Breast augmentation is the surgical term for enlarging or reshaping the female breasts by the insertion of implants.

Women choose to enlarge their breasts for a variety of reasons, and augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery operations.

There are two types of patient who need this operation. Ever since the universe came into being, the womanhood has been defined more in terms of one organ than any other - breasts! A buxom breast-line is a symbol of feminine beauty for women and men alike! The best breast is the natural female breast until nature misses a beat or takes its toll.

The benefits are self-evident. Your breasts will be larger, fuller, firmer and more shapely.

The procedure is performed either under sedation or general anaesthetic. You can choose which. An overnight stay is generally not necessary. Your surgeon will make a small incision (usually 4-5 cm) under each breast. The breast tissue is then raised from the underlying muscles and a pocket created, into which is inserted a textured silicone implant. The skin is then closed with small stitches and a light dressing applied. The whole procedure usually takes about an hour to perform. Sometimes if the tissue is then, implants are placed behind the muscle. Your surgeon shall explain the operation plan at the time of your consultation.

Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgery, involves a "trauma" to the human body and there are risks associated with any procedure. Each woman's body is different, and your general health, level of fitness, age and genetic profile will all have an effect on the speed of healing and also on the risk of side-effects.

If you smoke, drink alcohol, are overweight and/or take drugs for medical or other reasons, the risk of complication during and after surgery can be greatly increased. Smoking, in particular, is discouraged because it increases the risk both of wound breakdown and thrombosis (blood clots).

After a breast augmentation it is normal for all women to experience swelling, bruising and numbness. A very small number may also encounter infection. In the long run minority of cases (about 10%) the body may react to the implants by creating a hard capsule of scar tissue around them. This is correctable.

Your surgeon will see you when you have come round from the anaesthetic to check that all is well, and will discharge you providing you are fit to return home. You will be given medication and full post-operative instructions along with the surgeon's mobile phone number and the nurse's/Clinic Manager's number in case you need to contact them at any time. You will need to wear a support bra continuously for the first two weeks to provide support and reduce swelling.

During the first week after surgery, you should not remove the support bra at any time and you will not be able to immerse your breasts in water. You should try to resume normal daily activities as soon as possible: general mobility will help speed up the healing process. You should NOT, however, drive or undertake any strenuous activity or exercise.

You will see the nurse after 7-10 days so that she can check your progress and remove your dressings and stitches. After your check-up you should be able to bathe and shower fully as usual, using unscented products. You should also be able to drive again.

During this period the bruising clears and swelling reduces. The sensation starts returning most patients experience burning sensations and sharp shooting pains in either or both breasts. The nipples are sensitive to touch and burning.

You can expect much of the swelling and discomfort to have eased by now, and you should be able to start gentle exercise again. Your surgeon will see you again, usually 8-10 weeks afterwards for a full post-operative consultation. You can also travel by air and can sunbathe if you wish, taking care not to expose any scars to the sun.

We're confident that you will be delighted with the results. For that reason, we guarantee that we will provide full post-operative cover for a full three years after your procedure. It's our way of ensuring that you have peace of mind and confidence in Linia.

Extensive research has been carried out into breast implants. One of the most comprehensive studies (IRG 1998) found no scientific relationship between silicone gel implants and immune reactions, longterm illness or specific connective tissue disease.

Extensive research has been carried out into breast implants. One of the most comprehensive studies (IRG 1998) found no scientific relationship between silicone gel implants and immune reactions, longterm illness or specific connective tissue disease. The Department of Health continues to monitor new scientific evidence and communicates its findings to the public.

It is virtually impossible for silicone implants to rupture spontaneously. In the unlikely event that this does occur (due to a strong force as in a car accident) the gel-like nature of the filling means that the substance will stay in place and will not leak or migrate outside the casing, so removal is easy.

Many of our patients have the idea that implants have a defined "shelf life" of around ten years. This is not true, and we would never advise routine replacement for the sake of it. The average life expectancy of an implant is probably closer to 15- 17 years, but this will depend on many factors. Your surgeon can advise you of these.

Involves moving and suspending the whole breast through a small incision around the nipple.

There is absolutely no known association between breast implants and breast cancer. However, all breast implants interfere with the ability of x-rays to detect the early signs of breast cancer. It is vital, therefore, that you tell your radiographer you have implants, so that they can perform the screening using a different technique.

Implants do not affect breast feeding.

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