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Abdominal Reduction
Mastopexy Uplifting of droopy breasts Pinnaplasty Setting back prominent ears Reduction Rhinoplasty "Nose job" to reduce size of nose Reduction Mammaplasty Breast reduction Body Sculpting / Liposuction Blepharoplasty Eyelid reduction Breast Augmentation Facelift Necklift |
Causes of small breasts
The size of breasts is genetically determined. Once developed, the breasts may fluctuate in size in response to changes in weight, pregnancy or breast feeding. The ageing process causes the shape of the breast to change so that they gradually droop (called ptosis). This effect is greater following pregnancy, breast feeding and in particular after a large weight loss. Most women have breasts of slightly different sizes, but occasionally a very marked difference may develop.  |
The Operation
Breasts can be made larger by placing an implant either under the breast tissue or behind the muscle on which the breast lies. Implants are usually inserted through incisions in the inframammary fold. Alternatively, the incisions may be made around the areola or in the armpit. A breast implant is made of an outer layer of silicone, but may be filled with silicone gel, salt water or soya bean oil. Some implants are round and others are shaped more like a natural breast. Either can give excellent results. The manufacturer's life expectancy of breast implants is 10 or more years, although implants can stay in without problems for a much longer time.
Expectations and complications
Leakage of silicone can occur either as a slow seepage or as a result of rupture of the implant. The silicone is almost always contained within the fibrous capsule which the body forms around the implant. Silicone leakage has never conclusively been linked to serious health problems.
The capsule which the body normally forms around the implant can become thickened and contracted. The newer designs of implants have features to reduce the likelihood of this happening. This occurs to some extent in around 10% of patients and usually starts six or more months after surgery. This can lead to pain, and/or an abnormally hard feel to the implant in the breast. Treatment may be needed and occasionally the implant will have to be removed.
Breast augmentation does not usually interfere in breast feeding and there is no evidence that any silicone is found in breast milk. The presence of breast implants does interfere in mammography, which is an X-ray screening method for breast cancer. Special X-ray views can be taken to minimise this interference. Soya filled implant do not interfere to such an extent, but this type of implant is not suitable for all patients.
Cosmetic surgery is carried out by members of several different organisations and therefore your general practitioner is the best person to advise you on whom you should see.