Breast augmentation is among the most personal decisions a woman will make about her body — and in the UK, the conversation around it has changed considerably in recent years. British patients today are far more likely to ask for a result that looks proportionate to their frame and undetectable in clothes, rather than something dramatic. The conversation has matured. Here is what to expect, step by step, if you are considering breast augmentation in London.
Step One: Clarifying Your Goals
The single most important conversation of the entire process happens at the consultation. A skilled surgeon will not begin with implant brochures; they will begin by understanding what you actually want. Are you seeking restoration of volume lost after pregnancy or weight change? A modest enhancement to better suit your frame? A more defined upper-pole shape under tailored clothing? Each of these calls for different choices.
Step Two: Choosing the Implant
| Decision | Options | What It Affects |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicone gel (standard in the UK) or saline | Feel, naturalness, longevity |
| Shape | Round or anatomical (teardrop) | Upper-pole projection vs natural slope |
| Profile | Low, moderate, high or extra-high | How far the implant projects forward |
| Size | Measured in cc, matched to your frame | Final volume and proportion |
| Placement | Submuscular, subglandular or dual plane | Natural feel, edge visibility, recovery |
| Incision | Inframammary, periareolar or transaxillary | Scar location and visibility |
The choices are technical but the principle is simple: your implant should fit your body, not the other way around. Sizers, 3D imaging and an honest conversation about your lifestyle will guide the right choice.
Step Three: The Day of Surgery
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthetic in a CQC-registered facility and typically takes ninety minutes to two hours. Most UK patients go home the same day, although an overnight stay is offered where appropriate. You will need a responsible adult with you for the first twenty-four hours.
Step Four: Recovery
The first week is the most demanding — expect tightness, soreness and the sensation that your chest has been worked. Most office-based professionals return to work after seven to ten days; those in physically demanding roles wait two to three weeks. Driving resumes when you can perform an emergency stop comfortably, usually around ten days. Gym work and heavy lifting are restricted for six weeks.
Step Five: Long-Term Care
Modern implants are not lifetime devices, but they are considerably more durable than implants of a generation ago. You should expect annual follow-up reviews and, in line with current MHRA guidance, ultrasound surveillance from around five years post-operation. A good surgeon will provide a clear aftercare plan and remain available to you long-term.
Dr. Ferrando’s Approach
Dr. Giovanni Ferrando, FRCS (Plast), has performed breast surgery for over three decades. His consultations are unhurried and consultative; he uses sizers and detailed examination to guide implant choice and openly counsels patients against sizes or shapes that would not suit their frame. His ethos is restraint — a result that looks like the body you might naturally have had, not one that announces itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size to choose?
Sizers worn under a fitted top during consultation give the most reliable preview, alongside 3D imaging where available. Your surgeon will guide you against extremes that would not be proportionate to your frame.
Will I lose nipple sensation?
Some change in sensation is normal and usually temporary. Permanent significant change is uncommon with modern technique.
Can I breastfeed afterwards?
The great majority of women can. Inframammary and submuscular approaches preserve breastfeeding function well.
Do implants need replacing?
Not on a fixed schedule. Replacement is indicated only if there is a clinical reason — capsular contracture, rupture, or a desire to change size or shape.
References & Further Reading
Related articles from this clinic
External authoritative resources
- MHRA — Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
- BAAPS — British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Considering breast augmentation in London? Book a consultation with Dr. Giovanni Ferrando for an unhurried discussion of your goals and the right approach for your frame. View results in the breast surgery gallery and learn more about our breast surgery services.
