Earlier this month, our very own Chelsea underwent her dream breast augmentation with consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Parkash Lohana. Come along as we join her on her journey, starting with surgery day.
Admission
Chelsea arrived 30 minutes before her procedure and is greeted by Nurse Tracey who takes her through to her patient room.
Each patient room has an ensuite toilet and shower, a flatscreen television with streaming access, a comfortable reclining chair, and a safety deposit box for personal belongings.
During this stage she was also given her operating gown and hospital identity bracelet. Nurse Tracey went through an admission checklist with her to ensure she is fit to undergo surgery on the day. This includes some observations like checking blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
Consent
Once Chelsea’s admission checklist is complete, Mr Lohana and the anaesthetist, Mr Riddell come in to consent her for surgery and answer any questions she has about the procedure and undergoing a general anaesthetic. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the procedure and the potential risks and complications before going ahead.
After her consent is given, Chelsea is accompanied to the operating theatre by Nurse Tracey.
Surgery
Now for the main event! Once comfortable in the hospital bed, the anaesthetist, Mr Riddell, inserts the canula and administers the general anaesthetic. Mr Lohana gets scrubbed up in preparation to begin the procedure. The surgical scrub involves first decontaminating the hands, then donning a sterile surgical gown and pair of sterile gloves.
Chelsea chose 360cc high profile implants for an extra full result. Mr Lohana starts off by making an incision under the breast fold and creating a pocket within the breast where the implant will sit. There are various options when choosing where the implant is placed within the breast. For example, under or over the muscle. Placement will depend on the type of look you hope to achieve and your anatomy. In Chelsea’s case, a subfascial position was chosen. This places breast implants beneath the fascia, the thin layer of tissue that covers the chest muscles.
To insert the implant, Mr Lohana uses an instrument called the HydroCone™ from GC Aesthetics. This is a medical device that resembles a pastry bag. It is designed to smoothly insert silicone gel breast implants into the surgical pocket and has several benefits. These include minimising contact with the surgeon’s hands to keep things as sterile as possible and allowing for a smaller incision and scar.
When the implant is in place, Mr Lohana closes the incision with sutures and covers the wound with dressings.
WARNING SURGICAL CONTENT
Recovery
Following her procedure, Chelsea was taken to our recovery bay. Here a recovery nurse cares for her while she awakes from anaesthesia. Once awake, Chelsea was taken to her patient room. She is observed for several hours to ensure she is in good health and has eaten a snack before going home. After the nurse gives her the all clear, she is free to go home so long as a loved one collects her and stays with her overnight.
Almost 3 weeks post-op this is what Chelsea had to say about her experience so far:
I’ve wanted to get my boobs done for ages. I was in two minds about it for a while but after working at La Belle Forme and seeing the amazing job the whole team does, I made the decision to go for it. I wanted to have it done to feel more confident. Honestly, I wasn’t happy with how I looked in certain clothes like bikinis.
On the day I was more excited than nervous. This was my first ever surgery but I think having so much trust in the team made me feel so much better. Even though I work here, I was still treated with care like any other patient. Everyone made me feel so at ease before and after. The thing I was most scared about was going under the GA, but I honestly don’t remember a thing after waking up.
I’m healing really well and have had next to no pain a wee bit of discomfort but nothing awful. My scars are so small. Not even 3 weeks post op and they’re looking so good.
We will check back in with Chelsea at her 6 week review to see how she’s getting on.
Considering a breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular procedures at La Belle Forme. If like Chelsea you have been considering a breast augmentation for a while and finally feel ready to take the leap, we can help help. Whether it’s answering your questions or booking a consultation, our friendly team is here very step of the way. Enquire today to find out more.