FAQs
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Breast augmentation surgery:
Implants do not interfere with the ability to breast feed. There is some evidence suggesting the amount of milk produced by some women with implants is reduced. There is no evidence of an increase in illness in children of women with silicone gel breast implants. Pregnancy and breast feeding may adversely affect the shape of the breast.
Breast reduction surgery:
Some women find that they cannot solely rely on breastfeeding after having breast reduction. If you are hoping to breastfeed in the future, you should consider delaying your surgery until after that time. Most surgeons delay surgery for 3 to 6 months after you finish breastfeeding for the breast to settle back to its normal state.
Breast uplift surgery:
Many women want a breast uplift when their families are complete, so if you are planning to have more children, you should consider delaying your surgery until you complete your family. Although there is no risk of a breast uplift preventing you from getting pregnant in the future, and breast uplifts do not usually interfere with breastfeeding, being pregnant is likely to stretch the breast again and adversely impact your result. We normally advise a 3 to 6 months delay after breastfeeding, enable the breast settle back to its normal shape.
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Drains will typically not be used for your surgery since there is no convincing evidence about their efficacy. Post operative fluid accumulation (seroma) is aspirated in clinic if necessary.
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We give you appropriate garments if required depending on the specific procedure. While most patients find this re-assuring, we advise you to use your own appropriate clothing/wears if you find them more comfortable for you.
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After meeting us, it is good to have a cooling off period before a second consultation to make sure you really want the surgery. Give yourself some time to think about your options, reflect on what you were told at the first consultation and whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks (depending on your medical history and the procedure you are considering, the risks associated with the surgery may be relatively small or could be significant).
A second consultation will allow you to ask further questions and get a genuine feel for what’s involved. If you don’t feel confident about any aspect of the surgery, ask more questions, and give yourself time to be sure.
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Prior to your consultation, a guide price for a procedure can be provided by the hospital, following a consultation with your surgeon a formal price will be provided for your specific treatment.
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Since 2016, a condition called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) in association with breast implants has been recognised by WHO (World Health Organisation). The risk of this is very small [1/30,000 to 1/50,000]. It is not a breast cancer, but a type of cancer associated with the scar tissue or capsule laid down by the body around a breast implant. Cases of Breast Implant Associated –ALCL (BIA-ALCL) have occurred between 2 and 28 years after breast implant insertion, the average time being 8 years. It is most likely to show up as a swelling around the implant causing an increase in size of the breast (a seroma). It can usually be successfully treated by an operation to remove the implant and the capsule of tissue surrounding it. Because it is so uncommon, international organisations are sharing data and information about this condition. Most of the cases worldwide have occurred in women with textured breast implants with higher numbers of BIA-ALCL seen in women with implants that have a coarser texture than those with a finer texture. It is important to ask your surgeon what the most up-to-date recommendations are. However, breast implants continue to have safety approval from Government organisations such as the UK MHRA and USA FDA. They continue to be used in breast reconstruction patients following treatment of cancer worldwide.
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Avoid smoking as it can stop wounds healing properly and significantly increase the risk of surgical site infection. Stopping smoking at least six weeks before reduces the risk of developing complications and improves your long-term health.
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Breast implants are made from medical grade silicone. If you have breast implants, small quantities of silicone can be taken up by your body and be found in the breast tissue and sometimes in the lymph glands in your armpit. There have been reports of silicone being found in other areas of the body. Although most people do not react to silicone occasionally the body can form some inflammation and extra tissue around silicone deposits. These are called silicone granuloma. Over time the implant shell may fail, and the silicone gel may leak out. Often this will not cause any change in the appearance as the implants have a silicone gel inside them that keeps its shape. Many ruptures will be discovered by accident when investigating other breast problems such as a lump. Implant rupture can cause symptoms such as lumpiness and a change in shape of your breast. If a rupture has happened, you will be advised to have the implants removed. This is to stop silicone being taken up by your body and forming granulomas as described above. At that operation you may choose not to have any more implants, or you may have them replaced at the same operation or at a time in the future. There is no association between breast augmentation and breast cancer.
After breast uplift surgery, will my breast be likely to droop again?
The appearance of your breasts will change as a result of ageing, pregnancy or other circumstances not related to your surgery, such as putting on or losing weight. You may need further surgery or other treatments to maintain the results of the breast uplift.
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