Top 12 Questions about Breast Implants

How long do breast implants last?

The average lifespan of a breast implant is 10-15 years although many women have had their implants in much longer and have had no problems. If there is nothing wrong with your implants after 10 years then you should not feel obliged to remove them unless cosmetically you decide you want to.

Women’s bodies go through a lot throughout their lifetime which could include pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, menopause and fluctuations in weight which can all cause a change in the appearance of implants.

For some patients they may feel their lifestyle has changed and they wish to remove or change their implants to something that suits them better. Overall, if the implants do not show any clinical signs of problems then there is no set time for when they have to be replaced.

Find out more about the lifetime of your breast implants here.

Are all breast implants the same?

There are a wide range of different types of implants available for breast augmentation surgery. The biggest difference is in shape, there are two different shapes of implants; round or teardrop. The shape of the implant will determine the shape it forms on your chest.

Different implants will also have different coatings so some will be smooth whereas others are textured. Implants also come in different projections including low projection and high projections.

To find out more about the different types of implants click here.

What are breast implants filled with?

There are two main types of breast implant filling in the UK; saline and silicone. Saline is a saltwater solution whereas silicone implants nowadays are made up of cohesive silicone gel implants that is often referred to as gummy bear implants in the USA. Silicone is the most commonly used implant filling in the UK.

How do I know the correct size implant?

You will work with your surgeon to decide on the correct size implant for you depending on what you wish to achieve from breast enlargement surgery. Your surgeon will take measurements and you will be able to trial different-sized implants in a specialist bra to get an idea of how you will look post-surgery.  If you were undecided between sizes then your surgeon may use an implant sizer to see which implant size fits best whilst in surgery.

Find out more about choosing the best size and shape of implants here.

At The Private Clinic, we ensure that the consultation is thorough enough to allow you as the patient to not only find out more about the surgeon and the breast augmentation procedure but you will find out about the best sizes and implant shapes to suit you, your body and your goals and you will be able to ask as many questions to the surgeon as you wish to ensure you are well informed about the procedure. Click here to book a consultation.

Are breast implants the only way to increase breast size?

Breast implants are the most common way to increase your breast size. If you are seeking an alternative procedure then a breast fat transfer procedure is another alternative. Breast Enlargement with Fat Transfer involves removing pockets of fat from other areas of your body however you will need to have enough fat to transfer for treatment, meaning it is not always suitable for those with low body mass. For those looking for a significant increase in size then breast implants would be the most suitable option to meet your expectations.

Will I be able to breastfeed with breast implants?

Although there is always a risk, many patients have had no problems with being able to breastfeed after breast augmentation as long as they have had functioning breast tissue before surgery. If you have had a combined procedure such as an uplift or nipple correction then there may be more of a risk of functioning breast tissue being removed.  Our expert breast surgeons are very experienced in performing breast enlargement procedures that allow patients to breastfeed after the procedure.

Find out more about Breastfeeding and Breast Surgery here.

Do breast implants hurt?

The majority of our breast implant patients at The Private Clinic leave the hospital to go home relatively pain-free. Our surgeons all use a technique in surgery that helps patients manage their pain without the need for continuous pain relief medication. Local anaesthetic is placed within the breast as well as along the incision line which lasts for up to 72 hours allowing the patient to wake up and leave almost pain-free. To find out more about breast surgery book a consultation here.

How will I know if my breast implant ruptures?

The majority of patients will know if they have a ruptured breast implant. They may notice a change in the size or shape of their implants, hardening of the breast and in some cases pain, soreness and swelling may be present too.  The best way to know if your breast implants have ruptured or not is to first visit your plastic surgeon who will then most likely refer you to have an MRI or ultrasound.

Will I be able to have a mammogram with breast implants?

Patients must still attend routine mammogram appointments even if they have breast implants. You must let the radiology centre or your technician know before your appointment as they may need to use a special technique to ensure that you get a reliable x-ray. The specialised technique is known as the Elkund technique which uses a modified compression process for patients who have breast implants or post reconstructed breasts giving them an improved quality of image.
It is very uncommon for a mammogram to cause any complications to your breast implants.

Will breast implants cause me to gain weight?

Breast Implants may result in a slight increase in weight but this should only be around 1-2 pounds. Breast Implants are measured in CCs and every 100cc of silicone implant weighs around 0.23lbs so for example a 300cc silicone implant is likely to weigh 0.69lbs individually and as they come as a pair it would be all together an additional 1.38 pounds on your chest.  However, it is doubtful that you will notice a huge change, the weight of the implants resembles that of natural breast tissue

After surgery, it is common for patients to retain fluid so you may notice a slight increase for the initial days after surgery but as long as you continue to live a healthy lifestyle post-surgery, this should reduce and you should not see any excessive weight gain.

Will breast implants improve my sex life?

A poll on RealSelf revealed that 70% of women who had a breast enlargement reported an improved overall sex life by at least 34%. We believe that rather than it being anything to do with the implants directly, the boost in self-esteem is often enough to increase a woman’s self-confidence. Newfound confidence often results in people feeling more positive about their body image which may have been subconsciously affecting their sex life previously.

It is worth pointing out, that whilst this is a great advantage, we do not believe that this is a standalone reason to get breast implants. Breast implants and any type of cosmetic surgery procedures are not designed to cure any underlying psychological or relationship problems. If you are considering breast implants, all decisions relating to the surgery should be yours and not influenced by your partner or friends.

How much does breast augmentation surgery cost?

The cost of a breast enlargement can’t be the deciding factor for your decision to undergo surgery.  At The Private Clinic, we pride ourselves on being able to provide the best cover available including;

• Consultations with our highly experienced Cosmetic Breast Surgeons who have decades of experience.
• A 24-hour patient helpline to ensure that you are always in the best of hands whatever the time of day.
• Comprehensive Breast Enlargement Patient Guide.
• Outstanding hospital facilities.
• As many post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team as required.
• Our experience and medical expertise makes your journey a reassuring one, to find out more about us click here

At The Private Clinic, breast implant surgery costs from £6,300 however we don’t follow a one-price-fits-all policy and prices are quoted on a case by case basis. Find out more about the cost of breast augmentation surgery here.

Breast Augmentation Finance

We work with our partnered finance provider ‘Chrysalis Finance’ to offer 0% finance* to our patients. Get in touch to find out more.

Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

Click here to see more breast implant before and after photos.

Get in touch

To find out more about breast enlargement surgery at The Private Clinic call 0333 920 2471 or click here to request a consultation with one of our specialist breast surgeons.