Implants are great if you want a larger volume and want to know exactly how much more fullness you will have and want a fuller look.

Fat transfer/lipofilling is useful if you want to avoid implants and only want a small enhancement.

Breast enhancement surgery is suitable for you if you have small breasts, different size breasts or have lost fullness either from age, weight change, breast cancer treatment, pregnancy or if you simply want larger breasts.

Breast enhancement can fill out the breasts or correct an asymmetry which can help you feel more confident and feminine again.

If your breasts have drooped and need a lift, then you can have a breast augmentation mastopexy (implants and a lift).

The most common benefit of breast enhancement surgery is an improved appearance of your breasts, which can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

For cosmetic surgery in the UK, silicone implants - rather than saline - are most commonly used for the best outcome.

There are two different shapes of implant - round and anatomical (also known as teardrop). There are smooth and textured implants, although nowadays we also have ‘smooth implants’ with the benefits of textured implants which are known as micro and nano textured implants.  

There are pros and cons with both. Smooth implants tend to move around more and are more likely to bottom out as well as develop capsular contracture. Textured implants minimise these risks but have a very small risk of developing Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) which is a form of cancer.

It's essential to be as healthy as possible before your procedure, and your Consultant will want to know your BMI and smoking status. If you're a smoker, you will be asked to stop for at least six weeks before surgery.

You will have a pre-operative assessment with a cosmetic nurse who will go through everything with you before the surgery.

On the day of your surgery, you should shower as usual to ensure the area is clean.

The surgery usually takes about an hour and a half and is carried out under general anaesthesia.

Your Consultant will make an incision under your breast in the inframammary fold to allow them to insert the implant. This will be closed with dissolving stitches and a small dressing or tape applied over.

After the surgery, you can take some basic painkillers. You'll need to wear a post-operative surgical bra for at least six weeks.

Depending on your recovery, you may go home the same day or need to stay overnight at the hospital. You'll have a wound check appointment one to two weeks post-op and further follow ups with your Consultant.

Your Consultant will discuss your recovery and aftercare with you, including how to manage any soreness or pain, what bra to wear, and when you can resume your regular activities.

Typically, you can return to work after one to two weeks but should minimise your activity and including any exercise for six weeks. It can take several months for the swelling to subside and for the final results to be visible.

The firmness of your breasts will depend on the firmness of the implant plus the extent of any scar tissue that forms over time.

As with most procedures, there are risks associated with breast enhancement surgery. These risks include bleeding, infection (in rare cases), numbness around the scar, nipple sensitivity, delayed wound healing, and asymmetry.

Long-term risks include the hardening of the scar tissue around the implant, also known as capsular contracture or implant failure (rupture), which may require further rectification surgery.

Our high-tech and methodical approach to infection control means we offer a safe, clean environment, with no cases of Bacteraemia or Septicaemia related to MRSA, and no cases of Clostridium Difficile (as defined by the Department of Health) - since 2002.

Your Consultant will advise but, generally, you can start driving again about two weeks after your operation – provided that you can perform an emergency stop and avoidance manoeuvres.

We’d also recommend that you check with your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers you post-procedure.  

Breast enhancement is a highly successful procedure with high patient satisfaction rates.

The key to success is the thorough pre-operative journey that you will have with your Consultant to ensure you are happy with the chosen implant and understand the entire process.

We're proud of our Care Quality Commission 'Outstanding' rating and our 0% recorded rate of MRSA.

Our experienced Consultants are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care, using the latest techniques and treatments to help you achieve your recovery goals. We also have dedicated specialised cosmetic nurses who will see you through your patient journey and are available to answer any questions that you might have.