Breast Enlargement, Breast Augmentation And Cosmetic Surgery Specialists

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Breast enlargement

For most women, breast size does matter. If we are happy with our shape we present a more positive image to the world. With head held high, shoulders back, we can walk into any situation feeling good about our appearance and the person we are.

Conversely, if we feel inadequate or self conscious about the size of our breasts it can profoundly affect our self confidence. We are more likely to walk with a stoop, hide behind badly fitting clothes and avoid situations where our body is on show. At the extreme, poor body image can have a huge psychological impact making us feel unattractive and worthless.

Cosmetic surgery can provide the answer, making us look better, feel better and perform better. And at Harley Plastic Street Surgery we passionately believe that everyone has the right to feel confident about their bodies and to use the latest surgical techniques to benefit their well being and confidence.

Choose Harley Street Plastic Surgery and you choose the best. The specialists in breast enlargement.

This is an introduction to what is involved and the steps to take. But don't just take my word for it, give me a call and book an appointment with one of our Consultant Cosmetic Surgeons and judge for yourself. If you are considering breast enlargement, the body you have always wanted and deserve could soon be yours.

Your body, your choice

Breasts are a symbol of femininity and your decision to have breast enlargement is a personal and private matter. This is a decision not made lightly, and you want to feel confident that the procedure you choose will be the best one for you. You may want fuller breasts than you have, or you may want to regain your pre-pregnancy shape if breast feeding has taken its toll.

You may feel your breasts are too large for your frame. Whatever your reasons, our experienced FRCS surgeons can reshape your breasts so they naturally suit your body's proportions. You may be delighted to find that not only your figure, but your self image has improved, so you look and feel more confident and attractive.

Breast enlargement - what is it?

Technically known as Breast Augmentation, this is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the UK. A prosthesis (implant) is inserted through a small hairline incision and positioned beneath or in front of the muscle wall, behind the actual tissue of the breast. The reshaped breast is not only more attractive but totally natural looking. There is a choice of implants available and our surgeon will discuss the merits of each with you.

The procedure

The procedure takes approximately one hour. Breast enlargement can usually be carried out as a day case procedure with no overnight stay. It is normally carried out under general anaesthetic to make you sleep through the entire procedure. Twilight anaesthetic can sometimes be used. Preferences can be discussed with your surgeon at the time of consultation, and your consultant anaesthetic will be present throughout surgery to be certain you are comfortable and pain free.

The recovery period
Surprisingly there is very little pain and more likely you will have discomfort, although there may be some post operative swelling. You will be advised to wear a properly fitted support bra night and day for two weeks, which will support the breasts and aid the healing process.

Although you will be up and about on the same day of surgery your surgeon will advise you when you can resume your daily routine. To permit proper healing you should avoid overhead lifting for three to four weeks. The decision regarding when you should return to work and fully resume normal activities depends on how fast you heal and how you feel. However, most patients return to work within seven to ten days. You can attend the gym and participate in sports after approximately six weeks.

How will I look?

The eventual size of the breasts is discussed between yourself and your surgeon during the initial consultation, achieving the appearance you have planned together.

Your new breasts should look and feel completely natural - the implants are compatible with normal breast tissue sharing similar texture and general characteristics. They will not affect fertility, pregnancy or your ability to breastfeed. However, if you have nursed a baby within the year prior to surgery you may produce milk for a few days post-operatively. This may cause discomfort but can be treated with medication prescribed by your surgeon.

After the procedure, most women adapt instantly to their new shape and rarely give a second thought to their implants. As the purpose of the procedure is to make breasts as attractive as possible, the scars are kept as small as possible and made either around the nipple, under the crease of the breast.

Type of implant

Breast implants are made with either a smooth or textured surface which have traditionally contained either a silicone gel or salt water solution known as saline.

Anatomically Shaped Silicone Cohesive Gel. This unique shape retaining cohesive silicone gel maintains its original natural looking shape. The anatomical shape of this implant increases the balance between your breasts and your hips, creating an overall hip-slimming effect and a more desirable figure. Anatomically shaped implants represent an advantage in design and manufacturing technology.

This does not mean that traditional round implants cannot be effective. It means that you now have a choice.

Silicone. Silicone implants have been successfully in use since 1962. Silicone gel has an excellent texture as a filling material because it is soft and pliable and allows for natural movement. The latest type has a textured surface which is less likely to cause hardening or capsule formation. The possibility of silicone implant interfering with the standard mammography can be overcome easily by informing your radiologist about the presence of the implant, he or she can alter the technique to obtain the optimum result (Eklund Technique).

Will I experience any problems?
In the majority of cases, there are no post-operative problems.

What is a capsular contraction?
In a few patients following the operation the body builds a wall of firm tissue round the implant. Rarely this can contract causing the implant to feel firm, known as a capsule. This can be manipulated or cut out by your surgeon in a manner which breaks up the capsule and the breasts regain their softness.

Are there any long-term risks?
Cancer of the breast has been extensively researched. Results of this research show that there is no evidence that breast implants increase the chance of future development of breast cancer.

Can implants leak?
Concern has been raised in the media about the possibility that leakage of silicone gel from silicone implants can cause health problems. Actually the amount of silicone that leaks through the shell of modern implants is very small and there is no medical evidence of health problems being associated with it. However alternatives are available. (Please refer to Type of implant)

Should I have breast enlargement?
Only you can answer that question. Be sure you are doing it for the right reasons: your own sense of self confidence and self esteem. No matter what anyone else thinks, if you are happy with your appearance there is no reason to have it changed. So before making that decision, attend a consultation, get the facts. Be realistic in your expectations and make an educated decision that is right for you.

How do I arrange a consultation?
Telephone 0800 6899 789 to arrange a confidential, no obligation consultation with one of our (FRCS) Consultant Cosmetic Surgeons who will personally explain the latest techniques in cosmetic surgery and assess their suitability for you. The consultation will provide you with the opportunity of establishing a rapport with your surgeon and having your questions answered.

Do write down any questions you may have and bring the list along with you to prompt you. Discuss your questions and your expectations frankly with your surgeon.

Also, it is important to inform your surgeon whether you have any allergies, if you are taking any vitamins, medications (prescribed or over the counter) or other drugs and if you smoke. All this information with help your surgeon assess your potential for treatment.

At the consultation, "before and after" photographs will be available and also the opportunity of speaking to some of our patients who have recently had cosmetic surgery.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No. We only contact your G.P. with your written permission.

Is there a waiting list?
No. Consultation appointments for breast enlargement can normally be arranged within a few days, with treatment being carried out within two weeks following the consultation.