Breast enlargement

Breast enlargement is the UK’s most common cosmetic surgery and involves either saline or silicone implants being inserted through a small cut behind the breasts.

You may have decided you want this procedure because you’re unhappy with the way your body has changed after pregnancy, because of the ageing process or you feel the size of your breasts aren’t in proportion with the rest of your body. Or you may simply feel that they’ve always been too small.

We can help you achieve the look you want, so you have the confidence you need to live your life to the fullest. Many of our patients have reported that after breast enlargement surgery they:

• have greater self-esteem and self-confidence
• feel more feminine
• are able to wear the clothes they want
• feel that their breasts are more fitting and proportionate to the rest of their body.

A full recovery can take up to 12 weeks.

We pride ourselves on our clinical excellence, you'll be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see and when you want. They’ll be with you every step of the way: from giving advice at your first consultation, through to offering on-going support after your surgery.

All of our cosmetic surgeons are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well equipped hospitals.  A cosmetic surgeon’s reputation, qualifications and experience are vitally important, so we only work with consultant grade specialists.  These are highly experienced consultants who have completed years of medical training. All our consultants are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council (GMC), and many are also members of the UK’s leading cosmetic and plastic surgery associations.

Cosmetic surgery can be a life enhancing decision and we’re here to help you make the right one. Our experienced cosmetic surgeons will guide you through every step of the way.

It’s important to meet with your chosen consultant before treatment so that you are completely comfortable with them and they know what you want to achieve. It’s helpful to bring in some pictures and a friend or family member to your initial meeting to help articulate your thoughts. You should also ask to see some of the surgeon's recent before and after pictures of similar operations they've performed.

This is an important decision and we're here to listen and help you achieve your goals.

If you decide to go ahead with the procedure, we'll give you at least two weeks between consultation and operation date. This is because we want you to be really happy and confident with your decision.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

For breast enlargement, a general anaesthetic is administered which means you will be asleep for the duration of the procedure. This usually lasts around one to two hours.

During the surgery your consultant will make a small incision either near the armpit, under the breasts, down the side of the breast, or around the areola (the dark area of the nipple), in line with what you have agreed beforehand.

The surgeon will then insert an implant underneath your natural breast tissue or under the muscle of the breast. Prior to treatment, you and your surgeon will have discussed the best shape and type of implant - silicone or saline - and incision for your body and your goals.

The incision is then closed with stitches. Surgeons attempt to minimise scarring, and this will usually be hidden away from sight – under the crease of the breast for example.

After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.

Usually a hospital stay of one or two days is required for breast enlargement surgery. 

Pain relief

You may experience some pain, swelling and tightness of the chest immediately after the procedure. We will give you medication while you’re with us and to take home to help ease any pain.

We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.

Recovery time

After breast enlargement surgery, your consultant will advise you on how to make your recovery as quick as possible. Avoid bending or stooping, strenuous exercise, lifting, swimming and vacuuming for six weeks after your operation.

For several weeks after the surgery you will need to wear a special supportive bra we give you to help your breasts ‘settle down’ and help you feel more comfortable.

When you get home you’ll need to take things easy at first. Arrange at least a week off work and you will gradually be able to return to normal activity within four to six weeks.

End results

It will probably take a couple of months for your breasts to look and feel as though they are back to normal but this is to be expected after enlargement surgery. Most women are very happy with the outcome and many tell us the procedure has given them a real confidence boost.

How your loved ones can help

Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them if they can run some light errands such as shopping for you as you won’t feel up to it for a few days.

Looking after you

Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After breast enlargement, our consultants will want to see you after your procedure to see how you are doing. A date for your next follow up consultation will be made before you leave the hospital.

On rare occasions, complications following breast enlargement can occur. Complications specific to breast enlargement include infection, which may need to be treated with additional antibiotics and sometimes further surgery. Signs of infection include pain that cannot be controlled with painkillers, swelling, oozing from wounds, fever and the breast being unusually hot to the touch. If you experience any symptoms or have any concerns - please call us straight away.

Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery and new breasts, we're ready to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

A fixed price for this treatment may be available on enquiry and following an initial consultation.

You can trust Spire Bristol Hospital to provide you with a single, fixed price (1) so there are no surprises. And, through our carefully chosen partner (2) you can even be considered for interest free finance.

We’re here to help you with making these important choices, so you’re then free to concentrate on your treatment and on getting back to being you.

(1) Important: Please read Spire’s terms and conditions for full details of what’s included and excluded in your fixed price* when paying for yourself.

(2) Zebra Finance Ltd trading as Zebra Health Finance , Lincoln House, Stephensons Way, Wyvern Business Park, Derby, DE21 6LY.