Introduction
A lot of women in the UK get breast implants.
In 2023, as many as 4,924 women did. Often the reason behind getting this procedure is small breasts, asymmetrical breasts, or tubular breasts. Some women also choose breast surgery due to sagging after multiple pregnancies or drastic weight loss. Breast surgery with implants has been found to boost women’s confidence and self-esteem as well as improve their social and sexual lives.
If you’re unhappy with your breast size, are considering a boob job, and have questions, you’ve come to the right place! It’s a big decision. So, let’s dive in.
Breast Surgery with Implants
This surgery is also known as breast enlargement, . A surgeon does this procedure to increase the size of women’s breasts, change shape, and make them more even – all in proportion to the patient’s body shape and size. This type of breast surgery is done using implants which can be made of silicone or saline and placed under your breast tissue or muscle.
Breast Implant Surgery vs Breast Lift Surgery
Breast surgery with implants focuses on what it says: increasing the size and shape of your breast with the help of silicone or saline implants.
Breast lift surgery focuses more on the position and shape of your breasts. It doesn’t impact the size of your breasts as much as an implant would.
Both surgeries can help improve breast symmetry, and make your breasts appear younger and perkier. A breast lift surgery can also be combined with breast surgery with implants to enhance the shape of the breasts and add volume to them.
Basics of Breast Implants
Before you get into surgery for breast implants, there are the first few things that you really must have complete clarity on.
Types of Breast Implants: There are two types: round-shaped breast implants and tear-drop-shaped implants. The former gives your breasts more volume at the top, while the latter allows surgeons more freedom to choose the height and width of the implants, thereby customising a more natural appearance for your breasts.
Different Materials for Implants: Two types of breast implants are used for breast implant surgeries. They are either made from either silicone or saline.
Placement of Breast Implants: There are three predominant placement locations for breast implant surgery:
- Subglandular: Behind the breast tissue
- Submuscular: Behind the pectoral muscle
- Dual plane augmentation: Partly behind the breast tissue and partly behind the muscle tissue
Impact on Breastfeeding: The type or the material of the breast implant you decide to use for your breast surgery doesn’t impact lactation or your ability to breastfeed. However, the placement of the implant and the location of the incision may have a role to play in milk production and supply.
Preparing for Breast Surgery with Implants
Breast implant surgeries are undertaken only at registered hospitals in the UK and by surgeons registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
During your consultation with your surgeon, your goal is to learn more about breast implant surgery and the recommended plan for you. After you’re completely satisfied with the information, you’ll be ready for the next step: the surgery. But before you get into the operation theatre, there will be a few last things you’ll need to check off the list.
Note: You will require a blood test and this will be done as part of your pre-op assessment one or two weeks before surgery. Normal pre-op assessment also includes a medical history review, a urine test, a pregnancy test, and a discussion on temporarily stopping certain medications like anticoagulants.
After your final consultation with your surgeon, you will fix the date and time for your surgery.
Day Before the Surgery
Here’s a guided walkthrough of everything that you can expect on the day of your breast surgery with implants.
Step 1 – Hospital Check-in
Once you’re at the hospital, you’ll be given paperwork that you’ll have to fill out. After that, you’ll be shown to your room and provided a hospital gown to change into.
Step 2 – Meeting with Surgeon and Anaesthetist
Your anaesthetist will talk you through the process of putting you under general anaesthesia while your surgeon may mark the place on your breasts where the incisions will be made.
Step 3 – In Surgery
In the operation theatre during surgery, your surgeon will follow the marks made earlier on your breasts to make incisions. They will insert the implants based on the placements (subglandular, submuscular, or dual plane augmentation) already agreed upon. Once they are in the correct place, they will stitch the incision back up and close the wound with sutures and surgical glue as required . Lastly, your wound will be bandaged up and a surgical bra may be used to hold the implants correctly in position.
Step 4 – Recovery
After your breast implant surgery is completed and your anaesthesia begins to wear off, you’ll wake up in the theatre or the recovery. Initially, you may feel some nausea, grogginess, and soreness, but this will wear off soon.
Pre-Surgery Checklist
- You may be asked to go off medications like anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant medication ahead of surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.
- If you’re a smoker, you may be asked to stop in the six weeks leading up to your breast surgery to avoid any complications like post-op infections or wound breakdown.
7 Must-Haves in Your Hospital Bag
- Packing a loose top or dress that fastens in the front is ideal. Since you will have difficulty raising your arms after your breast implant surgery, wearing something that’s easy to get into post-op and on your way home will make the experience easier.
- Loose trousers or a pair of pants that are easy to get into.
- Carry your reusable water bottle with a straw to make it easy to drink out of. Don’t miss your mobile charger and books or portable devices for entertainment.
- A sports bra in your new breast size. You can also check with your surgeon or the hospital if this might be something that the hospital will provide or if you will be given a surgical bra so that you don’t end up carrying an extra.
- Take personal care items such as wet wipes, moisturiser, and lip balm, along with other items that you think would help you make your stay comfortable and enable a positive recovery.
- Medications that you may be on to manage your health in their original packaging and labels to help the hospital staff correctly identify your medicines and ensure you get the best care. It may be a good idea to have the prescription for those also with you.
- If your surgeon recommends an overnight stay at the hospital, you should pack a set of overnight clothes and toiletries.
Plan for Lifestyle Changes after Surgery
- Book time off work to focus on a quick, comfortable, and complete recovery. Consider taking at least a week to begin with.
- Arrange for a family member or a friend to drive you to and from the hospital after your breast implant Talk to them early on about how much help you may ask of them besides driving you around, including helping you dress, washing up, and with your meals.
- Consider asking your family member or a friend to stay the night to help and care for you during the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
- At home, stocking up on easy-to-prepare meals might help take the stress of cooking your meals, snacks, and refreshments off you.
- It will help to place your essentials and daily-use items in an accessible location or lower than they’re normally placed so you don’t hurt yourself getting them after the breast implant
- If you’re a parent, plan for childcare after your breast surgery with implants.
The Path to Recovery
Recovery and healing time depend on the type of placement of the breast implant and can be different for different women. You will have some mobility and be able to walk around from day 1, although you might experience some discomfort as is common with any big surgery.
You may be advised to avoid heavy lifting or exercising in the first few weeks after breast implant surgery, but you can easily return to your fitness routine after six weeks.
You will be advised to refrain from a few other activities for the first 10 days at least, including:
- Getting your surgery wounds wet
- Sleeping on your stomach
- Driving or taking flights
- Smoking
- Weight training
Just after your breast implant surgery, you may notice some swelling and sensitivity. This is caused by inflammation resulting from any surgery and is common. The swelling will begin to come down and you will get the feeling in your breasts back in a few days. You may also experience some tightness in your chest, which too will subside as your skin adjusts around your new breast size.
It’s important to remember that rest is essential for a full recovery.
5 Reasons to Call Your Surgeon or Nurse
- Besides the redness and swelling around your breast, if you experience flu-like symptoms like a fever and nausea, you might want to check for infections.
- If the pain and swelling don’t go away despite the painkillers and even after a few days or the implant rotates giving your breasts an unusual shape.
- If you experience rashes, hives, breathing difficulty, bleeding, or acute pain in the breasts among other extreme distresses.
- If you feel your breasts hardening, it may be because of the scar tissues shrinking. This is called capsular contracture and requires your surgeon’s attention.
- If the implant wrinkles or folds under the thin layer of muscle or there are small, tender lumps that can be spotted in breast scans.
Top Breast Implant Surgery Questions Answered
Am I too old for breast implant surgery?
Any woman within the age group of 18 years and above can choose to get breast surgery with implants. It’s a personal decision that you may choose to make regardless of your age.
Is breast implant surgery painful?
Most women report moderate pain that can be managed with painkillers in the first couple of weeks. The first five to seven days are reportedly the most uncomfortable. After the first two weeks, you may be able to manage the pain with minimum medication. Severe pain in these weeks may be a symptom of infection and require immediate medical attention.
Will I lose sensation in my nipples after breast implant surgery?
You may experience some change in nipple sensitivity after breast surgery with implants. But it should return to normal within 6 to 12 months after surgery.
How can I tell if there’s a problem with my implants?
If after the recovery and healing period (of about six weeks), you notice the shape of your breasts changing, feel the implants harden, or experience pain in the area where the implant was placed, you should consider contacting your surgeon.
When do breast implants start to feel normal?
As your muscles and breast tissues relax around the breast implants, they should feel more natural. This can take anywhere between three to six months.
Is breast implant surgery high-risk?
No surgical procedure is 100% risk-free. However, breast surgery with implants has become extremely safe over time, and surgeons advise on high-quality breast implants, type, size, and placement. Tailoring the surgery to individual needs reduces the risk of complications.
It’s important to note that complications such as infections may arise if you’re a smoker, or have a comorbidity (conditions coexisting with a previous diagnosis). A small number of patients report symptoms such as anxiety, knee and joint pains, and ‘brain fog’ which are believed to be related to Breast Implant Illness (BII). But there isn’t conclusive evidence as there isn’t a single disease to explain these symptoms. In addition, as of December 2023, one of 14,200 implants sold reported the incidence of breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
What is the right way to sleep after breast implant surgery?
It’s best to sleep on your back, with your body slightly elevated with the help of a few pillows. You could also try a recliner. This position prevents fluid from building up, helps hold your breasts and the implants in their position, reduces stress on the incisions and swelling, and improves circulation. Don’t sleep on your chest!
Is there an ideal bra to wear after breast surgery with implants?
Initially, you will have bandages or a surgical bra that helps hold the implants in place and allows your breast tissues and muscles to get used to them. After the first few days, you may be advised to wear sports bras. Avoid sports bras with underwire.
Sports bras made of cotton or other breathable material, wide shoulder straps, big cups to provide complete coverage and support, and with front-closure are best.
How soon can I drive after breast implant surgery?
If you’re not on any pain medications, you should be able to start driving within one week after surgery. However, you will be advised to stay away from stressful physical activities for a few more weeks and it’s always advisable to consult your surgeon for a go-ahead.
Life after Breast Implant Surgery
In the UK, breast surgery with implants is one of the most commonly opted cosmetic surgeries.
Within three to five days of your breast implant surgery, you should be able to move normally. By the 7- or 10-day mark, you will have achieved freer movement and you should be able to go back to work.
For strenuous physical activities, however, you might have to wait a little longer.
Conclusion
Start your breast implant journey by researching surgeons. Book an appointment for a consultation with the surgeon of your choice and weigh your options. Being prepared will ensure you’re in complete control of your health.
Results of breast surgery with implants are immediately visible. Most women report increased confidence after surgery. It’s only the time spent in recovery that can be bothersome, but with some patience and a lot of care, you will be up and about in no time enjoying life like you had imagined.
References
Stewart C. Annual number of breast augmentation procedures performed in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2023. 2024 May 6.
Noorizadeh H, Bari BK. The effect of breast augmentation surgery on quality of life, satisfaction, and marital life in married women using BREAST-Q as a validation tool. J Family Med Prim Care. 2020 Feb 28;9(2):711-713. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1013_19. PMID: 32318407; PMCID: PMC7114070.
NHS England. Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry.
General Medical Council, UK.
Gov.UK. Symptoms sometimes referred to as Breast Implant Illness. 202 Jan 17; 2023 April 23.
Abbott M; Roberts M. Woman with cancer warns of rare breast implant risk. BBC News. 2024 Sept 4.
Jabir S, Vadodaria S, Nugent N, Sankar TK. Breast Augmentation: A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK and Irish Aesthetic Surgeons. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2023 Jul 21;5:ojad070. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojad070. PMID: 37564462; PMCID: PMC10411920.
