Why consider Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement involves the placement of breast implants (usually silicone breast implants) behind the breast tissue for a range of reasons including;
- Breast Volume Enhancement
- Improvement in Breast Shape/Contour
- Correction of Breast droop (Ptosis)
- Correction of Breast Asymmetry
Anatomical or shaped silicone breast implants
Achieving the best result from your Breast Augmentation requires an individualised approach for a whole range of choices including the correct implant size and shape, and selecting a surgical approach that is “tailor-made” for your natural shape and desired outcome.
Mr. Hawkins uses established surgical techniques that can be individually adjusted to your requirements. This will be discussed in detail during your pre-operative assessment. It often helps to have a clear set of goals in your mind before embarking on cosmetic breast surgery and we will help to guide you through this process, including selection of the most appropriate implants for your breast and frame and whether your implants would be best placed under the chest muscle (sub-muscular) or directly under your existing breast tissue (sub-glandular). During your consultation we will be able to discuss the specifics of which type of procedure is the best in your situation in a relaxed and unhurried setting with a specialist nurse also present to support you. We can also provide you with some external breast "shells" that can be fitted in a modified bra to help confirm that you are happy with the implants that have been suggested.
Mr. Hawkins will routinely perform a full clinical assessment and will look to identify subtle variations that may be present that can significantly impact upon the cosmetic outcome of your surgery if not identified early. These can then be factored into your surgical approach. He will also be able to advise if an uplift (mastopexy) will be required as part of your surgery or indeed if an uplift procedure alone may be sufficient for you to acheive your goals. This may be the case if you already have sufficient breast volume but only require "tightening" of your breast skin envelope to help control the position of the breast tissue..
We only use the highest quality silicone implants (Mentor) which can either be round or anatomical/teardrop shaped implants. We will never compromise patient safety for any reason and as such only use the highest quality silicone implants of the textured variety in order to minimize the long-term effects of capsular contracture and implant rupture. Further information on implant safety can be found here (MHRA website). Mr. Hawkins has never used PIP implants. Modern "form-stable" silicone implants no longer have a specific lifespan but may need to be changed periodically for a variety of reasons. Mr. Hawkins will advise you on the long-term implications of cosmetic breast augmentation so that you can also plan for your long-term breast health.
What can you expect during and after your operation?
A Breast Augmentation procedure usually involves a single overnight stay in our single bed en-suite rooms at our private healthcare facilities at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital. You will be fully cared for during your stay by our experienced nursing and anaesthetic teams including a consultant anaesthetist for your operation.
After discharge your recovery will also be supported by our specialist nursing team who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Please also be assured that a specialist nurse will always be present to support you during your pre-operative assessments particularly during any examinations.
Mr. Hawkins routinely reviews all his post-operative breast enlargement patients at 2 weeks for a wound check and at the 3-month stage. In the rare event of post operative complications occurring you can be assured that we will be on hand every step of the way to guide you through safely. During your stay you will also be fitted for a special bra that you should wear for approximately 4 weeks after your surgery to aid in your recovery. We also ask you to avoid exercise during your early recovery and to avoid lifting your arms above you head for the first 3-4 days. Most patients can resume normal physical exercise and sexual functioning within 4-6 weeks.
Please feel free to contact our team to arrange for an initial consultation to discuss your requirements in more detail and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Click here for Mr Hawkins' FAQ Patient Information Sheet for Breast Enlargement Surgery
