• Our Surgeons
  • Mr Oliver Fenton - MBE
  • Mr Alan Phipps
  • Mr Stephen Southern
  • Miss Orla Austin
  • Mr George Spyrou
• Our Procedures
  • Breast surgery
    • Uplift
    • Reduction
    • Enlargement
  • Body reshaping
    • Arm reduction
    • Liposculpture
    • Male Breast reduction
    • Post Weight Loss / Body Lift surgery
    • Thigh lift
    • Tummy tuck
  • Facial surgery
    • Anti-wrinkle treatment
    • Brow lift
    • Chin and Cheek implants
    • Ear reshaping
    • Eye bag removal
    • Facelift
    • Facial lipofilling
    • MACS face lift
    • Novostrata Regenerative Facials
    • Skin peels
  • Cosmetic Gynaecology
  • Nose re-shaping
• News
• Aftercare
• Finance options
• Open Events
• New – Novostrata Beauty Products
• Patient stories

Enlargement

WHAT IS A BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE?

A Breast Augmentation procedure is performed in order to push and project natural breast tissue forward to give a fuller and larger breast appearance through the insertion of a prosthesis, commonly known as a 'breast implant'. 

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

This procedure is performed within a broad age range who wish to improve their breast size and shape for the following reasons:

• Dissatisfaction with their original breast size
• Desire to regain or improve breast shape and size following significant weight loss or childbirth
• A wish to correct uneven breasts (asymmetry)
• Correction of a congenital deformity of one or both breasts

HOW IS A BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

Breast Enlargement surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic (you will be asleep). The procedure takes around one hour to perform and patients typically stay in hospital for one night to recover.

The procedure is performed by making a fine incision in the crease-line beneath the breast itself (sub-mammary route) or through the armpit (auxiliary), or around the underside of the nipple area (periaerolar). In the UK the sub-mammary incision method is generally favoured, though any decision is made on the basis of a patient's personal preference, in conjunction with the surgeon's advice and judgement.  The implant can be positioned in one of two places within the breast cavity in order to push the breast forward and to enlarge the original breast volume.

The two potential sites are:
a) In front of the great pectoral muscle.  This route is typically chosen when a patient has sufficient skin and breast tissue to give good natural looking coverage over the breast implant.
b) Behind the great pectoral muscle.  This route is typically chosen when a patient has insufficient skin and breast tissue to give a natural looking coverage over the breast implant.  This method is often favoured for very slim or particularly flat-chested women.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?

Most women experience some discomfort following Breast Enlargement surgery and take analgesic tablets (pain killers) for up to one week following surgery.  It is important to allow for a natural period of healing to take place and for women who lead busy lives to abstain from strenuous activity or from heavy lifting for six weeks following surgery.

Initially, breasts will be firm and swollen and they will take at least six weeks to soften to a more natural appearance and feel.  Breast swelling will settle down completely after several months.

Patients will always be advised to take a specific amount of recovery time away from work, dependent on the type of work they perform, but it is usual to take 7 to 14 days away from work to rest and recover at home following this type of procedure.

Every surgeon's breast augmentation procedure technique can differ slightly and wounds can be sutured (stitched) with either dissolvable or removable fine sutures.  Sutures are typically removed 10 - 14 days following surgery.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

Risks such as bleeding, infection, delayed healing, alteration in sensitivity, scarring and encapsulation will all be discussed openly at consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.

Due to the additional healing and infection risks experienced with patients who smoke, smokers may be precluded from having surgery until they cease or substantially reduce their daily cigarette intake.

Although Breast Augmentation is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist aesthetic surgery.

All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your understanding and expectations in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I AM A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

At Spire Methley Park Hospital our surgeons will carry out a full evaluation of your individual needs and circumstances and provide you with a comprehensive verbal and written explanation of any recommended treatment or surgery.

Our Expert Consultant Plastic Surgeons understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating Breast Enlargement surgery. Throughout your consultation you will be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any treatment.