-
Congenital Surgery Suitability
For anyone who has concerns over their breasts, be that their size, appearance, that they are not symmetrical or have not developed as might be expected, congenital breast surgery may well be suitable.
In many cases, the issues will have become apparent around puberty, however that is not to say this has to be the time for surgery. Many women are only in a position to consider surgery for tuberous breast or other congenital conditions later on in their life.
Breast asymmetry is a relatively common form of congenital breast – this where the breasts have not developed evenly. It is normal of course for breasts to not be completely symmetrical, surgery would be for when there is a more profound difference.
Tuberous breast is where breasts are somewhat tube shaped, often with a larger than usual space in-between. The breasts will often be underdeveloped in the lower portion with an areola that is large and dilated.
Overall, congenital breast conditions are not uncommon and it is very likely that they are underreported, this because many women will live with the condition rather than seeking remedy.
It will usually not be a condition that has direct health concerns, however that is not to say it does not impact in other ways.
Concerns about one’s breasts can play greatly on someone’s self-esteem, confidence and sense of self. The negative impact can cross into relationships and even work, a lack of self-confidence or negative self image can cross into all areas of life.
Ms Prousskaia sums up the impact beautifully.
Before surgery there is always a shadow on their faces that seems to say, “I know I am different, I do not like myself. Will it ever be over? Does it have a solution?”
It’s distressing for the young woman and her family. Fast forward to post-op, I can see a completely different expression on their faces. It is a relaxed and confident smile, like a huge weight has been lifted! It is very similar to what I see after I reconstruct breast cancer patients, they struggle to believe it can be over until it is done.
I particularly enjoy seeing these girls coming in with a new partner, before surgery many of them were single, so I feel I not only helped to change their body and mind but also had a positive impact on their personal life.
This can be the real benefit of treating congenital breast conditions, seeing it change someone’s life for the better.
Consultation for Surgery Suitability
Whether a patient is truly suitable could only be ascertained in a thorough consultation.
The consultation is the opportunity for the prospective patient to talk through their concerns and the results they are seeking and for the surgeon to listen and then suggest a best course of action.
The consultation establishes a partnership and so it is of vital importance that you feel at ease with any surgeon you consider. Take the time to get a feel for their ethos and their manner as well, of course, their experience.
Ms Prousskaia always holds detailed consultations and then a second consultation is usual, this allowing time for the prospective patient to consider if surgery is truly for them and to think of any follow-up questions.
The Process for Treating Congenital Breast in Bath
The skill and experience of the surgeon is crucial as there is no singular surgical procedure for congenital breast – it depends on the specific nature of that patient’s requirements.
Working from the wonderful Bath BMI Hospital, Ms Prousskaia has a wide range of techniques at her disposal and huge experience in treating every form of breast abnormality.
One option will be implants, these can add shape and volume as desired – whether this is to one breast or both.
For some, it may be that rearranging existing breast tissue is a sufficient treatment.
Others may be suitable for fat transfer, this where fat is grafted from one area of the body – for instance the thighs or abdomen, treated and then used to augment the breasts as required.
One benefit of this approach is that it can target two areas at once – for instance if a patient has a desire to lose some fat from a specific area such as the abdomen, then this addresses this issue, and then uses the far to treat another.
The approaches above can also be used in combination, for instance some fat grafted and used alongside implants.
In a web page, it is not possible to say which process would be best suited to any individual case, nor does the patient need to be an expert in the techniques.
Instead, this again is where a consultation is key. The surgeon will use all the information at their disposal, including the patient’s medical history to choose the best approach.
The operation is likely to take between two and three hours.
There is a recovery period post-surgery, this will include avoiding strenuous physical activity for a period of weeks, it will also take a matter of months for final results to be visible as swelling settles down and the dressings heal.
The Cost of Congenital Breast Correction
The cost for the procedure covers the surgeon fee, anaesthetist and the fees inherent with using a private hospital.
In Bath, this is the Bath BMI hospital, a wonderful modern building that is equipped with the highest quality equipment. The hospital also has a reputation for wonderful levels of care, with feedback praising the staff and level of professionalism.
At the time of writing, prices would start from around £6,000 – however, the nature of this surgery, the wide range of specific cases it covers, means that in reality an accurate cost can only be provided at a detailed consultation.
If you choose to have a consultation with Ms Prousskaia, she would provide a full, detailed quote, this inclusive of all fees and after care.
About Elena Prousskaia
Elena is cosmetic surgeon with approaching 20 years’ experience, she is known as one of the leading surgeons operating in the UK.
Starting her career at the North Bristol trust she dedicated several years to complex microsurgical reconstruction as well as general plastic surgery.
Elena has held Fellowships around the world, including prestigious posts with Guys and St Thomas in London and Fellowships in Italy, Barcelona, India and the University Hospital of Tokyo.
As befitting a leading surgeon she has won awards and written for numerous leading medical journals.
These credentials – and further details are outlined here – are not mentioned to boast but to show Elena’s standing as a cosmetic surgeon.
Credentials are of course important, but so too the ethos of the cosmetic surgeon and their ability to truly listen to anyone considering surgery.
Of her ethos, Elena says.
“The one thing that matters most to me when I am with a patient is empathy.
“It is only when you are able to identify and understand your patients problems that you can begin to help resolve them satisfactorily. A good surgical outcome is not the only thing that matters.
“Everything that you do and say to a patient has to come from your heart. I consider myself very lucky to be able to share my passion for what I do and hopefully bring a bit more happiness into my patients’ lives.”
The independent reviews back up Elena’s skill as a surgeon and ethos – universally five-star reviews across multiple independent sites.
Google reviews
iwantgreatcare
Realself
About Bath
The largest city in Somerset, Bath has a population of 88,859 as of the 2011 census.
A world heritage site since 1987, Bath is in the valley of the River Avon, 97 miles (156 km) west of London and 11 miles (18 km) south-east of Bristol.
The city is now a popular tourist destination, with close to four million day visits every year and one million who stay overnight, the city’s Roman remains, including the Baths, being a key factor in this tourist appeal.
Education and health and tourism and leisure are key employees in the City, these accounting for close to 50,000 jobs in Bath and surrounding area.
Famous residents and those born in Bath include comedians Bill Bailey and Russell Howard, filmmaker Ken Loach and everyone’s favourite baker, Mary Berry.
