BACK TO BLOG

What questions should I ask my surgeon about breast augmentation?

If you’ve researched breast augmentation (commonly referred to as a “boob job”) and feel it may be the right option for you, the next step is to book an initial consultation with us.

It is normal to feel slightly nervous ahead of your treatment, so it’s important to make sure you’re fully informed about all areas of the treatment to put your mind at ease and feel confident a breast augmentation is right for you. To prepare for your treatment, we suggest asking some or all of the following questions at your consultation. Not only will these help you better understand the treatment and make the decision whether it’s right for you, but they’ll also help you get a better feel for your surgeon and ensure you’re on the same page about the results that can be achieved with your breast augmentation.

What is involved in breast augmentation?

Breast enlargement is a relatively straightforward and common treatment. Since breasts are linked to our feelings of femininity and body positivity, breast augmentation is a perfect treatment for anyone concerned with the size or fullness of their breasts and, in some cases, it can be used to balance out uneven breast sizes if this is a concern.

Breast augmentation is carried out under general anaesthetic and usually takes one to two hours to complete. It involves making small incisions beneath the natural curve of each breast and inserting an implant into each breast. An implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline (a salt-water solution). You can choose the size, shape, texture, and placement of your implants ahead of treatment, all of which will determine how natural your new breasts appear – we will give you advice on this in your consultation to help you choose the implants that will give you the desired results.

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy, though typically breast skin and tissue will be lifted to create a pocket for each implant. This will either be made directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall, depending on how much natural fullness you have to cover the implant.

Once your implants have been inserted and positioned correctly, we will carefully stitch up your incisions.

What are the risks associated with breast implants?

Although breast augmentation is a very common surgical treatment, there are a couple of risks and complications to be aware of to help you make an informed decision.

Sometimes, following treatment, patients experience what is known as “capsular contracture”, which occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant tightens. Capsular contracture can cause the breast to feel hard, but we can treat this by removing or treating the scar tissue or replacing the implant if necessary.

Other rare risks include bleeding, infection, sensitive or numb nipples, implant rupture, or implant migration. It’s important to note though that these complications are rare and by coming to a trusted surgeon like Mr James Murphy, our breast surgery specialist, you’re putting yourself in the most capable hands where we do everything we can to minimise risks and give you your dream results.

What can I expect my breasts to look like post-treatment?

Before you commit to breast implants, you need to be sure you’re on the same page with your surgeon about your desired results. At your consultation, you should ask to see before and after photos of patients who have had similar cases to you to make sure their results fit with your vision.

During your consultation, we also offer our 3D body imaging service which uses cutting-edge technology to help you visualise how your new breasts will look on your body. This not only helps you feel confident you’ll be happy with the results, but it ensures you and your surgeon are on the same page about the final look.

What about scarring?

Scarring can be a big cause for concern for many patients, no matter which treatment they’re opting for. Luckily, with breast implants, incisions will typically be hidden beneath the crease of the breast where it meets the chest.

If you require your nipple to be repositioned as part of your breast augmentation, an incision will be made up the breast and around the nipple. While these scars won’t be hidden, they will eventually fade over time and there are steps you can take to help minimise scarring which we can instruct you about during your consultation and aftercare appointments.

Your scars will typically appear firm and pink for around three months, however, they will begin to fade after a few months until they are almost invisible.

How long is the recovery?

A breast augmentation will typically require one to two nights stay at our facility in Spire Manchester Hospital, depending on your healing. You’ll likely feel tired and sore for a few days following treatment, so it’s important you get a lot of rest and don’t overexert yourself in the initial days and weeks as this could hinder your recovery.

You will be able to bathe post-treatment and we will help you remove your tapes after around a week. Any stitches we’ve made to close the incisions will fully dissolve so you will not require a return appointment for stitches to be removed.

In terms of returning to normal life, you should be able to go back to work within two weeks, depending on the level of physical activity required in your role. At your consultation and aftercare appointments, we will give you advice on when is best to return to normal exercise and other physical activity.

Most women will experience sensitivity for around two to three weeks post-treatment and swelling which may take a couple of months to disappear completely.

Our expert team is always available via phone or email in the lead-up or recovery period if you have any queries so you can be sure you’ll be taken care of until you’re feeling 100% recovered and satisfied with your new breasts.

Ask your questions!

If you’re considering breast augmentation, please complete the form below to book your consultation where you can ask any questions you may have and get to know your treatment and your surgeon. Take the first steps to a new you below:

 

If you would like to learn more about this procedure or are interested in a consultation, fill out the form below or call us on 0161 523 8261