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Breast Augmentation / Enhancement

Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or “boob job”, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of the breasts by using silicone implants. This is one of the most common procedures performed by Mr Huq.

There are many reasons as to why women may request breast augmentation surgery. Mr Huq strives to ensure that his patients are thoroughly informed so that they are able to make educated and well informed decisions about their breast surgery options.

Understanding breast implants

Breast implants come in many different shapes and sizes. As Mr Huq specializes in cosmetic breast surgery he will recommend a particular implant based on your detailed consultation and assessment. Each patient is treated as an individual and our aim is to provide you with beautiful natural looking breasts.

Mr Huq only uses Nagor silicone implants. These implants are manufactured in the UK and the company offers a lifetime guarantee for their implants. Mr Huq has never used PIP implants.

What size implant do I need?

Mr Huq will have an in depth discussion with you to understand the “look” you wish to achieve. Some wish to look as natural as possible while others desire and “augmented” look. These factors are taken into account when choosing the implant size. Patients often discuss cup sizes, but these vary between various bra manufacturers. Therefore no guarantee can be made regarding the exact cup size post operatively. During your consultation Mr Huq will trial different implant sizes during your consultation in order to show you what your breasts will like after your surgery.

It is important to note that your body’s size and characteristic will dictate what is possible. You should also be aware that after implant surgery one woman’s breasts will be different than another’s even though the same implant size and shape were used.

What is the surgical procedure?

The surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic and usually takes between 90 – 120 minutes. Mr Huq will place a small scar (about 5 cm) in the region of the infra mammary fold (the lower breast crease). This creates a scar that heals well and is not easily seen. The implant will be placed in either a subglandular (beneath the breast tissue) or in a sub-muscular dual plane (behind the pectoralis muscle) pocket. The decision regarding the pocket is individualized to each patient. The incision is then closed and dressings are applied. Most patients will spend one night in hospital and are allowed home the next day after a review by Mr Huq.

It is important to prevent excessive movement of the implant in the first few weeks after surgery. Mr Huq likes his patients to wear a well-fitted sports bra for 6 weeks after surgery (day and night).

What are my post-operative instructions?

You will be seen by Mr Huq on the morning after surgery and discharged with detailed post-operative advice. Mr Huq will personally remove your dressings and check your wounds one week after surgery. You can shower after this dressing change but should avoid soaking in the bath for a further 2 weeks.

You may go back to a desk-based job after 1 week as long as it does not involve any lifting. For more strenuous occupations Mr Huq will give you an individualized schedule in terms of return to work. You should not drive for 2 weeks. You can resume light exercises such as walking or stationary cycling after 3 weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

How long will my breast implants last?

Breast implants are medical devices that are not designed to last forever. Mr Huq counsels his patients that they may require to have further surgery 10 to 15 years down the line or to deal with complications. This may result in further financial costs for the patient.

Are silicone implants safe?

Breast implants are made from medical grade silicone. This is a polymer that has been tried and tested and is used in a number of other medical devices. Silicone is also used in frequently occurring household items such as shoe polish, hair conditioner, and kitchen implements. As far as we can tell this material is safe. All of us already will have small quantities in our bodies, apparently without affecting us. If you have breast implants, small quantities of silicone come off the surface of your implants and will be taken up in the lymph glands in your armpit and will end up in your liver.

Silicone is inert in the body; you cannot react to it or reject it. There is no association between breast augmentation and breast cancer or cancer of any other part of the body. Neither is there any proven association with any other illness. There have been recent reports of an illness called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in association with breast implants, but it is sporadic and extremely rare, it does not seem to be as serious as ALCL occurring elsewhere.

Over time the implant shell may fail and the silicone gel may leak out. Whilst this may cause symptoms and will result in re-operation to remove and replace the implants there is no evidence that a ruptured breast implant causes ill health.

What are the risks and complications?

As with any surgery, breast augmentation involves some risks and potential complications. Mr Huq will discuss these risks in detail with you so that you are fully informed before your surgery.

Potential complications:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Adverse Capsular Contracture
  • Changes in nipple and/or breast sensation
  • Implant palpability
  • Implant failure
  • Lumpy scars
  • Difficulty with mammography
  • Seroma
  • Breast asymmetry

Click here Further information of the Breast Augmentation


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