Breast Enlargement (Breast Augmentation)

Breast augmentation is the commonest cosmetic surgery operation in the UK and is extremely successful at improving breast size and producing a natural shape with enhanced cleavage. By balancing the hips it improves a women's figure and emphasizes their waist.

Breast enlargement aims to create fuller, firmer, more feminine and more youthful looking breasts using implants. Incisions are usually made under the breast or around the areola. Implants are then placed above or below the chest muscles depending on your preference, breast size & shape, body build, laxity of breasts & implant type. Infrequently a combined dual-plane breast enlargement is used.

Breast augmentation is carried out using implants filled with standard silicone gel, saline, or cohesive silicone gel. Implants can be either round or tear-drop shaped. Sometimes breast enlargement is combined with a breast uplift and removal of excess breast skin (augmentation-mastopexy).

Professor Malata will discuss with you and determine, after physical examination, the best incision, the preferred implant type, position and size most likely to achieve your objectives. 
 

To view the before and after photos in Professor Malata’s publications on breast augmentation / breast enlargement click below 

• Early experience with an anatomical soft cohesive silicone gel prosthesis in cosmetic and reconstructive breast implant surgery;

• Textured or smooth implants for breast augmentation - 3 year follow up of a prospective randomised trial;

• Congenital breast asymmetry - Subjective and objective assessment;

• Indications for extra full projection anatomical cohesive silicone gel implants in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery

As in any cosmetic surgery, there are risks as well as benefits and the final results are not guaranteed. The chance of complications following breast augmentation surgery depends on the exact type of operation needed and other factors such as your general health. Professor Malata will explain how the risks apply to you. Detailed postoperative instructions will be discussed during consultation and a procedure-specific handout given to you by Professor Malata.

Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Surgical risks

Frequent

• bruising & swelling

• temporary numbness

• altered nipple & skin sensation: usually temporary

Infrequent

• Bleeding/ haematoma: uncommon

• Seroma (fluid around implant): surgery, trauma, exercise

• Implant displacement / malposition: uncommon

• Skin wrinkling & rippling: visible & palpable

• Alterations in shape with ageing, wt change, pregnancy

Rare

• Infection: very rare

• Exposure & loss of implant: diabetics, steroids, infection

• Poor scars: rare

• Permanent numbness, nerve injury ,

• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) – very rare

• Unsatisfactory results: asymmetry, scars, pain, etc

• Need for revisional surgery: infrequent

Silicone Issues

• See Professor Malata’s paper on Silicone Breast Implants

• Department of Health Advice on Breast Implants

• Capsule contracture: <10%

• Implant rupture: 1-2%/yr- saline

• Limited life span: 15-20 years

• No increase in breast cancer

• Interferes with mammography

• Gel bleed

• Autoimmune disease: not proved

• Pregnancy & lactation: none

• Calcifications

• Financial implications

  • screening, implant rupture

  • explantation/ reinsertion, lifts