Breast Augmentation
A Breast Enlargement (Breast Augmentation) is an operation to use silicone or saline (salt water) implants to make your breasts larger, and usually to improve their shape. Your surgeon will assess you and tell you if a breast enlargement is suitable for you, but it is your decision to go ahead with the operation.
Breast augmentation is highly individualised. The technique, implant type, and placement are carefully selected based on body shape, tissue characteristics, and aesthetic goals.
View authentic transformations from real patients who have undergone breast enlargement with Mr Nakul Patel, showcasing natural, elegant results tailored to each individual’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Step 1: Incision and Placement
Depending on your anatomy and the type of implant, the surgeon makes an incision in one of three areas: under the breast crease (inframammary), around the nipple (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). This creates a path to form a pocket for the implant.
Step 2: Creating the Pocket and Insertion
The surgeon creates a pocket either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or underneath the chest wall muscle (submuscular). The breast implant is then carefully inserted and centered behind the nipple. The surgeon ensures symmetry between both sides before proceeding.
Step 3: Closure and Recovery
The incisions are closed using layered sutures within the breast tissue and skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. A supportive surgical bra or compression bandage is applied to minimise swelling and support the breasts as they heal into their new position.
Temporary Pain & Tightness: The chest feeling very “full” or tight as the skin and muscle adjust to the volume.
Swelling & Bruising: Usually peaks at day 3-5 and settles significantly within 2–3 weeks.
Asymmetry: Minor differences in height or projection between the two breasts.
Temporary Numbness: Reduced sensation in the nipple or lower breast skin.
Haematoma or Seroma: Collection of blood or fluid around the implant that may require drainage.
Capsular Contracture: The natural scar tissue “capsule” around the implant becomes tight/hard, which may require further surgery.
Implant Ripple: In thinner patients, the edges of the implant may be felt or seen through the skin.
Infection: A rare but serious risk that may require the temporary removal of the implant.
Implant Rupture: A tear in the shell of the implant (rare with modern cohesive gel implants).
BIA-ALCL: A very rare type of lymphoma associated with textured implants (we primarily use smooth implants to minimize this risk).
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots associated with surgery and anaesthesia.
A breast augmentation is an operation that uses silicone or saline (salt water) implants to make your breasts larger and usually to improve their shape. The procedure can also help balance breasts that are asymmetrical (different sizes).
There are various types, shapes, and sizes available. Implants can be round or anatomical (teardrop-shaped) and filled with either silicone gel or saline. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you—such as implant texture and firmness—to recommend the most appropriate type for your body and goals.
Yes. Silicone is a common element used in many healthcare products, such as heart valves and pacemaker wires. Extensive studies have shown no evidence that women with silicone implants have a higher risk of developing diseases such as breast cancer or arthritis.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While results usually last for a long time, you may need another operation in the future to replace or remove them, commonly after about 10 years.
You should be able to breastfeed, and there is no evidence that silicone passes into breast milk. However, in some cases, changes in nipple sensation or the surgery itself may affect breastfeeding capability.
Implants placed behind the breast tissue can interfere with mammograms (breast x-rays). You must inform your doctor or the person performing the scan that you have implants, as they may need to use ultrasound or MRI scans instead to check your breasts properly.
Scars are inevitable but usually settle with time, taking up to 18 months to fade. Your surgeon will try to place the incision in an area that is less noticeable, such as the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit.
Pain is usually mild and can typically be controlled with simple painkillers like paracetamol. You may feel soreness along the breastbone, and moving your arms can be uncomfortable for 2 to 3 weeks.
Gravity, age, and weight changes will alter the shape and size of your breasts over time. It is often recommended that you be at a stable weight before surgery, as significant weight loss or gain can affect the long-term results.
Changes in breast and nipple sensation are possible. While this usually settles within a year, the change can sometimes be permanent. You may experience numbness or continued pain in the outer part of the breast.
You can have the surgery before having children, but you should let your surgeon know your plans. Pregnancy can change the size and shape of your breasts, which may affect the long-term aesthetic results of the surgery.
Yes, alternatives include using padded bras or inserts to improve shape. Some surgeons may offer fat injection (using your own fat), though this can cause lumps or infection. Injecting synthetic fillers is generally discouraged as it can cause infection, scarring, and only offers temporary results.