Breast Augmentation
Consultations offered at our five convenient locations in Harley Street, London, Princess Margaret Hospital, (Windsor), Spire Thames Valley, (Gerrards Cross), Kings' Oak Hospital, (Enfield) and Refresh Medispa, (Amersham)
Breast augmentation is a procedure designed to cosmetically enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Most often, patients choose breast implants to accentuate their feminine curves. There are countless options for silicone and saline breast implants that allow women to customise the appearance of their breasts more than ever before. A 2022 report cites that breast augmentation was the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United Kingdom. (1) Since its inception in the 1960s, research has improved the procedure to make it extremely low-risk and high-reward for many patients looking to attain a more flattering, attractive appearance.
To learn more about breast augmentation or weigh out your options for aesthetic rejuvenation, consider booking a consultation at Refresh Cosmetic Surgery. Our practices are headed by the skilled expertise of Dr Maisam Fazel, a leading onco plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon and lecturer in aesthetic surgery, trained via the Royal College of Surgeons. As a leader in his field with his practice on Harley Street, London, an area of esteemed private surgical centres, Dr Fazel ensures that each of his patients gets the high-quality treatment they are looking for.
To reach out to his staff today, call +44 330 660 0979, use our online form, or get in contact with your nearest location:
Contents
Before and After Photos
Breast Implant Types
The material and quality of your implants play a significant role in how long they will last and the kind of cosmetic enhancements you can expect. Dr. Fazel will provide you with updated information and details regarding each type of implant before going into the specifics of the breast augmentation procedure itself.
Saline and Silicone Implants
Silicone gel implants, while more durable than their saline counterparts, are firmer and have a jelly-like consistency within their silicone shell. Gummy bear implants, in particular, are one of the latest advancements in breast implant technology. They contain thicker silicone gel that has proven to have more resiliency against breast deformation and gravity, making them one of the most popular options today. (2)
Saline implants are fluid-filled with a type of saltwater solution, a liquid similar to what makes up most of the body. In the rare case that these implants rupture, or leak, the body can easily metabolise this solution without side effects. For the insertion of these implants, Dr. Fazel will make very small incisions to place the implant’s deflated silicone shell within the breast pocket. Once inserted, he can slowly fill the implants from the outside, allowing the breast tissue to stretch and accommodate the implant. Saline implants are uncommon in the UK.
Smooth and Textured Implants
Both saline and silicone implants have an outer surface design that is either smooth or textured- each serving a different purpose. While smooth implants can create a more natural look that results in less skin rippling, textured implants can better adhere to the inner surface of the breast tissue, giving them more stabilisation. Recently, research has found a link between textured implants and BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), a type of breast cancer. (3) Luckily, this type of breast cancer is extremely rare and responds well to prompt treatment. Though each type of implant has its unique pros and cons, Dr. Fazel will take into account your body shape and the surgical technique he utilises before recommending which type is best for your augmentation. Over the last several years, Maisam Fazel tends to use nano-textured implants which have not been linked with ALCL yet maintain the better qualities seen in textured implants.
Round and Teardrop Implants
For most plastic and cosmetic surgeries, round implants are most suitable since they can provide a more dramatic elevation of the breasts. Teardrop implants are shaped exactly as described- they are thin at the top and have more fullness at the bottom. They can mimic the look of a natural breast, and they are most commonly utilised for breast reconstructions after mastectomy.
Implant Profile
The implant’s profile is another aspect of its size, referring to how much breast tissue projection from the chest your implants will provide. Implants typically come in low, medium, high, and extra-high profiles. If you have a more slender, smaller-framed body, low-profile implants will look more natural to your body proportions. Meanwhile, women with larger frames may benefit more from a higher profile implant.
Implant Placement
Dr. Fazel will discuss with you his recommendations concerning surgical techniques for implant placement: submuscular, subglandular placement, or dual-plane placement. Slimmer women tend to benefit most from a submuscular placement in which he will insert the implants under the pectoral (chest) muscles. This will allow more tissue to cover the implants and provide a more rounded appearance. For women with more volume to their natural breasts, Dr. Fazel may place the implant subglandular ally, or just over the pectoral muscles. This technique often creates a perkier look. With dual placement, Dr. Fazel places the implants partially under the pectoral muscles, often achieving a slightly lifted effect that sometimes prevents the need for a breast lift.
The Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Dr. Fazel’s patients choose to undergo breast augmentation for many different aesthetic reasons:
- It enhances the breast size to help patients achieve better body proportions and more shapely curves.
- If you have lost volume after breastfeeding or weight loss, implants can replace it.
- It can help correct congenital breast defects, such as tuberous breasts or nipple inversions.
- Dr. Fazel uses a wide variety of implant sizes, shapes, and brands, allowing you various options to create the exact aesthetics you want to attain.
- Dr. Fazel can perform a breast lift and insert implants utilising the same incisions, minimising the scarring but maximising the results.
- Overall, you can expect to achieve fuller, more prominent, and more symmetrical breasts.
Personal Consultation
Maisam Fazel is a widely recognised specialist in cosmetic breast surgery and is known for his natural-looking breast augmentations. During your personal consultation with him, he will take the time necessary to ensure he gets an accurate idea of your aesthetic goal. From there, he will be able to properly advise you on the most appropriate brand implant, shape, size and placement. As part of this first appointment, he will perform a sizing test to help you determine what size implant you would like.
If you are ready to take the next step, schedule your consultation online, call +44 330 660 0979, or visit one of the following locations:
Dr. Fazel will ensure that you have thorough guidance on how to best prepare for surgery and recovery with as little downtime as possible. Soon, you will be able to enjoy your new figure and the renewed confidence that comes with it!
Procedure Steps
To begin the procedure, Dr Fazel’s anesthesiologist will administer general anaesthesia so that you will be completely unaware for the duration of the procedure. In certain cases, Dr Fazel may be able to perform your breast augmentation using just local anaesthesia and sedation.
Next, he will make one of the following incisions to fashion the breast pocket and insert the implants:
- An inframammary incision along the underside of each breast.
- A transaxillary incision within each armpit.
- A periareolar incision along the outside of each areola.
After insertion, Dr. Fazel will use a strategic suturing method that will offer the breast more support as you heal. He will use surgical dressing to protect the incisions from infection and apply a compression garment to reduce swelling during the recovery period. The entire outpatient procedure takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Recovery and Results
During the first few days of recovery, you will be sore and exhibit some swelling and bruising. Dr. Fazel will take extra care to prescribe the right medications to mitigate your discomfort. At some point during the first week of recovery, you will return to Dr. Fazel’s office to have your surgical drains removed- devices that collect excess fluid from your incisions. Although you will have to wear your compression garment for a total of 6 weeks, you will be able to return to work after about 4 to 5 days. Returning to the gym and other strenuous activities is another matter that requires caution. After about 2 weeks, you can resume lower-body workouts, but you should wait at least 6 weeks to resume upper-body workouts.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Fat Transfer to Breasts
Fat transfer to breasts is another type of breast augmentation in which Dr Fazel will collect fat deposits via liposuction from the abdomen, thighs, or lower back. After purifying and preparing the fat, he will redistribute it into the breasts. Although it provides more subtle volume, many patients appreciate the natural feel of the grafted fat.
Breast Lift
If your breasts exhibit droopiness, you may benefit from a breast lift to restore a more lifted, youthful placement. For this procedure, Dr Fazel will make either doughnut (periareolar) incisions around each areola or lollipop (vertical) incisions that involve a doughnut technique with an added vertical incision towards the underside of the breast. Not only can this procedure minimise excess skin and reduce the size of the areolas, but Dr Fazel can perform it in conjunction with breast augmentation.
Cost of a Breast Augmentation in London
The cost of your breast augmentation will depend on your implant type, placement, surgical techniques, anaesthesia, medication cost, and other surgical fees. At Refresh Cosmetic Surgery, the cost of breast augmentation begins at £6,460. Dr. Fazel will give you a more accurate cost estimate at the time of your personal consultation. To schedule yours today or to inquire about your procedure options, use our contact form or call +44 330 660 0979. Dr Fazel performs breast augmentation at the Refresh office locations in Enfield, Harley Street, London, Windsor, and Stoke Poges, Slough. We can’t wait to help you attain the body of your dreams.
References
- Shehab Jabir, Shailesh Vadodaria, Nugent N, Sankar TK. Breast Augmentation: A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK and Irish Aesthetic Surgeons. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2023;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad070
- Shridharani SM, Bellamy JL, Mofid MM, Singh NK. Breast Augmentation. Eplasty. 2013;13:ic46. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3685325/
- Swanson E. Textured Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2023;91(3):321-323. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0000000000003628