Breast enlargement, technically known as augmentation is a surgical procedure to enlarge the size and enhance the shape to the breasts.

There is a number of mammary prosthesis for you to choose from. Our surgeons will discuss this and the surgical option in detail. The technique of inserting the implants involves creating a pocket behind the breast tissue via a small incision in the crease below each breast.

Implants are silicone shells with either a smooth or textured surface, which have traditionally contained either a silicone gel or a salt water solution known as saline. The silicone gel implant is a silicone shell filled with cohesive silicone gel. The advantage of cohesive gel is that the fibres of the gel naturally bind together. Therefore in the rare event of the shell being damaged (such as a car accident or a severe blow to the breast) the interior gel will remain intact. This type of implant has been around for 30 years and constantly improved.

Despite lots of scares and mis-information in the press there is still no evidence to suggest there is a link between Silicone gel leakage and ill health. The Department of Health continually scrutinise all available clinical information and have found no evidence to support the speculation. Despite this, some women have been put off by what they have heard. Our surgeons will discuss the implants in depth to help you to decide on the best prosthesis for your needs.

This operation takes between 45 minutes to1 hr15 minutes depending on its complexity.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic. On rare occasions patients can be operated under a local anaesthetic, this can be discussed with your surgeon at your consultation.

Some patients can return home later the same day if they prefer, or they can stay in hospital for one night following surgery.

Yes, these are small stitches, which are dissolvable and will not be visible following surgery as you will have protective bandages in place.

There will be small cosmetic scars approximately 4-5cms in the creases below the breast where the implants have been inserted. The implants can also be inserted through an incision in the armpit, around the areola or across the nipple as well. Scars will fade over time as the wound heals, usually by 3 months. The scars continue to improve and are just visible at six months. The mature scars present as thin white lines at about one year. Scars should be protected from direct sunlight for about one year.

You will have small paper tapes to cover the incision under each breasts, and pressure foam dressing (adhesive tape).

The strapping (adhesive tape) is removed after 4 days and 10 days, a supporting bra is fitted and worn day and night for six weeks. The steristrips are to be kept dry and in place.

Usually following your operation you have only a little swelling but this can vary.

You may feel some discomfort after the operation. Pain relieving medication will be given to you after surgery to keep this to a minimum.

The paper tape dressing under the breasts must be kept dry and remain in place until the 10th day when dressings should be removed.

The decision when to return to work and resume normal activities depends on how fast you heal and how well you feel. You should mobilise gently within the limits of pain avoiding any physically demanding activities for the first 48 hours. As a general guide most clients return to work between 1 to 2 weeks.

If you are interested in learning more about breast enlargement surgery then please telephone 0207 118 4442 and speak to one of our team who will gladly arrange for you to have a consultation.