Breast augmentation

Breast implants do not have a shelf life as such. However, there is a paucity of research which looks into the longevity of breast implants post-15 years, and it is not uncommon for women to have the same implants for this length of time.

When women with breast implants decide to go ahead with redo surgery, it is primarily because the breast’s aesthetic appearance changes as their natural breast tissue changes with time or scarring. As a result, the main reason for breast implant removal and replacement surgeries is cosmetic goals rather than the age of the implants.

As a general guide, if your implants remain soft and appear normal, there is no absolute indication to routinely change or remove your implants due to the timeframe.

The longevity of your breast implants in terms of the cosmetic results can be influenced by natural events such as ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight loss or weight gain. As your body changes, your natural breasts will alter in shape and size; therefore, your implants may not sit in the correct position.

Another common reason for implant removal surgery is capsular contracture. This is the tightening of scar tissue around the implant and can result in a tight or firm sensation leading to asymmetrical breasts. In addition, depending on the brand or age of your implants, you may also experience a ruptured implant which is when the silicone gel material leaks. Therefore, if you feel pain and discomfort or suspect you may have an issue with your breast implant surgery, it is important to discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon to identify the best remedial action.

Suppose you are no longer happy with the cosmetic result that you have. In that case, Mr Pieri recommends organising a consultation to discuss breast implant removal and replacement surgery (which can be combined with uplift surgery). Book your consultation with Mr Pieri today via the online booking portal. Alternatively, please get in touch by calling +447526556934 or emailing [email protected]. 

Every breast augmentation procedure is tailored to you based on your niche preferences. Combined with whether you require simultaneous uplift surgery and at which hospital the surgery is performed, it is impossible to have a price that is applicable to everyone. 

For your breast enlargement quote, please arrange a free remote consultation to discuss your requirements or contact Mr Pieri by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, read more about how much is a boob job.

Since the PIP implant scandal in 2010, international implant regulations have become reassuringly stringent. In recent years, implant technology has also progressed such that implant leak rates are substantially lower than they once were. In addition, the texture of the implant shell has also improved with time, reducing your risk of capsular contracture and prolonging the life of your breast implants and surgery.

Aside from implant technology, advancements in surgical techniques and strategies have also contributed to reducing surgical complications. As a result, some patients can have their implants in for over 20 years with zero issues. 

Breast augmentations, breast lift surgery and breast reduction surgery require surgical incisions to access the breast tissue and complete the operation. Although scarring will be minimal and often unnoticeable, you will commonly have a scar approximately 3-5 cm under the breast crease. Sometimes additional incisions are required to optimise the breast shape, but in these cases, Mr Pieri will discuss the pros and cons before your surgery.

Taking care during your recovery period and avoiding strenuous exercise will improve the scar, reducing your risk of scar stretch. Although healing occurs over the first few weeks, scar tissue can take up to 2 years to fully mature; however, this varies from person to person. Furthermore, evidence shows that the appearance of the scar can be improved through massages during the healing process. In addition, applying products such as silicone gels can also aid in your recovery. For more information, we recommend speaking with Mr Pieri about this during your consultation.

If you would like larger breasts without using breast implants, a fat transfer breast augmentation is a suitable option. 

A fat transfer breast augmentation involves extracting fat from a donor site and injecting this into your breasts to enhance volume and contours. Mr Pieri will remove unwanted fat from your body, such as your thighs, flanks, tummy or hips, and process it into an injectable filler. It is also known as lipomodelling or lipofilling and is considered a natural breast enhancement as it utilises your existing fat cells. It is an increasingly popular surgical procedure as it removes stubborn fat from your body whilst providing fuller breasts that align with your cosmetic goals. 

Traditionally, Mr Pieri performed this operation to correct asymmetrical breasts, congenital abnormalities, or breast tissue damage from mastectomy or lumpectomy cancer treatments. However, as breasts naturally contain fatty tissue, these innovative fat grafting techniques yield aesthetically beautiful and natural results. Therefore, it is a viable substitute for breast implant surgery if you want a subtle enhancement without using synthetic implants.

Other benefits include: 

• Natural results: Since Mr Pieri uses fat cells, your final result will provide a more natural look and feel than compared with traditional implants.
• Simultaneous body sculpting: Removing excess fat from your body may improve your body contours and target stubborn areas. 
• Minimal scarring: A fat transfer uses small incisions for both the fat harvesting and the injection sites, resulting in minimal scarring compared to other cosmetic options. 
• Reduced risk of long-term complications: As Mr Pieri uses your existing cells, there is a lower risk of long-term complications than with implants. These include implant rupture, capsular contracture, or ALCL.

Each breast enhancement option has pros and cons, and it is a personal decision you should consider against your goals, lifestyle and body image. 

Fat transfer breast augmentation offers a natural method to enhance your breasts’ shape and size. Mr Pieri uses fat grafting techniques during the procedure to extract fat from your belly, hips and legs. As a result, unwanted fat is removed from stubborn areas that are typically hard to budge with dieting and exercise. So although your breasts increase in size, you may also see a positive difference in your body contours without excess fat tissue.

In contrast, breast implant augmentation surgery uses implants filled with silicone or gel. Here, you have much more control over the size and shape of your breasts as you can choose the CC of the implants. However, implants are a foreign material that your body can reject. In some cases, this can lead to discomfort or capsular contracture. Additionally, you must consider replacement surgery approximately every 10-15 years. 

To discuss your options with Mr Pieri, please book a free online consultation or email [email protected].

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure, so you can’t usually get it on the NHS and will need to use a private clinic. In some cases, you might be able to request breast enlargement on the NHS if you have uneven breasts or no breasts and it causes you severe psychological distress.