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How Height & Weight Impacts your Breast Implant Size

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Did you know your height and weight play a part in determining your potential breast implant sizes? Find out the role they play, and achieve an insight into how exactly the ideal breast implant sizes are derived at The Private Clinic…

No One Size Fits All

Different implant sizes suit different physiques. It’s like buying a dress. A size 10 ‘petite’ dress will at the end of the day look completely different on a 5ft 2 inch woman and broader 5ft 8 inch woman. The way a breast implant of a particular size looks ultimately depends on different factors or attributes of your body, your height and weight being two of them. It’s very important that your size is suitable for your frame, and allows your body to be in proportion. Taller women, for example, generally are larger with a wider chest, and usually need a wider implant. Whereas such an implant may overwhelm the frame of a smaller woman with a thin frame, for whom smaller implants may be best.

Breast Tissue Amount

Two important determinants of your possible implant sizes are your breast tissue amount and chest width. We’ve already discussed that height can correlate with chest width which affects the implant width. But also weight tends to correlate with breast tissue amount. A heavier patient usually will have more breast tissue to start with, so sometimes, less implant width is needed than patients of a smaller weight. However, it’s important to note that everyone is slightly different and your surgeon will assess your individual case.

How is my implant size decided?

In consultations at The Private Clinic, your surgeon will take several detailed measurements of your body, including your height, weight, and breast dimensions to gauge the size of implants appropriate for you and will establish a natural-looking “in proportion” appearance. Some of our surgeons use a 3D simulation of your body, so you and your surgeon can see how different sizes will look – it is very important they look in proportion, and balance is achieved between your upper torso and hips.

Following this, other breast implant options that must be decided are discussed, including the breast profile/ projection, shape and position. You are then able to try on the range of implants, of various sizes, shapes and profiles/projections in a sizer bra, at your consultation or in a separate sizing appointment. Your implant choices will ultimately be down to your personal preference, following your surgeon’s advice and recommendations.

Please note that even though height and weight are important influences, they are not the most important or direct determinants of your implant size. The width of your shoulders and hips, current breast dimensions, chest height and width and amount of breast skin you have all play a part. Importantly, to give an effective indication of the ideal breast implant width, your surgeon will also measure the base diameter of your breast and subtract your natural breast tissue. (The surgeon can measure your natural breast tissue amount using a caliper (an instrument measuring what the distance is between two opposite sides of something).

What’s the best weight for breast augmentation surgery?

There is no one best weight for breast augmentation. Although, it is advisable to be at your ideal weight prior to the procedure, as a weight swing could have an effect on your results. At The Private Clinic, we have a restriction of a BMI of 30 to be eligible for the procedure.

The Private Clinic

Our specialist breast augmentation surgeons have a national reputation for delivering outstanding results and excellent patient care and service. With extensive experience, achieving the best possible results for you is their priority. Our surgical team comprehensively work with you to determine the best implant options for you, and with each patient being unique, tailor the procedure to every individual patient’s requirements.

We offer breast augmentation consultations with our leading surgeons, as well as free consultations with our highly knowledgeable patient advisors that you are able to meet with before meeting a surgeon, for advice, and to ask any questions. Consultations can be booked by calling 0333 920 2471 or via our breast augmentation webpage.

See our website to learn more about our breast augmentation procedures, including answers to further FAQs, see breast augmentation before and after photos and see videos of breast augmentation patients, and more.

Please see below our leading expert breast augmentation surgeons and their respective clinic locations:

 

The best age to have breast augmentation

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A frequently asked question we receive is “What is the best age to have breast augmentation?’ The following blog post discusses the optimum age for breast surgery and restrictions set by breast development. We discuss the importance of emotional maturity, financial stability and considering future family plans, and explore breast augmentation over the age of fifty.

Appropriate Age for Breast Augmentation

Exceptional breast augmentation results are possible to achieve for women of every age, although, the best age for successful breast surgery is typically any age between 18 and 50 years old.

Patients between these ages can look to resolve various concerns with breast augmentation. Younger women may look to address a lack of breast volume or size. Women who have had children may experience a change in breast shape or size and desire to replicate their breasts pre-pregnancy. Mature women may find that their breasts do not look how they used to, and choose breast augmentation to boost their confidence.

Although, cautions and limitations for women between these ages exist, as discussed throughout this blog.

Breast Development and Age Restrictions

The majority of UK clinics have an age limit of 18 and over for breast enlargement surgery, at which age breasts are more likely to be fully grown and developed. Some clinics may have exceptions in exceptional circumstances, but these must be discussed with your individual surgeon.

Breast augmentation can only be considered once your breasts have fully developed to ensure that implants do not interfere with their development. It would be also difficult to determine your appropriate size, profile and shape if your breasts are still developing. Additionally, implants in developing breasts would likely result in sagging, stretched excess skin.

Everyone is different however, and can experience breast development earlier or later than others. By age 18 some may not have reached full breast development and are still ineligible for breast surgery, as breasts can continue to develop in women’s early twenties.

Pregnancy and Breast Augmentation

If you’re looking to have children in the near future, surgeons usually advise waiting till you have completed your family before undergoing a breast augmentation procedure.

During pregnancy, your breasts can significantly change in shape and the volume of your breasts will increase. If you opt to breastfeed, your breasts will also continue to be large during that time. This increase in size can cause the skin to stretch, and then shrink, and those with implants face greater risk of drooping and potentially requiring a revision in the future. Therefore, postponing breast surgery till you have completed your family helps ensure sustained and most effective results for your implants.

However many women do decide to have breast implants before having a children.

Emotional Maturity

Some patients prolong their breast augmentation decision till an age where they feel they can confidently make the decision that breast augmentation is right for them, and at that stage of their life, and where they feel fully informed about the procedure.

Generally speaking, however, a woman is ready emotionally for breast surgery after carefully considering the procedure and weighing the pros and cons. Patients should have realistic expectations, realise that breast augmentation produces long-lasting results, and understand and appreciate the potential complications and risks that are associated with breast surgery.

Financial Stability

Financial stability is also an important consideration factor. It is important to think about how breast surgery will affect your current financial situation at this stage of your life. Some clinics offer financing options and packages allowing you to spread the cost of the procedure over time, however, you should ensure that you have a stable income allowing you to make these payments.

Breast augmentation over 50

Women aged over 50 are also eligible for breast surgery. There is actually no age limit for breast augmentation procedures. Women in this age group must be aware, however, that the healing process will likely be slower. It is also important that patients ensure optimal health before surgery and achieve understanding of potential complications or risks with the procedure.

So women at any age can have breast augmentation. But it is very important to thoroughly understand and evaluate the complications, potential risks and benefits of undergoing breast surgery at different ages, prior to making your decision.

The Private Clinic

Some of the most respected surgeons in the industry with decades of experience; our breast augmentation surgeons have achieved outstanding results for breast augmentation patients of all ages. Our surgeons are dedicated to providing honest, transparent advice at all times, and at your free breast augmentation consultation, will be able to assess and confirm your suitability for the procedure.

To find out more about our breast surgery procedures, see our breast augmentation website, including answers to frequently asked questions and access to a range of breast surgery before and after photos. Our breast enlargement video guides can also be very helpful. If you would like to arrange a consultation with one of our industry leading breast augmentation surgeons, you can do so via our website or by calling 03339209135.

Clinic locations available for our breast surgery procedures include: London Harley Street, Bristol, Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

The importance of proportions and size in breast surgery

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Successful breast augmentation requires a good understanding of the appropriate proportions and breast size. In order to achieve a harmonious and natural appearance, it is important for surgeons to both consider and balance proportions of the overall body, when selecting the range of suitable implant sizes for the patient, and take into account the proportions of the individual breasts when configuring the implant shape. From the range of feasible implant sizes for a patient, it is also vital that the implant chosen fits the patient’s current and anticipated future lifestyle.

This blog post looks into how the appropriate breast size is calculated and proportions that your surgeon must consider…

Overall Body Proportion

When determining appropriate breast implant sizes, it is important that your surgeon considers the overall proportion of your body and in particular, achieves balance between your upper torso and hips. The size of implants that can deliver an “in proportion” and natural looking appearance will be decided, however, by several factors. These include your height, weight, width of shoulders and hips, chest height and width, current breast dimensions and amount of breast skin. All of these factors will be assessed or measured by your surgeon during your consultation.

Sizing Implants

After careful evaluation of the determining factors, your breast augmentation surgeon will advise the range of implant sizes possible. During your consultation, or in a separate sizing appointment, you are able to use a sizer bra to try on the range of implant sizes, and discuss these in detail with your surgeon. With the largest impact on the ultimate finish, the implant size is the most important decision patients can make in the process, so that surgeons commit a significant proportion of the patient’s consultation to this choice is crucial. In the appointment, your surgeon should encourage you to carefully contemplate each implants look. You should also be encouraged to think about how the different implants would affect your day-to-day life, now as well as in the future, including throughout potential pregnancies. You will also have your own idea of which proportion would be best for you, which is extremely important to vocalise.

At The Private Clinic, we also provide an option for you to return for another consultation, if you are still unsure about the decision.Breast implants size and proportions before after photo

Importance of Proportion with Breast Shape

Once the implant size has been chosen, your surgeon must subsequently consider how the breast implant will fit into the chest area. Your surgeon must take into account the proportions of your individual breasts, using accurate measurements, in order to achieve the desired breast shape using a suitable implant contour and profile.

breast implant natural shape before after photo

Breast Tissue Boundary Restrictions

Proportions are extremely important when it comes to evaluating which breast implant options are appropriate; however, please note that your breast tissue amount and breasts’ base width are the overarching factors that ultimately decide what is first possible.

Your breast implant should not be wider than the base of your breast, to prevent the implant advancing outside your natural breast tissue, which could cause it to continue partially under your arms. Similarly, to achieve a full look, a high profile implant may be used, but a limit per width exists, with how high you can go. It is extremely important that the implant does not exceed the boundaries of the natural breast tissue, in order to avoid an unnatural appearance and prevent your breast tissue stretching and compressing, resulting in stretch marks and excess sagging skin. Your breast implant must be tailored to your individual physique.

Why choose The Private Clinic for breast augmentation?

At The Private Clinic, we offer some of the most respected and experienced surgeons within the industry for our breast augmentation procedures. With our surgeons’ expert knowledge, and perfected techniques, you can be confident that you will be recommended and achieve the most appropriate and best possible implants for you. For more than 30 years, we have transformed the confidence of and achieved outstanding results for our patients, and are proud to have achieved a 5 Star Rating on Trustpilot.

Our highly reputable breast augmentation surgeons include:

If you would like to learn more about our breast augmentation procedures, take a look at our breast surgery website, including a range of breast augmentation before and after photos and answers to frequently asked questions. You may also find our breast enlargement video guides useful. Breast augmentation consultations can be arranged through our website or calling 03339209135. The following clinic locations are available for breast augmentation procedures: London Harley Street, Birmingham,  Buckinghamshire, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Northampton and Bristol.

Different Techniques of Breast Augmentation Surgery

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The technique used to insert breast implants is more often than not decided by the plastic surgeon but that doesn’t mean you don’t have an input. Your surgeon may ask you some questions about your lifestyle, how active you are and also consider the shape and size of your desired implants in order to make the best decision. As part of our Breast Augmentation Video Guide we decided to help clear up some of the confusion around breast implants and Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Adrian Richards goes through the most common incision sites and implant positions.

Where will the breast implant scar be?

The incision refers to the area in which the implant is inserted. This is important to you as it will determine where your scar will be. There are 4 different ways of inserting implants;

Inframammary crease

The inframammary crease or fold is the most popular incision technique used. The incision is made where the breast meets your chest wall, meaning that the scar will be hidden beneath the implant.

It also allows the surgeon to have good access to the breast tissue, they are able to control the fold or height of the implant and they are able to accurately place the implant without excessive handling of it.

Armpit

breast implant incision area

The armpit technique is often referred to as the ‘Transanxillary Incision’ and it is used for those trying to avoid a scar in the breast area. The tissue within the armpit is known for healing well often leaving a scar that is virtually undetectable.  The incision is made within one of the natural creases of the armpit; a channel is then created to the breast in which the implant will travel. In most cases, an endoscope (a small tube with a light and camera) is used so that the surgeon can see within the breast.

It is not a preferred method of working for plastic surgeons as it requires them to work further away from the breast making it difficult to get the implant in the right position and it may be difficult to find someone who performs breast augmentation under this method.

Nipple

The nipple incision is also known as a ‘Periareolar incision’ but it is important to note that the incision is not made in the nipple; the incision will instead be made around the edge of the areola. Once the incision is made the surgeon can then create a pocket for the implant to sit within before inserting the implant to sit centred behind the nipple.

The visibility of the scar can vary from patient to patient which is the main reason why your surgeon may advise against this option and for those that are concerned about breastfeeding and nipple sensitivity post-procedure then this technique may not be suitable.

Belly button

The belly button incision is also known as the ‘trans-umbilical breast augmentation’ or ‘TUBA’.  The technique was invented in 1991 by Dr Gerald Johnson and it involves a small incision being made within the belly button and an endoscope is inserted which creates a track for the implant to be inserted along. Once the pocket has been created, a deflated saline implant is then inserted via the belly button up towards the breast pocket and once it is in the correct location the surgeon will then need to fill the implant up to the required size with saline which is again fed into the implant via the navel.

This method of inserting implants is difficult due to the fact that the surgeon is working so far from the actual breast getting the implant in the correct position is tricky and only a blow-up saline style implant can be used.  This technique is not commonly performed in the UK and you should only be using a surgeon who has performed this incision method on a regular basis in order to get the best results.

The next decision your surgeon will make is whether to place your implants under or over the muscle. Different surgeons will have different preferences but ultimately this is down to your own breast measurements alongside your lifestyle.

Will the breast implant be under or over the muscle?

Under

If you do not have enough natural breast tissue then the best option is usually to place your implant under the muscle.  However placing the implant completely under the muscle is not commonly done anymore and it may be the case that technically your implant is being placed half under the muscle, this is more commonly known as dual plane or partial under the muscle. A dual plane technique means that your implant is placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle but it is only partially behind the muscle and partially behind the breast gland.

Front

If you have sufficient breast tissue then you would be suitable for your implants to be placed in front of the muscle known as subglandular. Implants placed in front of the muscle are placed over the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles within the chest.

There are pros and cons to each position all of which can be discussed with your surgeon or more information can be found here.

So why choose The Private Clinic for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

  • Our breast surgeons are experts in their field and have carried out thousands of breast enlargement operations.
  • We have a 24-hour patient helpline to ensure you are always in the best of hands.
  • As many post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team as required.
  • Three years cover for all surgical, hospital and nursing care, in case of any medical issue giving you peace of mind.
  • Lifetime guarantee on Nagor implants for rupture and capsular contracture.
  • The Private Clinic offers a unique warranty of £1000 towards surgical costs in case of rupture for 10 years from the date of your operation.
  • Comprehensive Breast enlargement Patient Guide.
  • Outstanding hospital facilities.
  • Our excellent reputation for patient safety, satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a new found shape.

Consultations for breast augmentation surgery are available at London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Northampton and Buckinghamshire with our team of expert consultant plastic surgeons;

To find out more about breast augmentation surgery or book to book a consultation please call 03339209135 or take a look at our comprehensive breast surgery website and breast enlargement video guides.

We answer your questions on Breast Implant Replacement

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Breast Implant Replacement Surgery is steadily increasing with many of us choosing to downsize or even increase the size of our implants. We have put together our most frequently asked questions about breast replacement surgery to help you make a more informed decision about your breast implant replacement procedure

How much bigger or smaller in size would I be able to go? 

A common reason for breast implant replacement is that the patient is unhappy with the size of their original implants and would like to have a bigger or smaller implant instead.

Picking your original implant size is not usually a haste decision and you should have had a sizing process with your surgeon or a nurse who would have taken measurements of your breast base and shape in order to advise on the best implant suited for you.

Over time, preferences may change which can result in patients wishing they had bigger or smaller implants. The amount you can decrease or increase the size of your implant does depend on your breast tissue and chest size. If you have minimal breast tissue then it is best to not go up in size of too much as you risk your natural breast tissue becoming distorted and often the implant will be too wide for your chest resulting in a very unnatural and fake appearance.

There is not usually too much of a problem downsizing your implants. You will be able to go as small as you desire before reaching your natural breast tissue size – in which case it is best to just remove the implant. One issue to downsizing may be that you might require a mastopexy or uplift. The tissue around the implant would have been stretched to fit the larger implant and by putting a smaller implant in, could result in excess skin.

Do I have to have my implants exchanged with the same plastic surgeon that I had my original breast augmentation with?

It is always advisable that you do visit your previous plastic surgeon should you decide that you wish to replace or remove your implants. This surgeon will know your case history, circumstances and most importantly the details of the implants and where they are positioned within the bust.

However, we understand that this may not always be possible, nor is it essential.

A new plastic surgeon would usually be happy to discuss your case with you however they will ask for the following information;

The make of your implants
The size of your implants (CC’s)
The shape of your implant (anatomical or round)
The position of your implant (in-front or behind the muscle)
and any other relevant details about the procedure

Your new surgeon will need this information to be able to put in the place the most appropriate treatment plan for your removal or replacement surgery in order you to achieve the best result.

Does the new implant go in the same place as the old one?

In the majority of cases your surgeon will choose to place your new implants in the same pocket as your previous implants because this means your recovery time will be shorter.

However, if your surgeon finds there is an issue with the pocket, or you have expressed concerns of a capsule or you can feel the edges of an implant then they may suggest changing the position of your new implant to instead sit under the muscle (if it was previously in front) as this can usually rectify any issues with outlines of the implants being prominent.

If your previous implant was sitting high and felt a little unnatural then they may discuss placing your new implant in front of the muscle as a high implant is usually caused by your muscle holding it in a higher position. Moving in in front will allow the implant to settle into a more natural position within the bust.

If I want to have my implants replaced, would that involve having two separate procedures?

A common misconception is that removal and replacement surgery is two different procedures; one to remove the implants and the next to insert new implants.

In the majority of cases, this is not the case and you will be fine to have your implants both removed and replaced in the same procedure.

But in some rare cases it may be necessary to have two separate procedures. An infection around the implant may mean that your surgeon recommends you take a 3 month break to allow your body to recover in the best way without another implant causing any additional problems. Once you get the all clear you will be able to go ahead with the second stage of your surgical procedure and have implants inserted again.

Some patients may feel unsure if they want to have their implants replaced or not, in these cases it may be beneficial to have them removed and allow your breast tissue to contract again naturally to then best assess what size, if any, would then be best for you.

If you are concerned about the results after a breast implant removal it may be worth considering a breast auto augmentation where the natural breast tissue is relocated and reshaped following a breast implant removal procedure to retain the upper fullness in the breast giving the appearance of a breast implant.

Will the recovery period be the same as my breast augmentation procedure?

In most cases, the recovery period after a breast replacement is much quicker than your previous breast augmentation surgery with less pain, downtime and general discomfort. The reason for this is because the pocket that your implant sits within and the tissue surrounding it have already been stretched during your initial surgery.

If the position of your new implants are changing however then the recovery time changes a little to sit more in line with your original breast augmentation.

What are the scars like after breast implant replacement surgery?

The scars after further breast implant procedures should not change too much from your original breast augmentation scar if this was in the inframammary fold which is just along the bottom of your breast where it meets your chest. If you had your original breast implants inserted via the areola or armpit then unless your surgeon is happy to remove them this way – it is worth knowing that an additional scar will be made in the inframammary fold beneath your breast.

Your surgeon will most likely cut out and remove your previous scar so your new scar will be in the same place. The only difference may be that your scar is shorter as older breast augmentation scars were slightly longer at 6cm long compared the 4-5cm scars these days.

If you are choosing to have a mastopexy or uplift with your breast implant replacement then additional scarring would occur. Usually a lollypop scar is used with this type of procedure which means the scar will run around your areola and down your breast.

The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic is renowned for setting high standards in the cosmetic industry and we value our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction. From the first consultation through to your first-class aftercare we have some of the most experienced and well-respected surgeons in the industry as part of our breast implant replacement team at locations across the UK in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Northampton, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Buckinghamshire

To find out more about Breast Implant Replacement surgery , call 0333 920 2471 or use our breast implant replacement online contact form to request a call back.

Your comprehensive breast care package

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Here at The Private Clinic we already pride ourselves on offering excellent care, highly experienced surgeons and top quality implants. So we are now excited to reveal to you our new comprehensive breast care package for all breast implant related procedures which includes:

  • 24 hour patient helpline with a dedicated team.
  • 3 years free dedicated aftercare appointments with your surgeon or nurse.
  • 3 year re-admission policy if clinical complications arise (this covers all surgical, hospital and nursing care free of charge).
  • Nagor Lifetime guarantee on the implant for Rupture and Capsular contracture.
  • The Private Clinic’s unique quality warranty of £1000 towards surgical costs in case of rupture for 10 years from the date the implant was inserted. 
  • The Private Clinic Breast enlargement Patient Guide with comprehensive information about your forthcoming surgery with us.

The Nagor Lifetime guarantee is provided by the manufacturer directly and is offered automatically to all patients who have used Nagor implants in their Breast Augmentation procedure which is why we have added two new terms which are unique to The Private Clinic:

The ‘£1,000 warranty towards surgical costs in case of rupture for up to 10 years’ is an amazing cover to have. This means that you will not only receive replacement implants free of charge from Nagor but you will also then receive £1,000 to put towards hospital fees or other costs for up to 10 years after your original surgery date.

Another unique addition is our ‘3 year re-admission policy’ which means that all fees including the implants, hospital and surgeon costs will be covered by us in the case of complications that occur within the first 3 years after your original procedure date.

Although complications after surgery are rare it is important to be aware of them, and more importantly know what cover you receive with your chosen surgical company in the event of anything happening.

The Private Clinic

We are proud to offer the highest quality breast implants, with procedures performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons. Our team includes some of the most recognised Breast Surgeons in the UK, based in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Princes Risborough (Buckinghamshire), Northampton and Bristol– all of whom are on the specialist register for Plastic Surgery and are members of British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).