Breast Enlargement (Augmentation) London

Breast enlargement, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or a boob job, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. Personally tailored procedures are available from botonics at our prestigious Harley Street clinic, in the heart of London’s premier private medical community.

Over time, age, genetics, pregnancy, and weight changes can all affect the size and shape of the breast. During breast enlargement, an implant is placed inside a pocket formed in the breast tissue to increase volume, restore shape, or improve symmetry.

It is important to understand that breast augmentation cannot correct significantly sagging or drooping breasts. In these cases, a breast lift is often necessary and may be performed alongside this procedure.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Enlargement?

Breast enlargement is suitable for women who are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to increase or restore breast volume. It is a body-enhancing procedure rather than a solution to significant sagging, which is better addressed through a breast lift.

The following are contraindications:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: surgery is not carried out on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Active infection or open wounds in the treatment area: these must be fully resolved before surgery can take place.
• Significant breast ptosis (sagging): where sagging is the primary concern, implants alone will not achieve the desired result. A combined breast lift and augmentation may be more appropriate.
• Unrealistic expectations: your surgeon will discuss expected outcomes honestly at consultation and will not proceed if the desired result cannot be safely achieved.

If you are unsure whether you are a suitable candidate, a consultation with one of our specialist surgeons at our Harley Street clinic is the right place to start.

Choosing Your Breast Implants

Implant choice is one of the main things you will work through at your consultation. Three decisions sit at the centre of it, each based on your anatomy, your goals, and the result you want.

Implant material
Cohesive silicone gel implants are the standard choice for breast augmentation. Modern cohesive gel holds its shape well and tends to feel natural. Your surgeon will explain which implants suit your anatomy and what you are hoping to achieve.

Implant shape
Round implants add volume more evenly across the breast, creating greater fullness in the upper pole. Anatomical implants, sometimes called teardrop implants, are fuller at the base and taper towards the top, creating a more gradual, natural-looking slope. The right choice depends on your existing breast tissue, your frame, and the overall shape you want.

Implant placement
Implants can be placed either above the chest muscle (sub-glandular) or beneath it (sub-muscular). Placement under the muscle is often preferred for women who are slim or have relatively little natural breast tissue, since the muscle provides additional coverage and may help reduce implant visibility. Your surgeon will assess which approach is appropriate for you during consultation.

Your Journey From Start To Finish

1. Step One

   Consultation and Planning

   Your journey begins with a consultation with your botonics consultant plastic surgeon. They will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, walk you through implant options, and confirm whether surgery is the right route for you. Your treatment plan, including implant type, size, shape, and placement, is agreed at this stage. Nothing is decided without your full understanding and consent.

2. Step Two

   Preparation

   On the day of your procedure, the treatment areas are marked and anaesthesia is administered. Breast enlargement at botonics is performed under sedation or general anaesthetic, so you will be comfortable and unaware throughout. The procedure itself typically takes one to two hours.

3. Step Three

   The Procedure

   Your surgeon creates a small incision, forms a pocket in the breast tissue, and places the implant in the agreed position, either above or below the chest muscle. The incision is then carefully closed. Our surgeons work to minimise scarring and achieve a balanced, proportionate result.

4. Step Four

   Recovery and Aftercare

   Once the procedure is complete you will be helped into a post-operative support bra, which should be kept on as advised by your surgeon. Most patients are able to go home the same day or after one night. Your botonics team will arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and answer any questions during your recovery.

Breast Enlargement Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery is easier to plan for when you know what each stage involves.

Days 1 to 2: Rest at home and give yourself time to recover. You will be wearing a post-operative support bra, which should be kept on as advised by your surgeon. If surgical drains have been used, these are typically removed before you leave the clinic or within the first couple of days.

Week 1: Most patients can return to desk-based work within a week. You should not drive during this time, particularly while taking prescription pain relief.

Weeks 2 to 4: Gentle walking is encouraged to support circulation. Avoid lifting heavy items, including children and shopping bags, until your surgeon confirms it is safe to do so.

6 weeks: Most patients are cleared to return to the gym and resume regular exercise at their six-week follow-up appointment.

3 to 6 months: Your implants will gradually settle into their final position, and any scarring continues to soften and fade.

Risks and Complications of Breast Enlargement

As with any surgical procedure, it is important to understand the risks before going ahead. Our surgeons take every reasonable step to minimise them.

• Scarring: all breast enlargement procedures involve incisions and therefore some degree of scarring. Scars typically fade significantly over time.
• Bruising and swelling: common after surgery and usually resolves within the first few weeks.
• Infection: rare but possible. Minimised through rigorous clinical hygiene protocols and post-operative care.
• Asymmetry: subtle asymmetry is a recognised risk in any breast procedure. Your surgeon plans each procedure carefully to achieve a balanced result.
• Capsular contracture: scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant can occasionally tighten and harden. Mild cases are monitored; more significant contracture may require surgical release or implant replacement.