All 31 Clinics that provide Breast Implants in Bedfordshire

In this procedure breast size is enhanced by the use of implants (usually gel or silicone based). Implants can be used to return the breast to normal size during reconstructive surgery.

Augmentation can also be used to correct an imbalance in size between breasts.

Length

The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.

Procedure

Augmentation is carried out under a general anaesthetic. Various techniques are used to reduce visible scaring from the procedure: Implants may be introduced under the armpit or through the areola; another common technique is to make an incision under the breast allowing the breast itself to hide any scaring. Yet another technique allows the surgeon to use an endoscopic procedure, with the implant brought in through the navel area.

Recovery

Commonly, patients can return to normal activity within a week, with strenuous activity possible within four weeks. Temporary bruising and swelling are part of the recovery process and vary from patient to patient, all signs will usually be gone within six months. Scarring will result from any incision but will fade over time. Recovery is faster in healthy fit individuals who refrain from smoking.

Risks

Implants are liable to deflation, which will require the operation to be repeated. The procedure may result in a change of sensitivity of the skin and nipples. Capsular contraction, which is the formation of scar tissue around the implant, results in a hardening of the breast and can cause infection or bleeding.

A guide to plastic surgery regulations in the United Kingdom

The Department of Health decides on health policy and oversees the National Health Serice in the UK.

The General Medical Council (GMC) is the self-regulating body for doctors within the UK. It holds a register of all doctors registered to practice within the UK. The GMC provides detailed information online about the current status of all registered doctors. Compensation claims will rest on proof that a failure in the 'Duty to Care' has resulted in injury - these claims are persued throught the civil courts.

The British Medical Association is the chief professional organization for doctors in the UK.

BAPRAS, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons is the main organization that plastic surgeons will belong to.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons represents plastic surgeons who specialise in cosmetic surgery and all its members are on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgery.

Education

The UK has 32 medical schools spread over a number of administrative regions. Training is usually 5 or 6 years in length though 4 year graduate programmes have become available. The difference in training periods generally applies to theoretical work with set minimums in place for clinical study.

Doctors are ethically responsible for keeping their training up to date through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). All professional associations promote continuing education and organize training. CPD is not mandatory though failure to engage may result in a doctors ability to maintain their 'Duty to Care' coming into question.

Complaints

The GMC will deal with complaints against doctors but its powers only enable it to limit or remove the right to practice: It does not issue fines or grant compensation. The GMC strikes off about 30 doctors each year.

Other complaints should go first to one of the local healthcare authorites.

There is also a health ombudsman (one for each of England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland), independant of the profession.

Storage and Access to Medical Records

The UK has a data protection act. This both protects data and covers the right of an individual to access data held on them - including medical data. Furthermore medical data requested by an individual must be presented in an intelligible manner and within a maximun of 40 days from a formal request being made.

Plastic surgery in the UK:

London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester, Leicester, Coventry, Stockport

Resources

Healthcare Commission (for ombudsman/complaints, provider ratings etc)
Website: http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/aboutus.cfm

The General Medical Council (GMC)
Website: http://www.gmc-uk.org/
Check status of doctors: http://www.gmc-uk.org/register/search/
Role in complaints: http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/complaints_and_role_of_the_gmc/index.asp

The British Medical Association
Website: http://www.bma.org.uk/

British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
Website: http://www.bapras.org.uk/
Member surgeons: http://www.bapras.org.uk/findasurgeon.asp

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Website: http://www.baaps.org.uk/
Member surgeons: http://www.baaps.org.uk/content/view/18/32/

The biggest choice of breast implants clinics in Bedfordshire with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best breast implants for you in Bedfordshire.