Category: breast surgery

Inverted nipples can be a somewhat concerning issue for some, and a non-issue for others.

The reason for this is that those who are affected by inverted nipples will all have different experiences. Some may have severe nipple inversion, also known as grade 3 nipple inversion, while others will have very mild inversion, known as grade 1 inversion.

Individuals with more severe grades of nipple inversion are more likely to want to seek out nipple correction surgery because there is a chance that their nipples are affecting their ability to breastfeed, and they are more likely to be unhappy with the aesthetics of their bodies.

Whereas individuals with less severe grades of nipple inversion may choose not to proceed with surgery because their ability to breastfeed has not been affected, and their nipple inversion is barely noticeable.

So, how can people with inverted nipples get their nipples to evert, either through surgical or non-surgical means? Carry on reading to find out what options are available.

How to fix inverted nipples without surgery

There are many options if you’d like to correct your inverted nipple without surgery, provided that your inversion is not severe. 

The most common method used to fix a pulled-in nipple is stimulation. Simply rolling your nipple between your fingers or pinching your areola can be enough to cause your nipple to emerge from its inversion.

A slightly more uncommon method is using a breast pump. The suction provided by this device can be enough to fix your nipple inversion, and you don’t need to be lactating to use one.

Alternative methods for inverted nipple correction

If you are someone who would like to avoid surgery where possible, you may want to better understand some alternative methods that you can use to fix inverted nipples without surgery. 

Some alternative methods include;

• Suction devices that help the nipple protrude.
• Manual stimulation, such as the Hoffman technique. 
• Nipple piercing to draw out inverted nipples. 
• Breastfeeding can help draw out the nipple.

If you wish to further explore the potential options for fixing an inverted nipple, we will always suggest that you discuss it with an experienced healthcare professional or surgeon. 

Inverted nipple corrector

Inverted nipple correctors are more formal pieces of equipment used to fix inverted nipples without surgery. They may be called nipple extractors, cups, or nipple retractors.

All of these devices are designed to fit around your areola and provide suction over a longer duration than what you would perform with a breast pump. Some devices may even fit under your clothing, allowing you to go about your day while wearing one.

Similar to other non-surgical treatments, these devices will likely only be effective for individuals with grade 1 nipple inversion, and even then, they will likely not be permanent fixes.

Can you get inverted nipples pierced?

If you have a mild case of nipple inversion, it is possible for you to get your nipples pierced.

This is quite an unorthodox approach to fixing inverted nipples. By stimulating your nipple so that it everts, you can then have your nipple pierced, which would prevent your nipple from inverting again in the future while your piercing is present.

Of course, this is not a guaranteed method of treatment. Once you remove your piercing, there is a chance that your nipple could invert again, and with the addition of new scar tissue, your inversion may be more severe than before.

And you have other concerns associated with body piercings to consider, such as infections, pain, and the potential harm to your ability to breastfeed.

At what age can you fix inverted nipples?

Most clinics advise that clients be at least 18 years old before they even consider how to fix inverted nipples. This is because, as teenagers, your breasts are still evolving, and breast growth isn’t entirely complete.

It is recommended that you wait until you have fully developed, as this will give the results a better chance of working and creating lasting results. 

Inverted nipple surgery

Inverted nipple surgery is the only surefire way to permanently fix inverted nipples; however, this often comes at the cost of not being able to breastfeed afterwards.

The reason why breastfeeding is affected is precisely the reason why surgery is so effective. Nipple inversion is most frequently caused by tight milk ducts that pull the nipple inwards, so by detaching the milk ducts, this inward pressure disappears and the nipple can relax outward.

There is the potential that a surgeon could fix your nipple inversion and preserve your milk ducts, although this depends on the reason why your nipples are inverted in the first place.

Because it involves surgery, there is the element of inverted nipple treatment cost to consider. Non-surgical methods are much cheaper (or possibly free), but their abilities are limited, and if you have grade 3 nipple inversion, then you will likely be out of scope for common at-home remedies.

New Birkdale nipple correction surgery

If inverted nipples are causing you discomfort, contact our team at New Birkdale Clinic and book a consultation. An experienced surgeon will examine your case and determine whether you are eligible for surgery.

FAQs

How to fix inverted nipples with a syringe

If you would like to avoid the surgical correction of your inverted nipples, you could use the syringe method. By positioning the base of an inverted syringe over your nipple and gently pulling until your nipple is everted, you may see long-lasting results. 

How to fix inverted nipples for breastfeeding

Focus on methods that promote protrusion prior to each feeding, including rolling or nipple stimulation and tools like suction pumps.  Using cold compresses can also be a great method for keeping the nipple erect for breastfeeding. 

At what age do nipples pop out fully? 

Nipple protrusion is a natural part of breast development during puberty, meaning that your nipples will naturally protrude from ages 8 to 13.

How to fix inverted nipples naturally

Because nipples are erectile tissue, there are some alternative methods that you can use on them that do not require surgery.  For example, you can use manual methods such as the Hoffman method to roll the nipple out of place.

 

 

Breast augmentations have always been a popular procedure for women who are looking to improve the look of their breasts, be that through adding additional fullness or undergoing a complete reshaping. 

At New Birkdale Clinic, we have seen firsthand the transformative impact of breast augmentations on our clients, significantly redefining their self-image and providing an incredible boost in confidence. However, getting breast implants is about much more than simply choosing which cup size you would like. 

When getting a breast enlargement, a lot of people neglect to think about their breast profile. But what exactly are breast implant profiles? 

What Are Breast Profiles?

Breast profiles refer to the projection that an implant has from the chest while standing. The profile of an implant can have a huge impact on the overall look of a breast augmentation, and it is determined by measuring the width, base diameter, and volume of the breast. 

Breast profiles are often mistaken to mean the same thing as implant size, but this is not the case. Implants can have the same volume but differing widths, drastically changing their projection. 

You can get different types of breast profiles. 

The Types of Implant Profile

It is always recommended that you consult an experienced surgeon before selecting an implant profile. They can assess your body and help you choose which profile best suits your build. 

The potential implant profiles are as follows: 

Low Profile

Low-profile breast implants are a great option if you are not looking to change the size of your breasts drastically. They appear much flatter than other profiles and are much wider at the base. 

These implants have low projections and are best suited to women with broader chests who are looking for a natural enhancement. 

Moderate Profile 

Moderate-profile implants tend to have a wider base width. They are the most popular breast implant profiles because they create the most natural-looking results. 

Moderate breast implants provide more projection than low-profile implants while still maintaining a realistic look. These implants are best suited to people with more narrow chests. 

High Profile

To achieve a higher projection, we suggest you get high-profile implants. These implants have a very narrow base width, which gives the breasts a more well-rounded and prominent silhouette. If you are looking for a dramatic change in your appearance, this may create a less natural appearance. 

High profile boob jobs tend to be much firmer due to the fact they are required to be more filled. If you want a distinctive look, these implants look best on smaller frames. 

What is the Most Common Breast Implant Profile?

Moderate breast implants are the most popular due to their natural and enhancing impact. They strike the perfect balance between projection and natural appearance.

Wider rib cages are very commonly seen in women, and they look wonderful with moderate profiles. This combination not only enhances femininity but also creates a desirable silhouette. 

Moderate profiles continue to grow in popularity as more women embrace a more natural look. 

How to Choose The Perfect Profile For You

When choosing your profile type, it is important to consider your desired shape and outcome. 

The same implants will look drastically different on bodies of different shapes, so you must do the necessary research before committing to a breast implant. 

Your chest width will be measured when you have a consultation for an enhancement procedure. Wider implants are better suited for women with wider chests and vice versa, and your surgeon will offer further insight into how implants impact body proportions. 

During the consultation, you can give your surgeon more information about your desired outcome, and they will guide you in the right direction. For example, if you want more natural results, they may suggest a low-profile implant, but if you want to make a bigger impact, they may suggest high-profile implants. 

You must have a detailed discussion with your surgeon, as this will ensure that you receive the best results. 

Another consideration is the cost of breast implants, as different profiles may have a higher or lower price. If you are looking for a low-cost procedure, low-profile implants are certainly worth considering. 

Start Your Implant Journey With New Birkdale Clinic 

We always suggest working with a clinic with years of expertise in breast enhancement procedures. At New Birkdale Clinic, our team is ready to give you the advice you need to improve your confidence.
Contact our team today to learn more about how we can boost your confidence and help you achieve your beauty goals.

When most people think of breast reduction surgery, they think of a surgery that is exclusively for women. However, men can have breast reduction surgery too.

According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, 40% of breast reduction surgeries are now performed on men.

So, what is male chest reduction surgery, what causes the growth of breast tissue in men, and how can New Birkdale Clinic help when it comes to men’s breast reductions?

What causes the growth of male breasts?

Male breasts are often informally referred to as ‘man boobs’ or ‘moobs,’ although the official medical term is gynaecomastia. Gynaecomastia causes breast tissue to grow in men and boys, meaning the chest swells and becomes larger than usual.

Gynaecomastia is caused by a hormone imbalance. Men produce both testosterone and oestrogen, the latter being a hormone that promotes breast growth. If levels of testosterone decrease, or levels of oestrogen increase, this can cause male breast growth.

Boys going through puberty may experience gynaecomastia; this typically clears up as they get older and their hormones stabilise.

Older and overweight or obese men can also experience gynaecomastia. This is because older men produce less testosterone, while overweight and obese men produce more oestrogen.

Men on medication that can affect hormone levels (for example, steroids) may also experience gynaecomastia.

There are two different types of gynaecomastia: ‘pure glandular’ and ‘mixed.’ Pure glandular gynaecomastia is caused by an excess amount of fibrous breast tissue, while mixed is caused by a combination of fibrous breast tissue and fatty tissue.

If you think you have gynaecomastia, we advise seeing your GP first. They’ll be able to identify the underlying cause and help recommend a plan of action.

What is male breast reduction surgery?

Male chest reduction surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic.

The exact surgery you receive depends on whether you have pure glandular or mixed gynaecomastia.

With pure glandular gynaecomastia, an incision is made in the nipple, and the fibrous breast tissue is cut out. With mixed gynaecomastia, incisions are made in the armpit and liposuction is also carried out to remove excess fatty tissue.

This results in a flatter, smoother chest.

Most male chest reduction surgery is performed as a day case, although there may be some circumstances where you must be kept in overnight.

You’ll need to recover at home for one week and avoid exercise and physical activity for between three to six weeks after the surgery.

How much is men’s breast reduction surgery?

Male breast reduction surgery is generally unavailable on the NHS, meaning you will need to go to a private clinic to have the surgery done.

Our cost for gyno removal surgery costs from £5,895. The cost of the surgery depends on whether you are getting breast tissue removed, or both breast tissue and fat removed.

When you attend a consultation with us, we’ll determine which type of surgery will provide the best results.

Are there any other ways you can reduce ‘man boobs’?

Are there any other options if you don’t want chest reduction surgery?

If you have mixed gynaecomastia, diet and exercise can help reduce the appearance of male breasts, although it won’t get rid of them entirely. This is because there is still underlying fibrous breast tissue that is causing the problem.

Some men think they have gynaecomastia, but it’s all excess fat rather than breast tissue. This is referred to as ‘pseudo-gynaecomastia’ and can be eliminated by following a healthy lifestyle.

As gynaecomastia is caused by a hormone imbalance, your doctor may prescribe medication to see if this helps.

Male breast reduction surgery at the New Birkdale Clinic

Whether you are looking for male chest reduction surgery or female breast reduction surgery, you need to work with a clinic that is safe, ethical, and has the expertise you need.

We will work with you to determine if breast reduction surgery is the right option, and carry out the procedure at our CQC-registered hospital. With our team of expert surgeons, you’re in the safest of hands.

Contact us today to arrange your consultation and take the first step towards a confident new you.

While breast augmentation surgery is ideal if you want to boost your self-esteem and confidence, there are also non-surgical breast enlargement options available.

We’re often asked if breast enlargement pumps are a good alternative to breast implants. Here are our thoughts on whether breast enlargement pumps are best when it comes to non-surgical boob jobs.

What is a breast enlargement pump?

A breast enlargement pump consists of two domes that cover each breast, with a manual or battery-powered pumping mechanism.

It’s not to be confused with a breast pump, which is used to express breast milk (or help fix inverted nipples).

Breast enlargement pumps work by creating a vacuum that increases blood flow to the breasts, which in theory, encourages breast growth. Using a breast enlargement pump promotes swelling in the breast tissue, which eventually leads to an increase in cup size. You can increase the strength of the suction to suit your needs.

Breast enlargement pump manufacturers advise that by using the pump for an hour a day, users can see an increase in breast size after four to six weeks.

Are breast pumps good for breast enlargement?

So, are breast enlargement pumps a viable option if you want to increase the size of your breasts?

The logic certainly works in theory; stretching tissue stimulates cell growth which causes expansion, a method used in several medical procedures. For example, if the skin is damaged in an accident, skin on a healthy part of the body is stretched to encourage growth so the surplus skin can be grafted.

Studies have shown that breast enlargement pumps do lead to a slight increase in breast size, an average of 100cc, which is about half a cup size. However, these pumps take a lot of time to take effect. In one study, a participant had to wear a pump for 12 hours a day for ten weeks before they saw noticeable results.

While some users say they have seen a permanent increase in breast size, others have advised that the changes have only been temporary. Feedback implies that the best results are seen with continued use of the pump. Hence, it can be concluded that the enlarged effect tends to be temporary and reversible.

Another disadvantage of breast enlargement pumps is that they are cumbersome and uncomfortable. As they have to be worn for a long time, they can be awkward to sleep in or wear as you go about your working day. They can also cause blistering and rashes if not used correctly or used too much.

So to answer the question: Are breast pumps good for breast enlargement? While they do have an effect on breast size, it can take a long time to see results. See the breast enlargement surgery before and after results to see how effective is the surgical method and if that’s something that suits you better. Find out the prices for surgical breast augmentation.

However, let’s say you want to increase the size of your breasts by a small amount, or make asymmetrical breasts more even, and you don’t mind waiting. In this case, a breast enlargement pump might be right for you.

Breast enlargement pump side effects

As mentioned, breast pumps can cause bruises and rashes. This is because the vacuum suction can make the blood vessels break under the skin causing discolouration.

Breast pumps can also cause prolonged skin allergies and irritation if used for a long period of time. They can also make the skin less elastic due to the constant stretch and make it look saggy and droopy. These stretches can also result in stretch marks which can get permanent with time.

Alternatives to breast implants

If a breast enlargement pump is not for you, there are other non-surgical breast enlargement options available to consider.

Massage can be used to increase breast size, which uses a similar logic to breast enlargement pumps in that it stimulates the growth of breast tissue. However again, this can take time and can be painful.

Other non-surgical alternatives to breast enlargements include dermal fillers and the injection of your own fat cells into your breasts. Interestingly, breast enlargement pumps work well when used in conjunction with fat cell transfer, as the pumps make the breasts more likely to accept the fat cells.

Electric pulses, radio waves, and laser treatments can also be used to improve the fullness and lift of breasts. However with all these alternatives to breast implants, the results are only temporary, and treatments must be continued to see the best results.

If you’re looking for guaranteed and noticeable results without waiting or spending several hours a day wearing a bulky breast enlargement pump, breast augmentation surgery is the best option.

Contact us today to find out if you’re an ideal candidate for breast enlargement and to book your free consultation.

If you are unhappy with your natural breasts but a breast enlargement will not fix your issues, then a breast lift, or mastopexy, may be what you need instead.

Boob jobs are suitable for people who want to change the size of their breasts, whereas breast lifts specifically reverse the effect of sagging. It is also possible to receive a breast lift that includes breast implants too if you would like to have bigger, as well as lifted, breasts.

We get amazing feedback from our patients that come in for mastopexy treatments. They are often blown away by their results even before they have fully recovered from the surgery.

One way we help our patients see how much their treatment has impacted them is by encouraging them to take before and after pictures. We even make sure to take our own before and after pictures in our clinic so that we can show our patients exactly how their aesthetics have changed.

Carry on reading for more information on why we value before and after pictures, and what you can do to make sure that your results are the best that they can be.

Importance of mastopexy before and after pictures

You may be in a rush to receive your new-look breasts and want to forget about your current aesthetics as soon as possible. However, it’s important that you are able to remind yourself of what your breasts looked like before surgery so that you can see the impact of your mastopexy.

Just looking in the mirror is not enough. Every mirror is different, and our brains can change how our eyes perceive information through reflections every time we look at them. Photographs, on the other hand, are better for portraying direct before and after comparisons.

Your after pictures should be taken frequently during your recovery. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on your own unique recovery journey, including what stages you will pass through and when, leading to your complete recovery and final aesthetics.

Being able to view the progress of your surgery as time passes will be very valuable, and will also help you spot whether your breasts are healing as they should.

Breast lift examples

Take a look at some of our own before and after examples that showcase our mastopexy work.

Breast lift and implant before and after

A breast lift with a breast implant will be more noticeable than a breast lift on its own. See how these patients changed their aesthetics by combining mastopexy with breast augmentation.

How to get the best breast lift results?

Provided that you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions you should have the best chance at seeing the best results, but there are many other factors that will influence your breast lift results as well.

For example, what type of surgical technique is used and what events your body goes through after surgery will have an impact on your aesthetic results.

Here is more information on the most common factors that will determine how your breasts will look post-surgery.

Choice of technique

There are a number of different techniques that your breast surgeon may use depending on your individual case. Each of these surgical techniques will leave behind a different scar shape and will therefore impact how your breasts look once they have healed.

For example, individuals receiving surgery for less severe sagging may only require a crescent breast lift. This will leave behind minimal scarring, but conversely it can only lift the breasts by a small amount. Whereas anchor breast lifts leave behind more substantial scarring, but are capable of reversing a severe amount of sagging.

You will have to discuss your options with your surgeon before proceeding and determine whether the payoff for a substantial lift would be worth it where scarring is concerned.

Timing of surgery

Possibly even more important to the quality of your results than what surgical technique is used is when you choose to receive surgery.

This does not mean what date or what time of the day, but rather what moment in your life you receive surgery.

For example, if you receive breast lift surgery and then go through pregnancy and breastfeeding, then there is a high chance that this will compromise your results and cause your breasts to sag once again.

The best time for you to receive mastopexy is when you are happy with your weight, and when you plan on having no more children that will require breastfeeding.

Implant or no implant

A breast lift without implants will have very different results when compared to a breast lift with implants.

Following a mastopexy, any sagging that has occurred over the years will be reversed, and your breasts will ideally look reminiscent of those of your younger self.

Whereas if you receive breast implants alongside your mastopexy, then your breasts will look completely different. They will have more volume and be a shape of your choosing. So if you were unhappy with your natural breasts and have also experienced some sagging, then a combined breast augmentation and lift surgery may be best for you.

Aftercare

It is very important that you follow the correct aftercare as per your surgeon’s advice after surgery. If you do not, then your aesthetics may be affected as a result.

Say you refuse to heed aftercare advice and you expose yourself to UV unprotected, you will notice that your scar tissue will become more prominent.

Another component of aftercare that you will have to follow is avoiding heavy lifting. If you push yourself too soon you could damage the surgical site and disrupt the healing of your scars as a result. This may change their shape or thickness, and make them more visible.

New Birkdale Clinic expert mastopexy surgeons

If you would like to make a change to your aesthetics and believe that a breast lift will be the solution to your problems, we suggest that you get in touch with us and we can schedule a consultation with you and one of our expert surgeons.

During this, we will listen to your treatment goals, examine your physiology, and determine whether a breast lift will be a suitable treatment for you. If not, then we can offer advice on what your best course of action would be to follow instead.

You have just gotten home from the clinic after breast reduction surgery in Liverpool. Your anaesthetic has worn off and you feel in a bit of discomfort. Was your surgery worth it? Definitely!

While you will experience some side effects from undergoing surgery at first, this will not last forever. Within a few weeks your lifestyle can mostly return to normal, and within a few months you will be fully healed and ready to enjoy life with your new, perfect breasts.

We know that you will want to hurry up and start enjoying life without the pain and discomfort that your breasts once caused you, but our advice would be instead to take it easy at first. You can still feel sore 4 weeks after breast reduction but it will fade soon. Prioritise your recovery now rather than jumping straight back on the horse so that in the future your results are the best they could possibly be.

And just how good will your new breasts look a year later? While this does depend on each individual, by the time you reach the anniversary of your surgery you should be noticeably happier with your appearance, experiencing less pain or discomfort, and have scars that have healed fully and are harder to notice.

Carry on reading for more information on how your breasts will look after you have followed all of our aftercare instructions regarding your breast reduction surgery.

Does breast reduction leave scars?

Even after recovering from breast reduction, it can still leave scars. This is because breast surgery relies on creating incisions, usually around the areola and the lower half of the breast, to access and remove breast tissue.

There are different techniques that surgeons may use when performing breast reduction surgery, and each one will create different incisions and therefore leave behind different levels of scarring once your breast reduction scars have healed.

For minor breast reductions, a surgeon will likely use what’s referred to as a lollipop incision. This involves creating a circular incision around the areola, and a vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to the bottom of the breast. When your scars have healed, they will resemble the shape of a lollipop – hence the name.

For more substantial breast reductions, a surgeon may have to use an anchor incision. This involves creating a lollipop incision as well, but then also creating a horizontal incision below the breast fold so that the scars created resemble an anchor. This type of incision allows a surgeon to remove more breast tissue, but it does mean that there will be more scarring as a result.

Healed breast reduction scars

The longest lasting side effect of surgery will be your scarring. Fortunately, there are techniques that you can use and advice that you should follow to help your scars recover faster, and breast reduction healed scars can often be hard to detect underneath clothing so you shouldn’t let your scarring hold you back from being confident in your new self.

Following surgery, your scars will be very raised and aggressive in colour. As time passes and your recovery progresses, your scar tissue will lower and become more neutral in colour, making them less noticeable compared to your skin tissue.

Healed scars will unfortunately be more noticeable on individuals with darker skin due to the pigment in the scar tissue, and they are also more at risk of hyperpigmentation in their scars which will make them even more noticeable.

You can see examples of healed breast reduction scars by looking at some of our breast reduction pictures. There we also discuss the importance of taking clear pictures before and after surgery so you can monitor your results, and that way you can compare your breast reduction scars after 8 months or so to see how you have recovered since your operation.

What’s the best scar treatment after breast surgery?

After breast surgery, your treatment provider will give you strict instructions that you must follow for your recovery. One of the most important elements of this will be compression of the breasts. Compression will help aid recovery and allow your breasts to settle in their desired position after surgery.

There are other important elements of your aftercare that you should abide by if you want the best results. This includes eating healthily, not smoking, and not soaking the treatment area for the first few weeks after surgery.

On top of this, there are also some alternative treatments that can be quite beneficial if performed properly. We touch on this in our article on should I massage my breast implants.

Breast reduction with an experienced surgeon in Liverpool

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort because of your breasts, or simply want them to be a smaller size, then get in touch with us at the New Birkdale Clinic and we can schedule a consultation between yourself and one of our top-class surgeons.

And if you are reading this for advice on your recovery, or for hope that you will be happy with your breasts after you have recovered, then we hope we have put you at ease! Now rest up, focus on your recovery, and look forward to a point in the future, perhaps in a year or so, when you realise that you have not thought about breast discomfort for a very long time.

For people who are not born with the natural breasts that they desire, breast augmentation at our Liverpool clinic can help give them the aesthetics that they desire.

The breast implants that we use are very well-reviewed, and we get plenty of great feedback from our patients. However, one question that we get asked a lot is how long does a boob job last.

While nothing in this world is certain, we can offer some guidance on what our patients can expect in terms of implant lifespan.

So keep reading for information on how long fake boobs last in general, and some more specific answers that we provide to our patients about related questions.

How long does a silicone breast implant last?

The general consensus around silicone breast implant lifespan is that they can last around 10 years before they need to be replaced, provided that there have been no complications before then.

In terms of the implants that we use at our clinic, the manufacturers come with their own guidance on how long you can expect their implants to last for.

For example, our Eurosilicone GCA Round Collection implants come with their lifetime ‘Comfort’ guarantee. This means that you are covered should your implants rupture or should you encounter capsular contracture.

The Eurosilicone GCA PERLE implants are a step up from the Round Collection implants and are filled with Emunomic™ Breast Tissue Dynamic Gel as opposed to silicone. These implants come with a lifetime ‘Comfort Plus’ guarantee which is more extensive than the ‘Comfort’ guarantee and includes cover for other issues like BIA-ALCL.

Some of the most popular implants these days are from Motiva, and therefore there are a lot of people wondering how long does a Motiva implant last. As per Motiva guidance, their silicone implants come with a lifetime ‘Always Confident Warranty®’ which protects against rupture for the complete lifetime of the implant, as well as a replacement policy for implants that experience capsular contracture for 10 years.

Can your body reject implants years later?

People refer to capsular contracture as rejection. While most people who get breast implants do not experience capsular contraction, some do and it can occur a number of years after surgery.

The reason that this ‘rejection’ occurs is as a result of complications such as infections or internal damage, and it is not something that you should anticipate to occur if you were to enjoy your implants as expected.

Late development of capsular contraction can lead to breast implant hardening after 10 years and up to 15 years. If you experience any signs of this then please get in touch with your clinic as soon as possible.

Do breast implants sag over time?

Breast implants can sag over time because the collagen in our skin depletes as we age. The fact that your breasts implants sag as you get older is a testament to how natural your breasts will look after surgery.

However, if you would like to keep your dream breasts that you have experienced soon after surgery, then you may need revision surgery after a number of years with new implants or a breast lift.

How Do You know When Your Breast Implants Need Replacing?

• Leaks.
• Ruptures.
• Hardening Or Contracture Of The Breasts.
• Breast Sagging Or Dropping due to ageing or breastfeeding.
• An implant moves causing asymmetry.
• The patient wants to alter the size.

How To Tell If Your Implant Has Leaked Or Ruptured?

There are various ways to tell if your implant has leaked and/or ruptured, including:

For Silicone Gel Implants:

• There is redness, soreness and discomfort in and around the breasts.
• There are small lumps in and around the breast, arm or armpit.
• There is a change in breast size and/or shape.
• The breast area softens or the breasts themselves feel firmer.

For Saline Implants:

• A noticeable reduction in breast size and shape.
• Clear indentation or rippling of the breast.
• Hyper-sensitivity.
• Skin redness.
• Breast asymmetry.

Impact of Implant on Breasts

Hardening Or Contracture Of The Breasts

When you have a breast augmentation, the body recognises the implants as a ‘foreign body’, forming a capsule around them, which over time may harden and transform into deep scar tissue known as capsular contracture. This may also be caused by post-surgery infection, implant placement and type of implant. This can cause the patient a lot of pain, and therefore implant removal and replacement may be necessary to lessen discomfort, while still retaining the desired size and shape.

Ageing, Breast-Feeding and Asymmetry

All breasts, whether natural or implanted can still be affected by gravity, sun-damage, ageing and the effects of pregnancy and motherhood. This can cause drooping, sagging and a change in size due to hormonal fluctuations, as well as rippling of the implants. Therefore, you may want to replace them to restore your breasts’ location, shape, size and appearance.

Similarly, if you had been unhappy with your implants from the start, believing them to be too large or small, then replacing them.

What do breast implants look like when you’re old?

Breasts after implants should ideally age as natural breasts should. This unfortunately involves some form of sagging. Fortunately, breast implants can be monitored by your surgeon as you age to combat this as needed.

After surgery, your breast implant scars will heal until they are barely noticeable after a few years. And if you were to experience implant rippling after reconstruction, then this can also be fixed through revision surgery which would then improve the appearance of your breasts as you get older.

Breast implant surgery at our clinic in Liverpool

Hopefully this has put you at ease in regards to breast implant surgery. We find that our patients love their new look, and we like to keep in contact with our patients after they leave to ensure that they are following the correct aftercare instructions and that they are happy with their new breasts.

If you would like to receive surgery here at the New Birkdale Clinic, then please get in touch by booking a consultation with your chosen surgeon and we can give you more personalised information in person.