Breast-augmentation-faqs-breast-implant-surgery
Breast Augmentation FAQs – Q&A about Breast Implant Surgery
is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK. Satisfaction rates after breast implants are among the highest of any cosmetic surgery. Despite the procedure’s popularity, many women have questions about choosing the right implants, recovery, and cost. At your in-person consultation, your specialist plastic surgeon will give you customised recommendations. Here we answer your most commonly asked questions about breast augmentation.
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BREAST AUGMENTATION OVERVIEW
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the size, improves the shape, or restores volume to the breasts. It is most commonly performed using silicone implants, though fat transfer is an increasingly popular alternative for women seeking a more subtle, natural result.
Breast augmentation using implants is the most popular form of breast enlargement, although there are other options. Fat transfer breast augmentation involves removing fat from another unwanted body area, such as the abdomen or hips, purifying it, and injecting it into the breasts. A fat transfer boob job is commonly requested by women seeking a subtle increase in breast size. Plastic surgeons can now combine breast implants with fat transfer to produce more natural-looking results — this is also known as a .
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Women choose to have a boob job for a myriad of reasons. The most common ones include having small or uneven breasts, breasts that appear out of proportion with the rest of the body, or breasts that have lost volume or shape following pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. The purpose of a boob job is to help give you larger, firmer breasts that make you feel more confident and satisfied with your body.
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AM I SUITABLE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are women who are in good physical and mental health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking improvement rather than perfection. You should be at a stable weight with a BMI under 30, ideally a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery, and not planning to become pregnant in the near future. Breast augmentation is not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding. A face-to-face consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon is the best way to determine whether you are suitable.
Women in their mid-20s to early 30s form the largest group of people who have breast augmentation. Although there is no upper age limit, all patients should be in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations. Patients must be at least 18 years old to be treated at Centre for Surgery.
Yes. Centre for Surgery observes a mandatory reflection period between your consultation and your surgery date. This ensures you have had sufficient time to consider your decision fully, ask any remaining questions, and feel completely confident before proceeding. Your surgeon will confirm the specific timeframe at your consultation.
We recommend being at or close to your stable target weight before surgery. Significant weight changes after breast augmentation can affect the appearance of your results. Patients with a BMI over 30 are generally advised to lose weight before being considered for surgery.
We generally recommend waiting until after you have completed your family. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly change the size and shape of the breasts, which may affect the outcome of a previous augmentation.
CHOOSING BREAST IMPLANTS
At Centre for Surgery, we have years of experience using . Mentor implants are considered among the most advanced breast implants available in the UK and have been used for over 30 years. Breast implants come in a wide range of different sizes, shapes, projections and surface textures. The following factors are worth considering:
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Mentor is a long-established producer of breast implants for augmentation and reconstruction surgery. Their products are made with medical-grade silicone, offered in a wide range of sizes, shapes and textures, and backed by a lifetime warranty covering replacement in the event of rupture or leakage.
Gummy bear implants is the colloquial name for cohesive silicone gel implants — the most advanced type of silicone implant currently available. The silicone gel inside is firmer and more form-stable than standard silicone, meaning it retains its shape even if the outer shell is compromised. They are available in both round and teardrop (anatomical) shapes and are considered to produce the most natural look and feel. They are the implant type most commonly used at Centre for Surgery.
Mentor implants come with a lifetime product warranty, which covers replacement of the implant in the event of a confirmed rupture. The warranty programme also provides a financial contribution towards surgeon and facility costs for revision surgery within a specified period following the original procedure. Your surgeon will explain the full warranty terms at your consultation.
Always choose a specialist plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register. Online research will help you learn about a surgeon’s qualifications, experience, before and after photos, and reviews. Avoid basing your decision solely on cost. Only plastic surgeons have completed the full training required in plastic and cosmetic surgery.
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Before and after photos can help give you a rough idea of how you could look after surgery. Ask your surgeon to view their photos at consultation, focusing on body shapes similar to yours. They can help you form realistic expectations and guide discussions about size, shape, and projection.
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BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE
Breast augmentation involves the insertion of silicone breast implants to increase breast size and improve shape. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision — most commonly in the inframammary fold beneath the breast — and create a pocket to place the implant either above or below the chest muscle. The incision is then closed with dissolvable sutures.
The most common incision used at Centre for Surgery is the inframammary incision, made in the natural crease beneath the breast. This approach gives the surgeon excellent access and visibility, and the resulting scar is hidden in the breast fold. Alternative incision sites include the periareolar incision (around the edge of the areola) and the transaxillary incision (in the armpit), though these are less frequently used. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your implant choice and anatomy.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia as a day case procedure. You can go home the same day. The procedure itself typically takes one to one and a half hours to complete.
Implants can be placed above the chest muscle (subglandular) or below the chest muscle (submuscular or dual plane). Under-the-muscle placement is associated with more natural-looking results and a reduced risk of certain complications including rippling, and is the most commonly recommended approach. Dual plane placement — where the upper portion of the implant sits beneath the muscle and the lower portion sits above it — is particularly well-suited to patients with mild breast droop, as it allows the implant to interact more naturally with the existing breast tissue.
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You will be asked to arrive at the clinic at a specific time, usually a couple of hours before your surgery is scheduled. A member of the nursing team will carry out pre-operative checks, including blood pressure, weight, and a review of your medical history. You will meet with your anaesthetist and surgeon before going to theatre. After surgery, you will recover in our post-operative suite before being discharged once our nursing team is satisfied you are comfortable and stable. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
As a general rule, one cup size is roughly equivalent to 175cc. Women who currently wear an A-cup and would like to be a full C-cup will require approximately 350cc implants.
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A particular type of implant will produce varied appearances in different women depending on existing breast tissue, chest wall width, and skin characteristics. Implant sizers at your consultation can help guide the decision. We recommend choosing an implant that matches your body frame for a harmonious, natural-looking result.
refers to visible or palpable ripples on the surface of a breast implant, usually seen in patients with thin or limited breast tissue. Textured implants have a slightly higher incidence of rippling, and placing implants under the muscle can decrease the risk, especially in slimmer patients.
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RECOVERY AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION
You should take at least one week off work for healing and recovery. Avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks, and excessive arm movements above the head for at least four weeks. Wear the post-operative bra as recommended for the full six weeks and avoid strenuous exercise, including going to the gym, for a minimum of six weeks.
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It is normal to experience bruising and swelling for the first two weeks. Any mild discomfort can be controlled with painkillers. Boob job scars are usually located in the breast crease (inframammary fold) and fade to a faint white line after 6 to 12 months. It is essential to have realistic expectations — a boob job is designed to give you larger, firmer, more symmetrical breasts, which can give a significant boost in self-confidence.
Following breast augmentation, you will be fitted with a soft, supportive post-operative bra before leaving the clinic. You should wear this bra continuously — including at night — for the first six weeks. It is important not to wear an underwired bra during this period, as the wire can put pressure on the healing incision and disrupt implant positioning. After six weeks, your surgeon will advise when it is safe to return to regular bras.
It takes between four and six weeks for the majority of swelling to resolve after breast augmentation. After this time you will begin to see the final results, though minor swelling and changes in implant position can continue for up to three to six months as the implants settle.
Most patients are advised not to drive for at least two weeks after breast augmentation. You should not drive until you are able to perform an emergency stop comfortably and without hesitation, and until you are no longer taking prescription pain medication. Always confirm with your surgeon before getting behind the wheel.
For the first few weeks after surgery, you should sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated — using extra pillows or a wedge pillow. Sleeping on your side or front puts pressure on the implants and the healing incisions and should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Most patients can return to their preferred sleeping position once swelling has settled and their surgeon has confirmed healing is on track.
Light walking is encouraged from the day after surgery to promote circulation. However, strenuous exercise — including running, weight training, and any activity that raises your heart rate significantly — should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks. Upper body exercises and chest movements should be avoided for at least six weeks and reintroduced gradually only with your surgeon’s approval.
Breasts will feel different after implants. Several factors affect how they feel, including implant size, shape, type (silicone or saline), and placement. Silicone implants are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue. It is normal to experience swelling and occasional nipple sensitivity or numbness after surgery, both of which almost always resolve on their own.
During early recovery, it is normal to experience heavy and swollen breasts as the soft tissues stretch to accommodate the implant. Breast implants themselves are not heavy, and most patients adjust to their new implants quickly.
Breast implants can be felt at the sides and lower portion of the breast. This is normal and should not be a concern as long as there is no change in appearance or pain.
A significant increase in breast size is often the most obvious indicator. Modern breast augmentation techniques are designed to produce natural-looking results, and smaller implant choices make it increasingly difficult to tell whether someone has had surgery.
Breast implants increase the weight of the breasts, which can place strain on the soft tissue envelope over time. Eventually, the breasts may begin to sag. Choosing an appropriately sized implant will help minimise the risk of premature sagging.
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Breast implants are most commonly inserted through the inframammary incision located in the lower breast crease. This incision is invisible when standing up. Scars heal well and become a faint white line after 6 to 12 months.
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It can take several weeks to get used to your new breasts, and feeling emotionally unsettled immediately after surgery is not uncommon. In the vast majority of cases, women feel much better once healing is complete and the implants have fully settled, which can take up to three to six months. If after full recovery you remain unhappy with your results, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon at your follow-up appointment. Revision breast surgery is available and may be appropriate in certain circumstances. Centre for Surgery also has a formal complaints process, and we are committed to addressing any concerns promptly and transparently.
BREAST AUGMENTATION RESULTS
Modern sixth-generation breast implants are designed to last considerably longer than earlier generations. Most breast surgeons agree that implants may need reviewing after approximately ten years, though many last considerably longer without any issues. Implants do not have a fixed lifespan and do not need to be routinely replaced simply because of their age — revision surgery is only indicated if a problem develops, such as capsular contracture or confirmed rupture, or if you wish to change the size or style of your implants. Factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight change, and natural ageing may also affect how your breasts appear over time.
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Breast implants do not need to be routinely replaced at a set interval. Revision surgery is only necessary if a complication arises — such as rupture, capsular contracture, or significant changes in appearance — or if you choose to alter your results. Some patients keep the same implants for 20 years or more without any problems. Your surgeon will advise you to attend periodic check-ups to monitor the condition of your implants over time.
Pregnancy does not affect breast implants, although it could affect how implants look. Most experts agree that it is safe to breastfeed after breast augmentation, particularly if you have had an inframammary incision. Breast cancer screening is not affected by having breast implants — most radiologists are trained to interpret mammograms in women with implants.
Alternatives include and .
RISKS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia, so you will not feel any discomfort during surgery. Any mild discomfort after surgery can be controlled with painkillers, and most women do not report significant pain after the first week.
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries risks. These include:
The risk of complications is significantly reduced when surgery is performed by a specialist plastic surgeon in a CQC-registered facility.
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occurs when the scar tissue that forms naturally around an implant becomes abnormally thick and hard. It can cause the breast to feel firm, look distorted or cause discomfort. Treatment may involve surgical removal or replacement of the implant.
A double bubble deformity occurs when a visible crease or indentation forms across the lower breast, giving the appearance of two separate mounds. It can occur when the implant descends below the natural inframammary fold, or when a strong pre-existing fold is visible through the skin above the implant. It is more common in patients who have an existing breast crease or who have had a previous mastopexy. Your surgeon will assess your anatomy at consultation and take steps to minimise this risk.
Bottoming out refers to the downward displacement of a breast implant, causing the nipple to appear too high on the breast and the lower pole to become excessively full. It can result from tissue weakness, overly large implants, or inadequate support of the pocket during healing. Correction typically requires revision surgery to reinforce the lower pole of the breast pocket.
(Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) is a rare type of lymphoma that has been associated primarily with certain textured breast implants. It is not breast cancer. When detected early, it is usually treatable. Your surgeon will discuss implant choice and the associated evidence with you at your consultation.
It is relatively common for the breasts to feel particularly sensitive to touch for up to four weeks after surgery. This usually disappears as swelling resolves.
BREAST AUGMENTATION COST AND FINANCE
The cost of breast augmentation depends on a number of individual factors, including the type and size of implants chosen, the complexity of the procedure, and your surgeon’s recommendations. A detailed personal quotation is provided after your consultation.
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The all-inclusive price at Centre for Surgery covers your surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, facility and theatre costs, the cost of your implants, your post-operative compression bra, pre-operative assessments, and a programme of follow-up appointments with your surgeon. There are no hidden charges — the price quoted after your consultation is the price you pay.
The NHS does not perform surgery purely for cosmetic reasons, and a boob job will not qualify for NHS funding. Breast implants used as part of a after mastectomy, or for conditions such as , may qualify. However, NHS waiting lists for these are currently several years long.
Centre for Surgery offers a full range of finance options, including 0% APR for eligible applicants, through Chrysalis Finance — the leading provider of specialist medical finance in the UK. A detailed personal quotation is provided after your consultation.
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You will need to recover at home for at least one week after a boob job. Cosmetic breast surgery may not be considered essential, and your employer may not grant medical leave on these grounds. If you require a medical sickness certificate, the exact procedure will not be documented on the form, although your plastic surgeon will sign it.
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Breast augmentation surgery at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the top breast augmentation surgeons in the UK. We carry out hundreds of breast augmentation procedures each year at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone. Breast augmentation is the most effective procedure for improving breast fullness and symmetry and can deliver an enormous boost in confidence and self-esteem.
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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.
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