Are you considering breast enlargement surgery? For many people, breast enlargement (also known as breast augmentation) can be a wonderful way to feel happier with their body. However, as with any form of cosmetic surgery, it’s important to take time to ensure breast augmentation is the right procedure for you.
Understanding the process, benefits, and risks can help you weigh up your options and feel confident booking your breast augmentation surgery with the right breast surgeon for you.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at what breast enlargement is and what happens during augmentation surgery.
Why do people get breast augmentation surgery?
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, but not everyone feels confident with their natural breast size and shape. Many people undergo breast enlargement surgery (or a ‘boob job’) to increase their cup size and help them feel more body-confident.
But it’s not always to do with a bigger cup size. Breast augmentation can also create symmetry when one breast is larger than the other. Alternatively, some people opt for augmentation after having surgery or to give their breasts a lift.
Whatever the reason behind the procedure, it’s always helpful to book an initial consultation with your chosen surgeon so they can make sure breast enlargement is suitable for you.
Preparing for breast enlargement surgery
An initial consultation is the first step in preparing for a breast enlargement — but what else can you do to ensure you’re ready?
It’s important to gather as much information as possible so you understand what happens before, during, and after surgery. Here are a few common queries that can help build your knowledge.
How does breast enlargement work?
Breast augmentation surgery involves inserting a form of silicone implants under your breast tissue or chest muscles to create a fuller bust. (It’s also possible to have augmentation using saline filled implants or liposuction to transfer fat from another part of the body).
Breast enlargement surgery with Adam Critchley uses silicone implants to create the right breast volume, shape and nipple projection for you.
How much is breast enlargement?
Breast enlargement prices vary depending on the clinic, the implant type, and the surgeon’s experience level.
At Adam Critchley, breast augmentation prices start at £7,849, a figure which covers everything from your anaesthetist fee and an overnight stay in a private room to any follow-up appointments. You’ll also need to pay a separate fee of £200 for your initial consultation.
How long does breast enlargement last?
Breast augmentation will last 10 to 20 years for most people, but there are no guarantees.
Adam uses exclusively the high-quality breast implants provided by manufacturers Motiva. Their breast implants provide more extensive guarantees for those undergoing breast enlargement surgery.
Taking proper care of your implants will help them last longer — your surgeon can guide you on how to do this as part of your daily life following your breast enlargement surgery.
Are there any risks with breast augmentation?
No cosmetic procedure is risk-free, and it’s vital that you recognise the potential issues that could arise with breast implants.
- In rare cases, scar tissue (capsular contracture) can distort the shape of your breasts after augmentation.
- Sometimes, implants can move tear slightly or rotate if tear-drop shaped.*
- Breast pain or infection can occur, with less than -1% leading to early implant loss.
- You may notice changes in your breast and nipple sensation.
- It’s possible for breast implants to leak or rupture.*
While these are serious risks to be aware of, a highly-trained consultant will aim to mitigate them as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, you can raise them with Adam during your initial consultation. From your first consultation appointment right through to post-surgery recovery, Adam and his dedicated team of medical experts will provide tailored support throughout your breast enlargement surgery process.
*To avoid any movement or rotation of breast implants Adam uses ergonomix breast implants manufactured by Motiva. Motive implants not only provide a natural feel, but are manufactured with a highly sophisticated blue-seal layer to minimise future risk of silicone gel bleed.
What happens during breast augmentation surgery?
So, what happens after you’ve had your consultation and are ready for your breast augmentation?
- Before any surgery takes place, you’ll have a full health check to make sure you’re comfortable and ready for surgery. Once this has been carried out, your surgery date will be booked and confirmed. Within your clinic appointment, Adam will take you through and show you the different types of implant to help the patient choose the correct gel type/’feel’ for them. Written consent to take clinical photos of your torso (head not included) to help your understanding of the surgical plan.
- On the day of surgery Adam will use a special pen to mark out where they’ll make the incisions on your breasts and where the implants will go.
- Billy, our anaesthetist, will help you drift off to sleep in the anaesthetic room or operating room.
- Once asleep, Billy will inject local anaesthetic to the nerves supplying sensation to your breasts using ultrasound guidance and minimise any postoperative pain/discomfort (most surgeons won’t include this step as it takes an additional amount of time, however Adam and his team include this step as the comfort of their patients is paramount).
- After sterilising your chest with an antiseptic solution, surgeon Adam will make very careful and precise incisions, ready to insert the implants.
- Once the implants are in, Adam and his team will stitch the incisions up and dress you with bandages or a surgical bra. In most cases, breast augmentation surgery will take between 45 to 90 minutes. You will spend up to 60 minutes in the recovery area in theatre before returning to the surgical ward.
- Following surgery Adam will take post-operative photos to demonstrate the changes that have taken place.
Recovering from your breast enlargement surgery
Once you’re out of the operating theatre, it’s time to rest and recuperate. For most people, a full recovery takes around 4-6 weeks, and the NHS recommends taking a couple of weeks off work after your breast augmentation.
During your recovery period, you may notice tenderness and swelling, and it’s best to avoid heavy lifting, driving, and exercising for at least a week after your surgery. If you notice any warmth or redness, book a follow-up appointment with Adam and his team so they can check for any issues of infections.
You will need to be seen in the nurse-led treatment road in the Nuffield clinic on day 8 following your procedure for a wound check.
Book your breast enlargement consultation in Newcastle
Breast augmentation surgery can be a positive step in body confidence for many people, and having a good understanding of the procedure process is the best way to help you work out if enlargement is the right step for you.
If you’re considering breast enlargement surgery and are based in or around Newcastle or the wider North East region, our expert team is here to offer advice and surgical excellence. See our reviews for more insight into what makes Adam Critchley the best breast surgeon in Newcastle.
Please get in touch to book your initial consultation.