Under the muscle vs over the muscle
- This is dependent on how much breast tissue patient has to begin with, younger patients with a smaller bust tend to go with under the muscle placement as it looks more natural and there is a lower chance of rippling (when the implant edges ripple and can be seen more obviously if over the muscle). Patients who have more breast tissue to begin with can opt for under or over - your consultant will discuss this with your mum.
Sizing, projection, round vs tear drop
At the consultation you will be given a stretchy bra top and implant inserts to give you an idea of size. Have a look at boob or bust on Facebook or google it so that your mum knows her actual size - a lot of women are wearing an incorrect bra size due to old methods when it comes to measuring (I could go on about this for awhile but this is for another day!) anyway have a look at the calculator and measure her so you can get a size- you’ll find she’s probably a c if not bigger to begin with.
Projection is totally dependent on each patient, mild, moderate, high - this is just how much they’ll stick out when you are side on. Depending on your mums breast plate width measurement - if she has a narrow breast plate she may be advised to go for a higher projection as you can get more volume that way.
Round vs teardrop implant
Round tends to be more common but teardrop is available and looks very natural - up to patient which they decide
At the consultation, your consultant will measure you up etc and should be able to answer any questions. Write down Q’s you wish to ask before you go.
In prep for the op you want to get surgical bras (unless your consultant provides them - but even so get an extra so you can rotate whilst one is in the wash). Macom bras are good but pricey - they are hook and eye fastening so sometimes a bit of a fiddle - depending on dexterity you may want to opt for a high impact sports bra (M&S are very good) make sure it is front fastening with a zip for ease of access etc. Nurses often come in through the night to check dressings/draining so they can have a look without waking you and asking you to sit up and unhook a bra etc.
Stock up on laxatives and start taking as soon as you leave the hosp- if it’s the powder kind from GP then start taking a week before the op to get your body used to going regularly. If first line pain relief (paracetamol) doesn’t work the nurses can give opiates which are good but cause you to be very constipated - so definitely take laxatives to stop getting bunged up post surgery.
Post surgery she will be in a lot of pain, it will feel like an elephant is sitting on her chest.
Invest in a V pillow (dunelm) as she will be advised to sleep upright for AT LEAST the first two weeks.
It’s very difficult to lift your hands above your head so if she lives alone, bring things in the kitchen down to arm level as she will find it difficult to lift her hands.
It’s very difficult to wash your own hair so you will need to help her in the bath otherwise if you can book her in an appt with the hairdresser a couple of days post op that will definitely help!
Do you drive or does she have transport from hospital to get home as she will be unable to drive for the first 2 weeks - unless she has an automatic car in which case 1 week should be fine (changing gears are very painful)
Batch cook enough soups/meals for the first week and she’ll struggle to cook.
Sorry this is all over the place but this is what came to mind, if I have anything to add I’ll post again but feel free to send me a PM if you have any specific questions. There’s a private support group on Facebook I think it’s something like ‘breast augmentation uk support group’ (sorry can’t say for sure as I’m currently on a SM detox and can’t remember exactly) but definitely worth joining as there are many other women in the same position with fab advice.
Good luck to your mum x