Breast augmentation surgery, otherwise known as breast enlargement, or boob job, is an operation to increase the size, shape, and evenness of the breasts. This is a major surgery, and so all your bases must be covered if you are interested in getting a breast augmentation in the UK. It is important that you do as much research as possible, to ensure the process goes smoothly and without issue.
In some special cases, the NHS might be able to cover the costs of the surgery, such as if you had breast cancer, or if you have severely uneven breasts.
Consulting
Before you go ahead with breast augmentation surgery, it is important that you do plenty of research into your surgeon, the surgery where the procedure will take place, and whether it is appropriate for you.
Once you have decided on your surgeon, it is time to book a consultation session! There are a few things you should do to prepare for your consultation.
Firstly, when attending, you should make sure that you have easily accessible clothing as there is a physical exam (t-shirt and trousers, rather than a jumpsuit or a dress). Secondly, if you are nervous or just want some moral support, bring somebody along! And finally, it is important that you formulate a list of all the questions you want answering.
During the examination, the surgeon and an accompanying nurse will ask you questions about how you want your breasts to look, they will use breast implant sizers to judge the right size for you.
Surgery
As discussed in your consultation, your surgery will comprise of using either silicon or saline implants. Silicone implants feel and look more natural and last longer, however if they rupture, they may cause lumps within the breast. Saline implants are more likely to rupture, however your body will just absorb the saline.
The surgery is relatively easy and quick, it takes between 1-2 hours and involves the surgeon making an incision in the breast, placing the implant either behind your chest muscle or between your chest muscle and breast tissue. Patients often go home the very same day. The operation is carried under general anaesthetic, and you are also given painkillers.
Recovery
The recovery process is the most important part of the augmentation process, and so you must follow your surgeon’s recovery plan exactly, to ensure your safety and to ensure the best results.
It can take up to two weeks to recover from the surgery itself, so make sure you have no plans in that time. Your surgeon may provide you with a kind of bra to keep the implants in place while you recover. After a few weeks, the stitches used will dissolve, and after six weeks you should be able to carry on with your usual day-to-day life.
It may take a few months to truly see the full results of the surgery, if you are not happy with how they look at this time, it is important that you talk with your surgeon in any follow-up meetings.
