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Breast Augmentation


A breast augmentation is an operation whereby silicone is inserted into the natural breasts to make them bigger and usually to improve their shape.

Is it suitable for me?

You are most likely to benefit from a breast augmentation if one or more of the following conditions apply:

  • You are self conscious about the size of your breasts
  • You have experienced a decrease in breast size
    or change of breast shape because of pregnancy or weight loss
  • You have breast asymmetry – one breast noticeably smaller than the other

Your surgeon will carry out a detailed consultation and assessment with you before any surgery is decided upon. This will include a breast examination, questioning about your medical history and photographs may be taken to aid with before and after comparisons. At this stage you should let your surgeon know if you are planning any significant weight loss or future pregnancies because both can change the size and shape of breasts and could affect the long term results of surgery.

What can I expect?

If your surgery is successful your breasts should be larger and have a better shape.
This may make you more comfortable with your appearance, and it could have a positive impact on personal and sexual relationships.

What does the surgery involve?

A breast augmentation can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour and a half. Most surgeons prefer to place the implant directly behind your breast as this gives the most natural result. However if you are very slim and do not have enough breast skin / tissue to cover the implant they may recommend placing the implant behind the pectoral muscle which lies behind the breast – this will prevent the outline of the implants being noticeable.
The implant will usually be placed into the body through an incision in the crease under the breast.

Are implants safe?

Various types and sizes of implants are available – all implants are made of an outer layer (shell) of silicone and they will be filled with silicone.Many studies have been carried out to assess the safety of silicone implants and there is no evidence to suggest that women who have silicone implants are at a higher risk of getting diseases such as cancer or arthritis.
Silicone is widely and safely used in many health care products such as heart valve replacements, facial implants and medication tubes.

What happens after surgery?

After surgery your breasts may be wrapped in bandages for support and they will look discoloured and feel firm and swollen.You should be able to go home on the same day as your surgery or the day after. You should wear a sports bra for 4 – 6 weeks.Most women will return to normal activities within two to three weeks – for the first three weeks after the operation do not lift anything heavy or do strenuous housework such as vacuuming or ironing. Do not drive until you are confident that you will be able to control your vehicle and wear a seat belt comfortably.

The future

You will have follow up appointments with your surgeon to check your progress – it usually takes a few weeks for the breasts to look and feel more natural.The results of a breast augmentation usually last a long time – manufacturers say about ten years. Surgery may be required in the future to have the implants removed or replaced because age and the effects of gravity will change the shape and size of your breasts.
You should be able to breast feed normally but it is worth noting that implants placed behind the breast may interfere with a mammogram. Breast checks are however possible using an ultrasound or MRI scan and no evidence exists to say that having implants can delay the diagnosis of breast cancer.

For further information on any surgical procedures or
to book a consultation, please contact us at:


Fitzwilliam Clinic, 70-72 Lisburn Road, Belfast
Tel: 028 9032 3888
Email: info@fitzwilliamclinic.com