Breast Surgery
Breast augmentation, reduction and lift: volume, shape and position are planned to your chest measurements.
- Duration
- 2–4 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
- Hospital stay
- 1 night
- Back to daily life
- 7–14 days
Breast surgery covers augmentation with implants or fat transfer, reduction where excess tissue is removed, and lift where a sagging breast is raised. Which is suitable is assessed together with your expectations, chest measurements and skin quality.
Augmentation
Implant size is chosen not only by the “desired cup size” but by chest width and tissue thickness. At the consultation you can see different volumes using trial sizers.
Reduction and lift
Large breasts can cause back and neck pain; a reduction can ease these complaints. In a lift the nipple and tissue are raised; if more volume is also wanted, it can be combined with an implant.
Risks
Bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, thickened scars and asymmetry can occur. Implants can lead to capsular contracture and may need replacing in later years. Rare implant-associated conditions are explained separately at the consultation.
Timeline
Consultation and measurements
Chest width, skin quality and breast tissue are measured; for augmentation we discuss volume using trial sizers.
Before surgery
Breast ultrasound or mammography depending on age; blood tests and an anaesthetic assessment.
Day of surgery
Depending on the procedure, incisions are placed in the fold under the breast or around the nipple.
First week
A support bra is worn day and night; arm movements are limited.
First six weeks
No heavy lifting or sport; swelling gradually settles.
First year
Annual check-ups; regular imaging is planned if you have implants.
Questions to ask
Add the questions you tick to your consultation request, or print them and bring them along.
Frequently asked
Can I breastfeed after breast surgery?
Breastfeeding is not affected by most augmentations; with reductions and lifts it can depend on the technique. We plan with this in mind at the consultation.
Patient experiences
We spent a long time with trial sizers at the consultation; he never pushed a size on me. I made the decision at home.
Comments are published with the patient’s written consent, using initials only. Results vary from person to person.
The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace an examination. Every surgical and medical procedure carries risks and results vary from person to person. The right approach for you can only be decided at a face-to-face consultation.
