Breast Enlargement & Augmentation

For many women, the size and shape of their breasts can cause unhappiness and insecurity. Breast enlargement can provide a safe and convenient solution, restoring confidence to thousands of women each year.

Whatever your personal reasons, Breast Augmentation at the Cadogan Clinic will provide the leading UK consultants, techniques and facilities for your treatment. Our expert team is acutely aware that the appearance of your body can affect your confidence and everyday happiness, and as such we handle each case with sensitivity and discretion.

Silicone implants have the most natural appearance and feel of any breast implant option. We use cohesive medical-grade silicone gel implants that imitate the feel of natural breast tissue. 

To have the most natural appearance, the implant must be the correct form, size, volume, and profile for your size and body shape. A lower-profile implant will produce the most natural-looking results. Your surgeon will advise you on the best option for your body type.

When it comes to breast enlargement surgery, our surgeons normally aim for natural-looking breasts, unless you specify otherwise.

Natural-looking breasts can be achieved by choosing the appropriate implant size and shape for you and your current anatomy. Natural-looking breasts can also be obtained by placing the implant in the proper location. Your surgeon will provide their recommendation unique to your body.

In addition, we also offer advanced fat transfer procedures that employ fat injections into the breast to transfer fat to the breast region and deliver more natural breast contours. This can be done in conjunction with breast implants or as a stand-alone procedure to naturally increase the size of the breasts.

There are various types of implants used in breast enhancement surgery. The primary difference is between saline and silicone implants. There are also textured and smooth implants.

The external appearance of these different types of implants is broadly similar regardless of the material. Due to silicone's favoured features as the safest, most inert of prosthetic materials and their somewhat more natural feel post-operation, silicone implants remain the most often utilised implant material in the UK.

We only use the very best breast implants for breast enhancement at the Cadogan Clinic and safety is of utmost importance to us. At your breast enhancement consultation, your surgeon will explain the various types of implants available to you and will provide an informed, expert opinion on the optimal material, brand, size, and shape of the implant for your specific body shape and type, in light of the results you hope to achieve.

We have never used PIP implants and continue to only use FDA-approved materials in all of our procedures.

Breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) can be performed concurrently. 

Breast lift surgery is used to elevate and/or restructure breasts that droop low over the chest and have the majority of their volume at the base. It is an effective method for restoring firmer, younger-looking, and more voluminous breasts. 

Breast augmentation with implants aims to increase the size of the breasts. If you are thinking about combining the two operations, keep in mind that a breast lift requires more recovery time than breast enlargement alone.

Different surgeons have different protocols, but it is common for a special garment to be worn in the immediate post-operative phase. The wounds are generally closed with stitches under the surface, which then dissolve over a few weeks. A strip dressing or reinforcing paper strips may be applied over or along the wound. Gauze and stretchy Mefix paper dressings may also be used to cover the wound and support the breasts.

After that, a compression garment is usually worn to support the breasts and protect the wounds. Although some surgeons do not use them at all and recommend a sports bra instead, it is most common to wear a lycra compression bra made specifically for breast surgery of which there are many types. The experts will select the best one for you and your surgery. There is also one other lycra dressing, occasionally required, and that is a stretchy strap worn across the upper breast to hold the implant low.

The sports bras or lycra garments are going to be worn day and night for at least three weeks, and then during the day for an extended period of time, particularly during exercise or sporting activity.

The extent of the scarring will depend upon the types of incision used in the surgery. Although scarring is kept to a minimum, you should expect some scarring following a breast enlargement procedure. Scars can be expected where the underwire on a bra would sit, around the nipple area or in the armpit. 

Scarring will be at its most noticeable during the first few months following surgery. Scars will be raised and a different colour to your skin. They will eventually flatten and fade. The scars may not take on their final appearance until a full 18 months after surgery.

The recovery time for breast enlargement is relatively swift, and most patients feel back to their normal selves within a week. If you have a desk job, you can usually return to work after one week, although it may take longer for more physically demanding occupations.

During the recovery period, it's important to avoid heavy lifting, intense gym workouts, and activities involving steam and saunas for about 6 weeks. Additionally, wearing a compression garment 24/7 for a minimum of 6 weeks is recommended.

In general, the stages of recovery follow a fairly predictable schedule, and significant deviations from this timeline are unlikely.

When the procedure is performed as a day case at the Cadogan Clinic, the recovery time tends to be reduced. This is due to the utilisation of advanced sedation techniques, which facilitate quicker initial recovery.

The goal of the surgery is to achieve a natural-looking result with breast implants. Therefore, the placement of the implant holds significance.

During your breast augmentation surgery consultation, your surgeon will assess various factors, including your existing anatomy and physique, whether you have plans for breastfeeding and the quantity and quality of your existing breast tissue. Based on this evaluation, the surgeon will determine the optimal position for the implant to ensure the best outcome.

Breast implants do not have a fixed expiration date. They typically do not need to be replaced unless they break or rupture, which is an extremely rare occurrence and is usually associated with the use of substandard implants or poor surgical techniques. While a rupture is not a serious health risk, it may result in a change in the shape or texture of the implant, necessitating its removal.

There are a few other reasons why breast implants may need to be replaced. Infection, which affects around 1-2% of cases, usually within the first 10 days of surgery, may require implant replacement. Capsule formation, observed in approximately 10% of individuals, involves the removal of a fibrous layer that forms around the implant, causing it to harden and feel unnatural. Implant rippling is another potential reason for replacement, often occurring in individuals with limited breast tissue and thin skin. Additionally, some patients may opt for implant replacement or removal for cosmetic reasons, such as desiring a larger, smaller, or more natural appearance.

The Cadogan Clinic has gained recognition for its implant replacement services, as our reputation as a trusted provider of cosmetic procedures has been strengthened in the aftermath of the PIP scandal that implicated many of our competitors. Implant replacement remains one of the most frequently performed procedures at our clinic.

To achieve optimal outcomes from your breast enlargement procedure, it is essential to adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon.

After your procedure, it is advisable to limit physical activity to a minimum. Taking one to two weeks off work, refraining from driving for one week, and resuming restricted sexual activity after four weeks are recommended. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid exercise, including gym workouts, for a period of four to six weeks.

Maintaining the cleanliness of your surgical wounds is crucial. Our nursing team will provide detailed instructions on how to do this. It is important to avoid showering until one week after the surgery to minimise any potential risks.

Protecting your scars from sunlight is also vital for a period of six weeks following the surgery. After this timeframe, you may start moisturising and massaging your scars with a non-perfumed moisturiser. This routine helps soften and hydrate scar tissue, promoting improved healing.

Wearing a surgical garment for six weeks following augmentation is mandatory and should be strictly adhered to. This garment provides necessary support and aids in the healing process.

Breast enlargement surgery is a popular procedure and generally very safe. That said, as with all surgery, there are risks with breast enlargement surgery that you need to be aware of.

The best means of mitigating risks is to ensure that your surgeon is properly qualified and highly experienced in breast enlargement surgery, and we ensure this is the case with all of our patients by only choosing to work with the very best surgeons.

Choice of a high quality implant is also crucial, and again, we only work with FDA-approved implants at the Cadogan Clinic.

Typical risks include, but are not limited to:

• Asymmetrical breasts
• Haematoma/bleeding
• Capsular contracture
• Implant moving
• Rippling
• Nipple sensation / numbness
• Rupture
• Infection

As a standalone specialist plastic surgery day-case unit only admitting healthy, elective patients the risk of cross – infection are significantly reduced at the Cadogan Clinic in contrast with competitors who utilise general hospitals.

Breast implants are considered safe, and we exclusively utilise top-quality breast implants that are available in the market. However, it is important to acknowledge that the surgery does carry some risks. We highly recommend that you read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, where you can find more information regarding this topic.

During your breast enhancement consultation, your surgeon will provide a comprehensive discussion of the risks involved. They will ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the potential risks associated with the procedure.

At the Cadogan Clinic, we do accept breast enlargement finance; however, we do not currently provide it directly. Our advisors can guide you to a cost-effective third-party provider on the high street who offers this service.

Organising finance for breast implants is a simple process, and it is a popular choice among our patients.

Considering breast enlargement surgery is a significant decision, and it is vital to find a reputable surgeon who possesses the necessary experience and qualifications to perform your enlargement.

It is important to verify that your surgeon specialises in breast augmentation. A competent surgeon should be able to provide in-depth explanations of the procedure, including the recovery period and any potential risks or complications. They will also be honest about the potential outcomes and assist you in managing your expectations.

Your surgeon should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of breast implant, as well as the size, shape, and placement options (behind the breast or muscle). A skilled surgeon will suggest the most suitable implant type based on your body shape and size. A proficient surgeon always strives for the most natural-looking results. During your initial consultation, ensure that the surgeon has an extensive portfolio of before and after photographs to share with you, allowing you to gain a clear understanding of the expected outcomes. Additionally, it is advisable to review testimonials from previous patients.

An ethical surgeon will not proceed with the procedure if you are not physically and psychologically fit and healthy.

In England, only registered doctors are authorised to perform cosmetic surgery. You can verify if a surgeon is a registered doctor or surgeon by checking the General Medical Council (GMC) online register.

Some surgeons may hold memberships in professional associations such as the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). However, it is worth noting that some qualified surgeons who excel in their field choose not to join a trade body for personal reasons.