Breast Augmentation
Although subject to change throughout an individual’s life due to weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, or nursing, breast size is largely based on genetics. Therefore, breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular procedure among women who wish to enlarge their breasts.
Breast Implants
During the procedure, silicone cohesive gel implants are placed underneath the breast tissue and are typically placed above the muscles of the chest wall although, depending on the thinness of the patient’s skin, may be placed underneath the muscles instead. The incision is typically about 5 to 6 centimeters in length in the sub-mammary crease underneath the breast. The implants are then inserted at this location and placed under the breast tissue. Although the most common location for an incision, occasionally the cut is made around the areola area or even in the armpit. After the surgery is complete, the wound is closed with dissolvable sutures that are buried in the skin under the breast. In this way, the scar of the procedure is hardly noticeable even when the patient’s arms are raised.
Although there are both silicone and saline implants available for use, silicone is the type of implant most commonly used due to its more natural shape and feel. There have been large amounts of controversy over the use of these silicone cohesive gel implants. However, research has so far shown the implant to be safe for transplants and they have not been linked with either short or long term health problems such as breast cancer or other diseases. Fortunately, due to the developing and continued popularity of the procedure, much research has been done on possible side effects with the results being very positive and few patients reporting any side effects at all.
Possible Complications of Breast Augmentation
The most common side effect of breast augmentation, although rare, is capsular contracture which, if it occurs, is typically seen years after the initial procedure. The occurrence of this complication has decreased due to the use of silicone cohesive gel as opposed to other forms of breast implants. When foreign materials are introduced into the body, a thin membrane is typically formed around the object which the natural tissue is unable to detect and thus, will not react against. However, occasionally, the body will react negatively to the foreign object. Occurring in about 2 to 8% of patients, capsular contracture results from the contracting of the fibers of the scar tissue surrounding the breast in reaction to the foreign materials in the implant. This causes a hardening of the breast which can be quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the only treatment option for capsular contracture is to re-open the incision at the scar, remove the implant, and enlarge the opening in the breast by removing some of the scar tissue and inserting a new implant. A sports bra or other binding garment is then worn to attempt to prevent the re-formation of the capsule.
As is the case with any other operation, the risk of bleeding after the surgery or infection around the area of the implant is possible although both can often be easily prevented and are quite rare. If infection were to occur, treatment would need to be immediately sought and the implant would most likely need to be removed. After some months, when the infection has been thoroughly expunged from the area, the introduction of the implant may be attempted again.
Following the surgery, the patient may also experience some temporary numbness in the breast and areola area. The operation, as with any other, will lead to some pain after the procedure which will, again, pass with time. It is also possible that some of the nerves in the breast may become stretched during the procedure which will also cause some discomfort although this condition is also a temporary side effect and is, fortunately, quite rare.
Breastfeeding
For women that intend to breastfeed, breast augmentation rarely impedes the ability to nurse and silicone has not been found to be located in the breast milk of mothers who have undergone the procedure. However, it has been shown that breast implants interfere with the administration of mammograms. Although they are still able to be conducted, it is important that the technician is aware of the presence of the implants as specific views must be used in order to obtain an optimal image. Although they can interfere with the mammogram procedure, the have not been shown to affect ultrasounds or MRIs. In the past, it was also possible to feel the implant from the outside of the breast. This rarely occurs today due to the use of silicone breast implants. These implants that are currently being used are much more anatomically accurate than previous technology, allowing for a much more natural look and feel.
The popularity of the procedure and continued research indicates that the vast majority of women are satisfied with the results of their breast augmentation. However, there are some possible side effects that pose a concern. As mentioned previously, bleeding and infection are possible, although these are quite rare. If infection were to occur after a breast augmentation procedure and a repeat operation were required, this would be covered under the initial cost unless it was found that the infection was not as result of a error by the surgeon. In addition, dissatisfaction might occur if the patient experiences capsular contracture which has been previously described. As mentioned, the only treatment for this would be another procedure which would entail an additional cost as it is not a reaction that can be controlled by the surgeon but is a side effect which is discussed with the patient prior to the procedure.
It is also possible that, after surgery, any asymmetry of the breasts that previously existed may be exacerbated. In addition, the shape of the breast will adjust over time and this change is unpredictable at the time of the procedure. Scarring is also an inevitable side effect of the surgery. However, due to the way the sutures are inserted, they are fortunately quite inconspicuous.
Our Practices
Mr Fourie practices at Nuffield Health Hospital, Leeds, conveniently situated in the city centre near Leeds General Infirmary and at Barnsley Medical Consulting Rooms in central Barnsley.
Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Mr LeRoux Fourie offers a wide range of cosmetic surgery and non surgical treatments and below is a brief outline of each
Inverted Nipple Correction
Many women find their nipples to be a great cause of embarrassment as they do not project past the breast and remain inverted. Mr Fourie is able to correct this problem using a quick and reliable treatment that can be done in as little as thirty minutes
Prominent Ear Correction
Although having prominent ears typically causes no physical discomfort as such they can sometimes lead to a lack of self-confidence and be on the receiving end of cruel jokes. Sometimes just one ear is the problem but usually both will be pinned back. It is also possible to perform other types of ear surgery to the lobes depending on the complexity of the case.
Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia is the medical term for male breasts and can be a very humiliating condition for men and can make them very self-conscious. Because of this, some individuals decide to undergo a male breast reduction procedure in order to remove the excess tissue and, occasionally, even skin from the area of the breasts.
Liposuction / Liposculpture / Body-Jet Lipo
You can now experience the latest advancements in cosmetic surgery with the revolutionary Body-Jet Water-jet assisted liposuction procedure. The gentle water jet washes away the fat without damaging the underlying structures such as the blood vessels and nerves which means less recovery time and bruising.
Non Surgical Treatments
Antiwrinkle Injections
It is inevitable that as we age lines and wrinkles will become visible and to some this is of concern. Lines around our eyes can develop as can lines on the forehead. The prescription injection treatment we all know as BOTOX® is now formally approved for cosmetic use and is called a new name which is VISTABEL®. VISTABEL® is a treatment that is used to relax the frown lines that can trouble our forehead as well as crows feet which can develop around the eyes.
Excessive Sweating
Our body uses sweating to help control body temperature and is normal human function however some people suffer from excessive sweating which can lead to severe embarrassment and anxiety. Following a consultation if your suitable we can provide a treatment that will prevent your excessive sweating that involves BOTOX® being injection into your arm pit.
DermaRoller
Genuine Dermaroller™ Therapy™ can offer a significant improvement in appearance for those who suffer from acne scars, sun damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles and stretch marks. The DermaRoller procedure stimulates your skin to help with the regeneration and repair of itself and is a natural and safe way to create smoother, brighter and healthy skin.
Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used for many different non surgical enhancements and anti ageing treatments. They can be used for lip enhancement to create subtly increase the volume of the lips, smoothing lines around the lips, nose and cheeks as well as many other areas of the face and body to improve the appearance of the skin.
Mole Removal
It is very common for moles, lesions or cysts and can appear in many different places on the face and body. Sometimes they can be in a prominent position which can cause frustration or self awareness. Mr Fourie is able to assist in many different types of these problems and would be happy to perform many of these in the minor theatre or treatment room if he is able.
Mr Fourie
About Mr Le Roux Fourie
Mr Le Roux Fourie is a Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon based in West Yorkshire. Mr Fourie was born and raised in South Africa and underwent his medical and post graduate training in South Africa, obtaining his basic Medical Degree in 1979. Thereafter he served as a Medical Officer in the South African Defence Force Medical Corp, before starting training as a registrar in Plastic Surgery at the University of Stellenbosch in CapeTown. He qualified as a Plastic Surgeon in 1987 and was appointed a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Number One Military Hospital in Pretoria, where he served as full-time Consultant for three years reaching the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel.
In 1991 and 1992 he was in full-time Cosmetic Surgery Practice in Pretoria.
In 1993 Mr Fourie joined the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns at Pinderfields General Hospital as the second consultant to be appointed after the tragic murder of the two previous Plastic Surgeons. He helped establish the current Department of Plastic Surgery from two members to the current seven consultants. During his time in Pinderfields General Hospital he established a Breast Reconstructive Surgery Service, which works mostly with the Breast Surgeons in dealing with primary breast reconstructions and delayed breast reconstructions after breast cancer.
Mr Fourie has been in part-time Private Cosmetic Surgery Practice in Methley Park Hospital, Nr Leeds since 1993.
Since April 2008 Mr Fourie has been in full-time Private Cosmetic Surgery Practice in Methley Park Hospital.
Special Interests
Mr Fourie is an experienced Breast Surgeon dealing with congenital breast problems, acquired breast problems such as breast reconstructions after cancer surgery (both immediate and delayed) and cosmetic breast surgery.
He has published articles regarding nipple areola reconstruction and has developed a tattooing technique which is now used by Cosmetic Tattooists in the UK.
He has been involved with the Allergan Implant Corporation in a ten year follow-up study of the long term effects of silicone breast implants which was published in the International Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Mr Fourie further specialises in Facial Aesthetic Surgery and is one of the first surgeons to use the MACS (Minimum Access Cranial Suspension) face lift technique in the UK in October 2002. His long term results using the MACS face lift were presented at the Summer Meeting of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons in Dublin in 2005.
Publications and Presentations
Mr Fourie was awarded the BAPRAS prize for the best clinical paper read at the British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Anaesthetic Surgeons Summer Meeting in Windsor in 2005.
He was awarded the BAAPS prize for the best paper read at the 2007 Conference in London. The Hackett Prize for the best paper at the BAAPS Conference 2007 was awarded to Mr Fourie.
Mr Fourie has lectured on nipple areola reconstruction and tattooing techniques, the treatment of pressure sores, wound infections and wound problems, facial aesthetic surgery and body contour surgery.
Mr Fourie has appeared in the Discovery Channels series on cosmetic surgery. He also featured on BBC's Inside Out in October 2007.
Mr Fourie has published papers in International Peer Review Journals on topics such as Breast Reconstruction, Breast Implants, Cosmetic Breast Surgery, Nipple Reconstruction and Facial Plastic Surgery
Charity Work
Mr Fourie does voluntary charity work in Africa as part of the Facing Africa Team involved in the treatment of noma (www.facingafrica.org). This is based at Yakatit 12 Hospital in Addis Abbaba, Ethiopia where reconstructions are done on patients suffering from Noma
Qualifications
MBCHB.
FCS (SA) PLAST
FRCS
BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons)
BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons)
BAHNO (British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists)
GMC Specialist Register - Registered as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon on GMC full registration. The GMC registration is 3633562.
Contact Form
Patient Finance
