Breast surgery
Breast Augmentation in London
Breast augmentation increases breast volume and can adjust shape using implants. Miss Hunter offers augmentation where it is appropriate, with honest discussion of suitability, the long-term commitment implants involve, and the alternatives.
Take this away with you — view this information as a printable fact sheet or download the PDF, to read at home or share with your family. It supports, but does not replace, your consultation with Miss Hunter.
About breast augmentation
Assessment and planning
Miss Hunter assesses your anatomy, breast tissue and skin envelope alongside the size and shape you would like. Implant planning covers size, position, the incision and implant type, together with the limitations of what implants can achieve for your starting point.
Breast implants may be round or anatomical in shape. Round implants are typically used where greater upper-pole fullness is desired. The appropriate shape, size and position are selected according to your anatomy, existing breast tissue and aims.
The procedure
Most primary breast augmentations are performed under general anaesthetic as a day-case procedure and take approximately one and a half hours. Breast augmentation using fat transfer takes approximately two and a half hours and is also performed as a day case. Drains are not usually required, although they may be needed in revision cases.
Where the implant sits
Where an implant is used, it can be placed under the breast tissue only (sub-glandular), under the chest muscle (sub-muscular), or partially under the chest muscle (a dual-plane approach). Which is most suitable depends on your natural breast shape, your tissue cover and your desired outcome; Miss Hunter advises which she would recommend for you. The incision is usually small and placed in the fold under the breast.
Augmentation with an uplift
Where the breast also needs lifting, augmentation can be combined with a mastopexy (augmentation-mastopexy) — sometimes described as breast enlargement & uplift — so that volume and shape are addressed together. Miss Hunter will advise whether this is right for you.
A natural alternative
For a subtler, tissue-based change without an implant, breast fat transfer may be an option. It is generally less predictable than implants but avoids implant-related maintenance — see breast fat transfer.
Implants are a long-term commitment
Implants are not lifetime devices and may need further surgery over time. Possible implant-related issues include palpability or rippling, rupture, capsular contracture (firmness from scar tissue), and rare associations such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and the symptoms some patients describe as breast implant illness. Miss Hunter discusses these openly so your choice is fully informed.
Implant removal & exchange
Because implants are not lifetime devices, some patients come to Miss Hunter to have existing implants removed, or removed and exchanged for new ones. This may follow a change in preference, ageing of an older implant, or an implant-related concern. Miss Hunter assesses your current implants and breast tissue and discusses the options and what each can realistically achieve, including removal without replacement where that is what you would prefer.
Miss Hunter has an extensive library of before-and-after photographs of her own patients. These are reviewed during consultation rather than shown publicly, so that patient confidentiality is protected and relevant examples can be chosen for your individual discussion.
Common questions about breast augmentation
How long do implants last?
Implants are not designed to last a lifetime and may need replacing or removing in the future. Miss Hunter explains the likelihood of further surgery and what monitoring is sensible.
Could I have augmentation without implants?
Sometimes. Breast fat transfer uses your own tissue for a more natural, if less predictable, change. Miss Hunter advises whether implants, fat transfer or a combination suits your aims.
Can existing implants be removed or exchanged?
Yes. Miss Hunter sees patients who wish to have implants removed, or removed and replaced. After assessing your implants and breast tissue she explains the options, including removal without replacement (perhaps with a breast uplift (mastopexy)) and what each is likely to achieve.
How do I know if I am suitable?
Suitability is assessed by Miss Hunter at consultation, taking account of your aims, medical background, anatomy and what is realistically possible. Sophie can tell you whether an enquiry is the kind of work Miss Hunter takes on before you book.
Will I see before-and-after photographs?
Yes — during consultation. Relevant examples from Miss Hunter’s own patient library are reviewed with you privately. They are not published online, for confidentiality.
What does recovery involve?
Recovery varies between patients and procedures. General guidance is given here and in your patient information sheet, and individual advice on work, driving, the gym, lifting and travel is given by Miss Hunter around your consultation and surgery.
Who do I contact afterwards?
Sophie coordinates queries before and after surgery and escalates to Miss Hunter directly where clinical input is needed.
Make an enquiry
Speak with Sophie Freud
Sophie, our Practice Manager, is the first person you’ll speak to. She coordinates enquiries, appointments, fees and practical arrangements, and stays a familiar point of contact before and after surgery.
