FAQ

Patients should consider the risks involved and recovery process before commiting to any cosmetic surgery.

We hope the following Frequently Asked Questions may help you decide whether breast surgery may be right for you; and include some questions you should ask your surgeon, below, to ensure you understand the procedure.

If you have any further concerns please contact to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist cosmetic surgeons.

What are the risks involved in breast surgery?

Any type of surgery will carry a risk, however, the most common risks associated with all types of breast surgery are:

  • Permanent loss of sensation around the nipples or breast tissue
  • The breast may harden or distortion which may be caused due to scar tissue (this is often referred to as a capsular contraction)
  • Rippling or indentation may occur in the breast
  • If you are yet to start or complete a family there may be a chance you will not be able to breast feed; we urge all women to give due consideration and discuss this with your surgeon prior to undergoing breast surgery
  • Infection is possible after any operation, the effects of which we have further explained below for each type of breast surgery

What are the risks specific to breast implants and enlargement surgery?

Risks specifically associated to breast implants and breast enhancement are:

  • The breast implant may shift slightly
  • If you develop an infection after a breast implant operation you may need to have the implant removed; when the infection has cleared it can be replaced

What are the risks specific to breast reduction and breast lift surgery?

Risks specific to breast reduction surgery are most commonly concerning how well the scar heals:

  • Some patients heal more readily than others; some may be prone to scarring problems such as keloids which can remain red and lumpy for months. This in turn may be treated with steroid injections or special cream to help alleviate the redness
  • Unevenly positioned nipples and breast asymmetry are a possible risk
  • Bleeding and infection may occur – although this is generally uncommon – which may lead to widening of the scar
  • If you develop an infection in the area of your breast and after you have had an uplift with a breast implant you may need to have the implant removed; when the infection has cleared the implant can be replaced

What happens after breast surgery?

The recovery process may involve the following after any type of breast surgery

  • You will find that your breasts are bruised and swollen and will tend to be uncomfortable for a few days following your operation
  • It is common to be given a support elastic bandage or surgical bra to wear immediately following your surgery
  • You will be advised to keep your breasts supported either with a surgical or support bra which must be worn consistently for a few weeks post operatively
  • Following breast implant surgery, stitches are usually removed between 7 to 10 days after surgery and an outpatient appointment will be made for you to attend the hospital
  • You will need to sleep on your back and avoid strenuous sporting activity for approximately one month
  • Everyone patient heals differently, but generally bruising and swelling will subside around four to six weeks after surgery; scars will remain pinkish for several months but will fade over time