Breast Procedures

What is a breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is an operation to insert silicone implants to make your breasts bigger, fuller, and usually to improve the overall shape. The breast implant procedure takes about 90 minutes and is generally performed as day-surgery, however, some patients prefer to recover in hospital for a night.

What does the operation involve?

There are three different incision types that can be used for breast augmentation surgery:

• Inframammary - incision in the fold of the breast
• Periareolar - incision around the nipple
• Transaxillary - incision is underneath the arm

The incision placement may be influenced by your clothing preferences, the shape of the implant, the size and placement of the implant.

The implant is usually placed directly behind your breast as this gives the most natural looking result. However, if you do not have enough breast skin and tissue to cover the implant, they may recommend placing the implant behind the pectoral muscle.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

The recovery period following this procedure varies from person to person. The time at which you are able to return to normal activities also depends on where the implant is positioned. However most women return to normal activities within two to three weeks. You should be able to return to work after the first week, if you have a less strenuous job. It usually takes a few weeks for your breasts to look and feel more natural.

What is a breast reduction?

A breast reduction is a cosmetic operation to make your breasts smaller, and sometimes to improve their shape.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour and a half.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the line of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) and a vertical cut underneath your areola. They will remove some of the breast tissue, excess fat and skin. Your surgeon will reshape your breast and lift your nipple so it is in a higher position.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the following day but your breasts will initially look discoloured and feel firm and swollen.

Most women return to normal activities within two to three weeks and you should be able to return to work after the first week, depending on the activities involved in your job. You should be able to do a limited amount of activity, such as lifting young children, after about two weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice. The results of a breast reduction improve gradually over time. Your breasts should become softer and more natural

What is a breast uplift?

A breast uplift (mastoplexy) is a cosmetic operation to remove excess skin from your breasts to improve their shape. A successful breast uplift should result in your breasts being firmer and a better shape.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour and a half.

The surgery is achieved by removing excessive skin and reshaping. The nipple is lifted upwards and the shape of the breast is improved. An implant is optional but it can be inserted to increase volume.

How soon will I recover?

Your breasts will look discoloured and feel very firm and swollen. You should be able to go home the same day.

Most women return to normal activities within two to three weeks. You should be able to return to work after the second week, depending on your type of job. You should be able to do a limited amount of activity, such as lifting young children, after about two weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The results of a breast uplift improve gradually over the first six months. Your breasts should become softer and more natural.