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Breast Enlargement
FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Enlargement Surgery)
In addition to the breast enlargement queries outlined below, please refer to Factors Common to All Surgical Procedures.
Q. What are the important factors to consider after (or about) breast enlargement surgery?
A. The following factors should be borne in mind after (or about) the breast enlargement operation:
Sensory Changes: Nipple sensation usually returns to normal after breast enlargement (breast augmentation, or a "boob job") but there can remain partial loss of sensation. Total sensory loss after breast enlargement surgery is extremely rare. Sometimes the nipples can be extra sensitive or even sore for a while after breast enlargement operations. The lower half of the breasts can sometimes be numbed temporarily after breast enlargement surgery (breast augumentation, or a "boob job").
Breastfeeding and Breast investigations: It is still possible to breastfeed after having breast implants and the breast implants should not affect mother or baby. Ultrasound scanning and mammography should not be compromised by having breast implants.
Capsular Contracture: A breast implant is treated by the immune system as a foreign body. A covering of scar tissue (a capsule) forms naturally around the breast implant about 10 to 14 days after your breast enlargement surgery (breast augmentation or a "boob job"). This capsule around the breast implant has the ability to thicken or contract around the breast implant resulting in the breast becoming firm or hard. Usually this does not cause a problem but if it does, further surgery may be necessary (usually less than 5% of cases) to remove the capsule(s) around the breast implant(s). Your surgeon will discuss this in more detail with you.
Flying & Deep Sea Diving are not affected by having a breast enlargement operation (breast augmentation or a "boob job").
Leakage & Rupture of breast implants is extremely rare and is not dangerous.
Q. Are silicone breast implants really safe?
A. There is no evidence that silicone breast implants cause or predispose to breast cancer, autoimmune disease nor any other disease. As far as current medical research is concerned, silicone breast implants are considered safe.
Q. When can I go back to work and what activities can/can't I do immediately after breast enlargement surgery?
A. If your job does not entail physical activity e.g. heavy lifting, an early return back to work can be anticipated within a few days after your breast enlargement operation (breast augmentation or "boob job"). If your job entails heavy physical work, then 2 to 4 weeks should be taken off work before going back after your breast enlargement operation. Initially you will have a dressing over the incision lines (from the breast enlargement surgery), in the crease under the breasts, which should be kept clean and dry until the stitches are removed after ten days. This means no showers or deep baths until the wounds from your breast enlargement operation have healed sufficiently. Speed walking is permissible after a few days after your breast enlargement operation.
Intense upper body exercises, weights, press ups and swimming should be considered only after one month after your breast enlargement operation (breast augmentation or "boob job").
Q. I have seen many TV programmes on breast enlargement (breast augmentation or "boob jobs") and the patients always seem to get what they want. Can I have any breast implant size I want?
A. It is simply not possible to have any breast size you desire. There is a limit as to what size breast implant can be fitted into any one individual in much the same way as it is physically impossible to fit a litre of water into a half litre jug. The surgeon will do his best to give you a good idea about what to expect about the possible breast implant sizes and shapes at the preoperative consultation. The final size and shape of the breast implants will depend on your chest width, the amount of breast tissue you already have, as well as the amount and elasticity of skin covering the breast.
In many cases, further breast enlargement surgery at a later date (we recommend a minimum of six months) is possible to increase the breast size further. It will however depend on how much further the breast tissue and overlying skin will stretch to accommodate a larger breast implant. Only a further consultation with the surgeon will determine this.
Q. How long do breast implants really last and when should I change them?
A. The life expectancy of a breast implant is, as yet, unknown and may vary depending upon an individual’s personal circumstances. Two of the main reasons for changing breast implants are rupture of the implant or severe capsular contracture (see above). The London Cosmetic Surgery Centre uses the highest quality silicone implants provided by Nagor. The NagorEnhance® Patient Warranty Programme automatically applies to all Nagor silicone-filled breast implants providing a lifetime warranty against rupture of the implant or severe capsular contracture. In the unlikely event that you have a rupture or a severe capsular contracture you have the assurance that Nagor will replace your implants free of charge.
Following surgery, you will be given your own personal NagorEnhance® warranty card (which will include full details of your implants) and we strongly recommend keeping to the aftercare schedule provided by our surgeons by ensuring that you attend all postoperative consultations.
Q. What are the dangers if a breast implant ruptures?
A. There is no need to worry about rupturing your breast implants. If a breast implant ruptures or leaks, there is no evidence that this will cause any medical problems. Remember that the body forms a biological "capsule" (layer of scar tissue) around the breast implant(s) about ten days after the original breast enlargement operation (breast augmentation or "boob job"). Any silicone that may have escaped from the breast implant's outer shell will be confined inside the biological capsule and shouldn't cause any medical problems.
Q. My breasts have gone hard ten years after my original breast enlargement operation. What should I do?
A. It is more than likely that you have suffered a "capsular contracture". This means that the biological capsule originally formed by the body around the breast implant(s) has thickened and contracted around the breast implant(s) with the net effect that the breasts feel very hard. In addition the breast may have become misshaped, giving an unfavourable aesthetic appearance causing embarrassment.
The solution is to re-operate and surgically remove the capsule around the breast implant(s) and replace the breast implant(s) with a new one. There is no guarantee that the condition will not recur.
Q. What causes "capsular contracture" and how do I avoid it?
A. No-one knows the complete answer to this problem and there is no blood or skin test that can be performed beforehand to determine if this problem will occur. A previous history of local infection (mastitis) or generalised infection (flu-like illness) may be related to capsular contracture. In addition any illness which may compromise the immune system including psychological trauma has been noted to precipitate "capsular contracture". (see answer to previous question for a brief description/definition of "capsular contracture".)
It is widely agreed that the modern textured (rough surfaced) breast implants have a markedly reduced incidence of capsular contracture, but there are no guarantees that it will not occur with any kind of breast implant.
Q. Should I have my breast implants inserted in front of or behind the breast muscle?
A. There is no simple textbook answer to this question and it will very much depend on the individual situation, as well as the surgeon's preference. Our surgeons tend to place implants behind the breast muscle in those cases where there is very little breast tissue to cover the breast implant, as the breast implant will soon be felt in such circumstances. Placing the breast implant(s) behind the breast muscle will give the breast implant(s) extra "padding" and therefore a longer lasting favourable result.
Q. Should I take any long-term precautions after breast enlargement surgery?
A. The simple answer is "no", as there are no long-term restrictions after breast enlargement operations (breast augmentation or "boob jobs"). Most patients will very quickly forget that they have breast implants and will continue on as normal i.e. lie on their front, go flying and deep sea diving.
To find out more about Breast Enlargement Surgery, click on any of the links below:
Breast Enlargement - Before The Operation
Breast Enlargement - The Operation
Breast Enlargement - After The Operation
Breast Enlargement Gallery
or
Click here to download London Cosmetic Surgery Centre's "Guide to Breast Enlargement"
Further Information about Breast Enlargement Surgery (Breast Augmentation or "Boob Jobs") can be obtained by reading our senior surgeon's latest book "Every Woman's Guide to Cosmetic Surgery". If you would like to purchase a copy, please click here.
