Breast implants typically need to be replaced every 10-20 years. However, there are several reasons why patients may want or need to remove them sooner. Maybe you are unhappy with how the implants look, or you suffered complications during the procedure. Whatever the reason, breast implant revision surgery can help.

Discover what implant revision surgery is and what it involves in the brief guide below…

What is breast implant revision surgery?

Breast revision surgery typically aims to remove the implants. The procedure takes around two hours to complete, and the incision will be made in the same place as the original one. This helps to avoid any new scarring.

You will be placed under general anaesthetic, before the implants are removed and the wound is stitched up. However, in most cases the breasts will need to be reshaped in another surgery to ensure best results.

A breast lift may be carried out alongside the surgery, and fat transfer can be used to naturally alter the shape of the breasts.

Why might I need revision surgery?

Women choose to have breast revision surgery for a number of reasons including:

• They aren’t happy with the results of their breast augmentation
• The implants are causing discomfort or pain
• The implant has ruptured
• There has been a change in the shape of the implant

It isn’t always possible to predict how breast augmentation will look. In some cases, the final result may be different to what the patient has anticipated. A revision surgery can help to address any issues that occurred during the first procedure.

If the breast implants are uncomfortable or painful, it could be a sign of damaged lymph nodes, capsular contracture, or developing seroma. Experiencing persistent pain after breast augmentation isn’t natural and it should be addressed with the surgeon.

Ruptures are another rare complication. The implant may have burst, causing it to leak out into surrounding areas. This can be life threatening in some cases, so if a rupture is suspected it should be treated as quickly as possible.

These are just a small number of the reasons you might choose to have breast revision surgery.

Are there any risks and complications?

Breast revision surgery presents very few risks to the patient. However, some complications to be aware of include:

• Pain and swelling
• Infections
• Your breasts are hot to the touch
• Leaking wounds

Your surgeon will go over the potential risks and complications before surgery. While the risks are small, you do need to take them into account when deciding if the procedure is right for you.

To learn more about breast revision surgery and whether it could be right for you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock.

Patients undergo a breast lift for a variety of reasons such as helping to alleviate back pain and eliminating sagging. But could having one also make you look younger?

When done correctly, a breast lift can give you a more youthful look. Here, you’ll discover what it is and how it could help you knock years off your appearance.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift is a common procedure used to treat sagging or droopy breasts. It tightens surrounding tissues and removes any excess skin while elevating the breasts into a more youthful position. If the areolas have increased in size over time, the surgeon can also make them smaller during the procedure.

It is important to note that the procedure does not add volume to the breasts. If this is something you are looking for, breast augmentation can be carried out at the same time as a lift.

How can it make you look younger?

A breast lift can make you look younger in a couple of ways. As you age, the breasts naturally start to droop lower. This can be down to simple gravity and a loss of elasticity, or from life experiences such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. When the breasts droop and sag, it makes them look a lot older. This surgery can elevate the breasts back into their original position, helping to give you an instantly younger look.

Without surgery, there is no other way to lift the breasts. No diet or exercise tricks can magically move the breasts to a more elevated position.

Top things to consider

Before you rush and book yourself in for a breast lift, there are a few things to consider. Like any procedure, it comes with risks and complications, as well as limitations as to what can be achieved.

Some of the main risks and complications include bleeding, breast asymmetry, change in nipple sensation, and breast contour irregularities. Mr Horlock will give you a better idea of what to expect when you go for an initial consultation.

You also need to remember that this procedure can only do so much. If your goal is to look younger, you might want to consider combining a breast lift with breast augmentation. This will elevate the breasts as well as give them extra volume.

Another thing to consider is where you get the procedure done. Always choose a reliable and well-respected surgeon to carry out your breast lift. This will help to reduce the risks involved, as well as help you to get the best possible results.

Tummy tucks have been a popular cosmetic procedure for many years. Helping to flatten and tone the abdomen, the procedure can help you to achieve that dream summer body you have always craved. But what can you do to achieve the best tummy tuck results?

Before undergoing a tummy tuck, there are a few things that are useful to know. In your consultation, your surgeon will always take you through the procedure, what to expect and how to prepare.

Here, we share a few important measures that you will need to take to prepare for a tummy tuck, so you can get the body you have been dreaming of.

Reach your ideal weight

There is a misconception that a tummy tuck can help you to shed unwanted weight around the abdomen. While the procedure will leave you looking more toned, it is not a weight loss substitute.

This means that if you want to get the best results, you should be at, or as close to your ideal weight as possible. You can lose weight safely before the procedure by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and junk food.

Staying hydrated will also help, just make sure you don’t lose weight too quickly. If you do, this too can cause problems during surgery.

Quit smoking prior to the procedure

Did you know that tobacco smoke increases the risks of complications when undergoing surgery? In particular, it can impact wound healing, causing an infection at the wound site, and increased scarring.

If you do smoke, quitting before the procedure will significantly lower the risks. Not only that, but it will improve practically every other aspect of your health too. Quitting isn’t easy, but the benefits are more than worthwhile.

Follow your surgeon’s advice

One of the best ways to ensure you achieve the best results, is to follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice. What do they recommend after the procedure? How long should you rest and wait to get back to daily activities?

By following their advice to the letter, it minimises the risks and ensures you end up with the best possible results.

What to expect from a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is an extensive procedure, removing stubborn pockets of fat, tightening up the stomach muscles, and removing saggy skin. How extensive it is will depend upon how much saggy skin and fat needs to be removed.

It can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, and you can choose to undergo a traditional or mini tummy tuck. The type of procedure that is right for you will be determined at your consultation.

After the procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for a couple of nights. You may also need to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks. The initial recovery period takes around 2-3 weeks, which is when you can return to work and resume daily activities.

To learn more about getting the best results from a tummy tuck, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock now.

Like many types of cosmetic surgery, breast reconstruction procedures took a backseat due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, this has left a huge backlog of patients waiting to undergo the surgery.

Now, the BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), has addressed the backlog, stating procedures should now be able to be carried out normally.

So, what does this mean for patients and how long will you need to wait for surgery?

The BAPRAS statement

BAPRAS and ABS released a joint statement, letting patients and practitioners know it is now safe to perform breast reconstructive procedures. Part of the statement reads:

“During the height of the COVID pandemic, advice was issued regarding surgical prioritisation in the treatment of breast cancer. Initially treatment was avoided completely in all but the most high-risk patients.

The situation in 2022 is radically different, and while COVID remains common, a combination of a less aggressive dominant variant, widespread vaccination, and better treatment mean that morbidity and mortality from COVID infection is much reduced.”

They finished the statement by saying there is now no medical reason why breast reconstruction cannot be continued.

Undergoing fat graft breast reconstruction

While there is currently a backlog of breast reconstruction procedures, these largely affect those undergoing traditional procedures. One option patients have if they want to undergo the procedure faster, is to opt for a fat grafting breast reconstruction.

Typically carried out on cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy, fat grafting to the breast is a natural way to rebuild lost volume. The procedure is medically known as autologous fat transfer. It involves using the body’s own fat to achieve additional volume and correct asymmetry. Therefore, there are fewer complications associated with it than traditional procedures.

The fat is taken from the thighs, buttocks, or stomach, using a cannula. Before it is inserted into the breasts, the fat is spun in a machine to separate it from the blood and fluids. It is then injected into the breast for natural looking results.

What are the risks and complications of fat graft breast reconstruction?

Although there are very few risks and complications associated with this type of breast reconstruction, there are some you need to be aware of. These include infection, necrosis, and cysts. The risks are very low, but it is recommended you speak with your surgeon. This will help to determine your individual risk factors.

Compared to traditional breast reconstruction procedures, a fat graft procedure is much safer. It also requires a shorter recovery period, and the results will look and feel a lot more natural.

To find out more about fat grafting breast reconstruction, book a consultation with Mr Horlock now. He will be able to answer any questions you may have, as well as help determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

After having a breast procedure, you’ll understandably be wanting to show off your new assets as quickly as possible. However, before you jet off on holiday, it’s important to understand the risks.

Can you fly soon after the surgery? And is it safe to top up your tan while recovering? These are just a couple of questions you should be asking. Discover everything you need to know about planning a holiday after a breast procedure below.

How long after a breast procedure can I fly?

The length of time you should wait before you fly after a breast procedure depends upon how far you are travelling. For short haul flights, you can consider jetting off a couple of weeks after having the surgery. However, if you are planning on a long-haul flight, it’s safer to wait for 6 weeks prior to travelling.

There is a common myth that flying after a breast augmentation procedure will cause the implants to explode. This simply isn’t true. But it does increase your risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. For this reason, it is better to ask for advice from your surgeon over how long you should wait to travel.

What type of holiday are you planning?

Another thing you’ll need to factor in is the type of holiday you are planning. Is it an action-packed adventure holiday or a chance to let your hair down and party? If so, you’ll want to resist too much activity until you are fully healed.

If you do want to travel soon after undergoing a breast procedure, make sure it is more of a relaxing break. This will give the body time to fully recover, ensuring you see the best results from the surgery.

Can I use sunbeds before I go?

It might be tempting to hop on the sunbed to build up your tan, but it could be hazardous to your results. Like natural sunlight, sunbeds can cause discolouration and hyperpigmentation around the surgical site.

If you are set on using them, make sure you keep the breasts fully covered and protected. However, sunbeds in general are best avoided due to their long-term health risks.

What about sunbathing?

You can sunbathe, but once again you will need to keep your breasts covered and protected and use a good SPF lotion. It is especially important to keep your scars out of the sunlight as like sunbeds, the sun’s rays will discolour the surgical site.

You might need to take extra precautions if you want to head off on holiday after a breast procedure. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. Seek your surgeon’s advice on planning a holiday and follow all safety precautions provided.