Breast augmentation surgery continues to be the most popular of all cosmetic procedures. For women who consider that their breasts are too small, augmentation surgery can help to boost confidence and improve body image. One patient recently told us: “Having my breast augmentation has changed my life rapidly. I absolutely love it. I am very confident and so happy.”
However, for other women, the issue is overly large breasts. As well as causing a range of physical problems such as backache, neck pain and rashes under the breasts, large breasts can contribute to feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. It may be difficult to participate in some types of sport and it can limit clothes choices.
Breast reduction surgery provides a way to overcome these physical problems and improve quality of life, enabling you to participate in a wider range of sporting activities without discomfort. Over time the psychological impacts should also start to lessen, too. If one breast is larger than the other, you can have breast reduction surgery on one breast only to correct the asymmetry.
Before going ahead
Whether you are considering breast augmentation or breast reduction, you need to know what to expect so you can make a fully informed choice.
The first thing to say is that you need to think carefully before going ahead with any kind of surgical procedure as there are risks, no matter how small. Both breast augmentations and breast reductions are very safe procedures and your surgeon will talk to you in detail about the specific risks before going ahead.
Breast augmentation: what happens?
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the fold under the breast which creates a “pocket” into which the implant is inserted. Inserts come in two different shapes – round or teardrop shaped. The latter is more anatomically correct and creates a more natural look with less volume at the top. Round implants provide a fuller appearance with a more defined cleavage. Your surgeon will discuss the best choice for you beforehand to achieve the look you want.
The results will be immediately apparent after surgery but it will take around three months for swelling and bruising to subside fully. Any scars will be well hidden in the natural breast crease and will gradually fade over the next 12 months. Your surgeon will use dissolvable sutures so there is no need for you to have any stitches out.
After surgery, you will need to avoid strenuous physical exercise for at least six weeks.
Breast reduction: what happens?
During breast reduction surgery, breast tissue, fat and skin is removed, the breast is reshaped to make it smaller and the nipple and areola is repositioned to suit the resized breast. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and leaves a thin, anchor-shaped scar.
After surgery you are likely to experience mild discomfort which can be easily controlled with painkillers. Wearing a sports bra is recommended for six weeks to provide extra support while you are recovering. After three months most of the swelling will have gone down enough for you to be measured for a bra.
Outcomes of breast surgery | Surrey & Berkshire
With both breast augmentation and reduction surgery, most patients of Riverside Clinics report feeling a significant increase in confidence and self-esteem after the procedure. It may take a few weeks for the swelling to settle down but once it does you will be able to enjoy your new body shape.
“I would recommend it to everyone who is thinking about having breast augmentations done and Mr Misra is the person you would want”. Read more >
While cosmetic surgery alone cannot improve your quality of life, having a more positive body image and fewer physical difficulties can make you feel better and may help to motivate you to do more of the things you want to do in your life.
