Bernard Sleiter
Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery is the most sought-after plastic surgery procedure. It is performed to increase the size or fullness of the breasts using implants. These are usually made of silicone but can also be filled with saline solution.
Your Surgical
Journey
Attend consultation with Dr. Sleiter
Book your surgery date
Pre-operative exams
Day of surgery
1st dressing change after 1 week
Reviews after 2 and 4 weeks
Why breast augmentation?
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There are multiple reasons why women decide to undertake Breast Augmentation. Some women may feel that their breasts did not develop to the desired size or they may have lost volume due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For these women, breast augmentation may provide a more flattering, better proportioned figure, expanded clothing options, and feelings of greater confidence and self-esteem.​
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What happens during the consultation?
Before considering breast augmentation it is critically important for patients to have a comprehensive consultation to become familiar with the procedure.
In your consultation, Dr. Sleiter will inform you of the potential short and long-term complications (read more below) regarding the procedure as well discussing the size, shape, and positioning of the implants.
How does the procedure work?
On the day of surgery a consent form will need to be signed, photos taken and markings made. Surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and will take approx. 45 minutes. The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution. An incision is made and the pocket prepared, over or under the muscle, to accommodate the implant. The incision will be closed using resorbable stitches. After surgery you will be taken from the operating room to a recovery area. You will be watched until you have recovered from the anaesthesia. After about 3/4 hours you should be able to leave.
After your surgery:
Once you reach home, it’s important to follow the postoperative instructions and keep all your follow-up appointments. It is crucial that you keep taking antibiotics and any pain medicines as instructed. Your breasts may be bruised and swollen. They may not look like you thought they would, but this will go away as you heal. A support bra is needed and you will be instructed accordingly.
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During the first few days after surgery, you can expect to feel sore. This is especially true if the implants are placed under your chest muscles. It is important to avoid lifting, pulling and moving heavy objects. Additionally, it is advised to take sponge baths for the first few days.
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The first dressing change is usually after 1 week.
Indicatively, you may need a week before returning to work and 4/5 weeks for sport activities. However, recovery time varies from patient-to-patient.
Long-term aspects:
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Pregnancies and breastfeeding can change the size and shape of your breasts. Usually there is a loss of volume in upper quadrants and some sagging effect. Statistics show that breast augmentation is not a one time intervention, so, a change of implants or uplift might be needed at a later stage. Moreover, it is important to get a regular implant check (UK health guidelines recommend ultrasound after 8/10 yrs) to make sure that the implants are not leaking or ruptured. In this case, a surgery will be needed to replace or remove the implants.
Complications:
General health issues include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart, kidney or lung diseases. More specific risks are bleeding, haematoma, infection, capsular contracture, numbness and or variable sensitivity in breasts. Very recently a link between a rare form of blood cancer and breast augmentation (ALCL) has been found that should also be taken into account. There is no evidence that breast implants raise your risk for breast cancer but it will need to be taken into account if you have a family history of the disease.