The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Breast enlargement
BREAST AUGMENTATION (IMPLANTS)
Breast enlargement, or augmentation, is surgery to increase the size and fullness of your breasts using implants
About breast enlargements
Breast enlargement is a common type of cosmetic surgery where silicone or saline implants are inserted to increase breast size, make them more even or change their shape.
The implants are placed either between the breast tissue and chest muscle, or behind the muscle.
Need to know
This is a major operation so it's carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep during the procedure. Your surgeon will make a cut in the crease under your breast, under the areola (the dark skin around the nipple) or under the armpit. They will insert the implants through the cuts into your breasts, either between the breast tissue and chest muscle or behind the muscle. The implants are usually made with either a silicone gel or a saline solution. Your surgeon will then close the cut with dissolvable stitches. Your breasts will be wrapped with supportive bandages. The operation takes between 60 to 90 minutes.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
As you'll need to have general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
As you'll need to have general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
You'll be cared for in hospital overnight following your operation. You may need to take a week or two off work, and you won't be able to drive straight away. You should arrange for someone to help you home from the hospital.
Recovery usually takes around four weeks. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work, exercise and driving. You will be left with a small scar on the base of the breast or around the nipple.
Breast implants don't last a lifetime and may need replacing after about 15 years.
Recovery usually takes around four weeks. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work, exercise and driving. You will be left with a small scar on the base of the breast or around the nipple.
Breast implants don't last a lifetime and may need replacing after about 15 years.
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Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our leading facilities.
Our Breast enlargement locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.