3 Things to Consider on your Breast Surgery Journey

Ageing, pregnancy, genetics, hormones and weight changes can all impact the shape, size and texture of the breasts, which may lead to a loss in confidence or self-consciousness due to feeling limited in the clothes they can wear or the activities they can take part in.

Fortunately, there are a huge range of surgical procedures which address pretty much every concern around the breasts. When you are considering breast surgery, it is important to research and prepare fully so you feel confident going into the process. 

Breast surgery can treat a number of common concerns, and there are often options to combine surgeries for an enhanced and complete result.

Size

Whether your breasts are too big or too small, there are surgeries which can adjust the size of your breasts to make them more proportional with the shape of your body.

Breast Augmentation (also known as Breast Enhancement, or a Boob Job) is a procedure where your surgeon will use silicone breast implants to increase the size of your breasts. This results in larger, more lifted breasts. There are a wide range of implants available depending on the size and shape you are looking for.

Fat Transfer to Breast (also known as a Natural Breast Augmentation) uses your natural fat reserves (extracted using Liposuction) to increase the size and improve the texture of the breasts. The size results are usually more subtle than when implants are used (usually around a cup size larger) but the approach can be completely bespoke based on exactly how your surgeon injects the fat.

If your breasts are too large, Breast Reduction is an effective solution. Using excision and Liposuction your surgeon will reduce the size of your breasts and adjust their position, resulting in flattering body proportions. Breast Reduction is often combined with other breast procedures to enhance the final result.

Sagging

Sagging breasts is a common concern caused by weight loss, pregnancy, genetics or ageing.

A Breast Lift (Mastopexy) is the best solution for sagging breasts. Your surgeon will remove excess tissue and lift the breast mound and nipple into an enhanced position. Breast Lift surgery is also regularly combined with Breast Augmentation or Fat Transfer to Breast (known as an Augmented Mastopexy) to increase the size of the breasts at the same time.

Reconstruction

Following Mastectomy for cancer treatment, many patients wish to have their breasts reconstructed, rather than using the prosthetic options that are available. Breast Reconstruction can be performed either using implants or with the patient’s tissue, donated from another area (known as free flap reconstruction).

Nipple size or shape

Many people, both men and women have concerns about the appearance of their nipples, either caused by hormonal changes, breastfeeding, or genetics.

Nipple procedures cover a huge number of concerns, including flat, inverted, puffy nipples or adjusting the nipples size. 

If you are planning a cosmetic breast surgery procedure, it is important to research and prepare comprehensively, to ensure you have a safe and successful surgical experience.

Find a reputable surgeon.

Finding a surgeon that you trust and that is experienced in performing the procedure you are looking for is key when planning your surgery. You may wish to have consultations with different surgeons to discuss your concerns and understand their different approaches.

Some questions to ask your surgeon as part of the consultation in order to help you are:

• How many times have you performed this procedure? 
• Please can I see some before and after photos from previous procedures you have carried out? 
• How will you carry out this procedure? 
• What results can I expect? 
• Are there any complications or risks I need to be aware of? 
• What steps should I take to ensure a smooth recovery?

If you aren’t happy with the answers you receive, or don’t fully feel you can trust the surgeon you are speaking with (despite their experience and qualifications) do not force yourself to have surgery with them. It is important that you trust your surgeon and gel with them.

It is also important that you are happy with the clinic that your procedure is being carried out in. Find out what is offered as part of your surgical package and the type of facilities they offer.

• Is it daycase only, or do they have options for overnight care? 
• Is your aftercare included in the package? 
• How many surgeries do they carry out each year? 
• Do they have a revision or secondary surgery policy?

Your surgeon may operate across different clinics, so ask about how each clinic may vary and find the right one for you, depending on your needs.

Understand the different surgical options that are right for you.

As part of your consultation, your surgeon may suggest different breast surgeries or a combination of procedures to achieve your desired results. Make sure you understand the different options that are available, and which one will work best for you. In the case of a combination of procedures, your surgeon will be able to give you a breakdown of the concerns each element will address.

At Cadogan Clinic, following your consultation, your surgeon will send your surgical plan to your dedicated patient advisor. Often this will include a range of options (including doing nothing) and your patient advisor will be able to help you weigh up the options and decide which is the best surgery for you.

Look for the best aftercare and recovery programme.

Many patients focus on the surgery itself and their desired results when researching into breast surgery. However, to make sure you don’t experience any complications and that your results are the best they can be, your aftercare and recovery are key. Your surgeon will explain the recovery steps you need to take during your consultation, so you know what to expect.

These steps usually include:

• Wearing a surgical bra to protect and support your breasts in the weeks following surgery. 
• Avoiding any strenuous activity or heavy lifting. 
• Keeping your incisions dry and clean. 

The exact recovery instructions vary for each procedure and can also vary between patients, so it is crucial that you follow the exact plan your surgeon provides.

It is also important that you ask about the aftercare provided by the clinic. At Cadogan Clinic, following your procedure, you will have 24/7 access to our specialist cosmetic nurses, by phone, to answer any questions and concerns you may have.

If you are interested in breast surgery, get in touch with our dedicated patient advisors who will answer your initial questions and organise a consultation for you with one of our specialist breast surgeons.