British Quest for Best Breasts
28 August 2007
Breast Augmentation is top of the ops for the 20th year running and the fastest growing sector of cosmetic surgery says The Harley Medical Group, now in their 25th anniversary year. Industry estimates put the amount British women spent on breast surgery, which costs around £4,000, at an incredible £100 million last year – a figure set to climb further this coming year.
The latest data from The Harley Medical Group gives an interesting insight into motives for and attitudes towards breast augmentation:
* Typically, 10 years ago, 48% of Breast Augmentation patients went up three cup sizes whereas over the last 12 months the most popular size increase was 2 cup sizes. Breast Augmentation remains the most popular of all cosmetic surgery procedures – according to The Harley Medical Group – it accounted for 30% of all procedures undertaken by group in the last 12 months.
* British attitudes have changed dramatically from 10 years ago, women are now happy to flaunt their breast surgery: – just as they might a new designer hand bag.
* Over 65% of Breast Augmentation patients are between 25-35 years old with the balance mostly post breast feeding.
* Demographically, there is a Northern bias – the procedure is more popular in Manchester and Leeds.
* The most popular breast implant at The Harley Medical Group at the moment is the Round High Profile, which produces a more rounded appearance to the upper breast, whilst contoured breast implants are designed to reflect the slope of the breast but are not as effective for those who are also hoping to improve their cleavage.
* At The Harley Medical Group, the most popular implant has always been the Silicone implant, as it gives a more natural shape and feel.
What happens during the operation
A Breast Augmentation operation is normally performed under a general anaesthetic and takes approximately 1 hour. An incision, approximately 5cms long, may be hidden in the crease of the underside of the breast, the armpit or lower edge of the areola. However most commonly this will be in the crease of the breast; the Surgeon will always advise the patient on the most appropriate area for them.
Once the incision is made, the Surgeon creates a pocket for the implant to lie in. This may be either beneath or above the breast and the size and shape will determine the outcome of the position of the implant. Stitches (which are often dissolvable) will be covered with a dressing and a sports bra. Patients with stitches have them removed at around seven days after the operation and are advised to continue to wear their sports bra 24 hours a day for up to three months. After the operation, the breasts at first tend to be firm and swollen and take a few weeks to settle to adapt to a more natural position and feel.
For more information see The Harley Medical Group. All of the group’s clinics are registered with the Healthcare Commission and there are now 17 clinics in the UK and Ireland. They carry out many different surgical and non surgical procedures such as Aesthera PPx, Laser Hair Removal, Cool Touch Laser, Silk Touch Laser, Collagen for lines and wrinkles, Laser for snoring, Tumescent Liposuction, LPG cellulite treatment etc.
