Breast augmentation, or breast enlargement, is a common type of cosmetic surgery. It involves inserting breast implants into the breast tissue area to increase the breast size.
Breast augmentation surgery reshapes the breast in a way that looks more appealing. For example, if the breasts are of two different sizes, breast surgery can make the breast sizes more equal.
If you would prefer to speak to one of our expert breast surgeons in person about getting breast implant surgery, get in touch today.
Breast augmentation is sometimes referred to by the more technical name 'augmentation mammoplasty' amongst plastic surgeons. On the other hand, in popular culture, this breast enhancement type of surgery is often referred to as a 'boob job'.
Why do people have breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation is a very common type of cosmetic procedure. Many women choose to have breast implants as they get older, after pregnancy or weight loss, as a form of reconstructive, follow-up, further surgery, or just to improve their self-esteem and self-confidence. Many women report feeling more feminine, and more 'balanced' after the surgical procedure. One study by the University of Florida revealed that breast enlargement led to a 'sizeable' boost in self-esteem for women.Breast augmentation is sometimes referred to by the more technical name 'augmentation mammoplasty' amongst plastic surgeons. On the other hand, in popular culture, this breast enhancement type of surgery is often referred to as a 'boob job'.
What are the different types of breast implants?
There are a few different types of implants, and shapes. The brands that we offer are the FDA approved Nagor and Mentor implants.Silicone gel implants
Silicone gel (soft or firm) breast implants -- Have a more natural breast feel that tends to be wrinkle-resistant. Polyurethane-coated silicone gel implants are also less likely to rotate.
Saline implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water (hence the name 'saline'). The implants are inserted empty and filled once inside. Saline breast implants do not pose as much of a risk if they leak, and in some instances, can be postoperatively adjustable via a remote injection port.
Teardrop
Also known as 'anatomical' implants, the teardrop shape is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices. Its unique shape allows for more fullness to be located in the lower half of the implant, which closely mimics the natural breast shape. They are ideal for women with lower-placed nipples, those with low body fat, and for those who wish to seek a more natural appearance.
Round shape
Round breast implants are one of the most commonly used by surgeons in Ireland and the UK. Round implants will add fullness to the top half of the breast and give a more proportioned and curvaceous look. Round implants are ideal for women who already have existing breast tissue but are looking for a 'fuller' or curvier look.
How much does breast augmentation and breast implants surgery cost?
The breast implants that we provide range from €4,600 to €5,100. Factors such as the size of the implants, as well as the type and the placement of the implant, can affect the overall cost. At GBC Clinic Ltd, we do require the cost to be paid upfront beforehand.What to expect from our consultation service.
Our breast augmentation consultations usually last between 30 - 45 minutes. There, one of our surgeons will talk you through the various breast implant sizes, and advise on which one would be the best for you. We use 3D imaging software to give you a clear idea of what to expect, and what you will look like after the cosmetic surgery. Then we will provide you with a quote, a method to pay, and a date for the breast surgery.What to expect from breast augmentation surgery
Prior to arriving at our clinic, your consultant will tell you how long you will be staying for and if you need to bring anything. Then on the day of the procedure, we will invite you to come down to the hospital. After registering in, you will be introduced to your surgical team, including the nurses, the surgeon and the anaesthetist.The anaesthetist will give you a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep for the operation. Your aesthetic surgeons will then make the incision to carry out the operation at the inframammary fold (just below the breast). The type of incision will depend on how large the implants are, as well as other things, such as your body-type and the surgeon's preference. The surgeon may then place the breast implants either under or over the pectoral muscle. (These are known as 'submuscular' and 'subglandular' placements, respectively.)
And that's it! After the breast implant has been inserted, the surgeon will then close the incision with layered stitches in the breast tissue. The entire operation shouldn't take more than 90 minutes. There will be some swelling immediately after the operation, and the incision lines will be visible, but both will fade within 14 days. Breast implants last from 7 - 12 years on average. After which, they may need replacing.
After surgery: our breast augmentation aftercare plan
After the operation, our aftercare plan will help you recover quicker and care for your new implants. We normally provide our customers with printed information about their post-operative plan before they leave the hospital.It should be clear from the information provided, but in any case, we provide a 24/7 number that our clients can call if they have any further questions. We also provide a 24/7 emergency line for clients to call if they experience any potential postoperative problems. Our clients are also entitled to free postoperative appointments at no extra cost for a period of up to three months after the initial operation (free so long as they do not require surgical intervention).
Recovery after breast surgery
In most instances, you will be able to return to work after 1 or 2 weeks, after your dissolvable stitches are removed. It is recommended to wear a support or sports bra for up to 12 weeks and to keep the scar tissue out of direct sunlight for a year, but for the most part after 6 weeks almost everything will be back to normal. Breast enlargement surgery is not as inconvenient as one would think. There is minimal bruising if any. It does not interfere with breastfeeding capabilities. It is safe to have routine breast cancer screening tests (sometimes referred to as 'mammograms') with implants, too.| Day 1 - 4 | 5 - 14 days | 2 weeks | 4 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep upright in bed to help reduce the swelling. | Gradually increase activity. | Bruising will fade. | Scars will begin to fade. |
| Support bra is needed. | Stitches will be removed. | You can think about going back to work. | Implants will start to look more natural. |
| Take things easy at home. | Driving is possible. | Swelling will go down. | Final result can be judged. |
Potential breast augmentation problems
With every surgical procedure, there are small risks and in the initial consultation your surgeon will explain all of these to you. Including how likely they are to occur, and how they are treated if they occur.Problems range from minor scarring to capsular contracture (where the immune system struggles to adapt to the implants). There may also be instances where the implant rotates in the chest or ruptures. Sometimes breast implants can reduce the amount of breast milk that is produced (but this will not affect the quality of the breast milk itself). There may also be a small link between breast surgery implants and a condition called anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
It is important to remember that your surgeon will address all of these potential problems clearly before the operation and that we run an aftercare service that includes free post-operative appointments for up to three months, and an emergency 24-hour call line if you have any concerns.
A note on our cosmetic surgery team and methods
Our surgeons are members of the Irish General Medical Council and are trained in both general and Oncoplastic surgery -- and with a further special interest in cosmetic breast surgery.They have over 7 years of experience working in breast-related cosmetic surgery. They have routinely and safely performed hundreds of different types of cosmetic and reconstructive breast enlargement surgeries, along with breast reductions, breast lifts, removal and exchange of breast implants.
FAQs
1Can you get breast implants covered by insurance?
Insurance will only cover breast augmentation surgery if there are medical — and not just cosmetic — reasons for it. For example, if you need breast implants to help with reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. If your breasts are causing you back or neck pain, you may also be eligible.
2Is breast implant removal painful?
As with any minor surgery, you are likely to experience some mild discomfort and soreness after a breast implant removal procedure. But a lot of patients tend to think that the process of breast implant removals is less discomforting than having the implants put in. Your surgeon will advise you of the time you need to take off from work, and from other activities. Contact us for more information.
3Can you sleep on your stomach with breast implants?
Yes — you can sleep soundly on your stomach with breast implants, but we do not advise this until at least a week after your breast augmentation surgery. Once your breasts have healed, then sleeping on your stomach will be no problem.
4Can you transfer fat from stomach to breast?
Yes — this process, sometimes known as “fat-transfer breast augmentation”, essentially uses the liposuction method to remove fat the stomach and relocate it into the breast area. Fat-transfer breast augmentations usually work best for women looking for only slight increases in bust size, and for the most natural results. Find out more on our breast augmentations page.
Book your breast augmentation consultation at our clinic now
Get in touch with us today and book a consultation with one of our surgeons. You can fill in the contact form, or alternatively, contact us on +35319081195 or by sending an email to: info@yourcomprehensivebreastclinic.ie.This page is about our breast augmentations service. There are other procedures that we carry out at our clinic, including breast reductions. Click their respective pages to find out more about them.