Having breast implant surgery usually involves either enlarging your breasts or changing their shape.
Women who have had one or both breasts removed (mastectomy) as part of their treatment for breast cancer may also consider having breast implants fitted.
In the UK, breast implant surgery is the most common cosmetic procedure to be carried out on women. It is also known as breast augmentation or mammaplasty.
Making your decision
Having breast implants fitted is not a decision that you should make in a hurry. It is important that you make an informed decision – one which takes into account the potential risks and side effects.
It is important that you have realistic expectations about the results of your breast implants. You should also find out the details of the procedure, the recovery period, and the possible complications. This way you are less likely to be disappointed with the outcome of your breast implants. Ask your GP or surgeon if you are unsure about anything.
What types of implants are available?
Breast implants can either be made from natural tissue, or synthetic (man-made) materials. Natural tissue implants are usually only used as part of reconstructive breast surgery following a mastectomy.
The only synthetic implants that are currently available in the UK are made from either silicone gel or saline. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. See 'how it is performed' for further details.
