Our FAQs

We ask patients to refrain from gym work, heavy lifting and contact sports for at least 8 weeks to ensure there is optimal healing. Most patients return to work after 2 weeks and we advise a good sports/support bra for at least 8 weeks too. 

We use implants from companies that have very strong safety records to date. There are always minor asymmetries after surgery and implants can drop into position at different rates. Infection is very uncommon but can spoil the recovery as can delayed healing of the wound.  In most cases the position of the implants settles at 3-4 months for the implant types we use. We provide comprehensive information on breast implant safety and key considerations that are uncommon but very important. You can get some information on ALCL also on the BAAPs website.

https://baaps.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/information_about_biaalcl_for_people_with_breast_implants_41_praseag_nov21_3.pdf

At present ALCL is defined as a very uncommon form of cancer related to our blood cells that develops in the capsule of the implant. The capsule is the natural scar a person creates around any foreign material in their body – like a breast implant, a knee or hip replacement. For the majority of patients it is treated by removing the implant and capsule. Currently it is thought it affects 1 in 15000 implants in the UK. In our practice we haven’t used textured implants from certain manufacturers that have an associated higher risk of ALCL. Further information can be found on these useful links;

https://baaps.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/information_about_biaalcl_for_people_with_breast_implants_41_praseag_nov21_3.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-about-bia-alcl-for-people-with-breast-implants

Yes, implants do move over time and because they have a specific weight, gravity does take its course and implants can descend down the chest over time. This can occur more with ‘smooth’ implants and less so with ‘textured’ implants, but smooth implants have other advantages too. If you lose weight, the skin around the breast can sag, and this can encourage implants being mobile and even flipping under the skin giving a misshapen appearance.

All implants have a limit on their lifespan. It is difficult to say exactly what this is and the rule of ‘every 10 years they need to be changed’ isn’t necessarily true. However over time the risk of rupture and tightening of the scar around the implant (the capsule) becomes more likely, which can mean operations to change the implants or simply remove them.

Please use the breast augmentation awareness tool below for further information.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cosmetic-breast-augmentation-risk-awareness-tool

The scars are typically in an anchor shape, around the areolar, and down to the inframammary crease and then along the crease to varying lengths (which are still typically hidden). Most patients are dressing free between 2-3 weeks and the dressings are shower proof so you can self care as normal in the shower.

Occasionally the point at which all the scars meet under the breast the wound can separate slightly which needs dressings for a few more days. When the breast is moulded back into a round shape small areas of your fat under the skin can become firm as it heals – this generally settles over a few months and rarely is visible with the naked eye. One side heals quicker and softens quicker than the other. Occasionally the nipples can be numb for a period, but rarely forever.

We generally advise 8 weeks in a sports bra and then the swelling will have sufficiently settled to allow you to get measured for a proper bra.