Breast surgery in Edinburgh

Cosmetic breast surgery refers to a range of surgical procedures aimed at altering the appearance of the breasts for aesthetic reasons or to address certain physical discomforts. The main types include:

• Breast Augmentation: Uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape.
• Mastopexy (Breast Lift): Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening tissue.
• Breast Reduction: Reduces breast size to alleviate physical discomfort and achieve a more proportionate appearance.
• Revision Breast Implant Surgery: Addresses issues or updates the results from a previous breast augmentation procedure.
• Gynaecomastia Surgery: Reduces enlarged male breasts through the removal of excess fat and glandular tissue.

Ideal candidates are generally individuals in good health, non-smokers, and those with realistic expectations regarding the surgery’s outcomes. Specific suitability may vary based on the type of procedure and individual circumstances, including discomfort due to breast size, dissatisfaction with breast appearance, or conditions like gynaecomastia in men.

Preparation typically involves several steps, such as:

• A detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon, discussing your goals and understanding the options and risks.
• Medical evaluations or tests as advised by your surgeon.
• Adjusting or halting certain medications and supplements that might affect surgery or recovery.
• Ceasing smoking well ahead of the procedure to facilitate better healing.
• Following specific instructions provided by your surgeon related to eating, drinking, and medications before surgery.

The recovery process varies depending on the type of surgery performed but usually includes:

• Taking prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent infection.
• Following care instructions for the surgical site and any drains, wearing compression garments as advised, and gradually resuming physical activities.
• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
• Initial recovery often lasts a few weeks, with a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks to months.

Potential risks can include reactions to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, changes in breast or nipple sensation, scarring, and complications related to breast implants such as leakage or rupture. The possibility of needing additional surgeries to address complications or dissatisfaction with outcomes also exists. It’s important to discuss all risks and concerns with your surgeon beforehand.

Some procedures, especially those involving incisions near the areolar area, might impact breastfeeding capabilities. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, mention this during your consultation so that your surgeon can consider this when planning your surgery.

The durability of cosmetic breast surgery results varies by procedure and individual factors. Breast implants do not need to be replaced after a set period, although revision surgery may eventually be needed. Results from lifts, reductions, and gynaecomastia treatment can be long-lasting, though not immune to the effects of ageing, weight changes, and gravity. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps extend the outcomes.

Cosmetic surgeries purely for aesthetic reasons are typically not covered by the NHS or most private health insurance schemes. However, exceptions exist, such as breast reduction surgery for alleviating significant physical discomfort, where NHS coverage may be possible under specific criteria. It’s important to consult directly with the NHS or your insurance provider for detailed information about what is and isn’t covered.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact us directly.

Further information: BAAPS