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Breast augmentation is designed to enlarge breasts by placing implants.Procedure performed by Mr. Di Francesco at BMI Fitzroy square Hospital ( ex St. Luke's Hospital ) in London
There are many different types of implants (round high or low profile, contour, with a texturized (rough) or smooth surface, filled with cohesive silicone gel or saline solution) and the position of the scars can vary (crease below the breast, around the areola or under the armpit). The implants can be placed in a subglandular or in a submuscular (under the breast tissue and the pectoralis major muscle) pocket, depending on the patient’s anatomical structure. If indicated my personal choice is to place the implant under the muscle: this way the implant is more protected and less visible and the risk of capsular contracture and rippling (creases in the neckline or at the side) decreases.
If the patient’s breasts are sagging a breast lift will be necessary and breast augmentation can be eventually associated: in these cases breast augmentation alone is contraindicated. It is important to remember that placing an implant alone can increase breast volume but cannot give correction of sagging breasts.
If the patient is very thin (with a reduced fat layer to protect and cover the implant) she must be told that the implant could be palpable and sometimes the edges could be visible. The larger the implant the more evident these problems will be.
The choice of implant size does not depend only on the patient’s personal request, but also on her anatomical structure.
Implants need usually to be changed after 15 years.
There is no contraindication to pregnancy or breastfeeding following surgery.
All the possible options and most common complications will be discussed during consultation.
For a breast augmentation animation procedure please click here.
During surgery two small drains are placed and removed a 12 hours later.
Complications: infection (uncommon), haematoma, capsular contracture (1%-3%), shifting of the implant, asymmetry.
How long does surgery take?: about 50 minutes.
Anaesthesia: general
Hospitalization: day hospital or preferably one night in hospital
Post-op: drains removed after 12/24 hours, support bra (of the kind used for sport with adjustable straps) must be worn for 3 or 4 weeks. If the implant is positioned under the muscle an elastic bandage (stabilizer) will be placed over the breasts for three weeks to avoid upward shifting of the implants.
Time off work 10/14 days.No sport for 6/8 weeks. Antibiotic therapy for 7 days.
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Breast 
