BREAST
ENLARGEMENT

Breast augmentation, otherwise known breast enlargement, is one of the most popular surgical procedures in the UK and around the world. It involves inserting silicone implants to enhance breast size, correct asymmetry, or simply improve breast shape to restore the effect of pregnancies, weight loss or ageing.
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Breast Enlargement Surgery with Maria Athanasiadou

Enhance Your Confidence with Maria Athanasiadou
Expert in breast enlargement, offering personalised implant options to enhance size, shape, and projection. From soft or firm silicone implants, Maria helps you achieve natural, balanced results tailored to your body.

What is Breast Enlargement Surgery?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure. It increases the size of the breasts by placing an implant under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle.

Although the ultimate result increases the size of the breasts, a breast augmentation can be performed for several reasons such as:
Naturally uneven breasts
Breast deflation and shape loss after pregnancy or weight loss.
Disproportionately small breasts to the rest of the body.
Improve confidence in personal and professional life.
In some cases, a breast uplift (mastopexy) may be appropriate instead of or together with a breast augmentation particularly when the main concern is sagging rather than size.

Why Undergo Breast Enlargement Surgery?

Choosing to undergo breast enlargement surgery is a personal and important decision. Take time to consider why you want the procedure and understand what it involves, both now and in the future.

It’s also important to remember that, like all surgeries, it carries some risks.

Before making a decision, you should:
Research different techniques and types of implants to understand your options
Speak to a qualified professional (such as a GP or surgeon) to discuss your goals and ensure your expectations are realistic
Understand all costs, including the procedure, aftercare, and any potential future treatments or revisions

How can Miss Athanasiadou help you in your Breast Augmentation Surgery journey

It is important for your surgeon to get to know you and your goals. Before surgery Ms Athanasiadou will take you through a step wise process to reach a plan tailored to you.

You will have several consultations in clinic for full examination and discussion on how you imagine yourself after surgery.

Important factors in creating your unique plan will be:

  • The position of your natural breast on the chest wall (footprint of the breast)
  • Breast skin elasticity
  • Your personal aesthetic goal
  • Implant size, shape and projection
  • Implant pocket position
  • Placement of incisions
  • How can your personal desire be met safely

Miss Athanasiadou will work with you as a team to reach a safe and successful result.

Types of Implants:

Content
Shape
Projection
Surface Texture
Silicone
Round
Low
Smooth
Saline
Teardrop
Medium
Textured
High

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Enlargement

Are there any risks in Breast Enlargement Surgery?

How long do breast implants last?

Do implants need to be replaced every 10 years?

How long does healing take?

How will I know if an implant ruptures?

Is it normal to see or feel rippling?

Do breast implants affect breast screening?

How do I choose the right surgeon?

Are breast implants safe?

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Size and Shape of Implants

Choosing the right size and shape of your implants is an important part of planning breast enlargement. Implants are measured by volume in millilitres (ml), not bra size, and your surgeon will take several factors into account to help you select the most suitable option. These include the width of your rib cage, your natural breast tissue, and your overall body proportions. The goal is to create a balanced and natural-looking result that complements your figure.

Shape and Projection

Teardrop: Designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast, teardrop implants allow separate adjustment of height and width. This shape is ideal if you want a subtle, natural enhancement.
Round: Round implants are fuller at the top, giving a more lifted or pronounced appearance. They are a popular choice for those looking for a noticeable increase in volume.
Projection: Projection refers to how far the implant extends forward from your chest. You can choose a subtle projection for a gentle enhancement or a higher projection for a more dramatic look.
By carefully selecting the right combination of size, shape, and projection, your surgeon can help achieve the appearance you want while maintaining natural proportion and symmetry.

The Surgery

The procedure is performed under twilight anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. Your surgeon will make an incision in one of the following areas:
Under the breast crease – may leave a visible scar
Under the armpit – no scar on the breast, small scar under the arm
Around the areola – less obvious scarring, but may affect breastfeeding or nipple sensation
A pocket is then created inside the breast to hold the implant. Implants can be positioned:
Under the breast tissue – suitable for slightly drooping breasts, less discomfort
Under the chest muscle – ideal for very little breast tissue, prevents visible edges, but may cause short-term discomfort
Dual plane – combines both methods for those with little tissue and mild drooping
Once in place, the incision is closed with stitches. Dissolvable stitches usually disappear within 7–10 days, while non-dissolvable stitches are removed by a healthcare professional. Dressings are applied to protect the area, and in some cases, a small drain may be inserted temporarily to remove excess fluid.

Getting Ready for Breast Enlargement Surgery

Before your breast enlargement procedure, you’ll attend a pre-operative assessment with a nurse. This appointment is designed to check your overall health and ensure you’re safe to undergo anaesthesia and surgery.

Most breast enlargement procedures are carried out under twilight anaesthetic, which means you won’t be allowed to eat or drink for a set period beforehand. Your consultant will give you personalised instructions, but as a general guide:

What to Avoid

You should avoid food for around six hours before your anaesthetic.
You should stop drinking for two hours before surgery.
Some fluids, such as milk, are not allowed during this time. However, water, black tea, or black coffee are usually permitted up until the two-hour mark.
If you take regular medication, let your consultant know during your assessment. They’ll advise you on whether to pause or adjust anything before surgery. It’s also strongly recommended to stop smoking and avoid alcohol, as both can increase the risk of complications and slow your healing.

What to Pack for an Overnight Stay

If your procedure requires you to stay in hospital overnight, bring a small bag with essentials to help you feel comfortable. Useful items include:
Your regular medication
A dressing gown and slippers
A post-surgery support bra
Something to read or keep you occupied
Toiletries and sanitary products
Having these items on hand can make your stay smoother and your recovery more comfortable.

On the Day: What Happens at the Hospital

Before your surgery begins, the surgical team will help you get ready.

You may be asked to put on compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots while you’re under anaesthetic and resting afterward.

Your surgeon will then assess your skin, breasts, and nipples. They may draw markings on the skin to guide incision placement and ensure the best surgical outcome.

Recovery After Breast Enlargement Surgery

Most people go home the same day or the next morning, but full recovery takes around three months. You’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Common Side Effects

Mild side effects from anaesthetic may include dizziness, nausea, bruising, feeling cold, difficulty urinating, or a sore throat. These usually pass quickly.

What to Expect

Plan 1–2 weeks off work.
You may need to wear a support bra 24/7 for up to 12 weeks.
Pain, swelling, tightness, and bruising are normal in the first few weeks.
Avoid driving for at least a week and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 4 weeks.

Quick Recovery Timeline

Day 1: Go home; rest for 1–2 weeks.
1–2 weeks: Stitches removed (if not dissolvable); may be able to drive and return to work.
6 weeks: Back to normal activities and exercise.
6–12 weeks: Breasts start to look and feel more natural.
Up to 1 year: Keep scars out of direct sunlight.

Aftercare & Scarring

You’ll receive wound-care instructions before leaving hospital. Scars start red, turn purple, then gradually fade over 12–18 months.

Screening & Long-Term Care

Tell your mammography team you have implants so they can use the right imaging technique. Implants don’t last forever — they may need replacing eventually.