Everyone is different and will have different reasons for exploring breast enlargement surgery. It is always important to consider why you want to have the procedure and what difference it will make to you if you go ahead.

It is also important that you have the correct operation. Sometimes, a mastopexy, or breast uplift, is more appropriate, or could be combined with an implant operation to get the best results.

During your initial consultation, you will be able to discuss every aspect of breast enlargement surgery with your Consultant, which should help you to make an informed decision.

There are various types of breast implants, but most have a silicone outer shell and are filled with silicone gel which can be soft or firm. Implants can be round or shaped; they can be textured to help reduce capsule, or smooth. You will have the opportunity to discuss all these options and other alternatives with your Consultant. Your Consultant will guide your decision-making to help select the best size, shape and style to suit you and your frame. The implants that we use are rigorously tested to ensure quality, safety and the best possible results.

Risks and complications, together with issues such as capsule formation and Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Lymphocytic Cell Lymphoma will also be discussed.

You will also be asked if you wish to have your implant details entered onto the National Breast Implant Registry.

Breast implants are normally inserted through a scar placed on the underside of the breast, known as an IMF incision (infra-mammary fold). In some circumstances, other incisions may be suitable. Your Consultant will discuss this with you.

The breast augmentation will be performed under general anaesthetic and will take approximately 90 minutes. You will receive local anaesthetic injections to help reduce pain post-procedure. When you wake from the anaesthetic, you will normally find that you have some dressings on the wounds, and you are wearing a supportive bra. You may or may not require drains which will be removed before you go home.

Your breasts will normally be swollen or bruised, but will settle down over the next few weeks. You will need to wear a comfortable, non-underwired bra to support the breasts for six weeks after surgery.

After one to two weeks you should be able to return to work, and from two weeks you can build up to normal activities as you feel able. However, it is strongly recommended that you do not do anything strenuous or carry out vigorous exercise for about six weeks.

Most breast enlargement patients will stay overnight. However, your Consultant will be able to discuss what will be best for you before we book you for surgery.

Recovery time will vary from patient to patient, but by four to six weeks after the procedure you should have healed enough to see the results of your surgery and will likely be able to resume activities like going to the gym.

You should expect some pain and discomfort following surgery and you will be prescribed pain medication for this. Your breasts will be sensitive and swollen for several weeks, often feeling tight and high. This will settle as the healing continues and your Consultant will be able to discuss this at your consultation.

There will be some scarring caused by the incision your Consultant will need to make to insert the implant. They will show you where your scars will be ahead of your surgery. The scars will fade gradually over time and become much less noticeable by 18 months after surgery.

Although breast enlargement surgery is very common, there are still some risks associated with it, as there would be for any surgery. The main risks associated with breast enlargement surgery are: bleeding; infection; capsule; movement of implants; change in sensation (such as nipple or skin numbness); pain or discomfort; and being able to feel the implant.  There is a rare chance of developing a condition known as BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Lymphocytic Cell Lymphoma). Your Consultant will discuss all the potential risks with you during your consultation and will be able to provide information and answer any questions you may have.