Breast Enlargement

Also known as augmentation mammaplasty or boob job, breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast for a number of reasons:

• To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
• To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
• To balance a difference in breast size.
• As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.

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The Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline.

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Planning your Surgery

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, your doctor may also recommend a breast uplift.

Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss this in detail with you preoperatively.

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Preparing for your Surgery

Your surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

The Surgery

The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support.

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After your Surgery

You're likely to feel tired and tight for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 hours.

After surgery, you'll find steristrips over the scars with dressings over these. Finally the sports bra which you brought in with you will be worn over the top of this. The dressings will be removed 24 hours postoperatively but the steristrips should be left in place until you are reviewed in out-patients 10 days later. The surgeon does not use surgical drains.

You may feel some discomfort for the first couple of days - especially when you move around or cough. This will last for a week or so. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to lessen the discomfort. You may hear a “sloshing” noise inside your breast and possibly feel a “bubble-wrap” like change in the skin near the breast – this is normal and will resolve after 2-3 days.

The surgeon will advise you to bring in a sports bra in the appropriate size before your surgery. This should be non-underwired, black and a sports type bra. Front-fastening or over-the-head bras are not recommended. Your bra will be fitted at the end of your operation.

You'll probably find it most comfortable to continue wearing the sports bra around the clock for 2-3 weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. The surgeon does not use surgical drains and so none will need to be removed. Your stitches will not need to be removed either as they will be dissolvable. Sometimes a small amount of the stitch can be visible – this is normal. Do not pull it, but you can cut it short or simply leave it and it will dissolve.

If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturiser several times a day, but be sure to keep away from the suture area. You may get the wounds wet after 48 hours. A shower is best or a bath splashing the water up over the scars. Be sure to dry the scar-line afterwards and do not soak the wounds.

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Getting Back to Normal

You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.

Follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Your New Look

For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance.

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Implant replacement guarantee

CUI implants

10 year breast implant product replacement.

At the request of your surgeon, any sized implant may be selected to replace your current Allergan breast implant at no cost to you. Or you may choose another style. (A charge may apply on products with a higher list price). Please note you will not receive financial assistance for surgical fees, operation room or anaesthesia expenses.

McGhan / INSPIRA implants

Allergan Plus: Lifetime breast implant product replacement with automatic enrolment to the warranty programme for silicone breast implants.

At the request of your surgeon, any size implant may be selected to replace your current Allergan breast implant at no cost to you. Or you may choose another style. (A charge may apply on products with a higher list price). Please note in the first 10 years of implantation you will receive 1000 Euros of financial assistance towards surgical fees, operation room or anaesthesia expenses.

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