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Which breast surgery is right for you?

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There are a wide range of different breast surgery options and knowing which one is right for you can be tricky. Knowing what concerns you the most about your breasts is the best place to start; whether it is feeling that your breasts are too small, too big, uneven, too low or tuberous – will determine the right type of procedure to help you achieve the best outcome.

The best way to find out which is most suitable is to visit a specialist breast surgeon. The surgeon will listen to your concerns, examine your chest and then deliver their recommendations on which procedure they think will be best whilst making clear what you can realistically expect to achieve from surgery. In the meantime, here is a helpful guide to help you understand the different types of breast surgery procedures available.

Breast Augmentation

Also known as; Breast Enlargement, Breast Implants, Boob Job, Breast Augmentation with Implants

A breast enlargement is the ideal choice for patients who are looking to increase the size of their breast. The procedure involves making a small incision usually in the inframammary fold beneath the breast and inserting an implant. Breast implants come in a variety of sizes, shapes and profiles to help give patients the look they are dreaming of.

breast enlargement uk before after photobreast implants uk before after photoboob job uk before after photobreast augmentation with implants before after photo

Breast Uplift

Also known as; Mastopexy, Breast Lift

A mastopexy is a great option for patients who are looking to improve the shape of their breasts. Sagging of the breast is often something that happens over time, but it can also be caused by pregnancy, weight change and menopause. A breast lift involves surgically removing excess skin from the breast, the skin of the breast is then tightened, and the nipple is moved to a higher position on the chest – this gives an overall more uplifted appearance to the chest. A breast uplift can also be combined with breast implants if the patient wants an increase in size.

breast uplift mastopexy before after photobreast uplift UK before after photomastopexy breast lift before after photobreast uplift surgeon before and after photos

Breast Reduction

Also known as reduction mammoplasty

A breast reduction is best for patients who are looking to reduce the size of their breasts. The procedure removes excess skin and tissue from the breast before tightening the skin and moving the nipple to a higher position. The procedure is similar to a mastopexy however a reduction removes tissue but a mastopexy only removes skin, so if patients are looking to reduce the size of their breast then this would be the better choice.

breast reduction UK before and after photoreduction mammoplasty london before and after photobreast reduction surgery before and after photos result

Breast Implant Replacement

Also known as; Breast Implant Exchange, Breast implant removal and replacement, Exchange of implants

Breast implant replacement is when patients want to remove their current breast implants but have them replaced with similar or different variations of implants. This procedure is requested by patients who may feel their implants are too big or for medical reasons such as development of capsular contracture or the implants have ruptured. When it comes to replacing implants, patients can choose from the same sized implant or implants that may be bigger, smaller or a different profiles size from their original ones. The surgeon will aim to use the same incision to remove your old implants and insert your new implants.

breast implant replacement before and after photobreast implant exchange london before and after photo

Breast Implant Removal

Also known as; Breast Explant

Breast implant removal is when the breast implant is removed, and no further surgery is performed. It is ideal for patients who just want their implants to be removed. This could be due to dislike of the appearance or for medical reasons. The surgeon will aim to remove the implants via the same incision that they were inserted. In most cases, the breasts will return to how they were prior to surgery but they may look empty initially after surgery before the skin has had a change to retract and heal.

Breast Explant and breast lift before and after photobreast implant removal before after photoremoval of breast implants before after photo

Breast Auto Augmentation

Also known as; MIRAR (Mastopexy implant removal and reconstruction)

A breast auto augmentation is ideal for patients who would like their implants removed but are concerned about the appearance of their breast post-surgery. A breast auto augmentation is a breast implant removal and reconstruction procedure to help patients achieve the appearance of an implant using their natural breast tissue. Once the implant is removed from the breast, the surgeon will relocate the patients breast tissue into the upper pole, relocate the nipple higher on the chest and then remove any excess skin which results in natural full and uplifted breasts.

mastopexy implant removal and reconstruction before and after photobreast auto augmentation reconstruction surgery before and after photos

Breast Surgeons at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic breast surgery is performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons who have decades of experience and specialist experience in breast surgery.

Why choose The Private Clinic?

  • We provide a 10-year implant warranty with £1000 towards your surgical costs.
  • Expert Cosmetic surgeons see our before and after results here.
  • Dedicated post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team, including a 24-hour help line.
  • Peace of mind with our personal three-year aftercare breast cover.
  • The Private Clinic covers a lifetime guarantee on your implant.
  • We have state of the art hospital facilities.
  • Giving you the best results and patient care is our priority we have a 5-star Trust Pilot rating.
  • Locations in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

To find out more about breast surgery at The Private Clinic please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online breast surgery contact form.

Breast Implant Before and After Photos UK

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Breast enlargement surgery is a great procedure for patients who wish to increase the size of their breasts, often to make them more in proportion to the rest of her body. When it comes to researching the surgery and surgeons that perform it, you will most likely come across before and after photos showing patients before they had implants and then again afterwards.

Before and after photos are a great way to gain more information about your surgeon’s technique when it comes to breast surgery. It is also an ideal way to help you decide what appearance you do, and don’t like about breast enlargement surgery.

It is important to remember that implants will not look the same on everyone and your natural beast appearance and body profile will give women who may have had the same size, different results.

We always advise patients to take a look through our before and after photo galleries when it comes to researching their desired surgery. These are free to access from our website and have all been taken and featured with the consent of our patients.

Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos in London Harley Street

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breast augmentation london before and after photos
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breast implants london harley street before after photos

Breast Augmentation before and after photos Buckinghamshire

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breast surgery for augmentation bucks before and after photos

Breast Augmentation before and after photos Leeds

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Breast Augmentation before and after photos Manchester

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breast implants augmentation manchester before and after photos

Breast Augmentation Before and After photos Northampton

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breast augmentation northampton before and after photos

To find out more about Breast Enlargement surgery, please call us on 0333 920 2471 or use our breast implants online contact form.

Breast Surgery Consultants at The Private Clinic UK

Journey of a Breast Augmentation Patient

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So what does having a breast augmentation look like exactly? We give you the low down on what you can expect in your journey, going through 10 key stages in your procedure.

  1. Preparation Stage

Before your breast augmentation consultation you should read up on the procedure itself, while keeping notes of questions to ask in your consultation. Look at before and after photos and gather photos of breasts you like and do not like to show your surgeon. We also recommend finding a trusted confidant (family member or friend) to bring along to your consultation, for support.

  1. Patient Adviser Consultation

Some clinics provide the opportunity to meet a patient adviser prior to a consultation with a surgeon, who can inform you about the procedure and answer questions. At The Private Clinic, our patient advisers are highly knowledgeable on breast augmentation, working with our breast surgeons on a daily basis.

  1. Breast Surgeon Consultation

At your surgeon consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you the reasons for breast implant surgery, what you are looking for from breast surgery, discuss any concerns you may have and go through your medical history. As we mentioned, it is helpful to show the surgeon photos of breasts you do and don’t like to indicate your desired appearance.

  1. Sizing Appointment

During or following your consultation, you should have a sizing appointment, where your surgeon will take measurements to recommend the best possible sizes and options for you. Using a sizer bra, you will be able to try a variety of sizes. Your surgeon should discuss the choice of shaped tear drop or round implants, and recommend what will suit you. Your surgeon will discuss techniques, including breast enlargement scar placement options and the choice of having the implant behind or in front of the muscle, which will depend on your measurements and anatomy.

As everyone is different, it is important the implant and technique used is tailored to you.

  1. Patient Coordinator

Following your surgeon consultation, you will be assigned a patient coordinator who will support you throughout your journey and be your link to the clinic for any information or advice you need. They can arrange appointments for you pre and post surgery, discuss surgery dates and forward any questions you may have to the surgeon or their nursing team.

  1. Preparing for your op

It is important to keep as healthy as possible, for a smoother, quicker recovery, which your clinic should advise on. You will need to attend a pre-op appointment around 2 weeks before your procedure where our nursing team will go through your medical history, discuss if you need to stop taking any medication and also perform a blood test, urine test and MRSA swab test to ensure you are fit and well enough to proceed with surgery.  You will be provided with all the information you need regarding your surgery date including, what time to be there, travel instructions, what to bring and more. You should also ensure that you have organised a family member or friend to attend with you on the day and accompany you home,  most breast augmentation procedures are now being performed as day cases.

  1. Operation

On the surgery day, medical checks will be performed, including as a blood pressure and pregnancy test. The surgeon will then run through the procedure with you, ask you to sign a consent form and take ‘before’ photos to see the difference post procedure. The surgeon will then draw surgical marks/drawings on you and you will then be taken to the operating theatre where you will be given anaesthesia.

The operation takes approximately one hour. After the op, your bust will have a bra or dressing applied. You may feel some discomfort but overall pain should be minimal. You will be given something to eat and drink and after a few hours post op, after being checked over by the surgeon and their surgical team, you will be discharged and able to return home. We advise that patients organise to return home via a car or taxi and public transport such as the train, tube or bus should be avoided.

  1. Aftercare

You will have been given aftercare instructions by your surgeon,which will include avoiding driving for at least one week-post op and lifting anything heavy. It is important to get rest in the days following your procedure however we do recommend that you do still keep moving and mobile. most patients return to work within 2 weeks following their procedure and many are back to their usual routines by this point too although exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks.

You may notice some discomfort post-op, but you can take painkillers for this, and may also notice your breasts are slightly tender and swollen. At The Private Clinic, we provide you with a contact number so if have any you can get hold of one of our team members immediately 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  1. Post-Op Check Up

Your first follow up appointment will be at 1 week following surgery, you will be checked out by a member of the nursing team who will change your dressings and offer any advice as required.  Your next appointment will take place around 6 weeks post-surgery and this will be with the surgeon. As part of our dedicated aftercare package, you will be provided unlimited appointments for 3 years after your treatment, and your surgeon may advise specific stages post-op that they would like to meet you.

  1. Looking after scars

Most surgeons will cover your incision with tape post-op, and give advice as to when to start showering, bathing and washing the incision. At your one-week post op appointment with The Private Clinic, your nurse will change the tape, inspect the scar, and in most cases, apply another dressing. In most cases, absorbable stitches have been used which do not need to be removed. Also, your nurse and surgical team will provide instructions on looking after your scar.

We usually advise supporting the scar with tape for the first 4-6 weeks. The scar will eventually fade to being very pale and flat, but this usually takes around a year, and continues to improve with time. At your 6 week check, your surgeon will go into more detail about products you can use to help heal the scar.

Find out Lucy’s Journey

Our breast augmentation patient, popular fashion influencer, Lucy, shared her Breast Augmentation story with us online.

Find more breast augmentation patient testimonials online.

Why choose Breast Augmentation with The Private Clinic?

“My journey of having a breast augmentation was fantastic … Mr Olu was very understanding of my needs and the outcome I desired, and I am over the moon with my result…”
– Breast Augmentation patient

“I cannot thank Adrian and the Private Clinic enough for their support and friendliness throughout my experience with them. This was my first major surgery I have had and I was very nervous but the team made me feel comfortable and at ease from beginning to end. I would recommend them to anyone who is thinking about having any sort of surgery. I am extremely pleased with my results!”
– Breast Augmentation Patient

To find out more about breast enlargement or if you would like to see us for a consultation with one of our top specialised breast surgeons, in one of our nationwide locations, please call us on 0333 920 2471 or use our breast enlargement online contact form.

Breast Augmentation 5 top tips for pre and post-surgery

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When you book your breast augmentation surgery you will be given pack of information detailing what you need to do both pre and post-surgery. We have put together a quick list of some points and tips that may not necessarily be on the official checklist but have been noted as useful to know by a selection of our nurses and past patients.

Pre Breast Implant Surgery

  • Try and build your abdominal strength before your op. This doesn’t mean turning into a fitness buff overnight but you will be using these muscles a lot after surgery and the stronger they are – the less of a shock it will be afterwards. Performing stretches with your upper body combined with strength training with low weights can really help with your posture and strength following surgery.
  • Stay healthy – An obvious one surely but it is so important that come the day of your op you are healthy. Even something as simple as a cold or bladder infection could result in the cancellation of your operation.
  • Practice sleeping on your back. If you are normally a side or front sleeper then sleeping post-surgery is likely to be a struggle. After surgery it is important that you sleep on your back in a upright position supported by pillows (we recommend investing in a V shape pillow!), although it sounds comfy initially, many go on to struggle to get a good night kip as they are just not used to the position. If you start sleeping like this in the upcoming weeks to surgery it will be less of a change as you will already be used to sleeping in this position.
  • Stock up on entertainment. You will need to get plenty of rest following surgery so to avoid feeling bored make sure you have a supply of books, magazines and DVDs so keep you entertained during your recovery period. Although key tip is to be careful of comedies as laughing makes your pectoral muscles to tighten and contract, so depending where your implant is positioned, you could experience some pain!
  • Prep your home. Take some time to walk around your home with your elbows tucked in close to your sides as this is how it will feel post-surgery. See what you are able to reach and open and what you are struggling with and make changes to help you. This is will mean you are able to be more independent post-surgery as it is good to get up and about rather than spending all day every day in bed but at the same time you should not strain yourself.

Post Breast Implant Surgery

  • Be prepared for the ups and downs. Having surgery is a huge deal and although initially it is all excitement and feeling good, you may find yourself riding a roller coaster of ups and downs. This is completely normal during your recovery and is usually down to the anaesthesia, medications and exhaustion.
  • Eat regularly. To avoid additional feelings of sickness it is important that you don’t take your pain medications on an empty stomach. Have something substantial to line your stomach during or after taking the medication will help to avoid any unwanted side effects and complications.
  • Stay hydrated. Drinking water is not only good for you in general but it will really aid your recovery. Constipation is common after surgery and drinking water will help move things along. You may also experience swelling which water can help reduce but overall it will just make you feel better.
  • Don’t get measured too soon. Don’t make the mistake of going to get measured for a new bra before your breasts have dropped and settled into their positions. We do not recommend wearing anything other than your surgical or a soft sports bra until at least 6 weeks post-op. At this stage you can discuss with your surgeon about moving to an alternative styles of bras.
  • Stick to buttons and zips. The last thing you are going to want to do after your operation is struggling to get tops on and over your head. We thoroughly recommend sticking to button up shirts and zipped hoodies and jackets – this way you can retain some independence when it comes to dressing yourself and avoid any complications from over stretching yourself in the early days.

The Private Clinic

We pride ourselves on providing the most comprehensive cover in the industry including free consultations with our specialist breast surgeons, 24 hour patient helpline, dedicated post-operative care and appointments, three years of all surgical, hospital and nursing care free of charge, unique peace of mind warranty of £1000 all of which are detailed in our comprehensive Patient Guides.

We are proud to offer the highest quality breast implants, with procedures performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons. Our team includes some of the most recognised Breast Surgeons in the UK, based in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton – all of whom are on the specialist register for Plastic Surgery and many of which are members of British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

To find out more about breast augmentation surgery or book to book a consultation please call 03339209135 or use our breast augmentation online contact form.

10 Post Breast Augmentation Surgery FAQs

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Once you have had your breast augmentation it is up to you to ensure you allow your new breasts to heal fully before you return to whatever you know as being normal life.

It will mean you have to make a few changes and adjustments to some activities that you will have taken for granted before but good things will come to those who listen to the advice of their surgeon!

We have decided to share our top 10 post breast augmentation surgery FAQs;

When will I be able to return home from the hospital?
Breast augmentations are usually performed as day cases so you will be returning home from the operation on the same day. This is usually around 2 hours after the procedure as you will be kept in for post-op checks before being discharged by your surgeon and/or his team.

How long do I need to wear the surgical bra?
When you wake up from your operation you will already be wearing your surgical bra. It is highly recommended that you continue to wear this bra until your plastic surgeon says otherwise. The time ranges between 4-6 weeks depending on how you are healing. You can of course switch your surgical bra for another support bra between washes.

When can I have a bath or shower?
The advice for this will vary from surgeon to surgeon. Ideally you should not be submersing the wound in water at all until after your wound check at 6 weeks. You should be able to shower a week after surgery if you take care not to get the wound excessively wet. Take care to pat dry the wound after your shower. In terms of having a bath, this is not really recommended however a quick shallow bath where the wounds are not underwater should be fine.

How long do I need to sleep on my back?
You should ideally be as upright as possible when sleeping after breast augmentation surgery which means sleeping on your back in an elevated position ideally for up to 6 weeks.  This may feel very unnatural especially for those who are used to sleeping on their front or sides. We advise that you sleep on your back to help reduce any swelling or discomfort but it also avoids the risk of the implant shifting before it is fully healed.

Is it normal for my nipples to feel numb or overly sensitive?
You may experience numbness and tingling or be extra sensitive on the breast, nipple and scar areas after your surgical procedure. This is completely normal and any changes should return to normal 3-6 weeks after the operation.

When can I drive?
We do not recommend you drive until your plastic surgeon has said you can. Your reaction times may be affected and you do not want to risk any sudden movements or pulling of muscles in the breast area during the early stages of recovery. You should also wait until you are finished your course of pain medication which can make you drowsy.  If you are driving quite quickly post-surgery, check that you are still covered by your insurance and do not operate the car unless you feel you are able to safely and comfortably manoeuvre the car.

When can I buy new bras?
We would not recommend you go out and buy new bras until at least a month after surgery. This will allow for any swelling to reduce and implants to have started to settle. Although you may have been given an estimated bra size before your surgery, this is not always guaranteed so should only be taken as guidance and it may be wise to book in for a bra sizing at a store after your surgery to make sure you are buying the right size.

When can I return to work?
It is advised that you take 7-10 days off work so that you are able to rest as much as possible after your operation.  If your work involves you being a little more active, rather than sitting at a desk for example then it may be worth either seeing if you can lessen the activity or taking a few extra days. Any stretching or heavy lifting is definitely not advised in the first 10 days post-surgery.

When will my implants settle?
You might notice that your implants are sitting a little higher than you may have previously imagined. Your implants will take up to 3 months to settle into their new positions within your bust. You should notice a change in them a month after surgery and this will then continue to improve and they will become softer and a little more natural looking.

What should I do if I have any additional questions or concerns?
After your surgery you will be given a post op guide from your surgeon and their team. Your post-op guide should cover the majority of the questions you may have and all guidelines on it should be followed in order to ensure the results of your surgery are the best that they can be. If you find yourself with any additional questions or concerns you should contact your plastic surgeon or the company you booked with who will be able to put you in contact with one of their nurses. If you are in any way concerned about your healing but are unable to get in contact with your surgeon we would recommend that you get in contact with your local GP for their advice.

The Private Clinic

We are proud to offer the highest quality breast implants, with procedures performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons. Our team includes some of the most recognised Breast Surgeons in the UK, based in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton.

To book a consultation call us via 0330 134 6385 or use our online breast augmentation contact form. 

Breast Augmentation for Athletic Women

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We all like to take care of our appearance and visiting the gym and healthy eating has all become part of modern day life, so as our lifestyles change should this change how we approach surgical procedures?

When you exercise, your body burns calories and builds muscle which can lead to changes to your body. Your breasts in particular, regardless of their size are all made up of the same compounds; blood vessels, connective tissues, lymph nodes, lobules, lobes, milk ducts and of course fat. When your body fat percentage alters this can cause changes in your breasts first.

  • Strength Training – This is involves the use of resistance bands, weight machines and free weights. It helps to tone your muscles as well as building new muscle tissue too. Depending on your breast size to start with you may not notice a lot of difference to your size, however if your breasts are naturally very lean then you may notice an increased loss in volume. It is also possible for strength training exercises to actually lift and firm your bust.
  • Aerobic Exercise – This covers a large number of activities including running, swimming, tennis and even just cardio workouts. The main goal for this type of exercise is weight loss and for each pound lost you are losing body fat too. It is common that your breasts are the first place that visibly shows your weight loss.

We have many women who come to see us in clinic who have lost fat tissue in their breasts and they are now looking to restore this with a breast augmentation.  It may sound a little counter-intuitive for an athletic woman to choose to up-size their bust when many are actually reducing the size of their breasts after feeling restricted during exercise with their range of movements but for many who have experienced weight loss in the chest, it can leave women feeling masculine and self conscious when it comes to wearing certain outfits.

So what are the options?

  • Under the muscle – This is often the default placement for breast implants if you are an athletic woman. It all comes down to the amount of tissue that you have and those with limited breast tissue will be best suited to placement underneath the muscle. However, placing an implant under the muscle also comes with its own issues. There is a slight risk of the implant moving or changing shape when the muscle is contracted during exercise. The recovery time is also a lot longer which is not always favoured upon by those with a strict gym routine.
  • Over the muscle – If you have enough breast tissue to accommodate the implant then you will have the option of going over the muscle which will give you a shorter recovery time. The risk with this option is that if you are very lean with thin skin over the breast and minimal breast tissue it will look more obvious that you have breast implants compared to how they would look under the muscle.

There are pros and cons for each decision which is why we always recommend you attend an informative, no obligation consultation with us so we are able to best advise you on the size, shape and placement of your implants.

A good surgeon will listen to your thoughts on what you wish to achieve and shouldn’t be persuading you to go for anything that you really don’t feel comfortable with.  Ask to see before and after images and attend a sizing appointment to try out different sized implants to see how they suit your frame.

Recovery
Sometimes the biggest fear for athletic women considering surgery is actually the recovery and downtime rather than the surgical procedure itself.

It is important to remember that cosmetic surgery is just an invasive and traumatic for the body as any other surgery and so great care must be taken to ensure you achieve the best results.  The downtime depends on placement and of course the size of your new implants. If you went behind the muscle you are looking at a six week rest period or if your implant is placed in front of the muscle then you will be looking at a two week rest period.

You will be able to be up and walking around the day after your surgery, we encourage gentle walking exercises as this will oxygenate bruised muscles and will help to reduce inflammation. After two weeks you will most likely be fine to start light exercise, such as a low intensity spin class, but it is best to remain seated to avoid the pressure associated with holding the handle bar. As you get to four weeks you should be able to start running again however you must not let your breasts move excessively so best to wear a good support bra or two, if your breasts are bouncing up and down then you are not wearing the right bra and you should stop your workout straight away.

After four weeks you can start to visit the gym again. We suggest you start with short and low intensity sessions and listen to your body,  do not ‘push through’ the pain like you would normally, this is instead your body telling you it is not ready and to stop.

At six weeks you will be booked in for a post-op check with your surgeon. It is here that you will be able to review your progress and discuss your plans to start working out again and your surgeon will be able to give you the green light if acceptable to do so.

Careless exercises following breast augmentation surgery can impact the final positioning of the implant, as well as cause further complications with your recovery. Make sure to speak to your surgeon or care team before starting any kind of exercise again as everyone heals different so what may have suited someone else may not be appropriate for you.

Case Study

We see many patients at The Private Clinic who are involved in fitness seeking breast augmentation procedures so our surgeons are very experienced in working out the best treatment plan for you.

Patient Vicky first considered a breast implants after competing in her first fitness bikini competition. Training for the competition involves training hard in the gym to drop body fat and follow a strict macronutrient based diet. The work in the gym, despite earning her a high place in the competition also meant she lost a lot from her already small chest. Read more about her surgical experience here.

The Private Clinic

We are proud to offer the highest quality implants, with procedures performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons. Our team includes some of the most recognised Breast Surgeons in the UK, based in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton – all of whom use their years of expertise to ensure you find the right option for your needs.

To find out more about breast augmentation please call 03339209135 or use our online breast implant consultation form to request a call back from our friendly and informative team.