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What are breast implants?
A breast implant is a medical prosthesis that is placed inside the breast to augment, reconstruct, or create the physical form of the breast
There are three main types of breast implants:
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, like salt water. The solution is held within an elastomer silicone shell. These implants can be filled with different amounts of saline solution. This affects the feel, firmness, and shape of the breast.If a saline implant leaks, the solution will be absorbed and expelled by the body naturally.
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, like salt water. The solution is held within an elastomer silicone shell. These implants can be filled with different amounts of saline solution. This affects the feel, firmness, and shape of the breast.If a saline implant leaks, the solution will be absorbed and expelled by the body naturally.
What a breast enlargement involves
Breast implant surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic.
The operation involves:
- making a cut (incision) in the skin next to or below the breast
- positioning the implant – either between your breast tissue and chest muscle, or behind your chest muscle (as discussed during your consultation)
- stitching the incision and covering it with a dressing
The operation takes between 60 and 120 minutes.
You may be able to go home the same day, but may need to stay in hospital overnight if the operation was scheduled late in the day.
Recovery
You should be able to move around soon after having breast enlargement surgery.
It can take a few weeks to fully recover from surgery, so you should take a week or 2 off work. You should not drive for at least 1 week.
Some surgeons recommend wearing a sports bra 24 hours a day for up to 3 months after breast surgery (check with your surgeon).
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a month.
After 1 or 2 weeks:
Your stiches will be removed (unless you had dissolvable stitches).
After 6 weeks:
You should be able to return to most of your normal activities. Your scars should also start to fade.
After a few months:
Your breasts should start to look and feel more natural. You may be able to stop wearing your sports bra.