Blooming Breasts

Many women seeking breast enlargement ask me if they would be at more risk of developing breast cancer afterwards and are unsure if they will be able to notice breast tissue changes post operatively.

As I place implants under the chest muscle wall, the breast tissue above the implant remains unchanged and I urge all my patients to continue to routinely examine their breasts for lumps and bumps.

The team at Cosmetic Solutions support the breast cancer awareness charity and together hope we can reduce the number of female deaths from breast cancer to ZERO.

Being breast aware

To be breast aware means becoming familiar with how your breasts look and feel.

You should understand how your breasts may change at different times during the month and also as you get older.

The important thing is to recognise which changes are usual and which are not and to make sure you know what is normal for you.

There are many reasons for changes in the breast and more often than not they will be harmless, but all of them need to be checked to ensure they are not the first signs of cancer. If a cancer is present the sooner it is detected the more simple and effective the treatment is likely to be.

You can help yourself by checking your breasts on a regular basis; follow the 5 point breast awareness code:

• Know what is normal for you.
• Look and feel.
• Know what changes to look for.
• Report any changes without delay.
• Attend routine breast screening if you are aged 50 and over.

Changes to look out for:

• Any change in the outline, shape or size of the breast or nipple.
• Any change in the position or colouring of the nipple, including inversion.
• Any dimpling, denting, scaling or discolouration of the skin.
• A nipple rash on or around the nipple, or bleeding, moist areas which don't heal easily.
• Discharge form one or both nipples.
• A lump, swelling or bumpy areas in your breast that feels different from the rest of your breast tissue.
• A lump, swelling or bumpy areas in the armpit, arm or around your collarbone.
• Discomfort or pain in the breast, armpit or arm which is different to normal, particularly if it is new and persistent.

Angelica: "I think we are all aware of the importance of becoming familiar with every aspect of our bodies so we can spot changes early. It is even more vital with breasts and I cannot stress enough the value of self examination in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection can really save lives".