What is breast augmentation?

It is an operation to increase the size of a woman’s breast(s) using an implant (prosthesis).

What are the reasons for having breast augmentation? 

When performed on the NHS breast augmentation is usually performed to balance a difference in breast size or to reconstruct a breast following previous breast surgery. However most private breast augmentation is performed to increase the size of the breasts for cosmetic reasons.

What implant types are there?

A breast implant is a silicone bag (shell) containing either silicone gel or saline (salt-water solution).  UK plastic surgeons, including myself, almost exclusively use silicone filled implants due to their more natural feel. Long term studies have found no increased risk from silicone-filled compared to saline-filled implants,following a scare regarding leaking silicone implants in the 1970's and 80's. In fact, modern implant "shells" are much thicker and durable than older implant types, and as such the risk of implant rupture or leakage is much reduced. The implant shells can also be rough or smooth.

What implant shapes are there?

As standard implants come in either round or anatomic ("tear-drop") shapes (as shown in the picture).There are pros and cons to each shape, and one may be preferable over another depending on your current breast size, and how much bigger you want to be afterwards.

How are breast implants inserted?

My standard technique is to make a small incision (cut) in the fold under the breast called the infra-mammary fold (see arrow on picture). In this way the scar will be well hidden, and scars here tend to heal so well that once fully settled they are difficult to find. For two weeks after your surgery, you will be asked to wear a well fitted sports bra which helps with swelling and reduces the risk of the implants moving until they have settled in. Underwiring can rub on the scar causing problems, and therefore there should be no underwiring in bras for the first few months after surgery.