SEND US A QUERY

    I consent to New Birkdale Clinic receiving the details above complying with the companies privacy and GDPR policy

    Sign me up to receive exclusive special offers via email from New Birkdale Clinic

    How To Decide Whether Breast Implants Are Right For Me?

    Sometimes, the decision to undergo breast surgery is an easy one. You’ve felt unhappy for a while and now you have the resources to do something about it, you’re going to. That’s great. For others however, what to do is not so clear. We understand that. Therefore, we’ve created this handy post discussing what you should consider, hopefully helping you come to the right conclusion for you.

    Which Breast Implant Should I Choose?

    There are two main types of breast implants: Round and Teardrop. Round implants contain cohesive silicone gel, whereas in Teardrop implants the gel is made to a near-solid consistency. Round implants have a textured shell and tend to feel more natural than teardrop implants, although the latter provides a more natural shape and firmer feel. It all depends on what you’re going for. When discussing this with a surgeon, they will consider the amount of breast tissue you already have to help you choose.

    Breast-implant-types

    There are also different placement options for breast implants.

    What Should I Take Into Consideration When It Comes To Breast Implants?

    Confusing thoughts circulating around your head? Let’s look at what you should consider:

    Body Shape

    Perhaps you’re unsure what size implants to get. You should always choose a breast size appropriate for your body type to appear genuine and not out of place. For example, a thinner woman may opt for a ‘’C’’ cup, though on a larger lady these may seem too small. Bigger breasts can also incur back pain and unwanted attention, so knowing what your mind and body can handle is very important.

    Family History

    If you have a family history of breast cancer, obesity or you smoke, then these heighten risks during and post-surgery. Smoking can prevent skin healing, but also break down collagen and lead to would collapse. Not only can this cause an infection, but potentially the need for implant removal. If you do smoke, it’s advised you stop. A doctor’s visit is always beneficial to check your suitability for surgery.

    What is The Best Age to Get Implants?

    It depends on the type of implant you want to get. For saline implants, it is 18 years but for silicone implants, it’s 22.

    Women should get their breast implants during the optimal health period of their life which is usually in their 20s and 30s. However, there is no unfit age to get an implant as long as your body you are physically healthy to undergo a surgery and emotionally healthy to embrace the bodily change.

    A younger body can also handle any post-surgery complications better and heal faster from it.

    Can You Breastfeed With Implants?

    In short, the answer is usually yes. Dependent on the procedure you had, whether there was scarring to the milk ducts and the amount of glandular tissue left after surgery, your ability to produce milk can vary.

    Implants can affect breastfeeding in many ways like:

    Incision Position

    If an incision is made near the edge of the nipple or areola, the nerve that triggers the neuro-hormonal reflex that helps create and release milk may be cut, halting the process.

    If the incision is made under the breast or arm pit, the glandular tissue and nerves remain intact, so milk supply should still be plentiful.

    Though rare, a tummy button incision can cause damage to breast tissue when implants are positioned.

    Where implants are placed can cause issues too. If the implants are located beneath the muscle layer of the breasts, then milk production will be impacted less than those found between the glandular tissue and muscle layer.

    Scars

    Scars can expand to the milk ducts, effecting milk supply. Worse, if the milk can’t reach your baby, you could experience engorgement and mastitis. Fever, chills and pain are not uncommon either.

    Sensitivity

    Implant surgery can cause women to experience discomfort, pain and sensitivity across the breast region. In this case, though you may be able to produce milk, you could find breastfeeding too difficult.

    Can Damage to Glands and Ducts Heal?

    Fortunately, yes. Glands and ducts can reconnect themselves after surgery and nerves tend to repair themselves over time. During pregnancy and times of breastfeeding, glandular tissue will also grow, aiding any loss.

    How You Feel

    Are your breasts making you feel unhappy every time you look at them? Are they too small? Are they sagging? Are they making you feel self-conscious? You should never feel bad about the way that you look and if you do, then implants could be that positive step to better body happiness.

    We know this decision can be a difficult one, so we hope this post has given you lots to think about, ultimately making your decision more informed. We recommend you check out our ‘Breast Augmentation’ brochure for detailed information and advice on the procedure and what else you should be aware of.

    What Is The Difference Between anti-aging injections And Fillers?

    If you’ve been looking to reduce lines, wrinkles and facial sagging, then chances are you’ve thought about anti-aging injections and Fillers. But what does anti-aging injections do, and what exactly are fillers? More importantly, how do you know which one is right for you? Well, hopefully by the end of this post, you will do.

    What Are Facial Fillers?

    Facial Fillers are used to plump up skin that has lost volume due to ageing. As we age, our cells create less elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA), leading to reduced moisture, thinner skin and therefore, wrinkles. Fillers are high in HA and/or collagen, so when injected, stimulates growth, refreshes the skin and adds volume. The treatment is quick, the results are seen immediately and usually last around 18 months.

    They can be used to plump up thinning lips, soften cheek and chin wrinkles, decrease tear trough shadows and fill in the brow and nose areas.

    What is anti-aging injections?

    anti-aging injections, are a purified protein that works by blocking nerve signals in muscles. This freezes the muscle, meaning future wrinkles and lines are reduced, and current ones are removed. The skin is rejuvenated and appears smooth. Results last around 3-6 months.

    Unlike Fillers, anti-aging injectionswon’t correct sagging, or its associated lines and wrinkles. anti-aging injections can be used to treat crow’s feet, as well as forehead, frown, smile and bunny lines.

    The main difference therefore is that anti-aging injections lessens muscle activity that causes lines, whereas fillers fill in already present lines and volumise the skin due to collagen production.

    anti-aging injections is better for ‘facial expression’ or ‘dynamic’ wrinkles – those which occur when the face is in motion (for example, smiling). Fillers are more suited for sagging skin and ‘static’ wrinkles – those visible even when your face is relaxed. Sometimes, they can be combined in one procedure for a complete youthful appearance.

    To discover our range of fillers and anti-aging injections, as well as our other procedures, click here.

    Interview With A Patient Co-ordinator: Breast Surgery

    Working as a patient co-ordinator at a leading cosmetic and plastic surgeons’ is certainly an exciting, encouraging and rewarding role for Jodie. From providing patients with pre-surgery support and advice to liaising with surgeons and nurses for beneficial aftercare, there’s always much to be done. As many patients considering breast surgery want to understand the whole process, we recently sat down with Jodie to discuss just that. Who better than someone who oversees these surgeries on a regular basis?

     

    I: Let’s start with the basics. A patient calls up. What are the typical questions they will ask?

    J: They’ll ask lots of things. Surgery availability, prices, where procedures are held and how long after surgery can they go on holiday are common, as well as where we’re located, our surgeons’ names and how long we’ve been here. Successfully answering these questions is imperative to building trust with potential patients.

     

    I: A prospective patient visits a clinic for a breast surgery consultation. How long will this last and what information will they be provided with?

    J: Patients will see the surgeon for approximately 20-30 minutes and then the co-ordinator for another 30. The surgeon will go through any of the risks and complications of surgery and take patients’ breast measurements. They can also (and usually like to) try implants in a bra. A co-ordinator will discuss their pre-op, what happens prior to surgery and coming in for an MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) test. Some people may also need blood taking. We’ll also discuss with them what happens on the day of the procedure and aftercare. We offer a 1-year aftercare warranty and then we also offer a 20-year cover at an additional £599.

     

    Implants for Breast Surgery

     

     

    I: It sounds very thorough and well done.

    J: It is. It’s a very thorough consultation. On their 1st visit they get all the information that they could possibly require to help them make the decision about going ahead.

     

    I: What breast surgery concerns do patients have, if any?

    J: I think a main concern for patients is probably if they’ve chosen the right implant size. It’s probably the biggest decision on the day of consultation that patients make. So, the surgeon will take all of the breast measurements and he will advise an implant that’s suitable for those measurements. It’s not just a guessing game. He doesn’t just pick out a number and say, you know, you have a ‘325’. It’s all science. When the surgeon does the measurements, he’ll tell them what implant they can have and a lot of people will say, ‘No. I want to go bigger’, because of what their friends have told them to say. It’s obviously the surgeons’ job and our job to make them aware of the limits of what implant size they can have.

    They then try implants in a bra with a vest on in front of a mirror and then they are told that what they see in the mirror is how their breasts will look naked. With a bra you can enhance them and make them look bigger. If the patient is unsure or a bit dubious about the size then we’d never let them go ahead with the surgery until they were completely happy. So, if they saw the surgeon and then came through to see a co-ordinator and were still ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ about the size, we’d send them back to see the surgeon again, or we’d make them an appointment to see a surgeon again so they can have a think about it.

     

    I: That’s good. How long after a consultation will a patient typically come in for surgery?

    J: They have to have a 2-week cooling off period. So, from the day of their consultation, they must wait 2 weeks until they can have the operation. Some people go ahead after 2 weeks. Some people go away, have a think about it and then call up and book a date. A lot of people have to take their time, you know, checking with work to see what holiday availability they can have.

    The consultation, and all of the associated paperwork lasts 6 months, allowing a patient to go ahead with surgery within that time. But if they decide to go ahead after 6 months, they’d have to come back and do it all again.

     

    I: What kind of things are patients asked to do pre-surgery?

    J:1 week before their surgery date, we’ll email them an admission letter. On that admission letter, it tells them what time to arrive the day of surgery, it tells them what time to stop eating and drinking and what to bring with them. We always advise patients to bring something comfortable to travel home in, so something that zips up or buttons and nothing that they pull over their head. We also advise they bring some slip-on shoes so they haven’t got to bend over to put them on, and we’ll also discuss a post-op bra with them. They do have to bring a post-op bra with them and we’ll give them details about which one to order, depending on their size.

     

    I: What should a patient expect on the day of their breast surgery?

    J: On the day of surgery, the surgeon and the anaesthetist will both come onto the ward and speak with the patient. The surgeon will draw his measurements on the patient’s chest and the nurse will do some observations. She’ll take the oxygen levels and ion levels for example. Once the surgeon and anaesthetist are happy, then the patient will be gowned up and will walk down to theatre.

     

    Breast lift

     

    Everyone in theatre will introduce themselves to the patient, and the anaesthetist will then put a cannula in the patient’s hand and the patient will be asked to count down from 100 and then she’ll be asleep. The anaesthetist is stood by the side of the patient throughout the whole procedure. The surgeon makes an incision underneath the breast pocket. He makes a pocket inside the breast for the implant to go into. He’ll wash the pocket out, he’ll put the implant in and then close the pocket. He does obviously the same on both sides and then the patient will be taken to recovery and be woken up and taken back to bed to rest for between 4-6 hours before she’s discharged.

    We have 3 rooms. A room with 4 beds, a room with 2 beds and a single room. The nurse manager will decide who’s going onto which ward. She’ll decide that the week before and it’ll be dependent on what procedure they’re having, what medication they’re on and any special care they may need.

     

    I: Are they always discharged the same day, or is dependent on each person?

    J: Most of our theatre lists are all planned as day cases, so if it’s just a straightforward breast augmentation, then yes, it’s just a day case. If it’s an uplift or breast reduction then they may be required to stay overnight.

     

    I: How do patients usually feel after the surgery?

    J: Very, very sleepy.

     

    I: What post-surgery support do New Birkdale Clinic provide?

    J: When they’re discharged they are given an out-of-hours phone number (24-hour care line) for the nurse manager. They are given antibiotics and painkillers and they take that for a week. They’re also given a post-op care leaflet and it tells them things such as not to shower and not to take the resins off. It gives them a date and time to come back and see the nurse, which is normally 1 week after surgery. At the appointment, the nurse will remove the dressings and just check that everything is healing ok. She may redress them, but most of the time, everyone should be healing ok enough to leave the dressings off. However, they must continue to wear a sports bra day and night for 6 weeks.

    They’ll see the surgeon between 4 and 6 weeks post-op and if everything is fine at that appointment then the surgeon will discharge the patient and there’s no need for them to come back. But if they do want to come back, or if they have any concerns or worries, then they’re more than welcome to. They have aftercare cover for 1 year, with all appointments to see the surgeon, nurse and staff within that year free of charge.

     

    I: Do you have any advice for those considering breast surgery?

    J: I think I’d probably say don’t listen to friends and family, and listen to only your surgeon, because the surgeon will take your breast measurements and they advise on the best possible implant size for you. A lot of people come with a pre-conceptive idea about what implant size they want and it’s not always suitable for them.

    Do some research. Make sure it is the right thing for you and that you have the time afterwards to rest and recover. Remember, no heavy-lifting for at least 6 weeks post-op and no holidays within that time because you can’t wear bikinis or go in chlorine water.

     

    Discover our range of breast surgery procedures here.

    Anti-Ageing Foods You Should Include In Your Diet

    During consultations and after surgeries, one of the most frequently asked questions we get asked is, ‘Which foods should I be eating to prolong my youthful skin?’ It’s a good question, and the truth is, a balanced diet full of vegetables, fruit, fish, meat and chocolate (yes chocolate!) will protect the skin and aid recovery should you experience facial flaws. However, if we had to pick 5 great foods that we truly believe in, then these would be it:

     

    Blueberries

    • Full of Anthocyanins which fight inflammation and tissue damage, known to speed up the ageing process.
    • Contains Vitamin C which protects against potential sun damage such as sun spots.
    • Loaded with Antioxidants that reduce the effects of stress, exercise and pollution.

    summer-blueberries

    Serving Suggestion: Blend with other berries for a delicious fruit smoothie.

     

    Salmon

    • Astaxanthin-rich, which protects cells from inflammation, sun damage and is said to have greater antioxidant ability than Vitamins A, C and E.
    • A great source of Omega-3 which boosts the skin’s membrane, retaining useful moisture yet ensuring harmful substances can’t pass through.
    • Also contains Selenium which increases the body’s resistance to illness, stress and cell damage.

    salmon

     

    Serving Suggestion: In chunks with fettuccine and soft cream sauce for a tasty Italian dish.

     

    Dark Chocolate

    • Filled to the brim with Flavanols, which increases blood flow to the skin.
    • Contains Polyphenols that reduce the effects of wrinkles and increase skin elasticity.
    • Cocoa has been linked to protecting the nerves from injuries, allowing scars to heal quickly.

    Cookie

     

    Serving Suggestion: Bake into oatmeal cookies for an added source of moisture and antioxidants.

     

    Watermelon

    • Loaded with Lycopene which protects the skin from harmful bacteria as well as sun and light damage.
    • Induces collagen production, which strengthens the skin.
    • Contains Potassium which aid water and nutrient regulation within skin cells.

     

    watermelon

     

    Serving Suggestion: Place in a salad with lettuce, chicken chunks and olive oil.

     

     

    Turmeric

    So, maybe not a food per say, but a worthwhile source of anti-ageing elements all the same.

    • Stops telomere (part of our DNA) shortening, which has been linked to ageing and diseases.
    • Protects elastin’s ability to form, keeping the skin smooth.
    • For those dealing with Eczema, Rosacea or other such skin ailments, Turmeric can calm flare-ups and even prevent its formation.

     

    turmeric

     

    Serving Suggestion: Add to a soothing soup after a long day at work.

     

     

    All we can say is, Bon Appetite!

    Three New Non-Surgical Skin Treatments That Everyone Is Going Crazy For

    Treatments such as Plasma Elite, Dermapen and Thread Lifts are changing the face of the industry.

    These non-invasive, non-surgical and safe procedures allow those to get their youthful, beautiful and restored skin back, without the downtime that follows surgical treatments.

    We’re not surprised people everywhere are excited for their appointments and the proven benefits that will entail. But, what do these treatments entail? Let’s take a look!

    Plasma Elite

    What Does Plasma Elite Involve?

    A spark, plasma and some spots (no, not yours). Brown, heat-absorbing spots are firstly placed on the to-be-treated area. A small hand-piece then reacts with your skin’s plasma beneath the spots by sending a small charge of electricity its way. This increases your collagen production – the body’s natural wrinkle fixer. This tightens, renews and gives the skin a smoother appearance.

    What Are The Effects?

    • Reduced redness, lines, wrinkles and sagging skin on the neck and face.
    • You’ll look younger, giving you a fountain of confidence.

    Why We Love It?

    It’s a simple procedure that continuously delivers.

    Dermapen (A.K.A Microneedling)

    What Does Using A Dermapen Involve?

    Small, harmless (well, kind of) motorised needles you’ll barely feel. Very fine needles are injected into your skin, leaving behind small puncture holes that begin to repair themselves, and stimulate collagen. These punctures also allow added nutrients to travel to the deeper skin layers for a better overall effect. Over time, lines, wrinkles and scars will begin to fade.

    What Are The Effects?

    • Halts the ageing process, ensuring new lines and wrinkles don’t develop.
    • Improves scars and already formed facial issues.

    Why We Love It?

    We all want to look younger and this is an easy way to do it.

    Thread Lifts

    What Do Thread Lifts Involve?

    We offer PDO Thread Lifts at New Birkdale Clinic, which get absorbed by the body and are biodegradable. The area to be lifted is marked, and threads are inserted below the skin’s surface, causing micro-injuries. This causes tissue contraction and collagen production, as well as the creation of new blood vessels to aid circulation. After 6 months, the threads will have dissolved, and you’ll have a lifted neck, cheek, jowls or brow.

    What Are The Effects?

    • A smoother, raised and refreshed appearance.
    • Skin elasticity is greatly improved.

    Why We Love It?

    Skin tone and texture feel the benefits too.

    Any of these wonderful treatments caught your eye? Get in touch today to discover more.

    What is the Difference between Over the Muscle and Under the Muscle Breast Implants?

    So, you’re in the plastic surgeons’ clinic,  you’ve decided you want breast implants and you’ve discussed size, shape and position. You’ve probably thought a lot about how the implant is going to look and where it will be placed and now its time to discuss this with your surgeon. Your surgeon will advise the best place for the implant to go according to the amount of breast tissue you have and your body type.

    Over the Muscle (Sub-Glandular) Placement

    This is where implants are positioned in front of the pectoral muscles, between the breast tissue and chest muscle. It can make augmentation more obvious than unders, especially for those with smaller breasts, as they’ll have less tissue for the implants to rest behind. However, breasts will appear more rounded and voluminous.

    Pros:

    • You may have less discomfort after surgery and a shorter recovery time.
    • The implants don’t lose their shape during exercise.
    • Can give a fuller rounded appearance in people with more breast tissue to start with.

    Cons:

    • There’s a higher chance of noticeable rippling.
    • Capsule contracture rates, where implants contract causing them to become hard and misshaped, are higher.
    • Overs can potentially interrupt mammograms, so multiple tests may have to be taken.

    Under the Muscle (Sub-Muscular) Placement

    This is where implants are positioned underneath the pectoral muscles, found in front of the ribcage. The implant is inserted within a space between the ribs and the muscle. Breasts appear more natural, as implants are hidden behind your muscle tissue.

    Pros:

    • There are reduced risks of rippling, capsular contracture, scarring and bottoming out.
    • It causes less issues with mammograms.
    • Gives a more natural shape in woman with little breast tissue to start with.

    Cons:

    • The procedure leads to greater discomfort and a longer recovery time.
    • Up to 6 weeks after surgery, breasts may appear higher than desired.
    • Exercise or flexing can cause implant distortion.

    Hopefully this post has helped you decide which option you’d prefer. Your plastic surgeon can further help, talking you through your body type and health history, as well as implant types and sizes to find the best choice for you.

    You can find out more about breast implant position choices here.

    Ladies Day Prep To Look Your Very Best!

    The Aintree Grand National in Liverpool may be famous for its horse racing, but on the 13th April, the ladies will be taking centre stage. Ladies day, where style shines through with fantastic fascinators, personality-filled dresses and heels with that competitive edge that make the paparazzi, and therefore the world, swoon. The desire to look stunning can be overwhelming, so we’ve created this prep post to help you stand out in style. Who knows, you may even win the Style Award.

    The Dress

    Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman

    Though there isn’t an official dress code, ladies are asked to adhere to this inspiring Coco Chanel quote, and dress in a way that evokes their personality and uniqueness, so that their beauty shines through. Therefore, a conservative dress is just as good as a figure-flattering piece, and never be shy of those eye-catching hats and fascinators, sure to get you photographed.

    Fancy dress and sports clothes are forbidden, so no horsing around.

    The Hair

    Popular hairstyles this year include the topknot, modern pleat, braid updo and vintage waves. You can watch detailed videos on how to create these looks here.

    For shorter hair, ponytails and pixie cuts with a statement fascinator can emphasize your style. If you’re playing the hat game, then bold colours overflowing with fabric and flowers will make you a showstopper.

    The Makeup

    Ladies day is long, so you need makeup that will outlast the grass, mud, alcohol and fun and keep you looking fresh. Not only that, your makeup should match your outfit and with numerous options it can be confusing. We recommend trial and error through practice dress-ups with friends, or simply speaking to a make-up professional at your local supplier. You can also book into our beauty rooms at our Liverpool clinic

    Non-Surgical Treatments

    Fear the lights? Unsure if your face is photo-ready? Then plastic surgery could give you that boost of confidence and get you crowd-ready. Make sure you get any of your aesthetic treatments in advance. We’re holding non-surgical clinics on the 10th, 21st and 24th of March with treatments as varied as mole removal, anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and plasma elite – great for removing wrinkles and excess skin. It’s not just a great dress that can release your beauty. Download our price list here.

    Call 0151 949 9600 for more information.

    Plastic Surgery Trends: 2018

    Three months in and we’re already in the full swing of things in 2018. Last year we saw rhinoplasty, facelifts and tummy tucks among the most requested plastic surgeries, but this year the trends are set to change. Let’s take a look at what 2018 has in store.

    Plastic Surgery Trends for Women

    Thighlighting

    Making the legs appear longer, leaner and lovelier will be a big trend, as celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner continue to grow our leg envy. Thighlighting includes thigh lifts, contoured inner and outer thighs, liposuction and calf implants, as well as thigh gaps.

    Better Anti-ageing Injection

    Surgeons abroad claim to be working on an already impressive Anti-ageing formula, that will beat wrinkles and potentially stop future ones from forming. We can’t wait to see the results.

    Natural-looking Breasts

    Let’s face it, a bigger chest is not always best. Breast implants that seem to better fit in with body shape, weight and height will be favoured over bigger ones to create a more believable look.

    Click here to discover our range of breast surgeries.

    Careers

    It’s predicted that more women will opt for plastic surgery courses and enter the cosmetic surgery industry. Here come the girls.

    Plastic Surgery Trends for Men

    Breast Reduction

    As man boobs can negatively impact male self-esteem, men will look to reduce them using liposuction, or in more severe cases, tissue excision.

    Eye-lid Surgery

    As the eyes are the first part of the face to show aging due to bags, hooded upper lids or sagging, eye-lid surgery will continually grow in popularity. The procedure can make the eyes look younger, and by extension, the face.

    Daddy Makeovers

    Men will be opting to beautify themselves through a combination of surgeries such as liposuction, tummy tucks and breast reductions, providing a quicker and more effective result than going to the gym.

    Our Top Trend: More Choice of Services for Transgender Patients

    With more open conversations circulating about gender and Caitlyn Jenner showing us how transgender surgery can reveal who we know we are through her eye-opening documentary and Vanity Fair feature, transgender surgery is said to steadily grow this year. And quite frankly, we think that’s wonderful.

    Will these trends occur? Only time will tell.

    Contact our surgeons for information on any surgeries mentioned within this post.

    Sagging Breasts: Causes, Prevention, and Care – A New Birkdale Clinic Guide

    Sagging breasts can affect women of all ages and can be caused by a number of factors.

    Here, we can take a look at the reasons breasts sag and how you can prevent and reverse the effects of sagging breasts.

    What Causes Sagging Breasts?

    Sagging breasts (Ptosis) can be a cause for concern, making women unhappy with their appearance. They may sag due to weight loss, breastfeeding or age and many wonder whether breast implants will help. This post will answer that question.

    How to Tell if your Breasts are Sagging?

    There is a grade-scale of Ptosis. Grade 1 is only mild sagging, where there may be shape malformation. Grade 2 is where there’s moderate sagging – the bra is no longer supporting your breasts and exercise such as running becomes an issue. Grade 3 is where sagging is significant. This may occur because your chest stretched after pregnancy or you gained or lost a lot of weight. Grade 4 concerns allotropic skin due to reduced collagen strength.

    What can be done about Sagging Breasts?

    Implants can reshape your breasts and alter their size, increasing their volume and enhancing them. They’ll become less saggy than before. There are different procedures to consider:

    Firstly, there’s breast augmentation (BA). If your breasts simply have too much skin, then this may be all you need. It simply involves inserting implants. To determine whether you need more, surgeons advise you try these simple tests:

    The Finger Test: If you can fit 2 fingers behind your breast at the crease then you’ll need more than a BA.

    The Hands on Head Test: If your breasts still sag when you put your hands on your head, then a breast lift is also recommended.

    The IMC Test: If your nipples fall below your inframammary breast crease (IMC), then a BA alone is not enough to correct sagging.

    Then there’s a breast lift with implants (Masto-Augmentation). This is advised for more severe sagging, where nipples point downwards. This surgery can make your breasts bigger, rounder and appear less saggy.

    Alternatively, you could just have a breast lift (Mastopexy). This repositions the breasts back to a higher position and doesn’t require implants. However, a breast lift will not increase breast size or firmness, so dependent on your situation, you may need implants.

    Will Breast Implants Help with Sagging Breasts?

    Yes. Breasts can be reshaped and resized, greatly improving their appearance. With a lift, both your nipples and breasts can be repositioned to their original, or a desired, state.

    If you’re unsure which option is best for you, consider how you want your breasts to look and consult a trusted plastic surgeon.

    The Different Types Of Breast Implants (Round vs Tear Drop)

    Breast implants come in two basic shapes, either perfectly round or teardrop shaped. Some surgeons prefer one type of implant over the other, whilst others will use different types depending on the patient’s own characteristics – overall, both give excellent results.

    image of round and tear drop implants

    Cohesive Silicone Gel (Round Implants)

    Cohesive silicone gel is by far the most popular type of implant, with both patients and surgeons alike. The silicone is in the form of a very thick cohesive gel and is contained in a textured silicone shell.

    These implants have a very long history of reliability, with literally hundreds of thousands of women worldwide having had them in place for many years. In addition, they are generally considered to be the most natural feeling implant. In recent years, more than 85% of ALL breast implants inserted in the UK have been silicone; 97% of which had textured shells.

    Solid Cohesive Silicone Gel (Tear Drop Implants)

    In this silicone implant, the gel is made to an almost solid consistency. It is only available with a textured silicone shell. This extra firmness allows the implant to be manufactured in a ‘tear-drop’ shape. Some surgeons consider that this results in a more natural shape for some women. However, they can also be associated with a much firmer consistency or feel.

    What Implant Should I Choose?

    Once you’ve made the decision that you want to proceed with your breast augmentation, the next decision is to decide on what type of implant you would like.

    a woman covering her breast implants

    Anyone considering this surgery will be concerned with exactly how their breasts will look afterwards. If this applies to you, you may well be asking one or more the following questions when it comes to deciding what your ideal breasts will look like;

    • How big should my breast implants be?
    • Will my surgeon place my implant under or over my muscle? 
    • What shape and profile will my implants be?
    • What will my cleavage look like?
    • How pert will my breasts be?
    • Where will my scar be?

    Remember that the definition of ideal is highly subjective – it’s based on each individual’s opinion and every woman will have her own unique goals and expectations. While some women want their enhancement to be subtle in order to give a natural look, others wish for a more noticeable or fake look. Neither goal is more correct than the other; there is no right procedure for everyone. In answer to all the above questions, therefore, your procedure can be tailored to achieve a look that meets your realistic expectations and compliments your existing body shape and size.

    someone drawing the location of the breast implant on a breast

    Implants are manufactured by different companies in many varieties of content, diameter, volume, shape and surface texture, choosing the right implant and manufacturer is therefore key to a successful breast augmentation surgery. As part of the pre-operative consultation process you’ll discuss

    • Body shape and size
    • Existing (or natural) breast size and shape (breast anatomy)
    • Desired look – natural or fake
    • Amount of sagging or drooping (ptosis) of existing breasts
    • Amount and integrity of natural breast tissue
    • Lifestyle and physical activity

    You’ll also be given an opportunity to look at, feel and try on samples of the various implants available to you which is the most effective way to determine which implant is best for you and what you will look like after your augmentation surgery.

    Breast implants can be Round or Teardrop shaped. Round implants are symmetric, while Teardrop implants have more volume and projection on the lower half, therefore creating a teardrop shape. A teardrop shape gives a more natural look; while the Round implant gives a fuller appearance

    round and teardrop shaped implant

    Here at New Birkdale, we offer 2 varieties of implant both of which are Silicone based.

    Silicone breast implants feel and look more natural than saline implants and are available in pre-existing sizes (it is not possible to adjust their size during surgery). They have a solid silicone shell and a cohesive silicone gel filling. The density or thickness of the silicone fill, although more similar to that of natural breast tissue than saline, can be varied to give softer (more prone to rippling) to harder (less prone to rippling) implants.

    EUROSILICONE

    round-shaped-breast-implant

    The round collection by Eurosilicone offers round implants that include smooth and microtextured surfaces, two types of gel cohesivity, and four different projections – from low to extra-high, depending on the look you are trying to achieve, they currently feature 12 different configurations with 233 sizes for maximum choice.

    The Round Collection uses microtexture silicone shell surface which offers tissue adhesion thus minimizing the threat of rotation and capsular contracture (when the body reacts to a breast implant in a way that can distort the shape of the breast and cause pain).

    Eurosilicone offers the GCA Comfort Guarantee, a lifetime guarantee against rupture and capsular contracture.

    MOTIVA

    motiva-breast-implant

    Motiva offers a range called round and a range called Ergonomix, both have a round base, the Ergonomix range move more with the body so can give a similar look to teardrop but they are still round-shaped implant. These implants have an advanced smooth shell and two reinforced silicone tabs to minimize the chances of implant rotation. They come in an extensive range of shapes and sizes, all of which have been through a wide array of chemical, biological, and physical testing to ensure their durability, and more importantly, their safety.

    Motiva offers two types of Gel which shape the implants differently.

    ProgressiveGel® PLUS

    • Balanced gel elasticity and firmness
    • Upper-pole fullness
    • Younger active look
    • Full profile

    ProgressiveGel ULTIMA®

    • Elastic and soft gel
    • Adapts to the natural
    • breast shape
    • More natural look and feel
    • Natural profile

    Motiva provides a limited warranty covering its Motiva Implants® product range, supplying a replacement product in the event of rupture for the lifetime of the implant.

    We have examples of breast implant before and after comparisons, with information on what you can expect if you follow through with surgery so that you can be as informed as possible before enquiring.

    As well as types of breast implants, there are also different ways to position breast implants. Find out more by reading out in-depth blog.