Breast enlargement surgery in Leicester

What is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast enlargement (or augmentation) is an operation where implants are placed in a pocket directly behind the breast.

Why choose Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital for your breast augmentation surgery?

Our hospital is home to a highly experienced team of cosmetic surgeons who specialise in breast enlargement surgery and have an exceptional track record of achieving their patients' desired results.

From your initial consultation, right through to your aftercare, we'll make sure your breast augmentation surgery goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Your chosen cosmetic surgeon will be with you throughout your treatment journey.

We recently completed a £4m refurbishment, allowing us to offer a first-class patient experience. With private, en-suite bedrooms, matron-led care and an on-site chef to prepare delicious meals to your requirements,  we're dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety.

How to book a consultation at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital

We know that making such a personal and potentially life-enhancing decision isn’t easy. Undertaking any form of cosmetic surgery is a big step and we insist you speak to one of our consultants, so that you are well informed before making a decision.

If you are considering breast augmentation at Leicester Hospital, book a private consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons today by calling 0116 276 9401 or by filling in the form below.

Alternatively, if you are unsure about whether breast enlargement is right for you, why not come along to one of our free cosmetic surgery open events. Here you will get the opportunity to meet one of our cosmetic surgeons and ask any questions you may have in an informal and friendly setting.

Is breast enlargement right for me?

People choose a breast enlargement for a variety of reasons:

• To enhance the body contour
• To reconstruct the breast after previous breast surgery
• To improve breast size after having children or losing a lot of weight
• To balance a difference in breast size.

Your surgeon will carry out a detailed assessment before deciding if surgery is suitable for you. They may ask you:

• Whether you’re planning to lose a lot of weight – it may be better to lose the weight before surgery
• If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future – as pregnancy may affect the long-term results.

It may be that an alternative surgery is more suitable for you, such as a breast uplift (mastopexy).

What type of breast implants are available?

Implants come in all different shapes, sizes, textures and grades of firmness. Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable one for you based on your needs.

All implants have an outer silicone layer, but they can be either be filled with silicone gel/liquid or saline (salt water).

Saline implants:

• Are filled with a sterile salt water solution
• Have a firmer feel so may appear less natural than silicone implants
• Require smaller incisions as they are inserted empty and filled once in place
• Can be more prone to rippling, especially in those with minimal natural breast tissue
• Are more likely to rupture, but it is more obvious if this happens and the saline can easily be absorbed by the body
• Are typically less expensive.

Silicone implants:

• Can be filled with either a firm, jelly-like substance, or a softer, fluid-like gel
• Mimic the feel and appearance of natural breasts
• Require a larger incision than saline implants as they need to be inserted whole
• Have a lower risk of rupture and therefore a longer lifespan
• Can be more prone to capsular contracture where the tissue surrounding the implant hardens
• If they rupture, it is harder to notice and the silicone can be more difficult to remove – routine monitoring is recommended for this reason
• Are typically more expensive.

What type of breast enlargement procedures is best for me?

Your surgeon will recommend the best type of incision for you based on the type of implant, the degree of enlargement, your particular anatomy and patient/surgeon preference. Be sure to discuss incision options with your surgeon.

There are three different types of incision:

Inframammary incision

The most common incision is in the crease under your breast (the inframammary fold), which means it’s usually covered by the breast.

As it doesn’t involve the nipple, it shouldn’t affect nipple sensitivity or breastfeeding. This incision can also be reused if the implant needs to be removed or replaced.

Areolar/periareolar incision

This is an incision around the nipple, either all the way around or a semi-circle around the bottom half of the nipple. This small incision usually blends in well, but if it doesn’t heal properly, it’s located in a more visible area.

Although it a allows precise and easy placement of the implant, it can decrease nipple sensation as it may affect nerves in the area. Also, because it may interfere with the milk ducts, it may not be suitable for women who’d like to breastfeed in the future.

Like the inframammary incision, it can be reused and if the implant needs to be removed or replaced.

Transaxillary incision

This is an incision in the crease of the armpit. It’s not a common technique and is only used for certain patients, for example those who don’t want any scars on their breasts (although they can still be visible in sleeveless tops).

It’s less easy for precise placement and is mostly used for saline implants. This method may or may not affect nipple sensation, but shouldn’t affect breastfeeding.

This technique can cause decreased sensation around the scar, and issues with hair removal in the area. This incision isn’t suitable for women who’ve previously had implants.

What happens during breast augmentation at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital?

You’ll be under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep, and it usually takes around 45­–90 minutes.

Your surgeon will usually place the implant in a pocket directly behind your breast as this gives the most natural result. However, if you do not have enough breast skin and tissue to cover the implant, your surgeon may recommend placing the implant behind the pectoral muscle.

Be sure to discuss the implications of placement of your implant with your surgeon.

Preparing for surgery

Your consultant and healthcare team at Leicester Hospital will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery, and it's important to follow them carefully.

There are a few things you can do in the lead up to the procedure to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible:

• Let your doctor know about any medication you take and follow their instructions
• If you smoke, stop smoking several weeks before the operation
• Try to maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• In the week before the operation, don’t shave or wax your armpits if this is where a cut will be made
• Try to have a bath or shower either the day before or on the day of the operation.

During the operation

When you arrive in hospital, you’ll see your surgeon, anaesthetist (who’ll put you to sleep) and nurse (who’ll perform your health checks). Your surgeon will:

• Make sure you fully understand your procedure
• Use a waterproof pen to mark where they will make the cuts
• Take a photograph to refer to in surgery.

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

1. Once you’re under anaesthetic, your surgeon will sterilise your chest
2. They’ll make a cut either in the crease under your breast, the armpit, or the area around the nipple
3. They’ll create a pocket either directly behind your breast, or behind the chest muscle
4. They’ll sterilise the implant and place it inside the pocket, before stitching the internal tissue together with dissolvable thread
5. Finally they’ll close the skin with more dissolvable stitches and surgical glue, before covering the cut with surgical tape.

After the procedure

Your surgeon will apply a dressing and wrap your chest in bandages or a surgical bra to support your new breasts. The dressing stays on for a week until the wound is checked in the dressing clinic by the hospital nurses, after which the tape is replaced. Your surgeon will advise about further dressings.

Then you’ll be taken to the recovery room where you’ll wake up. You shouldn’t feel any pain, but you might be groggy and slightly uncomfortable as you come around.

When you’re ready, you’ll be taken to your room, where your nurse will look after you. As soon as the anaesthetic’s worn off, you’ll be able to eat and drink something.

Going home after breast augmentation surgery

If your operation is in the morning, you’ll usually be able to go home the same day. If it’s later in the day, you may need to stay in hospital for the night.

If you do go home the same day, for the first 24 hours:

• You’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you overnight
• Don’t drive, operate machinery, or do any potentially dangerous activities (like cooking) until you’ve fully recovered feeling, movement and co-ordination
• You shouldn’t sign legal documents or drink alcohol.

Recovery timeline

Everyone recovers at their own pace, but you should be able to return to normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks. It usually takes a few weeks for your breasts to look and feel more natural, and 6 to 9 months to achieve their final shape.

In the short term, you may feel quite tired and sore, so get plenty of rest. If you’re suffering from severe pain, or you feel unwell, call the healthcare team at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital immediately.

It’s also normal to have:

• tightness in your chest while the skin adjusts
• less feeling in your breasts for the first few days
• mild bruising, which will fade over the next few weeks
• sensitive breasts for up to a month.

Make sure you follow your surgeon's specific instructions on caring for your wounds, how often you should wear a support bra and how long to sleep upright.

Here are a few things you can do to help manage your recovery at home, and what to expect:

What are the benefits of breast enlargement surgery?

Perhaps you've always wanted larger breasts. Or maybe you want to enhance the shape of your breasts following pregnancy or weight loss. Breast augmentation patients often report psychological benefits following the procedure including:

• Increased self esteem and self confidence
• Enjoying wearing new/fitted clothing
• Feeling more feminine
• Feel that the breasts are more balanced and in proportion with your body.

How long does a breast augmentation last?

The results usually last for a long time, but most people need another operation after about 10 years to have the implants replaced. Also, gravity and the effects of age may change the shape and size of your breasts.  

What are the complications of breast augmentation?

All surgery carries a risk of complications. Your surgeon at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital will help you weigh these up against the benefits of the procedure. It’s good to be aware of the risks so you know what to look out for if you have the procedure and you can seek assistance.

Specific complications of breast augmentation surgery

• Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) in the pocket where the implant is placed
• Infection of the implant
• Wound breakdown or skin necrosis
• Kinking and rippling
• Implant moving out of place
• Capsular contraction - the breast may feel harder than normal and painful
• Change of breast and nipple sensation
• Stiff shoulder
• Numbness or persistent pain on the outer part of your breast
• Rupture or deflation of the implant
• Breast implant illness
• Cosmetic problems
• Thickening and tightening of the capsule
• Rare cancer.

General complications

• Bleeding during or soon after the operation
• Minor infection on the surface of your wound
• Scarring
• Allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication
• Blood clot in your leg (deep-vein thrombosis, DVT)
• Blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolus)
• Chest infection.

Pain following breast enlargement surgery

After a breast augmentation it’s normal to experience some mild pain, which you can control with painkillers.

You may feel sore along your breastbone, especially if the implant was placed behind the pectoral muscle. Moving your arms can be uncomfortable for 2 to 3 weeks and your breasts may generally feel sensitive for up to a month.

If you’re suffering from severe pain call the healthcare team at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital immediately.

Are there any alternatives to breast enlargement surgery?

• Padded bras or bra inserts: These can make your breasts appear larger
• Natural breast enhancement pills: These contain plant hormones that copy natural hormones to increase the size of your breasts 
• Fat grafting: Or fat transfer, involves injecting fat from another part of your body into your breasts

How much does a breast augmentation cost at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital?

For pricing information, please get in touch with the team using the form below or call  0116 276 9401.