Everything You Need to Know
Mammoplasty at St John & Elizabeth Hospital is designed to align with your individual needs, whether you’re seeking enhancement, reduction, or lifting of the breasts. Our approach combines medical excellence with a deep understanding of your expectations, ensuring a journey that is both transformative and aligned with your vision of well-being.
For those considering augmentation, our specialists utilise the latest techniques and implants to achieve a natural and desired appearance. For individuals looking towards reduction, our team focuses on relief from physical discomfort while aiming for a proportionate and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Lift procedures are tailored to restore the youthful contour of your breasts, enhancing your silhouette.
Our comprehensive care pathway includes detailed consultations, personalised treatment planning, and a dedicated aftercare program to support your recovery and satisfaction with the outcomes.
Before Surgery
Embarking on a mammoplasty patient journey at St John & Elizabeth Hospital involves a series of preparatory steps to ensure your safety, comfort, and the best possible outcomes. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through each stage, ensuring you are fully informed and prepared for your procedure.
Preparation begins with a comprehensive consultation with your surgeon, where you’ll discuss your goals, explore options, and understand the procedure’s benefits and risks. This dialogue is pivotal in crafting a treatment plan that resonates with your aspirations and health profile.
Nutritional and lifestyle adjustments may be recommended to enhance your body’s readiness for surgery and recovery. Emphasising a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and, if applicable, smoking cessation, are integral steps towards optimising your surgical experience.
A detailed pre-operative assessment is conducted, including blood tests, imaging, and evaluations of your overall health. This assessment ensures that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and helps in mitigating any potential risks.
Medication review and management: It’s crucial to disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal treatments you’re taking, as some may need to be temporarily adjusted to reduce the risk of bleeding or other complications.
Fasting guidelines will be provided, typically requiring you to refrain from eating or drinking for a specified period before your surgery. This is a standard precaution to prevent any complications during anaesthesia.
Personal preparation also involves arranging for assistance post-surgery, as you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night. It’s also advised to prepare your home for a comfortable recovery, placing essential items within easy reach and creating a restful environment.
As your surgery date approaches, our team will remain in close contact, providing reminders, answering any questions, and ensuring you feel supported and confident about your upcoming procedure.
During Surgery
Undergoing mammoplasty at St John & Elizabeth Hospital is a transformative experience, meticulously planned and executed by our team of highly skilled surgeons and medical professionals. Our primary goal is to ensure your comfort, safety, and the attainment of your desired outcomes through every step of the procedure.
The procedure begins with your arrival at our state-of-the-art surgical facility. You’ll be greeted by our nursing team, who will help you settle in and prepare for surgery. This includes checking your vital signs, reviewing your medical history, and ensuring you’re comfortable and relaxed.
Anaesthesia is administered to ensure you experience no discomfort during the procedure. Before the mammoplasty can begin, you will receive general anaesthesia, which puts you to sleep.
The surgical technique employed will be the one discussed and agreed upon during your consultations. For augmentation, this might involve making incisions in discreet locations and placing implants to achieve the desired volume and shape. Reduction procedures involve removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to alleviate discomfort and achieve a more proportionate breast size. Lifts entail reshaping and repositioning the breast tissue to improve contour and firmness.
Precision and care are paramount as our surgeons work to ensure that incisions are placed strategically to minimise visible scarring. The latest surgical techniques and technologies are employed to enhance the accuracy and outcomes of your procedure.
Monitoring your well-being is continuous throughout the surgery. Our surgical team uses advanced monitoring equipment to keep track of your vital signs and ensure your safety during the operation.
Completion of the procedure marks the beginning of your journey to recovery. You’ll be carefully monitored in our recovery area by our compassionate nursing team, who will manage any discomfort and ensure you’re responding well post-surgery.
Our commitment to excellence and patient-centred care ensures that your mammoplasty procedure is conducted with the highest standards of safety, expertise, and personal attention to detail.
After Surgery
Following your mammoplasty at St John & Elizabeth Hospital, our commitment to your care and comfort continues unabated. The postoperative period is crucial for healing and achieving the best outcomes, and we provide comprehensive support to guide you through this phase.
Immediate Post-Operative Care: After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where our medical team will closely monitor your vital signs and comfort levels. Pain management will be a priority, with medications administered as needed to ensure you remain as comfortable as possible.
Hospital Stay: Depending on the extent of your surgery and your individual recovery process, a brief hospital stay may be necessary. Our nursing staff will provide attentive care, and your surgeon will evaluate your condition to determine when it’s safe for you to go home.
Home Recovery: Once home, it’s essential to rest and follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. This will include guidance on wound care, managing discomfort, and restrictions on physical activities to facilitate healing.
Follow-Up Appointments: You will have scheduled follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and remove sutures if necessary. These appointments are vital to ensuring your recovery is on track and complications are addressed promptly.
Recovery Timeline: Recovery times vary based on the individual and the type of mammoplasty performed. Generally, patients can expect to return to light activities within a few days to a week, with a full return to all activities, including exercise, within 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will provide a tailored recovery timeline based on your specific circumstances.
Supporting Your Recovery: Adhering to your surgeon’s instructions, including wearing supportive garments, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and attending all follow-up care, is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Our team is always available to provide support, answer questions, and assist with any concerns during your recovery journey.
Medically reviewed by Mrs Jacqueline Lewis - FRCS(Glasg) FRCS(Plast) on 25/04/2024
Appointment
Your journey begins with an initial consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons.
Treatment Plan
Based on your consultation, a bespoke treatment plan will be devised. This plan outlines the specifics of your surgery, including the approach that will be used, the type of implants (if applicable), and any additional procedures that may enhance your outcome, such as a breast lift.
Pre-Op Assessment
Before your surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive pre-op assessment to ensure you’re fully prepared and fit for the procedure. This includes a health evaluation and preparation guidelines to help you prepare for surgery, including dietary recommendations, medication adjustments, and more.
Surgery
With your treatment plan in place and pre-op assessment completed, we’ll schedule your surgery at a time that suits you. Our team will provide all the necessary details, including arrival times, fasting instructions, and any last-minute advice to ensure you’re fully prepared for your mammoplasty.
Aftercare
Post-surgery, follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your recovery and addressing any concerns.
Top Tips for Recovery
The initial recovery period is crucial. Ensure you get plenty of rest and follow all the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon, including wound care, activity restrictions, and medication management.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort after surgery. Use the prescribed pain relief medications as directed by your surgeon to manage any pain. If you notice any changes in your pain levels or have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
Wear any support garments provided by your surgeon. These help to reduce swelling, support the breasts as they heal, and can enhance your comfort during the recovery phase.
Proper nutrition and hydration are key to a successful recovery. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help speed up the healing process. Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine as they can hinder your recovery.
Refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous activities until your surgeon gives you the green light. Such activities can strain your incisions, leading to complications and prolonged recovery.
These appointments allow your surgeon to monitor your healing and address any concerns. It’s also a perfect time to ask questions about your recovery and discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. If you feel something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. It’s better to address any issues early to ensure your health and safety.
Recovery can be both physically and emotionally challenging. A positive mindset and patience are essential as your body heals. Remember, it takes time to see the final results of your surgery.