Are you considering cosmetic breast surgery?
If you are considering cosmetic breast surgery, there are a number of things you will need to consider, including:
- What is involved in the procedure?
- Who should perform the procedure?
- What follow-up will you have?
- What are the potential risks of surgery?
- What will be the costs involved?
Below you can find information, from a number of sources and organisations, that can help you make important decisions regarding your surgery.
Going abroad for cosmetic breast surgery
The ABS has produced information for patients considering going abroad for cosmetic breast surgery. Cosmetic tourism is on the rise and it is important for patients to consider the full picture when making decisions about cosmetic breast surgery. Read the information here
Breast Augmentation Guide
This booklet is for those looking for more information about breast augmentation (breast enlargement). It aims to give an overview of options available, what is involved and the expected outcomes. It will also go through the possible problems associated with breast augmentation and breast implants. There are also links to other resources.
Please find this guide here.
NHS Choices
To help you to make an informed decision about undergoing cosmetic breast surgery, NHS Choices have published an NHS guide to cosmetic procedures on their website.
The General Medical Council
The General Medical Council (GMC) has also produced guidance on professional standards for doctors carrying out cosmetic procedures. Their guide for patients is available at this link.
The Royal College of Surgeons
The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) is introducing a new cosmetic surgery certification system for professionals. They provide a comprehensive information hub for patients considering cosmetic surgery at this site.
The RCS also provide a pre-surgery information checklist to ensure that you have received all of the necessary information about the procedure for you to make an informed decision.
MHRA statement on the symptoms sometimes referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII)
On the 17th January 2020 the MHRA published a statement on symptoms sometimes referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII). This clarifies their current position on this issue and outlines their ongoing work in this area.
Anyone experiencing symptoms they believe to be associated with their breast implants should speak to their surgeon and report to the MHRA via their Yellow Card scheme
QPROMS
Surgeons must collect patient related Outcome Measures (PROMs) for all of their patients, to audit the quality of the service they provide, and assess patient satisfaction following surgery. This helps surgeons to assess their work, and to identify any improvements required. You may therefore be asked to complete a PROMS questionnaire before and after your surgery. Further information about PROMS is available here.