Commonly Asked Questions Before Breast Surgery

Cosmetic breast surgery, which includes procedures to uplift, enlarge, reduce, or reconstruct the breast, can have a huge impact on improving quality of life. Whatever your reasons for having the procedure, it is important to consider all aspects of the surgery carefully, so that you fully understand the process and any risks involved.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions before committing yourself to breast surgery.

Should I have a mammogram prior to breast surgery?

In the UK, women aged between 50 and 71 years old are routinely invited for breast screening (AKA a mammogram) every three years, if they are registered with an NHS GP surgery. This is an X-ray to check the breasts for signs of cancer.

The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) recommends that all women over the age of 40 should have a mammogram before cosmetic breast surgery, in order to pre-empt any signs of cancer. All women, whatever their age, are advised to regularly examine their breasts for any changes in shape or texture.

Can I still breastfeed after breast surgery?

This depends on the type of breast surgery that you have.  Implants do not interfere with breastfeeding, although there is some evidence that women with implants produce less breast milk possibly due to their smaller breast tissue volume. However, breastfeeding may alter the size and shape of the breast, even if implants are in place.

Breast reduction surgery can affect the ability to breast feed, because the position of the nipple may be altered and detached from some of the milk ducts in the process. If you want to breast feed after reduction surgery, talk to your surgeon about the options. You may be advised to wait until after your family is complete.

Breast uplift surgery does not usually affect the ability to breastfeed. However, pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch the breast tissue, which may reverse some of the results of the surgery. Therefore, it is advisable to wait until your family is complete before having a breast uplift.

Are silicone breast implants safe?

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) comments on the issue:

“Breast implants are safe, but have very rare, sometimes serious, side effects.

Women presenting with these side effects should be taken seriously, supported and examined.”

There have been rare cases where implants have ruptured, and small amounts of silicone have spread beyond the breast, which can occasionally cause inflammation and a lumpy appearance. There has been no link found between silicone implants and breast cancer.  For further information about the risks involved, you should talk to your surgeon.

Will my breasts droop again after uplift surgery?

The breasts may droop again over time as you age, become pregnant, or have a significant change in weight, either gaining or losing weight. In this case, you may need a further  surgery depending on the severity to restore the breasts to their former position and shape.

If you would like some more information about breast reconstruction in Lincolnshire, please get in touch today.