Breast Enlargement (Augmentation) Surgery
If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, breast enlargement surgery (also known as augmentation) may be the right choice for you.
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK. Many thousands of women safely undergo the procedure every year, changing the shape and size of their natural breasts for a more desirable look. Our expert team of highly skilled surgeons have performed breast enlargement surgery for thousands of satisfied women to date.
At our clinics, we only ever use the highest quality implants. And because we know how important it is to feel confident about your new shape, our surgeons always listen carefully to understand the look you are trying to achieve.
After coming to us for a free consultation, it might be that you go home and think of more questions you’d like to ask. This is the best way for you to be absolutely sure you are making the right choice for you.
Aurora is now part of The Private Clinic, please click here to find out more about Breast Augmentation and The Private Clinic. World renowned plastic surgeon Mr Adrian Richards is part of The Private Clinic expert team.
Considering Breast Enlargement surgery?
There are many reasons for choosing to enlarge your breasts. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:
- Breasts which are symmetrical and in proportion with your frame
- Increased self-esteem and body image
- Looking and feeling better in clothes and underwear
- More confidence
Our aim at Aurora Clinics is to create a very natural appearance following your breast enlargement surgery, with your bust being proportionate to your hips and shoulders so that you look feminine and natural rather than top heavy. Many of our patients find that their self-esteem is significantly improved after their breast enlargement surgery and that they are able to choose from a wider variety of clothing styles.
How will it impact on your life?
Prior to their breast enlargement surgery, many patients would use padding to balance or enhance their bust, something which they happily stop doing after their breast enlargement surgery. Many patients feel that their self-confidence and body image is greatly increased following surgery.
An additional benefit of breast enlargement surgery is that many of our patients feel able to return to activities which they felt too embarrassed to undertake before their surgery, such as swimming and exercise regimes. This is primarily because they feel more confident wearing swimwear and sportswear which can be very unforgiving at hiding imperfections.
It is also common for patients to find they have increased confidence in the bedroom after their breast enlargement surgery and we would recommend discussing this element with your partner before undergoing the operation.
Is Breast Augmentation right for you?
Most people who come to Aurora Clinics seeking surgery fall into one of two categories:
- Women who have not developed breasts they are happy with, or who have developed asymmetrical breasts, with one significantly larger than the other.
- Women who have lost volume in their breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. This may be accompanied by downward movement of the nipple. In this case, if the nipple sits below the crease of the breast, a breast uplift may be appropriate.
If either of these applies to you, you may be a suitable candidate for breast enhancement.
Most people considering breast enlargement surgery do weigh up the benefits versus the potential risks of having the surgery.
When weighing up these pros and cons it might be helpful to listen to some of our patient testimonials which show previous patients discussing honestly why they decided to have the operation, their experience of the procedure at Aurora Clinics and how they feel about their final appearance following their breast enlargement surgery.
Breast Enlargement FAQs
Information Video Guide
We have created a free information video guide on breast enlargement surgery, which lasts over an hour and discusses the process from choosing a surgeon, to the best implant for you, the operation itself and your recovery as well as the final results. This video guide can be requested by clicking here.Before and After Photos
We generally advise that you have a good look at before and after photographs prior to a consultation and bring both photos you admire and ones you dislike to your initial consultation.Patient Testimonials
Not only can hearing about other peoples' experiences be very helpful in deciding whether or not to go ahead with the surgery, it can also alleviate any fears you may have and help you to be fully prepared for the operation and recovery period. We would advise that you listen to a number of testimonials as everybody has a very different experience and this will enable you to gain the broadest perspective.If you are lucky enough to know someone who has recently undergone a breast enlargement procedure it can be very helpful to talk to them in person to hear why they decided to have the operation, how they chose their surgeon and their personal experience of the whole procedure including the surgery itself and their recovery afterwards.
Patient Reviews
There are a number of independent review sites which allow patients to review both the plastic surgery company as well as the surgeon itself. The most popular ones are Trustpilot and Realself.During the research process you are likely to think of certain questions specific to your surgery. Before an initial consultation it is wise to write down a list of these questions or topics you would like to discuss with your surgeon as it can be easy to forget these during your appointment.
It can also be helpful to bring along these pictures, ones you both admire and dislike to your consultation. This helps your surgeon develop the best idea of what you want to achieve from your breast enlargement surgery.
Other web resources which can be useful are the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons which lists all fully registered plastic surgeons who specialise in cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK. Surgeons who register for BAAPS have usually, in most cases, been a consultant plastic surgeon in the UK and have to publish and record their yearly activity which is assessed.
It is also worth researching your plastic surgeon online prior to your consultation. There are a number of websites that allow you to see reviews of your surgeon: Some surgeons perform breast enlargement surgery infrequently and we at Aurora Clinics would recommend that you choose a surgeon who performs at least ten of these surgeries per month at minimum. This is because it is crucial that your surgeon specialises in this type of surgery in order to produce the best results.
In most cases it is advisable to have consultations with at least two plastic surgeons to give you the best idea of the best approach for you and also gives you the opportunity to decide which surgeon makes you feel most comfortable.
It is important that you develop a good rapport with your surgeon and that they understand fully what you hope to achieve from the operation and also your desired appearance. In some cases you may meet a non-medical specialist in the first instance, but at Aurora Clinics our philosophy is that your first appointment will be with the surgeon to discuss the best type of breast enlargement surgery for you; in particular:
- The best type of breast implants for you
- Whether your implant should be shaped or round
- Whether the implant would be placed behind or in front of the muscle
- Whether you would need any other procedures, such as an uplift
- how many breast augmentation/enlargement procedures they perform per year.
- how many of these patients have required further surgery (e.g. – to adjust the size of their implants).
- how many patients have developed capsular contracture following surgery.
- how many patients have developed other problems following surgery, such as infection or bleeding.
- to show you before and after pictures of patients whom they have treated
- if it's possible to talk to any patients whom they have treated recently in order to get a first hand experience of what is involved
- what are the follow up arrangements and whether, if you do have any problems following your operation, your initial payment would cover this
It is very useful to bring along some pre-prepared questions to make sure that you have all of these answered. It is also a good idea to take a notebook and pen with you so you can also record the answers you are given.
We would also encourage you to bring along pictures showing the type of bust that you would like following surgery and some of your own clothing in various styles to see how they might look with different implants.
At Aurora Clinics we pride ourselves on our breast sizing appointments and spend at least an hour with you looking at various sizes and shapes. We would encourage you to come in with different tops and clothes you will wear to see how the implants will look in different outfits. Some surgeons will incorporate the sizing appointment with your initial consultation.
We can also offer you a 3D Crisalix simulation of your breasts with different sizes and shapes of implants to give you an idea of how you may look following surgery.
Click here for more information on what to bring to your sizing appointment.
Over the years there have been significant improvements to breast implants and not only are the breast implants made of stronger, more robust materials and contain more solid, cohesive silicone, they have also developed many more shapes, sizes and profiles.
A potential disadvantage of the teardrop implants is that they can rotate, causing distortion to the bust. Your surgeon would counsel you fully as to the risks of this prior to the surgery.
We recommend looking at our extensive gallery of breast enlargement surgery before and after pictures. If you find previous patients with a similar build and breast shape to yours then these can give you the best possible idea of how different implants will look on you.
During your consultation it is very important that you fully discuss the variety of different implants with your surgeon and that your surgeon also takes the time to show you a wide variety of implants so that you can understand the differences between them and why one may be more appropriate for you than another.
The risks following breast enlargement surgery can be divided into two: the general risks of any operation and the risks associated particularly with breast enlargement surgery.
General risk
- Deep vein thrombosis
- pulmonary embolism
- Reactions to the anaesthetic
- Allergies to some of the drugs used during the surgery
Capsular Contracture
After you have had breast implants, your body begins to naturally surround the implant with a layer of scar tissue. This tissue is known as a ‘capsule’ because it encapsulates or surrounds the implant. Sometimes the capsule can tighten and squeeze the implant. This is then known as a capsular contracture. It can cause the breast to feel hard, look misshaped and can sometimes be painful.
Capsular contracture is treatable and it may require additional surgery. Your surgeon will talk about this with you in more detail at your consultation. Capsular contracture is one of the most common reasons for having another operation, and is also a risk factor for implant rupture. As part of your initial clinical assessment your surgeon will take steps to reduce your chance of developing capsular contracture. The severity of capsular contracture is graded using the four-grade baker scale; Grade I capsular contracture is the least severe and Grade IV is the most severe.
Implant rupture
An implant rupture is a tear or hole in the breast implant shell. When this occurs in a silicone gel-filled implant, the gel may remain in the shell, leak into the tissue (or capsule) that forms around the implant or spread beyond the capsule. Breast implant ruptures can occur by a variety of causes such as extreme capsular contracture, excesive trauma to the chest or damage by surgical instruments.
The symptoms of implant rupture that you may notice include; changes in the breast shape, decreased breast size, tenderness or pain and swelling. In some cases a ‘silent rupture’ may occur and the woman will experience no changes to the way the implant looks or feels. This type of rupture is diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and this may be recommended as part of your post-surgery medical examinations. Implant rupture can be treated and a removal of the implant will be recommended. Your surgeon will diagnose if your implant has ruptured and determine if you should have it replaced or removed. At Aurora you are initially provided with 3 years cover for higher grades of capsular contracture and breast implant rupture that may require further treatments. This cover period can be extended with our unique Extended Aftercare Scheme for additional peace of mind, ask your co-ordinator for details on this.
Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
BIA-ALCL is a Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a rare T-cell lymphoma that can arise around breast implants. Currently the cause of BIA-ALCL is not clearly understood and research is ongoing. BIA-ALCL is rare and the true incidence is hard to estimate. To date, the estimated incidence rates in scientific literature range from 0.03% to 0.003% or 1 in 3,817 to 1 in 30,000. Current MHRA (The UK Regulator for Medical Devices) estimates that the rate is 1 in 24,000.
BIA-ALCL has been associated with both saline and silicone implants, round and anatomical implants, all gel types, all types of implant texturing, and all projections and seizes, as well as breast implants that have been used for both reconstructive and cosmetic purposes.
Presently, no specific risk factors have been identified by health bodies around the world that are studying this disease. However, factors such as breast implant texture, genetics and bacteria have been implicated and are presently undergoing further study. Breast implants have different surface textures, including smooth or textured. For cases reported to date, BIA-ALCL has been seen most often in patients with textured implants. Your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with much more information at your consultation and please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have regarding BIA-ALCL or any other risk associated with breast implant surgery.
When diagnosed early BIA-ALCL can be treated, often successfully by removing the breast implant and surrounding scar capsule, however additional treatment may be necessary depending on the individual and whether the disease has spread throughout the body. As with all cancers it is important to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. We advise it is good health practice to self-examine breasts regularly and we would recommend that all patients with breast implants do this. Should anything such as swelling of the breast or other symptoms such as pains, lumps and unevenness between the breasts be detected an appointment to see your surgeon or GP should be made as soon as possible.
Gov.uk Guidance
https://baaps.org.uk/media/press_releases/1693/statement_from_praseag_on_breast_implants_and_guidance_for_patients
Other breast augmentation surgery risks include change in breast or nipple sensation, implant displacement, breast asymmetry and ptosis.
- Do not eat anything for six hours prior to your operation. The reason for this is that you need to have an empty stomach before any general anaesthetic to prevent the risk of vomiting or inhaling the stomach contents.
- Don't chew any chewing gum for six hours before surgery as this can increase the acid secretion in your stomach in a very similar fashion to food.
- Drinking water is fine up until two hours before your surgery, then nothing until after your operation.
- Avoid applying any body lotion on the day of the surgery as this can interfere with the sticky heart lead tracing and cautery pads which will be applied during your procedure.
- Remove all jewellery that it is possible to remove before surgery, although with items such as belly-button piercing we can tape the area down to avoid any interference with the surgical apparatus.
- We would advise that you remove nail varnish before your surgery as you will have a machine attached to one fingernail to measure your blood oxygen saturation.
- We would also recommend that you avoid excessive makeup on the day of surgery.
Before your operation, your surgeon will come in to see you and will discuss his plans for your surgery and answer any last minute queries you may have regarding your breast enlargement procedure. Your surgeon will then, if they have not already, take photographs of your bust from different angles and will also draw on you, outlining in most cases the margins of the pocket they plan to use for the breast implant and also the incision. This gives your surgeon the best idea of where to place the implant to give the most natural appearance. You will then be asked to sign a consent form which gives your permission for the breast enlargement procedure to be completed.
There will be some waiting prior to the operation and you will be given a pre-med to settle your nerves. It would be a good idea to bring a book, MP3 player or laptop and DVDs to entertain yourself whilst waiting.
It is also possible to choose what music plays during your surgery and we enjoy listening to a wide variety of music whilst we operate! If you provide your MP3 player to your surgeon they will make sure that your selected music is played in theatre. If you would like a specific playlist please put together a playlist lasting approximately 90 minutes which we can then play during your operation.
You will be given something to drink and eat and be encouraged to mobilise yourself as soon as possible. Some people choose to stay overnight following their operation, whilst other people prefer to return home that evening as they feel happier convalescing in a familiar environment. It is important to rest after your breast enlargement procedure and not drive during the week following the operation to allow your breasts to heal in the best possible way.
Therefore if you are having a straightforward breast enlargement you will likely have a scar approximately in your inframammary fold. If you are having an uplift procedure as well then the scarring may be more extensive but this will be discussed during your consultation.
At Aurora Clinics we now offer the revolutionary short scar breast enlargement using the Keller Funnel which means a scar as short as 4cm, less trauma and it reduces the chance of infection and capsular contracture.
During the first week it is important to gently walk about and mobilise your legs to minimise the risk of any blood clots in your calves. We advise you to avoid driving during the first week and also any strenuous activity which could raise your blood pressure thereby increasing your risk of bleeding.
Most people take one week off work following surgery until their first post-operative appointment. Some people with manual jobs which involve lifting take two weeks off following the surgery. It is unusual to require longer than this off work.
It is important to have some support at home, particularly if you have young children. If you do have young children who require lifting then you will need help with that and with taking them to and from school. It is not essential to have someone with you 24 hours a day at home, but it is key that you have someone to support you during this period. As you will be unable to drive for a week and therefore not be able to perform the school run it is wise to make childcare arrangements for the period immediately after your surgery. Most people need at least a week off childcare after their surgery.
After two weeks you will be able to resume light exercise and, if you are working out, we recommend that you concentrate on the lower body and gentle aerobic exercise rather than high-grade upper-body physical exercise involving the pectoralis major muscle.
If you need to you can book in for a two week follow up appointment with one of the nurses to check that all is well but most patients find this is not necessary.
After 6 weeks you should be completely back to your normal activities.
We would encourage all patients to schedule an appointment for a follow up appointment six weeks after their breast enlargement surgery. Most patients do not have any residual discomfort by this point. Photographs will be taken at this appointment and we can provide you with copies of your before and after photographs if you would like them. All of the follow up appointments are included in the initial cost of surgery.
After your six weeks follow up it is unlikely that you would return to Aurora Clinics until your first annual follow up with our team. These yearly follow up appointments will consist of your surgeon checking the incision and the firmness of the breasts to ensure that no capsular contracture has taken place. If there are any concerns at one of your annual follow up appointments your surgeon can arrange either an ultrasound scan or MRI scan of your breasts to assess them internally. These yearly check ups are also free of charge.
Most of our patients do come back for their yearly follow up appointments, although if you have any concerns in the interim there is the 24 hour helpline for you to call to make an immediate appointment.
We recommend that all patients attend their annual breast enlargement surgery follow up appointments without fail, especially at the 15 year mark when a full assessment of your breasts will be made.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons advises that concerned patients need not take any action at this stage. They should continue their routine follow up with their healthcare professional and discuss any questions they have about their breast implants. There is no need to remove or exchange any current implants based on the most up-to-date scientific data available. Indeed, unnecessary surgery may cause additional harm in a small number of patients.
We advise any patients with new symptoms such as swelling or pain to contact their implant surgeon for specific advice, otherwise they should make a routine appointment with their GP when available to discuss their concerns.
We encourage women to continue to self-examine their breasts as a matter of good health. Should you notice any changes, feel any discomfort, or have any other concerns then please contact us and we will arrange for you to see your surgeon or consult your General Practitioner (GP).
The majority of patients in the UK with breast implants will have textured surface implants in their breasts. According to all the latest scientific data there is no indication for any woman to consider removing or replacing their implants. Patients should continue with any planned follow-up they have arranged.
Further information can be found on the following websites: Gov.uk Guidance
https://baaps.org.uk/about/news/1675/a_statement_by_the_british_association_of_aesthetic_plastic_surgeons_baaps_on_the_withdrawal_of_allergan_natrelle_textured_implants
https://baaps.org.uk/media/press_releases/1693/statement_from_praseag_on_breast_implants_and_guidance_for_patients - April-4'2019
What to expect at your consultation? At your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss all the risks and complications mentioned above. You will also receive a Breast Enlargement Patient Guide which outlines all of the information that you need to know before going ahead with breast augmentation surgery. Your consultation is a great time to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have, your surgeon will also be able to go through the different implant sizes, shapes and implant brands available and assess which is suitable for you and your shape and discuss what are your desired goals.
last update April 2019
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons advises that concerned patients need not take any action at this stage. They should continue their routine follow up with their healthcare professional and discuss any questions they have about their breast implants. There is no need to remove or exchange any current implants based on the most up-to-date scientific data available. Indeed, unnecessary surgery may cause additional harm in a small number of patients.
We advise any patients with new symptoms such as swelling or pain to contact their implant surgeon for specific advice, otherwise they should make a routine appointment with their GP when available to discuss their concerns.
We would encourage women to continue to self-examine their breasts as a matter of good health. Should you notice any changes, feel any discomfort, or have any other concerns then please contact The Private Clinic and we will arrange for you to see your surgeon or consult your General Practitioner (GP).
The majority of patients in the UK with breast implants will have textured surface implants in their breasts. According to all the latest scientific data these remain safe devices and there is no indication for any woman to consider removing or replacing their implants. Patients should continue with any planned follow-up they have arranged.
Further information can be found on the following websites:
- Gov.uk Guidance - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/breast-implants-and-anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma-alcl
- BAAPS Statement https://baaps.org.uk/about/news/1675/a_statement_by_the_british_association_of_aesthetic_plastic_surgeons_baaps_on_the_withdrawal_of_allergan_natrelle_textured_implants
- https://baaps.org.uk/media/press_releases/1693/statement_from_praseag_on_breast_implants_and_guidance_for_patients - April-4'2019
The next step
We always encourage people to do as much research as they can when considering cosmetic surgery, so for more information on breast enlargement surgery:
- Watch our patient videos and hear about surgical experiences first hand
- Read our online Trust Pilot and Real Self reviews
- Watch our surgeon videos covering frequently asked questions
- See before and after photographs in our extensive gallery to compare and contrast results with your body shape
- Get in touch and we will email you information on our surgeons and clinics and how to book a free no obligation consultation.