Deciding to have breast surgery is a very personal choice that often involves a lot of thought. Most of these surgeries are done safely by professionals, but it’s important to be well-prepared to ensure your safety and to spot any signs of poor practice.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of breast surgery, why it’s vital to choose a qualified surgeon, and what to be cautious about. Being well-informed will help you go through your surgery with confidence, knowing that your wellbeing is looked after every step of the way.
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Contents
What is Breast Surgery?
Breast surgery falls under the category of plastic and reconstructive surgery and offers various options to suit individual needs. Here are the common types:
Breast enlargement:
also known as a ‘boob job,’ this surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size or change their shape. It’s popular among those wanting fuller breasts or aiming to regain lost volume due to weight loss or pregnancy.
Breast reduction:
this surgery removes extra breast tissue, fat and skin to ease discomfort from large breasts. It can also make the breasts better proportioned to the body.
Breast lift:
this surgery adjusts the position of the breasts on the chest, generally done for sagging breasts.
Each surgery has its steps, recovery periods and risks. It’s vital to understand all aspects, from the first meeting to aftercare, if you’re considering breast surgery.
How to Spot a Professional Surgeon
When thinking about breast surgery, you’ll want a qualified professional to ensure safety and satisfactory results. Here’s what to look for:
Certification:
check if your surgeon is board-certified by reputable UK medical boards like the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). Certification shows they’ve had rigorous training and meet industry standards.
Experience:
trustworthy surgeons will be open about their track record. Look at before and after photos, read patient reviews, and check testimonials for a good sense of their expertise and patient satisfaction.
Detailed consultations:
a good surgeon will have a thorough consultation with you. They should discuss the procedure’s pros and cons, set reasonable expectations, and answer any questions you have. This meeting also lets the surgeon assess if you’re a suitable candidate for the surgery.
Quality facilities:
make sure the surgery will be performed in a clean, accredited clinic or hospital. Good hygiene and care are critical to avoiding complications after the surgery.
Staying updated:
medicine and surgery techniques keep improving. A committed surgeon will keep up with the latest trends and practices, providing you with the best possible care.
Warning Signs to Look Out for
Even though most surgeons and clinics are highly professional and careful, it’s important to know the warning signs of a bad choice. Here’s what to watch out for:
Ignoring risks:
a good surgeon will talk about possible risks or complications. If they dodge this topic, be worried.
Too-good-to-be-true deals:
low prices might mean poor quality and risks to your safety.
Rushing you:
if the clinic is pushing you to decide quickly, take a step back.
Missing qualifications:
always ask to see their qualifications. No board certification is a major warning sign.
No aftercare:
proper aftercare is important. A lack of it shows they don’t care about your full recovery.
Generic or impersonal consultations:
your needs are unique. If the consultation feels generic, or they’re not really listening to you, consider going somewhere else.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Mistakes in breast surgery, like any medical procedure, can have serious results. It’s good to know what could go wrong, both for making an informed choice and for spotting issues afterwards. Here are some of the risks:
Physical issues:
mistakes can lead to scars, unevenness, the wrong size, or even breasts joining together. You might need more surgery, which means more risks and longer recovery.
Emotional impact:
a botched procedure can really harm your self-esteem and might even lead to mental health problems like depression or anxiety. Emotional issues can be as hard to fix as physical ones.
Financial strain:
corrective surgeries aren’t cheap. You might end up with extra bills, and lose money by taking more time off work.
Long-term health risks:
sometimes, mistakes can cause ongoing health problems, like undetected infections.
Being aware of these risks shows why it’s so important to choose a reliable surgeon and clinic. Good aftercare and regular check-ups are also essential. If you think something’s gone wrong, get a second opinion and think about getting legal advice to know what you can do about it.
What to Do if You Think There’s Been Negligence
If you suspect that your breast surgery has gone wrong due to negligence, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and rights. Here are the steps to take:
Keep records:
start by collecting all evidence you can, such as photos of the problem area, medical records, and any emails or texts with the surgeon or clinic. A diary noting symptoms or issues after surgery can also help.
Get another medical opinion:
if you’re worried about your surgery results or feel unusual symptoms, see another doctor. They can give you an unbiased view and suggest what to do next.
Talk to a solicitor:
if you think you’ve suffered from medical negligence, consult a solicitor who knows about breast surgery negligence. They’ll tell you if you have a case, what evidence you’ll need, and how to go about it.
Report it:
in the UK, you can report bad practice to regulators like the General Medical Council (GMC) or the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They can investigate and take action if needed.
Get emotional support:
negligent surgery can have a big emotional impact. Think about getting therapy or counselling to help you cope.
Know your rights:
make sure you’re aware of your rights as a patient and what standards doctors should meet. Being informed will help you stand up for yourself more effectively.
Like any medical treatment, breast surgery involves trusting healthcare providers. While most surgeries go well, knowing what could go wrong and how to spot negligence is crucial. Being well-informed lets you protect yourself and handle your surgical journey with confidence.
