Breast augmentation (implants)

You can have implants placed under your breasts if you want to increase your breasts' size and improve the way they project. We call the surgery for these implants 'breast augmentation'.

What are breast implants?

A breast implant is also called a prosthesis. It is a shell made of medical silicone, filled with silicone gel or occasionally with saline (sterile salt water).

Are breast implants safe?

Your specialist will give you full information on the safety of implants and any risk of complications with them. The body recognises implants as foreign material, so implants do cause some scar formation.

Before the operation

Before your surgery, you need to make various decisions with the help of your surgeon and the nurse specialist.

The decisions include:

the type of breast implant and its size and shape
whether you will have the implant placed under your breast or under your chest muscle
where the scar on your breast will be.

The operation

You are given a general anaesthetic for this operation, which takes about 1 to 1½ hours.
We make a space for the implant under your breast or under the chest muscle below your breast. The implant is placed usually through an opening in the fold under your breast.

After the operation

You can have this operation either as a day procedure or with an overnight stay.

Most people get back to normal levels of activity 3 to 4 weeks after the operation. However, you need to restrict vigorous exercise such as gym work for at least 6 weeks. Your breasts should be ready for a new bra fitting after 6 weeks.

Your specialist will give you full information at your consultation about what to expect.

The end result

The operation leaves a small scar below each breast, usually hidden by the fold under your breast.

The outcome for you is:

you have fuller and more prominent breasts
you should be able to breastfeed normally if you have another child.

Risk of complications

Breast augmentation is not major surgery, but complications from any surgery are always a risk, and implants can add to that risk. Your specialist will inform you fully at your consultation of any possible complications.

Arrange a consultation

Options for reshaping your breasts

Use the links below to find out more.

Breast reduction and uplift
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy