Breast Enlargement
(Augmentation)

There are no exercises, hormones, or other medications that have a permanent effect on the size of a small breast. Employed to the point of exhaustion, these methods have proven to be worthless.

The padded bra can provide the desired outward appearance, but it does not improve the frequently associated feeling of inadequacy when the bra is removed. In some circumstances, dependence on a padded bra can add to an increased lack of self-esteem.

Long-standing feelings like this are usually the primary motivation for women who wish to undergo breast enlargement surgery.

Under-developed breasts, or breasts that have lost their form or substance following weight loss or pregnancy, can be enlarged and reshaped with the aid of mammary prostheses, or implants as they are more commonly known.

Implants are constructed so that they have a texture and weight closely resembling that of breast tissue, and come in a wide range of sizes to suit individual requirements. The asymmetry of uneven breasts can also be balanced using different sized implants in each breast.

Following breast enlargement surgery there will not usually be any reduction in the sensitivity of the breast, and it is still possible to breast feed.

Candidates for breast implant surgery range in age from the minimum requirement of 18 years to women well over the age of 55, subject to a surgeon’s assessment of their medical suitability. Some patients are younger women who have never developed, but many are over the age of 35, with most of this age group expressing the desire to finally concentrate on themselves and regain their previous breast shape after bearing and raising children over a number of years.

Whatever their age, the results for women undergoing breast implant surgery goes way beyond the aesthetic effects of having larger, fuller shaped breasts. The boost in confidence can be immense, with the rippling effect of this newfound self-assurance spreading into all areas of their life. Many women become more secure with their curvier shape, which impacts in the way they dress and feel about themselves generally, and many more find that their personal and sexual relationships improve as they develop a more comfortable attitude to their bodies.

Implants can be placed under or over the pectoral muscle, which lies beneath the breast. Suitability for each method is based on individual analysis, subject to a surgeon’s recommendation after an examination:

Over the muscle: (see Figure 1 part a)

For the majority of patients, the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle. The surgeon forms a cavity under the patient’s remaining breast tissue and inserts the implant into it, which lifts and shapes the

breast as it fills out the space. As the implant lies between the breast wall below and the natural tissue above, the breast retains a natural look and feel.

Under the muscle: (see Figure 1 part b)

For patients who are particularly slim or do not have enough breast skin and tissue, a surgeon may opt to place the implant under the muscle. In these instances the implant lies between the breast wall and the pectoral muscle, with the natural breast tissue remaining on top for the most natural look. A smaller implant may be necessary to perform this method due to space limitations under the muscle, but the aesthetic results are worth it for very slim patients, as placing the implant in a sub-pectoral position prevents the outline of the implants being visible on a lean chest.

Post Operative Healing
Breast enlargement surgery involves a one-night stay in hospital. Sutures (stitches) are usually removed after 7 – 10 days, if they are not dissolvable. During this time there will be some swelling, which is suppressed by the patient wearing a support or sports bra continually for a period of approximately 4 weeks. For the first few days there may also be some slight bruising. The patient is advised not to drive for 5-7 days following surgery, and to avoid heavy lifting and any strenuous exercise involving use of the arms for a minimum of four weeks.