Breast Augmentation | Plastic Surgery | Harley Clinic

Breast augmentation (often referred to as breast implant surgery or breast enhancement/enlargement) is a cosmetic procedure designed to increase the size, shape, and volume of the breasts. It helps women boost confidence, restore fullness after pregnancy or weight loss, refine proportions, or achieve a fuller look.

What is Breast Augmentation?

To put it simply, breast augmentation is the enlargement of the breasts, which can help patients achieve the breast size and shape that they want. It’s done through the insertion of implants filled with silicone or physiological saline. As they tend to feel more natural, silicone breast implants (filled with silicone gel) are the most commonly used in the UK.

Breast Augmentation: Quick Overview

Surgery Time: 60-90 minutes
Anaesthetic: General
Hospital Stay: Same-day or 1 night
Dressing and Garments: Change dressings at one week, remove dressings at two weeks, and wear a compression bra for up to 12 weeks
Time Off Work: 1-2 weeks
Exercise: After 6 Weeks
Mobile: You will require one day of bed rest
Washing: Shower after one week
Sleeping Position: On your back at a 45-degree angle for at least two weeks
Full Recovery: Ranges between 6-8 weeks

What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery typically takes around 90 minutes and is performed under general anaesthetic. The surgeon will place the implants (silicone or saline, round or teardrop) either behind the breast or behind the muscle the breasts sit on. Incisions can be made in the creases under the breasts, in the armpit, or around the nipple.

Potential Breast Augmentation Risks and Complications

The breast enlargement process, as with any other surgery, comes with a list of potential risks and complications that every patient must consider before they undergo the procedure.

Common Risks of Breast Augmentation

It’s important to be well-informed about the risks of breast augmentation surgery, as they can affect a number of things, including your health, satisfaction with the procedure, and your recovery. Some of the most common risk associated with breast augmentation surgery include:

Infection
Bleeding & Haematoma
Anaesthesia Risks
Pain, Swelling, and Bruising
Pour Wound Healing and Scarring
Nerve Injury

As with any surgery, your surgeon will go through these in detail during your pre-surgery consultations, which will help you better prepare for your breast augmentation journ

Post-Surgery Recovery and Aftercare

The first few days after the procedure are critical, as your body heals from the procedure.

Pain Management: Discomfort, swelling, and bruising are all common side effects after the surgery, but your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage them.
Movement and Rest: Light movement, which can stimulate blood flow and aid recovery, can be beneficial during your recovery, which should nonetheless focus on rest to ensure proper healing.
Supportive Bra: It’s essential to wear a supportive bra during the recovery process and this will reduce swelling and keep the implants in place.
Recovery Timeline: Normal activities are typically resumed six weeks post-surgery, but the final results of the procedure may not be fully realised until the six-month mark.

Aftercare Tips for Smooth Recovery

There are a number of easy steps you can follow during your post-breast augmentation surgery recovery, each of which will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Rest and Sleep: Rest should be the absolute priority for the first few days after surgery. When lying down, trying to avoid doing so on your stomach or side as doing so will put pressure on the implants.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for healing. Try to keep your diet balanced without overworking yourself preparing meals.
Compression Garments: Reduce swelling and support healing by wearing compression garments.
Follow-Up Appointments: If you’re considering breast augmentation in London, the Harley Clinic offers the expertise and support necessary for a safe and satisfying outcome.

What Happens at Your Follow-Up Breast Augmentation Appointments?

Your follow-up breast augmentation appointments are an essential part of the recovery process.

Here’s a general timeline you can expect of when you will see your surgeon after your breast augmentation surgery:

One week post-op
Two week post-op
One month post-op
Three months post-op
Six months post-op

You will see your doctor within one week of your surgery. They will likely schedule another visit for the following week. The next appointments will then be one month after, then usually three months, and six months after your surgery.

The reason that you have multiple follow-up appointments across several weeks is for the following:

Examine incisions
Remove sutures
Check for complications
Check on appearance
Monitor healing and cosmetic appearance

A high level of aftercare is at the heart of the Harley Clinic in London. That’s why you only deal with your surgeon the entire time. We don’t have any patient coordinators. You can simply pick up the phone and call your surgeon if you have any concerns.

The Different Types of Breast Impants

There are various different types of breast implants you have available to choose from. Here are the options you have available to consider:

Size (cc) – breast implants are sized in volume in cc (cubic centimetres). The volume you have will depend on the actual size and shape of your breasts.
Shape – you have round or anatomical implants. Anatomical implants are shaped like a teardrop with more volume at the bottom. Round implants are the same shape on all sides and are the most popular choice in the UK.
Textures – you have different textures available, including macro, micro, nano, and smooth. The texture refers to the outer layer of the breast implant. The surface can influence the feel of the implant as well as the long-term success rate.
Profiles – the profile is how far the implants will project from the chest wall. You have low, moderate, and high projections.
Breast implant manufacturers/brands – there are a surprising amount of breast implant companies available. We would recommend:
- Nagor – made in Britain
- Sebbin – made in France
- Motiva – made in Costa Rica
- Mentor – made in Belgium

What Size Breast Implant Should You Get?

Choosing the right size implant is a crucial part of your breast augmentation consultation. Your surgeon will use their expertise and knowledge to make recommendations to you after learning more about your needs, body and general health. The size available to you is based on your current breast size, build, and the loose skin and fat around the chest area.

Below is a detailed video covering how we size our patients for breast augmentation:

Breast Augmentation Incision Types

Next, you have the incision site. Incision planning is a crucial part of the breast augmentation pre-op checklist. The incisions will dictate where your scars will be.

Here are your incision location options:

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Will breast augmentation leave visible scars?

As breast augmentation surgery typically involves incisions, scars may be left behind. However, skilled surgeons will typically make these incisions in discreet areas, such as along the crease under the breast or around the areola, so as to reduce their visibility. Scars usually fade over time anyway, so if you are self-conscious about them, remember that they will become less noticeable.

Breast augmentation scar

Breast augmentation and lift, no anchor scars

Breast lift vertical scar - six weeks post op - the Harley Clinic

Silicone Strips for Scars - What Do Breast Augmentation Scars Look Like? Neat breast augmentation scars, The Harley Clinic, London

Can I Get a Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift at the Same Time?

Many patients choose to combine the two procedures for the ultimate breast rejuvenation treatment. Combining a breast lift and breast augmentation is a great way to get the most out of your surgery and maximise results. If you want a look with a lot of upper fullness, combining a breast lift with breast implants or breast fat transfer works well. If this is something you want to explore further, your surgeon will be able to discuss this with you in more depth.

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation - 650cc

Breast augmentation before and after - 410cc Motiva Ergonomix

Before and after breast augmentation - Motiva 410cc

Breast augmentation, lift, and tummy tuck - the Harley Clinic

Before and after breast augmentation 375cc RSF Motiva + doughnut breast lift

Before and after breast augmentation 375cc RSF Motiva + doughnut breast lift

Before and after breast augmentation 375cc RSF Motiva + doughnut breast lift

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery?

Most women can breastfeed after breast augmentation, though this is more challenging if the implants are placed above the muscle. It’s important to discuss your individual circumstances with your surgeon, as they will be able to talk to you about how the procedure may impact your breastfeeding.

How much does breast augmentation surgery cost in the UK?

A number of factors can affect the cost of an individual breast augmentation surgery. Variables like the type of implant, the surgeon’s experience, and the surgery’s location can all play a role. However, patients can typically expect their UK breast enlargement cost to be somewhere between £3,000 and £6,000. By consulting with a qualified surgeon, you will be able to receive a more specific cost estimate.

Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants Before and After Photos

breast augmentation male to female transition at The Harley Clinic

Breast augmentation at The Harley Clinic - 3 months post op

Breast augmentation at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast augmentation surgery at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast augmentation 355cc at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast augmentation 355cc ERSF Motiva Subfascial

Breast augmentation recovery tips, at The Harley Clinic, London

One week post-op breast augmentation 500cc at The Harley Clinic, London

Exercise after Breast Augmentation, 240cc ERSC Motiva Subfascial breast implants at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast augmentation 450cc RSF Motiva breast implants at the Harley Clinic

Breast augmentation at the Harley Clinic

Before and after breast augmentation

Breast augmentation at the Harley Clinic

Breast Augmentation Patient Reviews at the Harley Clinic, London

Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic - Breast Implants Patient Review

Breast Enlargement Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Feedback, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast implants review, Dr Riaz Agha, The Harley Clinic, London

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Breast implant review, Dr Riaz Agha, The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast implant removal review at The Harley Clinic, London

breast implant exchange review, Dr Riaz Agha, the Harley Clinic London

breast implant exchange review, Dr Riaz Agha, the Harley Clinic London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

breast implant exchange review, Dr Riaz Agha, the Harley Clinic London

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Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast implants, fat transfer to breasts review, the Harley Clinic

Breast augmentation review, Dr Riaz Agha, the Harley Clinic London

Breast augmentation review, the Harley Clinic

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast implants, breast implant exchange, and fat transfer to breasts review at the Harley Clinic

Nipple surgery, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation review at The Harley Clinic

Nipple reconstruction, breast implant exchange, and breast enlargement and lift review at The Harley Clinic

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

The Harley Clinic - Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha, London

The Harley Clinic, London breast augmentation review

Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London - Breast Augmentation Review

Breast lift with implants review at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast implants review, Dr Riaz Agha, breast reconstruction surgery expert at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Patient Review - Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast lift with implants review, The Harley Clinic, London with Dr Riaz Agha

Breast implants review at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast augmentation review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast augmentation review at The Harley Clinic

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast Augmentation Review, Dr Riaz Agha at The Harley Clinic, London

Consultation with Dr Riaz - patient review at the Harley Clinic

Breast augmentation day of treatment review - the Harley Clinic

Before and After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast re-augmentation and doughnut lift at The Harley Clinic

Breast augmentation at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast augmentation 315cc Motiva ERSF Subfascial

Breast augmentation 410cc ERSC Motiva subfascial

Breast augmentation, 300cc ERSC Motiva subfascial at the Harley Clinic

Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery: Breast augmentation 400cc at The Harley Clinic - how to prepare for breast augmentation

Breast augmentation 240cc at The Harley Clinic

Breast reaugmentation 380cc out and 550cc in at The Harley Clinic

Is there a Breast Augmentation Age Limit? Breast augmentation 380cc at The Harley Clinic

Breast augmentation 240cc ERSC Motiva subfasical

Breast augmentation 425cc ERSF Motiva subfascial

Breast augmentation 410cc ERSC Motiva subfascial

Breast augmentation Motiva 400cc Ergonomix full projection

Breast augmentation 285cc Motiva ERSD subfascial plane

Breast augmentation and breast lift at the Harley Clinic London

Breast augmentation 475cc RSF Motiva subfascial, the Harley Clinic London

Breast augmentation and uplift before and after

Breast augmentation and uplift before and after

Breast augmentation at the Harley Clinic

Breast augmentation 410 ERSC Motiva

Breast augmentation using Sebbin Integrity 390 cc

Before and after breast implant 475cc

Breast augmentation 360cc

Breast augmentation before and after

Breast augmentation 400cc Motiva

Breast Enlargement London

At Harley Street Clinic, we pride ourselves on our world-class facilities, as well as our caring, compassionate and high-quality care. Check out our extensive list of patient reviews for more information on what you can expect from our clinic.

We also update our cosmetic surgery blog regularly to help answer any prospective and existing patient queries.

If you have any questions about breast augmentation, or wish to book a consultation today, then please call 0203 582 4947 or email contact@harleyclinic.com.

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