Breast augmentation surgery or a ‘boob job’ surgery is still the most common and popular surgical treatment in the UK. This surgery can be performed for a variety of reasons, from cosmetic to breast replacement surgery following breast cancer. Whatever your reasons for considering breast augmentation, it’s important to be aware of what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
Mr Riccardo Frati is a highly-experienced breast surgeon and has performed thousands of breast augmentation procedures from our London and Manchester clinics. We believe that a patient should be fully-educated and to understand exactly what this process entails, from initial consultation with Mr Frati, to the roles of his clinical support team and to your role and responsibilities as a patient, after all, you are about to embark on a life-changing process which will entail adhering to aftercare instructions and advice.
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What happens before my breast augmentation surgery?
Before your breast augmentation surgery, Mr Frati will conduct a no obligation consultation and this may lead in to two or even three consultations before you finally make your decision and Mr Frati will never make you feel pressurized in to making a quick decision. This is a vital part of your patient journey and something we will insist on as it will give you the opportunity to discuss your concerns, what to expect from the procedure itself and the aftercare required to obtain and maintain the best possible results. Breast augmentation starts with this step and it is the foundation of every successful breast surgery procedure.
What happens when I have decided to have my breast augmentation surgery?
When you are fully-satisfied that you would like to go ahead with your breast augmentation procedure and that, indeed, Mr Frati is the surgeon for you, you’ll arrange your surgery date with our team. Prior to this date, our patient liaison team will ensure that you have all the information that you need to know what to expect and what to bring on the day. Your procedure will take place at one of our allocated surgeries and you will be asked to attend a few hours before the procedure takes place. You’ll be made comfortable and will have a final meeting with Mr Frati as well as your anesthetist, so you are aware of what’s to come. You’ll be asked to change in to a gown and then you’ll be taken to surgery.
You won’t really know much about the surgery itself, apart from when you have your general anaesthetic and this can last seconds, as you are asked to count from 10 to 1 (you’ll probably get to 8 and then you’ll be asleep). The next you will know is that you’ll slowly come round in our recovery area and will be taken care of by one of our nurses, who will be assigned to you throughout your wake-up period. Your nurse will help you to wake up fully, will help you to the toilet (as all our patients need to urinate before they are allowed home) and you may be asked to eat something. Usually after a couple of hours (and one last visit from Mr Frati who will give you a summary of how the surgery went) you will be allowed to return home, armed with a full breakdown of recovery and aftercare information.
What happens after breast augmentation surgery?
When you return home, you will need a period to rest well so that your body can recover properly. This can be anything from a week to 2 weeks. You will be able to gradually return to most of your normal activities within four to six weeks. You can return to the gym in around 4 to 8 weeks but everyone responds differently and it’s important to attend your 4 week post-procedure assessment to ensure you are healing correctly. You’ll be required to wear a special support bra, every day and night for around 2 to 4 weeks and possibly a strap for a couple of days to keep your new breasts in place. As you can imagine, in this time-frame, things may be slightly uncomfortable and you will also be tired for about a week afterwards as you are recovering from a surgical procedure. However, you will be provided pain killers so that you are as comfortable as possible. Make sure you get plenty of rest and eat well during your recovery. This is one of the only times that a restricted calorie diet is not recommended. Your body needs to heal! So eat plenty of lean protein, fresh fruit and vegetables and good carbs like brown rice, sourdough bread and wholemeal pasta. You’ll feel a whole lot better for it!
What can I expect to look or feel like?
Your breasts will look and feel a little unnatural at first. They will be swollen and will feel a little heavy, but this is a normal response and your breasts will soften over a period of a few weeks to a few months. You will be asked to return to the clinic around 4 weeks after surgery for a follow up appointment so that we can examine your breasts to ensure they are healing well. At Mr Frati’s clinic we understand that you may be worried with how your breasts change in this time, such as slight pains, tingling or numbness. These sensations are all normal and part of the healing process. However, our clinical team are on hand whenever you need to speak with us, to put your mind at ease. Never feel embarrassed to call and discuss your concerns with us, it is what we are here for.
Breast augmentation surgery is a life-changing procedure and can restore your confidence as well as improving your daily life. It’s vital to be confident and happy with your surgeon and to know exactly what to expect from this procedure, so you can make sure you obtain those beautiful results you’re looking for.