There are different breast augmentation implants available, in terms of both shape and size, and different planes in which they can be placed.

The operation is carried out under General Anaesthetic and usually takes one and a half hours to perform.

The incision (cut) on the breast is usually placed in the fold underneath your breast but may occasionally be placed around the nipple. A pocket is made for the implant either underneath the breast tissue or partly underneath the chest wall muscle.

When the implants are in the best position, the wound is closed with dissolvable stitches and dressings will be placed over the wounds. Sometimes a drain is placed into the breast at the end of the operation.

The preferred method uses a scar placed in the fold underneath your breast. This allows good access to the plane behind the breast, allowing a pocket to be created for the implant under good vision. The scar is usually about 5cm long and is designed to be a short and inconspicuous as possible. Occasionally, your breast anatomy may make it more appropriate to have the scar placed around your nipple.

The majority of implants are placed under the breast and on top of the pectoral muscle. If there is very little tissue thickness at the top of the breasts, it may be more appropriate to place them under the pectoral muscle. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Implants come in a large range of sizes. All implants have an outer shell made of silicone. The majority of implants used in the UK are filled with silicone. Implants are available that are filled with saline. These are more commonly used in the USA. They tend to feel less natural than silicone implants and have a greater tendency to rupture and deflate.

Whilst it is possible that your implants may last for a lifetime, they may need replacing. Implants no longer have a set lifetime and do not need to be routinely exchanged if you have not developed a complication from them. You should however only undergo this operation if you are prepared to undergo further breast surgeries should a complication develop.

All breast operations carry some element of risk. Common side effects can include nausea and vomiting following general anaesthesia. As mentioned earlier, your breasts will be uncomfortable, and may be swollen and bruised following your operation.

Specific complications

Haematoma – This is bleeding around the breast implant following your operation. It can occasionally lead to patients having to return to theatre to stop the bleeding and remove the blood clot.

Wound infection – Infection following breast implant surgery is rare, but it is a distressing complication. Infection can occur following any type of surgery but is a particular risk when putting a foreign material into the body. If this occurs, it is unlikely to respond to antibiotics and may necessitate removal of the implants and then waiting for at least three months for this to settle before considering re-implantation.

Deep vein thrombosis – This can happen following any operation. It is unlikely, but the risks are increased with smoking and use of the oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy. An anti-clotting injection can reduce this risk.

Nipple complications – Sensation of the nipples may be altered temporarily or permanently following an augmentation mammoplasty. There is also a very small risk of nipple loss.

Breastfeeding – It should be possible to breastfeed. However, the breasts will significantly increase in size and change shape. Once you stop breastfeeding, this may permanently alter the effect of the breast enhancement.

Scarring – Initially, the scars will be fine, bright red lines; in most cases the scars will usually heal satisfactorily and soften, becoming much paler and less obvious after the first year. Some patients have a tendency to form red and lumpy scars (hypertrophy) or keloid scars, which are broad raised scars. The scarring will be permanent.

Capsule formation – Whenever a foreign body is introduced into the body, a layer of scar tissue forms around the breast implants completely encasing it. In some circumstances, this capsule can harden over a period of time, which may vary from several years to over 20 years later or may never happen.

Rupture – All implants have the potential to rupture, the rate of rupture for allergan implants is five percent at seven years. If your implant has ruptured it will need to be removed and/or replaced.

Rotation – With anatomical implants, there is a risk that they can rotate. The use of a firm fitting sports bra, day and night for six weeks post-operatively will help to reduce this.

Rippling and palpability – Depending on how your breasts change with age, they may thin to a point where you can see or feel the implants beneath your breast tissue.

Revision – The implants are unlikely to last for the rest of your life and depending on your age, you may need one or more revisional operations in the future. This may be due to capsule formation as noted above or implant rupture. If you notice any hard lumps within the breast tissue or a rapid change in the shape of the breast, then you should consult your surgeon. There are potential financial implications to this.

Mammography Issues

There is no evidence that silicone implants delay the diagnosis of breast cancer. If there are subsequent mammograms following breast enhancement, the x-ray department would need to know this. A Mammogram itself will not damage the implants.

Silicone Issues

The safety of silicone implants has attracted much publicity. The Department of Health asked an Independent Review Group to look at the evidence. The Research found no evidence of any connection between silicone implants and illnesses. The Independent Review Group report and evidence can be reviewed at the Silicone Review Website.

Jasper Gill is a consultant breast reconstruction surgeon who specialises in cosmetic breast surgery and Breast augmentation Somerset . He has been an NHS consultant surgeon in Taunton since 2009. Contact him today .

Jasper Gill is a consultant breast reconstruction surgeon who specialises in cosmetic breast surgery and http://www.jaspergill.co.uk/breast-surgery/breast-augmentation Breast augmentation Somerset. He has been an NHS consultant surgeon in Taunton since 2009.

Author Bio: Jasper Gill is a consultant breast reconstruction surgeon who specialises in cosmetic breast surgery and Breast augmentation Somerset . He has been an NHS consultant surgeon in Taunton since 2009. Contact him today .

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, somerset