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· If you are seriously considering breast implants you owe it to yourself to be familiar with your existing breasts before you go under the knife. Get into the habit of self-examining your breasts each month.
· If you are about to have a consultation with a surgeon then start making a written list of the questions you want to ask and take this with you, plus some paper and a pen to make notes. If possible, take someone else with you to the consultation.
· Any surgeon trained in the UK will be a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). To be on the safe side, he or she should be a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAPS). There is also an independent organisation, the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons (BACS).
· The General Medical Council (GMC) recommends that you approach your GP in the first instance. Your GP should be able to refer you to a reputable surgeon, but do make sure your GP is referring you to a breast surgeon.
· As a general rule, UK surgeons do not advertise their services, hence the many private clinics or agents that advertise in most women’s consumer magazines. It is important to remember that the clinic/agent is simply a business that makes it easy for you to have access to a surgeon. If you are using the services of a clinic/agent you are likely to be offered free consultations with an ‘advisor’ – this is fine as long as you adhere to the golden rule …………….
DO NOT MAKE ANY DECISIONS OR PAY ANY FINANCIAL DEPOSITS UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN THE ACTUAL SURGEON WHO WILL BE PERFORMING THE SURGERY
· Avoid any company/clinic that offers consultations with a representative or ‘advisor’ at your home address, or asks you to pay a financial deposit before you have had a consultation with the actual surgeon.
· Avoid any company who tells you it is normal practice to have your first consultation with the surgeon on the day of surgery.
· The BIIS advises you to see at least two surgeons before making any firm decisions or commitments.
· The cost of a surgical consultation can range from £60 to £200 and over – you will need at least 30 minutes to discuss all your various questions and concerns. Ask how long your consultation will last before you book it.
· The average cost of breast augmentation in the UK is in the region of £3,500 to £5,000 although prices can vary considerably. If you are offered any greatly reduced prices then beware – you could be compromising your aftercare and may have to pay extra for any follow-up consultations.
· Be aware that breast implant patients today have choices – although some women may be restricted by certain medical conditions. There are two different types of implant filling, three different locations for the incision wounds and resulting scars, and two different positions for the implants to be located within your body. All of these choices have their own advantages and disadvantages.
· Breast implant surgery is not a minor surgical procedure – it takes quite some time to fully recover. There will most likely be swelling and discomfort in the early weeks, and it usually takes around 4 – 6 months before your implanted breasts look and feel natural. For the first two weeks after surgery you will be asked not to drive or lift anything heavy, so make sure you have someone at home to help you, particularly if you have small children.
· One of the most common worries is about the pain experienced after the operation. The BIIS asked women to describe the pain they experienced during the first week after surgery – 38% found it ‘extremely painful’ and 29% said it “wasn’t really painful at all”. It depends on your own individual pain threshold and the level of internal bruising and swelling after surgery.
· Despite all the media frenzy and bad publicity of the 1990’s, silicone is still the most popular choice for women today – it has been around for over 40 years and produces the most realistic result with regard to look, feel and movement.
· Breast implants do not last a lifetime – they will need replacing at some point in the future. Older types of implants only had an average life span of 10/15 years – today’s implants are expected to last some 20/25 years owing to the constant improvements in the manufacture of the outer shell.
· Contrary to popular belief, implants do not prevent your breasts from being screened although a higher percentage of natural breast tissue is obscured from view. This means that additional screening techniques may be required. On the plus side, breast implants can make it easier to detect any lumps or breast changes during routine breast self-examination because they push your natural breast tissue closer to the surface of your skin.
Arm yourself with a copy of The Ultimate Cleavage and place yourself in control. Feel confident when attending consultations and making those important decisions, and have a constant source of information to hand throughout your recovery period and beyond.
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