Breast Augmentation
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.
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). This is sometimes described as breast enlargement & uplift and addresses volume and shape 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. Read more about 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.