Breast Augmentation Fact Sheet

The objective

A breast augmentation, also known as enlargement, is surgery to increase the size of the breasts or correct asymmetrical breasts. It usually involves placing an artificial implant either under the breast tissue or the chest muscle behind the breast.

The procedure

The operation is normally carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take 1-2 hours. Before the operation, you may need to have a mammogram.

The surgeon will make an incision in the breast area in order to place implants under the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle. The incision site may be in the crease under the breast, around the nipple or in the armpit. The type of implant can vary - all have a silicone outer layer but may be filled with silicone (cohesive gel that doesn’t run if cut) or saline (salt water). Once the procedure is complete and the implant has been positioned, the incisions will be stitched and drains - tubes used to remove blood or other fluids from a wound to help healing - may be inserted.

The outcome

Following surgery, you will be bandaged and if drains are in place, they will normally be removed after 1-2 days.

There will be swelling and discomfort for around six weeks and you may need to wear a special support bra for that time. If stitches are not dissolvable, they will need removing after 10-12 days.

You will usually be able to leave the hospital after 1-2 days. You will be required to take around 2-3 weeks off work and strenuous activity must be avoided for four weeks.

You should have larger and/or more even breasts as a result of this surgery. However, implants have a lifespan of about 10 years and more surgery may be required.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications associated with breast augmentation include infection and problems with wound healing such as necrosis, where the blood supply is affected and the skin dies.

Abnormal scar tissue can also form around the pocket of the implant which may squeeze the implant and cause hard, painful breasts (capsular contracture). If this happens, further surgery may be required. Fluid can build up around the implant. This is called a seroma and may require further surgery to drain it.

There is often a temporary difference in skin and nipple sensation following breast augmentation but this can be permanent. Different-sized breasts may also be a potential problem and further surgery would be required.

Mammograms and any abnormality detection may be affected by the implant.

The costs

Privately in the UK, expect to pay around £4,000 - £5,000. Abroad, expect to pay from around £1960 as a day care patient in Belgium to £2,700 in Italy.

The availability

Breast augmentation is a widely-available procedure at most private cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK and abroad. It may be available under the NHS if there is a clinical need.

The popularity

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries amongst women and those with small breasts, or who have lost breast tissue through pregnancy or lactation, or who have had mastectomies, may opt for this type of surgery. Women who feel larger breasts would give them more confidence also may decide to have this operation.