1. I don't want to be too big. Can I choose the size?
2. My breasts are empty and droopy after breast-feeding. Can I have breast enlargement or do I need breast uplift?
3. Can I have breast enlargement without scars on my breast?
4. One breast is smaller than the other. Do I have one or both done?
5. What can the doctor or I do to decrease the risk of hardening of the breast?
6. Can I breast feed after the operation?
7. Do I have to change my implants after so many years?
8. How will I know when my implant has failed or leaked?

Q: I don't want to be too big. Can I choose the size?
A: At the consultation with our patient advisor, you will be given the opportunity to try different sized implants in a bra. Only you can pick the size you wish to have as you know what is in your mind. With these implants in the bra you would have an idea as to how they will look and you can also feel the size of the breast in your hand. It is not possible to see how your breast will shape up as it depends on how your tissues stretch with the implants inside and we can't do that before the surgery. However, trying the implants in the bra is the next best thing we have.

Q: My breasts are empty and droopy after breast-feeding. Can I have breast enlargement or do I need breast uplift?

A: It depends on how much droop you have and where your nipple level is. Generally if there is a lot of droop and you are satisfied with the size of your breasts, an uplift will be more appropriate. However with an uplift there is significant scarring. If the nipples are not very low but the breasts look a bit empty and a bit sad and droopy a breast implant can perk up the breast and improve the size. Although the nipple levels do not rise with the implants in the breast, the breasts will look fuller and give the appearance of looking less droopy. A breast enlargement has much less scarring than a breast uplift and this is the preferred choice of most patients.

Q: Can I have breast enlargement without scars on my breast?

A: Yes, the implant can be put in through an incision under the breast, around the nipple or through the armpit. The scar in the armpit often fades well into a crease and with this particular technique there are no scars on the breast itself. It is really nice to have a nice breast without a telltale scar to show for it and most of my patients will pick the armpit option. However not all patients are suitable for this approach. As far as doing the operation through the belly button, we do not believe this is a good or sensible technique and the results are less controllable. Therefore we do not use the belly button.

Q: One breast is smaller than the other. Do I have one or both done?

A: It depends on how much difference there is between the two breasts and whether you want to be bigger anyway. If one breast is really undeveloped and the other of a satisfactory size then enlarging the under developed breast would be the preferred option. Almost all patients are unequal in their breasts in some degree and if both breasts are smaller than desired then the logical thing is to consider enlarging both breasts. If saline implants are used small differences can be made at the time of operation in the amount of saline used to compensate for the different breast sizes. With a gel implant, the volume can't be adjusted but often small differences in the breasts do not have to be made up by different size implants. Dr Chan will guide you as to what options you have when you see him.

Q: What can the doctor or I do to decrease the risk of hardening of the breast?

A: Hardening of the breast is the most frequent undesired result. Because the implants are foreign bodies, the body heals around it with a layer of scar tissue. If this scar tissue shrinks around the implant this increases tension on the implant and it will make the implant feel hard. The implant itself does not change. Dr Chan has a number of ways to minimize this and he will explain this to you.

Q: Can I breast feed after the operation?

A: Breast enlargement does not interfere with your ability to breastfeed as the implants are always placed behind the breast tissue and not into the breast tissue.

Q: Do I have to change my implants after so many years?

A: Because implants are man made devices they do wear over the years. Eventually, given enough time, the covering of the implant may fail. Until such time, there is no need to change the implant. There is no 'use by date" and you cross your bridges when you come to them.

Q: How will I know when my implant has failed or leaked?

A: With a saline implant this will be noticeable as the saline gets absorbed and the affected breast becomes noticeably smaller. With a gel implant you may not notice any difference as silicone is not absorbed by the body. Sometimes X rays or ultrasound can be helpful investigations.