



Important factors in creating your unique plan will be:
Miss Athanasiadou will work with you as a team to reach a safe and successful result.

All surgeries carry risks. Good preoperative planning with your surgeon will reduce the chances of complications. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with a breast augmentation such as infection, bleeding into the implant pocket, capsular contracture (hardening around the implant) and changes in breast shape over time such as rippling. Other possible risks are difficulty in breastfeeding, altered nipple sensation, implant rotation, scaring and implant rupture. Your surgeon will explain all the risks in clinic and will provide you with written information to help you understand the benefits and risks of a breast augmentation before you decide to go ahead.
There is no specific timeframe within which one should change their implants. It is however reasonable to consider that most patients will think about changing their implants in 10-15 years due to changes in breast shape. Other reasons for implant removal or exchange are rupture and capsular contracture.
Not always. Ten years is an average, not a rule. Implants only need replacing if there’s a problem such as rupture, discomfort, or noticeable changes in shape.
Scars usually heal within 1–2 weeks. Most people return to normal activities by six weeks, and breasts start to look and feel more natural between 6–12 weeks
You may not notice a change in the breast shape. You might however experience pain, firmness, or lumps (silicone granulomas).
If the silicone gel leaks outside the shell, you will notice a change in the shape. If you notice changes, contact your GP or surgeon. Ruptured implants should be removed.
Very thin patients with not much breast tissue, might feel the edge of the implant or even see the edge of the implant (rippling) soon after the implants have been inserted.
Most of the times, rippling becomes evident after a few years as the skin stretches and becomes thinner over the implant.
They can. Mammograms use X-rays, which can’t fully penetrate implants, making some breast tissue harder to see. Always tell the mammography team you have implants so they can use special imaging protocols or refer you to a centre with the right equipment. Mammograms are safe and won’t cause implants to rupture.
Look for a surgeon with proven training, experience, and formal accreditation. They should be registered and licensed by the General Medical Council (GMC). Many also appear on the GMC’s Specialist Register in relevant fields.
You can find reputable cosmetic surgeons through:
When researching, consider their experience, number of procedures performed, complication rates, patient satisfaction, and what follow-up care they offer.
Many people have breast implants without serious problems, especially when surgery is done by a qualified, experienced surgeon. However, it’s still a medical procedure with potential complications.
Breast implants are not linked to breast cancer.
However, they are linked to 2 rare cancers.
We do not know the exact incidence, but research has shown it occurs about 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 30,000 people with breast implants.
Common symptoms to watch for are swelling of the breast (most common sign), changes in breast shape or size, a lump in the breast or armpit, pain or discomfort in the breast, , hardening of the breast.
The diagnosis requires taking a sample of the fluid around the implant for testing for abnormal cells and the treatment involves removal of the implant and its capsule, in the NHS.
Symptoms to watch for are persistent swelling of the breast, pain or discomfort, a lump or mass, fluid buildup around the implant (seroma), skin changes.
Treatment involves surgery for removal of the implant with its capsule and additional cancer treatment.
Ms Athanasiadou will go through these risks during the initial full consultation in detail.
If you notice any changes in your breasts after surgery, please contact your GP or surgeon.

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