You’re late, you take the test, you’re excited…congratulations you’ve got a little baby on the way and your family is growing! It’s an exciting time and pregnancy brings with it a great deal of joy but also worry – especially if you’re a first time Mum. If you’ve undergone breast surgery then you may have a few more questions as the news sinks in.
There seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to pregnancy and boob jobs, so allow us to clarify the impact that pregnancy has on your breast implants.
How Long Should I Have To Wait After Surgery Before I Get Breast Augmentation?
A common question that women have when planning their breast augmentation is ‘how long after breast augmentation can I get pregnant’, which is important to know if you plan on starting a family.
In most cases, your surgeon will advise you to delay breast augmentation if you are planning to become pregnant in the very near future. Still, some pregnancies come as quite a surprise, and breast augmentation recovery may still be in progress when it happens. If you become pregnant after breast implants have been very recently placed, you should speak to your surgeon as well as your gynaecologist to discuss any concerns you have as well as any special precautions you can take to ensure your healing continues smoothly and successfully.
Can I Breastfeed After Breast Surgery?
One of the most talked about
issues is whether to breastfeed or not and that question might play on your
mind a little more if you’ve had breast augmentation – not only should you
breastfeed but will you be able to?
If you’re a first-time Mum then (like all other women) you
won’t know whether or not you have the ability to breast feed but only in very
rare cases will your breast enlargement surgery affect the outcome. The
placement of your implants can also affect your ability to breastfeed. To
reduce the risk of milk duct damage, opt for incisions being made in the fatty
tissue under the breast.
Once you begin to breastfeed after augmentation, it’s best to closely monitor your milk supply to ensure baby is getting enough nourishment. Women who do face problems in breastfeeding often find it’s an issue related to milk supply such as difficulty passing the milk through the breast, reduced let-down (milk ejection) response, or low supply. (Of course, underproduction of milk and let-down issues are common troubles for many women regardless of implant status.)
Will My Breasts Change Shape?
While breasts do increase in size due to pregnancy, their engorgement won’t interfere with your implants. Lots of women have reported that their implants appeared more “natural looking” post-pregnancy. Breast augmentation usually gives a perkier looking shape, and the fullness at the top of the implant may seem more deflated due to loss of skin elasticity post-pregnancy. The size of your breast implants, as well as the size your breasts were before surgery, may also play a factor in your outcome after pregnancy.
Will I Need More Surgery?
No two women are the same but it’s natural for your body to
change during pregnancy, and it is not abnormal for there to be changes to your
physical appearance after childbirth. Your body just went through a
hormone-induced triathlon, so don’t be unkind to yourself by expecting changes
overnight. The best advice is to wait until around 6 months after your baby is
born (longer if you are still breastfeeding) before you decide on whether you
think you need another procedure such as skin tightening.
Remember if you have any questions or concerns over your breast augmentation whether you’ve fallen pregnant or are planning on starting a family and considering surgery then speak to your surgeon here at the New Birkdale Clinic, they’ll be more than happy to talk through all your options.
As women age, it is not uncommon for the shape of their breasts to change, especially if they experience major life events such as pregnancy or loss.
Breasts may appear asymmetrical, empty, dropped, or sagged, which can greatly impact a woman’s confidence. More and more women are choosing to undergo cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of their breasts, with breast uplifts and augmentations quickly growing in popularity.
As women age, it is not uncommon for the shape of their breasts to change, especially if they experience major life events such as pregnancy or loss.
Breasts may appear asymmetrical, empty, dropped, or sagged, which can greatly impact a woman’s confidence. More and more women are choosing to undergo cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of their breasts, with breast uplifts and augmentations quickly growing in popularity.
What is Breast Augmentation?
A breast augmentation, also known as abreast enlargement, is a popular surgical procedure for women unhappy with their breast size or shape. Eithersilicone or saline implants are inserted to give the breast a better shape or to improve the size.
People undergo breast augmentations for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes, and the implants are placed in the pocket behind the breast tissue or the chest muscle, depending on the preference of the patient and their anatomy.
What is a Breast Uplift?
Whereas a breast augmentation changes the breast size, a breast uplift (also known as a boob lift) raises and reshapes the breasts, removing excess skin and lifting the breast tissues to a higher position. Breast uplifts are intended to make the breasts appear more youthful and firm, improving the natural droop that comes with age.
Before Breast Lift & Augmentation Surgery
After Breast Lift & Augmentation Surgery
Another big part of the procedure iscorrecting the nipple and areola, which makes them more aligned with the new breast shape and positioning.
The Key Differences Between Breast Uplift and Augmentation
Now that you know the main purpose behind both procedures, it’s important to understand the difference between breast augmentation and uplift surgery. Some of the differences include:
Addressing Different Concerns
One significant difference between breast uplifts and augmentations is the concerns that the procedures address. Breast uplifts, also known as mastopexy, are designed to address concerns about the positioning and shape of the breast, focusing on removing excess skin and tightening the underlying breast tissue.
Breast augmentations are instead designed to increase the size and fullness of the breasts, usually focusing on achieving a larger breast shape. However, there can be reconstructive and aesthetic reasons for undergoing the procedure.
Result Comparisons
A breast uplift mainly addresses sagging and tightens the breasts without much change in size, while breast augmentation aims to enhance volume, typically with implants.
A boob lift provides a firmer, more uplifted look with an immediate lift of the breast tissue, whereas augmentation results in larger breasts, with the final shape developing as swelling decreases over a few weeks. The breast lift results are often more noticeable in terms of positioning and firmness.
Before Submuscular Breast Implants
After Submuscular Breast Implants
Recovery Timeline
With both procedures, you can expect at least 2 weeks of initial recovery, which means that you should take at least 2 weeks off work before returning to light activities. You should expect a full recovery from both procedures within 6-8 weeks, but swelling and discomfort can persist for a few months.
Like any procedure, the recovery time for each procedure depends on how you aid the recovery or how your body naturally responds to healing. Wearing a surgical support bra is often recommended during the recovery period to help maintain the new breast shape and position.
Combined Breast Uplift and Augmentation
A lot of people find it difficult to choose between breast augmentation andbreast uplift, and many decide to undergo a combined procedure. If you are torn between breast uplift and enlargement, you’ll be happy to know that it is possible to have a combined procedure.
If you have lost volume in your breasts and experienced significant sagging, having a combination procedure can help you achieve the results that you’re looking for. When breasts sag, especially after weight loss and pregnancy, they often lose a lot of volume, which is where implants can make up for the lack of breast tissue, creating a fuller projection.
Choosing the Right Procedure For You
It can be challenging to understand which procedure is the right choice for you, but ultimately, making that decision comes down to the current condition of your breasts and your desired outcome. If your breasts are not as full as you’d like, a breast augmentation can make a substantial difference and provide you with the desired results.
However, if you are not happy with the elasticity of the skin around your breasts and you have experienced substantial sagging that affects your confidence, a breast uplift might be better suited for your needs.
As previously mentioned, if you are experiencing all of the above, a combination procedure is likely the best option.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation and Breast Uplift
Though considered safe procedures, with any procedure, there are associated risks that you should be aware of before making a decision. These include:
Bleeding
Also known as a hematoma, there is the risk that blood may collect in the breast tissue or around an implant after these procedures. While hematomas are minor for the most part, if they are more severe, drainage of the blood may be required.
If you suspect a hematoma after your procedure, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Signs that you may be experiencing a hematoma include swelling, bruising, pain, or a firm and spongy breast, so be sure to look out for any symptoms.
Infection
The risk of infection for both breast augmentation and uplift surgery is really low, but it can be serious if it occurs. Some common signs of infection include swelling, redness, tenderness and wound discharge, so if you notice any of those symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
Anaesthesia Risks
Risks related to anaesthesia following a breast augmentation or uplift include allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, extended drowsiness, and, less commonly, cardiovascular or respiratory problems.
The likelihood of complications increases if you are obese, a smoker, have high blood pressure, or have other health issues. It is crucial to inform your surgeon about your complete medical history and medications to minimise these risks. There’s also a small risk of deep vein thrombosis, which your surgeon will discuss with you during consultation.
Scarring
Unfortunately, scarring is an inevitable result of breast augmentation and uplift procedures. However, the extent of scars varies based on the individual, the surgical method, and the extent of the surgery.
Do your due diligence, carry out the right post-operative care, and follow your surgeon’s instructions to reduce the appearance of your scars.
Before Breast Lift & Augmentation Surgery
Before Breast Lift & Augmentation Surgery
Reclaim Your Confidence With New Birkdale
Through this guide, we hope to have provided you with more information about breast augmentation and uplift. At New Birkdale Clinic, we are proud to have a staff of talented and experienced surgeons who have the expertise to help with your surgical needs.Get in touch today to find out how our surgeons can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for these procedures?
You may be a good candidate if you are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are unhappy with the shape, position, or size of your breasts. A consultation with a surgeon will determine the best option for your goals, whether a breast uplift, augmentation, or a combination of both.
Can I combine a breast uplift with augmentation?
Yes. Many patients combine the two procedures to restore fullness while also correcting sagging. Your surgeon will advise if this combined uplift surgery is right for you.
What type of implants are available for augmentation?
We offer silicone and saline implants, available in different shapes and sizes. Your choice will depend on your desired look, body type, and surgeon’s recommendation.
How long does surgery take?
A breast uplift or augmentation usually takes 1–3 hours, depending on the complexity and whether both procedures are done together.
What is recovery like?
Most patients can return to light activities within 2 weeks, but full recovery and return to exercise usually take 6-8 weeks. You may experience swelling, bruising, and tightness during the healing process. Wearing a surgical support bra is often recommended to aid in recovery and maintain results.
Will I have visible scars?
Both procedures involve incisions, so some scarring is expected. However, surgeons usually place incisions in discreet locations, and scars fade significantly over time. The extent of scarring may differ between a boob lift and breast augmentation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 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.
