Breast implant surgery is the most common cosmetic procedure to be carried out on women in the UK. Each year, an estimated 8,000 women have breast implant surgery.
Breast implants can be used for two purposes:
- reconstructive – to reconstruct the breast mound following a mastectomy (the surgical removal of the breast)
- cosmetic – to enhance the size and shape of the breast
Breast implants are artificial (prosthetic) implants. In the UK, two types of breast implants are commonly used:
- silicone gel implants - available as a liquid, a gel or a solid form similar to plastic
- saline (sterile salt water) implants
Each type has associated advantages and disadvantages, although most breast implants are made out of silicone. Read more about the different types of implants available.
Breast implant surgery
Your surgeon will discuss with you the location of the incision beforehand so that you're aware of where the scars will be.
After the incision the implant is positioned between your breast tissue and chest muscle, or behind your chest muscle. Once the implants are in place, the incision is stitched and covered with a dressing.
Read more about what happens during breast implant surgery.
Following surgery areas of your breasts will feel more or less sensitive, you may also be worried that your breasts look unnatural. This is normal and in most cases temporary.
Your breasts will usually start to look and feel more normal within a few months.
Read more about recovering from breast implant surgery and breast implant results.
Deciding to have breast implants
Having breast implant surgery is not something to be taken lightly. Your decision to have breast implants should be an informed one that takes into account the potential risks and side effects.
Try to have realistic expectations about the results so that you are not disappointed. Find out about the procedure, the recovery period and any possible complications of breast implant surgery. Ask your GP or surgeon if you are unsure about anything.
Most women who have breast implants pay to have the operation done privately; the NHS rarely funds cosmetic breast implant surgery.
In the UK, the average cost of having breast surgery is around £4,000. You will also have to take into consideration the cost of having further surgery to have the implant removed or replaced (most breast implants need to be removed after 10-15 years).
Read more about deciding to have cosmetic surgery.
