Breast Augmentation at Sussex Premier Health

Breast enlargement is a highly personal decision. We can offer guidance and expert advice, but at the end of the day, it has to be your decision. Ideal candidates for breast augmentation include:

• Those looking to enhance naturally small breasts
• Women who have lost breast volume due to weight loss or pregnancy
• Those seeking improved breast symmetry
• Patients considering reconstructive surgery following mastectomy

Breast enhancement surgery is still surgery, so it’s not a decision to make lightly. Before getting breast augmentation, you should carefully consider the procedure to be sure it’s the right decision for you. Here’s what to think about:

• Why You Want Implants – Are you doing it for yourself, your confidence, or external pressures?
• Realistic Expectations – Implants can enhance your shape but won’t fix body image issues or make you instantly happier.
• It Won’t Correct Significant Sagging – If your breasts are sagging (breast ptosis), implants alone may not lift them. You may need a breast uplift (mastopexy) alongside augmentation for the best results.
• Size and Shape Preferences – Do you want a natural look or a dramatic change? Try “sizers” or digital imaging to preview results.
• Surgical Risks – Infection, scarring, implant rupture, or capsular contracture are possibilities.
• Future Surgeries – Implants don’t last forever. You may need replacements or removals in 10–20 years.
• Breastfeeding and Sensation Changes – Some women experience nipple numbness or difficulty breastfeeding.

As a trusted private healthcare provider in Sussex, we stand out for our commitment to personalised patient care and superior medical expertise. Choose us for:

• Highly Experienced Surgeons – Our cosmetic specialists have extensive experience performing breast enhancement procedures with excellent outcomes.
• Tailored Treatment Plans – Each procedure is customised to fit your body shape and aesthetic goals.
• Private, Comfortable Care – Enjoy a discreet environment with dedicated support.
• Fast Access to Treatment – Unlike NHS wait times, we offer quick scheduling for our breast procedures.

Your surgery will be performed by your consultant surgeon.

Breast cancer screening is performed using mammography, which uses X-ray imaging to detect cancers that are too small to feel. After breast enlargement, the X-rays can’t pass through the implant and so some of your breast tissue won’t be visible on the images making them less accurate. You’ll need to tell your mammography service that you’ve had a breast enlargement so they can take special views and possibly screen you at a different centre. Mammograms are safe and don’t cause implants to rupture.

A rupture is when the implant splits or a hole appears in the shell. When a saline implant ruptures, the saline liquid inside will be harmlessly absorbed by your body over a few days, making the breast appear deflated. This will be easy to notice and the ruptured implant should be removed and may be replaced with a new one at the same time.

When a silicone implant ruptures, the gel may stay within the implant shell. If this happens, you may not notice unless you have a scan. However, some people experience pain, thickening, changes in shape of their breast and lumps (siliconomas) which are only detectable on scans. In these cases, you should contact your surgeon or GP and the implant will need to be removed.

You should choose a surgeon who has the correct training and experience to perform breast enlargement. As a minimum, cosmetic surgeons need to be registered with and licensed by the General Medical Council (GMC) as a doctor and many will also be on the GMC’s specialist register, although doctors can sometimes practice in a specialty not shown on their Specialist Register entry. You can check this register to see a doctor’s specialties (and sub-specialties) that they are qualified in and the date they joined the specialist register in each specialty.

You can find a cosmetic surgeon on a specialist registers provided by:

• The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)
• The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)
• The Royal College of Surgeons: Certified Cosmetic Surgeons
• As an example, all BAAPS surgeons have the highest level of training and qualifications, are on the GMC’s specialist register and are committed to excellence in aesthetic surgery.

When researching a surgeon, you may want to find out:

• How many operations they’ve performed
• Their patient satisfaction scores
• What complications have occurred
• What follow-up they offer if things go wrong

Breast implants don’t last forever and many women find they need further surgery after about 10 years. This can be because of problems with the implant itself or to maintain their shape. Manufacturers state that they should last between 10 to 15 years. If you don’t experience any problems, your surgeon may recommend you leave them in place for longer.

When a saline implant ruptures, the saline fluid inside is quickly (over a few days) released into the body and harmlessly excreted.

If the implant is covered with just a thin layer of tissue, this can cause rippling. The layer of tissue sticks to the implant surface and it’s difficult to treat.

Your stitches will be removed or dissolved around one or two weeks after your operation. You should be able to return to normal activities at around six weeks with your breasts looking and feeling more natural from six to 12 weeks after your operation.

Silicone implants are less likely to rupture than saline implants. Manufacturers state that implants should last between 10 and 15 years, though many women need further surgery after about 10 years. This can be due to implant rupture or changes in the shape of their breast around the implant.