| Procedure | After breast implant surgery, scar tissue (=capsule) surrounding the implant can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns. This is a natural process and happens after about 10-15 years. |
|---|---|
| Women over 50 or women with a strong family history of breast cancer should have a breast cancer screen prior to cosmetic surgery. | |
| The breast implant is removed with the surrounding scar tissue (=capsulectomy) where possible. The surgery is more complex than the original insertion of the implants. An additional breast lift improves the shape where ptosis (=droopiness) following surgery is a concern. Breast lift scars are usually anchor shaped = around and underneath the areola. | |
| I don’t use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which don’t require removal and dissolve within four months. A support garment following surgery is recommended. | |
| A fluid collection after more than a year following implant surgery can be an indicator of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) which is a rare cancer associated with rough (=textured) implants. The usual treatment is removal of the implant and a total capsulectomy. | |
| Scars | Anchor shaped: Around areola & vertical below areola & in breast fold |
| Operation time | 3 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery > (Overnight) |
| Benefits | Cosmetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Skin penetration, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis (Nipple / skin / fat), Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness), Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Remaining stretch marks, Recurrent redundancy / droopiness, Cosmetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent pregnancies / weight changes / menopause), Seroma, Shoulder problems, Pneumothorax, Inability to breastfeed, Contour irregularities, Unfavourable nipple shape / position, Need for further surgery, Allergic reaction, Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs |
| N.B. Most complications are unlikely and serious risks are rare | |
| Risk factors | Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency, diabetes |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection, support garments |
| Discomfort | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work & sports & sex 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 -18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Garments, Implant removal without lift |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
