottom of the areola – the colored area around the nipple. The implant is inserted through this incision and is put in place. Some doctors prefer to place the implant under the chest muscle because there is less risk of scar tissue hardening around it causing capsular contracture.

Who should I speak to if I am interest in breast enlargement surgery?

When you are considering breast augmentation, your regular doctor will advise you if you are a good candidate for such surgery and will recommend a good plastic surgeon. At the time of the consultation, the surgeon will answer any of your questions and try to alleviate any concerns you may have. Also, you should ensure that you discuss the matter with your partner if applicable, as it is a big step for many people and can be expensive.

How long does recovery tend to take?

The recovery period following breast augmentation surgery is usually within a few days. However, if you work at a job that requires you to do heavy lifting, the doctor may recommend a longer recuperation period. Physical contact with the breasts needs to be avoided for at least three weeks. The scars associated with the surgery will fade but this may take several months or a year.

What are the risks associated with this surgery?

There are a number of risks, and the most common problem that arises is called capsular contracture. This occurs when the scar or capsule around the implant starts to harden or become tight. This squeezes the soft implant and the breast will most likely feel hard. It also develops if there is excessive scar tissue around the implant. There is a possibility of excessive bleeding following breast enlargement surgery. The bleeding may cause swelling and pain and if the bleeding continues, further surgery may be needed to control it.

It is common for women who have had breast enlargement surgery to report that their nipples are very sensitive, under sensitive or even feel numb. There may also be small patches of the breast near the incision that also feel numb. In the majority of patients, these symptoms gradually disappear, but there have been cases where they became permanent and never went away. Occasionally, breast implants may rupture and tear and then leak into the breast. The rupture can be the result of an injury, but it can also result from the simple movement of the breast and implant or a slight compression of the breast. There is no danger involved if this happens, because the implant will gradually deflate and the saline will be absorbed by the body. These are some of the risks associated with breast surgery, but you should always discuss the full extent of the risks with your consultant prior to surgery.