Is Breast Surgery Right For You

There’s no denying the popularity of breast surgery – in fact, it’s the most commonly undertaken Cosmetic Surgical procedure, with Breast Enlargement numbers rising by 13 per cent in 2013. But how much do you really know about it?

Is Breast Surgery Right For You?

There’s no denying the popularity of breast surgery – in fact, it’s the most commonly undertaken Cosmetic Surgical procedure, with Breast Enlargement numbers rising by 13 per cent in 2013. But how much do you really know about it? It’s all too easy to stereotype breast surgery patients. They’re not just models looking for their next big break though – women from all walks of life seek breast surgery, from celebrities and models through to housewives and new mums. Our OnePoll survey results reflect this. So let’s delve deeper so you can answer the question once and for all: is breast surgery right for you?

Is breast surgery just another word for boob job?

In short, no. Breast surgery actually encompasses several different procedures but the main three are:

• Breast Enlargement. A Cosmetic Surgical procedure generally undertaken by women with asymmetrical breasts, small breasts or breasts that have lost volume through pregnancy or weight loss. A Breast Enlargement takes approximately one to two hours, and involves inserting an implant behind the breast tissue, above or below the muscle, to give it a natural-looking, enhanced shape.
• Breast Reduction. Commonly undertaken by women suffering physical discomfort on account of the size of their breasts, Breast Reduction surgery helps to alleviate strain and pressure on the patient’s neck and back, allowing them to move freely and enjoy a wider range of well-fitting clothes. The procedure requires an overnight stay in hospital and patients are required to take up to two weeks off work to recover.
• Breast Uplift. Often undertaken in conjunction with Breast Enlargement surgery, a Breast Uplift gives the patient fuller-looking breasts, replacing volume lost through childbirth, age or significant weight loss. The procedure takes around two hours to complete (or slightly longer if combined with Breast Enlargement) and requires an overnight stay in hospital and two weeks off work afterwards to recover fully.

Boob jobs on the other hand have become synonymous with Breast Enlargement, and the term tends to be used with a negative connotation. At The Harley Medical Group, we see a wide variety of patients looking to enhance or reduce the size of their breasts, for reasons unique to each patient.

Reasons for having breast surgery

While every patient is different, there are some common trends in what women hope to gain from having breast surgery:

• Increased confidence – from our survey, 40 per cent of women felt more confident following Cosmetic Surgery and 27 per cent felt much happier about the way they looked in the mirror.
• Wider choice of clothes – from swimwear to sportswear to everyday wear, having breasts which are more in proportion to your figure increases your choice of clothes.
• Feel more feminine – every woman has the right to feel feminine and happy in her own body.

Who’s having breast surgery?

17 per cent of our female survey respondents said they worried about the size of their breasts – so you’re not alone. Age-wise, typical breast surgery patients fall in the 18-24 and the 25-34 year old categories, with 30 per cent of the former considering breast surgery.

Out of all three breast surgery procedures, Breast Enlargement still remains the most popular, with 22 per cent of 18-24 years olds having had the procedure. In the 25-34 year old bracket, Breast Reduction and Breast Uplift surgery were equally as popular, with 12 per cent of women having undertaken them.

That doesn’t mean women older than 34 don’t have breast surgery. On the contrary, 11 per cent of 35-54 year olds have had Breast Enlargement surgery, with a further 11 per cent of those aged 45-54 having had Breast Reduction. For the over 55s, Breast Reduction proved to be the most popular out of the three procedures.

Where is breast surgery most commonly undertaken?

Interestingly, the nation is divided when it comes to breast surgery. Ladies of the north tend to be the most concerned about breast size: 13 per cent in the North East and 12 per cent in the Yorkshire and the Humber region.

When it comes to considering breast surgery however, women from Yorkshire and the Humber take the lead at 20 per cent, followed by Welsh ladies at 19 per cent.

It’s intriguing then to learn that the West Midlands is where the majority of breast surgery takes place, with 21 per cent having undertaken Breast Enlargement surgery, 15 per cent Breast Uplift, and 14 per cent Breast Reduction.

Is breast surgery right for you?

As we’ve mentioned, there are many reasons why you may be considering breast surgery. Whether your confidence levels have been affected by the shape and size of your breasts, or you’re experiencing a lot of physical pain, or you simply want to feel better in your clothes. Whatever the reason The Harley Medical Group is on hand to help you find the right solution for your needs. Get in touch today to book your FREE consultation with one of our experts.