Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or breast enlargement surgery is a cosmetic procedure used to alter the shape and size of the breasts. It is the most common cosmetic surgical treatment in the UK with thousands of procedures performed each year. Breast enlargement surgery, also called a boob job, increases breast size through placing implants within the breasts to enhance the shape of the breast, and to increase cleavage and cup size.

Who has Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast surgery is common for women who have experienced breast mishaping after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.
Many women who simply desire fuller or firmer breasts choose to have the surgery to increase their body confidence.
This procedure is also used to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy.

What are Implants?

There are 2 main types of breast implant used in breast enlargement surgery; saline filled implants or a gel silicone filled implants. Saline implants are less common as there is more risk of cosmetic complications such as wrinkling or rippling.

What are the Alternatives to Breast Enlargement?

There are non-surgical breast enhancement treatments available such as tissue generating creams or oral pills however these are not always successful and only produce very mild results.
A surgical alternative to breast implants is a mastopexy, or a breast lift. During this procedure, excess skin is removed from around the breast and the surrounding tissue is tightened up. This has the effect of raising and reshaping the breast without the addition of implants.

How Long do Breast Implants Last?

New generation breast implants should last for the life-span of the patient. but many will offer 10-20 year guarantees on the implants themselves and some aftercare insurance to cover against complications such as ruptures. Some women choose to have further breast implant operations after a number of years because their body shape has changed and not because the orginal implants have ceased to be effective.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

Treatment does vary from clinic to clinic but most procedures should take 1-2 hours and an overnight stay in hospital is usually required. Most patients recover from breast surgery within a week althouh support bras are necessary for up to 6 weeks after the procedure.

Are there any Side Effects

Like any surgery, there are risks involved and complications can arise. Clinics will provide patients with a great deal of comprehensive information during the surgery consultation and identify potential problems a patient may face. These include; rupturing, deflation, scarring and increased risk of breast cancer. Infections from the surgery may occur and all operations performed under general anaesthetic also carry a risk.