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Welcome to the Circle Health Group website. We've changed our name from BMI Healthcare.
Get the breast shape and size you want with breast augmentation (enlargement)
Breast enlargement surgery with either saline or silicone implants is perfectly safe, which is why it is a popular surgery for people that want larger breasts.
A silicone breast implant is the most common type of implant in the UK. According to the NHS, a silicone breast implant is less likely to wrinkle and feels more natural in your body than a saline breast implant. Saline breast implants are more likely to become smaller over time and absorb into your body (this is not dangerous, but the implant will need to be removed and replaced).
At Circle Health Group, we offer both saline and silicone breast implants. You should discuss the pros and cons of each type of breast implant with your surgeon, along with the size and shape of your implants and where they will be placed (either behind your breast, or behind your breast muscle). Your consultant will be able to provide you with detailed information about your surgery during your initial consultation, and help you decide which type of implant will be right for you.
To book your initial consultation with a specialist, use our easy online booking service or call a member of our friendly advisory team.
Breast enlargement surgery will not usually be covered by your private health insurance. We offer flexible payment options that allow you to spread the cost of treatment over a period of up to five years, making private healthcare more affordable than you think.
Silicone gel (soft) implants
These are pre-filled with silicone and less likely to wrinkle or ripple than saline. They are also known for feeling more natural than other implants. Silicone soft gel implants can rupture and spread into your breast tissue. This is not dangerous, but will need to be removed.
Silicone gel (firm) implants
These are also less likely to wrinkle or ripple than saline. Because they are filled with a firmer gel, they are less likely than a soft silicone implant to move and rotate inside your body.
Saline implants
A saline implant is a less commonly used implant for breast enlargement surgery. Saline implants typically feel less natural than silicone implants, and are more likely to rupture. This is not dangerous, but the ruptured implant will need to be removed and replaced.
Your consultant will ensure you have all the information you need about each type of implant, and that you receive the type of implant that best matches your needs.
Changes to your breast shape
You might have noticed your breasts have got smaller or have changed shape after you’ve lost weight or been pregnant.
Lack of symmetry across your breasts
You might have one breast that is smaller than the other, and would like to correct this lack of symmetry.
Unhappiness with the size of your breasts
You might feel unhappy with the size and shape of your breast(s).
For thousands of women in the UK each year, the main benefit of having breast enlargement surgery is that it helps improve their confidence which, in turn, helps significantly improve their quality of life.
Recovering from breast enlargement surgery is a different experience for everyone. Your recovery time depends on several factors, including your general health and fitness levels, as well as how well you manage your recovery at home. Most people fully recover within six weeks.
You should be able to return home on the same day as your breast enlargement surgery, but some people need to stay overnight for additional aftercare. Your consultant will be able to discuss the likelihood of this with you based on your circumstances.
As mentioned above, you will not be able to drive home on your own after surgery, because you will be coming round from general anaesthetic, and the effects can last for up to 24 hours. You'll need to arrange for someone to collect you from hospital, or we can arrange for a taxi to collect you. You should not drive for at least a week after returning home to protect your healing as much as possible.
Surgical drains are tubes placed near surgical incisions (cuts) to prevent pus and other fluid building up in your incisions, which can cause an infection. The drain is a small plastic tube placed in your wound during surgery. It is connected to a plastic drainage bag that collects the fluid. After breast reduction surgery, you will likely need surgical drains to siphon off the build-up of fluid where your breast tissue has been removed. these might be in place for up to six weeks. Your consultant will ensure you understand how to care for and change your surgical drain safely at home throughout your recovery period, if needed.
You will most likely have minor scarring on the underside of your breasts and bruising around your breast area after surgery. Most of your scarring should fade after six to seven weeks, but everyone is different, and you shouldn't worry if it takes longer for your scarring to fade. If your consultant agrees, you can use bio-oil to help the healing process, however this won't be the right choice for everyone so do check before using it. Your surgeon will be able to explain the kind of scarring you should expect after your surgery.
You should take a week or two off work to rest and recover at home. You should avoid strenuous activity for at least a month after surgery. This includes heavy lifting and sport. You can enjoy gentle exercise such as yoga, swimming, and walking to remain fit and healthy as you recover. During this time, your breasts might feel numb, tingly, sensitive, or swollen. This is normal, so don't worry.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your consultant to remove your stitches within two weeks of your surgery. If you have dissolvable stitches, they will disappear within ten days of having surgery.
Sleep on your back during your recovery period
This takes pressure off the implants and your breasts as they heal and helps minimise swelling in your breasts.
Be careful when dressing yourself
Be cautious as you get dressed to avoid catching and irritating your stitches.
Your consultant will ensure you understand best practice for caring for surgical wounds and how to best manage swelling and pain from surgery. They will also answer any questions you might have about returning to work and everyday life after surgery.
It’s important to know that beast implants do not last a lifetime.
Most breast implants last for around 20 years. It is important to discuss the best ways to care for your breast implants with your consultant.
All procedures come with an element of risk, however minor. But breast enlargement surgery is generally a safe and common surgery had by thousands of women in the UK every year.
This depends on how well your body heals. Every woman is different. Speak with your Consultant about the average time it will take you to return to work depending on your personal physiology and other factors.
You will be under general anaesthetic during breast enlargement surgery, meaning you will not feel any pain. But you will experience pain and swelling for the first few weeks after surgery, though this can be effectively managed with painkillers.
It is sometimes possible to breastfeed with implants, but this depends on the size and placement of your implants and the type of surgery you've had. Your consultant will be able to explain whether you can breastfeed with the type of implants you have had.
If you would like to learn more about this procedure, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon
MBBch, MSc, MRCS (Eng), FRCS Plast
The Duchy Hospital
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBch, MSc, MRCS, fEBOPRAS, FRCS Plast, Dip Hand surg., Prog Dip Microsurgery
The Manor Hospital
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBChB(Glasg), MRCS(Glasg), MRCSEd, MSc, EBOPRAS, FRCSEd(Plast), FRCSGlasg(Plast), EurDipHandSurg(FESSH), DipHandSurg(BSSH)
Ross Hall Hospital 3 more Ross Hall Clinic Braehead Albyn Hospital Kings Park Hospital
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
LMSSA(Lond), LRCP(Lond), LRCS(Eng), MS, FRCS
Shirley Oaks Hospital
Consultant Oncoplastic and Cosmetic Breast Surgeon
BM, BCh (Oxon), MA (Oxon), DM (Oxon), FRCS (Eng)
The Alexandra Hospital
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
MB ChB MD FRCS
The Park Hospital 1 more The Lincoln Hospital