Breast Enlargement
No two women’s breasts are alike and no two women are looking to achieve the same look. Therefore every case is approached on an individual basis.
Breast augmentation surgery will enhance your breast contour and make your breasts fuller. It can also help to restore loss of breast volume following pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3 myths about getting a natural look
1. You can always tell if someone has breast implants
The key factor in ensuring that breast implants look natural is selecting the right size and shape of implant. Surgical technique in the placement of the implant will also help to achieve a natural look. When you get this right it is difficult to tell who has been given a surgical helping hand.
2. Saline implants are more natural than silicone
Whilst saline solution (salt water) might seem more natural, it certainly does not create a more natural look or feel compared to modern silicone implants. Saline implants may also be more likely to cause visible rippling at the edge of the implant.
3. Putting the implant under the muscle is always best
It is often true that putting the implant under the muscle provides better cover of the implant and a more natural look but this is not always the case. In women where the breasts sit lower on the chest (for example, following weight changes or pregnancy) placement of the implants under the muscle can result in an undesirable ‘double bubble’ ‘ effect. This is where the implants produce a bulge high on the chest but the breasts remain lower down. For such women a more natural look is achieved by placing the implants on top of the muscle.
Types of implants
I believe it is very important to use implants of the highest quality and rest assured I have never used PIP implants.
All modern implants are filled with cohesive gel, which provides excellent shape with a very natural feel, and importantly, they do not leak. All the implants I use are covered with a lifetime warranty against rupture and capsular contracture.
There are many different size and shape options to choose from and we encourage you to be part of this process. For some women, round implants produce a natural looking breast shape but for other women, tear-drop-shaped implants may be more appropriate. During your consultation, you will choose the size and shape of implant that best suits you.
Biodynamic Breast Sizing
You can see—and feel—what they'll look like after surgery, since you are welcome to size as many times as you need to in order to find the right implants for you.
I use a new consulting system, called Biodynamics Breast Analysis, which is available to a small number of selected surgeons. It allows you to choose the shape and size of implants from a range of 500 styles and in sizes ranging from A cup to F cup. Specially designed implant sizers are placed in bras provided, to make sure they are the perfect fit prior to surgery and you are happy and comfortable with your decision.
What does it involve?
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia or under local anaesthesia with total intravenous sedation. You may prefer an overnight stay in hospital after the operation, but this is not strictly necessary. The operation is carried out through short incisions (4-5 cm), most commonly in the crease underneath the breast.
Other options include around the areola (the border between the dark and light skin around the nipple) or under the armpit. These incisions usually heal very well and the scars will fade with time into very fine lines.
The implants may be placed:
1. under the breast
(submammary), most appropriate for women whose breasts sit low on the chest, for example following weight changes or pregnancy to prevent the implants sitting too high on the chest producing an unnatural bulge above the breasts.
2. under the pectoralis major muscle
(submuscular), to maximise coverage of the implant and to give a natural look
3. a combination
(dual plane pocket), where the lower part of the implant is under the breast, while the upper part is under the muscle for a more subtle look
Are Breast implants safe?
Many studies have been conducted to establish whether silicone breast implants cause certain diseases. As a result of these studies at present there is no evidence to suggest that silicone breast implants are harmful.
More detailed information can be obtained from: Silicone Gel Breast Implants Independent Review Group
Is it right for me?
Most women seeking breast augmentation have naturally small breasts or have lost volume following a pregnancy or weight loss. Some women simply wish to have larger breasts.
However, implants alone will not address significant sagging of the breasts (ptosis). An uplift (Mastopexy) can be combined with implants to tighten the skin envelope and lift the breasts, restoring a youthful shape as well as volume.
What are the risks?
Complications are RARE but you should be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision.
Every operation carries with it the risk of bleeding
infection and delayed healing all of which may require urgent or early reoperation. In addition there are risks that are specific to breast augmentation surgery. If the implants themselves become infected
they may have to be removed and not replaced until a much later date. There may be malposition of the implant and/or asymmetry of the breast and There may be loss nipple sensitivity.
In the longer term the body forms a shell of collagen round the implant. This is normal. However in a minority of women
this shell or ‘capsule’ can contract to deform the implant and consequently the breast may become round hard and painful. In some instances the implant itself may leak or rupture.
These situations are not harmful but further surgery may be required to remove the collagen capsule or to replace the implants.
In some patients the implants may be felt or may become perceptible through the substance of the breast tissue. If the implants have been placed under the pectoralis major muscles they may also move whenever the muscles contract. These phenomena are not harmful but may be disconcerting unless you have been made aware of them.
Future pregnancies and breast feeding may affect the size and shape of the breasts and further surgery may again be required. Finally future screening for breast cancer is still possible with breast implants in place but do inform the person performing the mammograms.
What should I expect?
Following surgery, you may find your breasts swollen, bruised and uncomfortable. The pain is usually mild and oral painkillers will control any discomfort you have.
Over time however, as the swelling subsides, they will soften and descend to a more natural position. The recovery period may last between 2 to 4 weeks.
You will be able to move around at home in the first week, venture out in the second week, and gradually adopt your normal routine again in the third and fourth weeks. Initially, the implants will feel quite firm and appear to sit quite high on the chest.
During the recovery period it is necessary to refrain from heavy lifting (including small children) and reaching up to high shelves, as well as driving until you are confident you can perform all necessary manoeuvres safely. You are required to wear a soft, stretchy sports bra with no underwiring for the full recovery period.
Our practice nurse will keep in close contact with you whilst you recover at home and you can contact us as often as you wish.
Generally, you will have a follow up appointment at one week and one month postoperatively. However, if there are any problems or concerns, you will be seen more frequently than this, or as often as you wish.
In the longer term, you are welcome to see Mr Ng for a checkup at any time and all follow up appointments are free of charge whether they be at 2 months or even 10 years post operatively.