Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is more than just a procedure; it is a transformative experience which can improve your self-confidence and enhance your life.
- Mr Andrew Pieri
- Updated October 2, 2024
- Created February 23, 2023
Cosmetic breast surgery
In some women, the natural appearance of their breasts has a negative impact on their body image and self-confidence. In breast augmentation surgery, breast implants can provide a surgical enhancement, delivering beautiful, long-term results that can rebuild your confidence and provide you with the feminine curves you desire.
What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure to increase the size and fullness of your breasts. It is also referred to as a breast enlargement, augmentation mammoplasty, boob enhancement or a boob job, and it is Mr Pieri’s most popular cosmetic operation. The goal of this surgery is to provide you with breasts that meet your aesthetic goals and perfectly contour to your body.
Mr Pieri, a renowned cosmetic surgeon in Newcastle, uses silicone breast implants to increase the fullness and projection of the breasts. In addition to cosmetic enhancement, this operation can correct uneven breasts and congenital breast shape deformities through innovative augmentation techniques.
Download your free guide to breast augmentation
Planning Your Breast Surgery
Breast implants can vary in shape, size, and profile and can be placed in different pocket positions under the tissue. This is one of the most significant decisions of your cosmetic procedure, as it will determine how your breasts will look at the end of your surgery. Therefore, it is important to choose the implants which are right for you.
Every patient’s aspirations are different, and bodies are widely unique; therefore, Mr Pieri will spend time with you to discuss your cosmetic goals and the best implant placement and size to help you achieve them. It is helpful to bring photo references to demonstrate your preferred aesthetic. This can be photos of yourself when your physique was different (i.e. before pregnancy, weight changes or age), or they can be of someone else (i.e. online influencers, magazines or celebrities).
He will also talk you through the breast augmentation recovery process and what you can expect after the procedure, both immediately and in the future- for example, if you want to have children he can discuss breast implants and pregnancy.
Implant Shape
When it is time to pick your silicone implants, Mr Pieri will work with you to understand your goals and marry these expectations with your physique and frame. Visualising how you want your breasts to look will determine whether you go for a round implant or a teardrop implant.
Round Implant
Round implants are the most common, providing that classic round shape which many women aspire to achieve. Due to their even shape, these implants will provide fullness in the whole breast, with a stronger projected cleavage and pronounced depth.
Teardrop Implant
Teardrop implants (anatomical implants) are a much more natural option for women. Featuring more volume towards the lower pole, this implant shape will provide fullness with less projection, mimicking the natural breast shape.
Implant Size
Patients will typically have a goal bra size in mind when they visit Mr Pieri; however, bra sizes vary significantly depending on the brand and, therefore, is not an accurate way to measure. Instead, cosmetic surgeons work in cubic centilitres (CC), which is a more precise and universal way of measuring breast sizes. The higher the CC, the bigger the breasts will be in volume and overall dimension. Use Mr Pieri’s breast implant size guide to find out more about how to pick the right CC.
During your face-to-face consultation, Mr Pieri will take multiple measurements to document both your current breast shape and chest dimensions. In addition, you will experience an implant sizing session to simulate different implant volumes in your bra. The CC of your breast implants will be selected against your cosmetic aspirations and your current lifestyle, hobbies and body shape. It is helpful to bring along a tighter-fitting top to try on to get a feel for a desired volume.
Your breast size and shape of your breasts should add to your life and boost your self-esteem without hindrance. Thus, this sizing session is invaluable in ensuring the implants work for your lifestyle and future life goals, such as competing in a sport or future pregnancies.
Once Mr Pieri understands your goals, chest measurements and sizing kit results, he will order a range of custom implants suited to your needs. Then, during your operation, he will choose which implants will give you the best results.
Implant Profile
A breast implant profile refers to the projection of the implant from your chest wall. The choice of profiles includes a low profile (less anterior convexity and volume with the broadest base width), moderate profile (medium convexity and volume), high profile and extra-high profile (dome-like convexity with maximal volume and projection with the narrowest base diameter).
The goal is to create proportionate results against your natural breast borders, chest size, and body dimensions. For smaller frames with narrow breasts, high-profile implants will provide the best results without appearing unnatural due to the smaller base diameter. In contrast, opting for a low profile with a larger diameter on a small frame can exceed your breast’s natural borders and appear distorted or fake-like.
Therefore, choosing your breast implant size and profile is an integral decision that will determine how natural your results are. Booking a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon provides the opportunity to test different implants and find the option best for you.
During your face-to-face consultation with Mr Pieri, he will recommend the ideal profile and size based on your aesthetic goals and body contours, thus, providing you with the most optimal results and highest patient satisfaction.
Implant Position
Another important element of your breast enlargement surgery is the position of your implants. Silicone breast implants can be placed at different depths under the natural tissue to achieve different cosmetic outcomes. The positions include subglandular, submuscular and dual plane. Depending on your desired result, Mr Pieri will guide you towards the best placement to achieve your visual goals.
Over The Muscle (Subglandular Placement)
A subglandular breast implant placement is when your implants are situated over the pectoral chest muscle, facilitating those who seek a faster recovery. It is also the preferred option for women with naturally larger breasts.
However, depending on the quality of your skin, breast tissue and desired outcome, Mr Pieri will advise the best placement based on your frame, physique and cosmetic goals.
Under The Muscle (Submuscular Placement)
This submuscular placement situates the breast implants under the pectoralis chest muscles. The main benefit of this positioning is the minimised risk of visible wrinkles in the implant surface (termed “rippling”).
In addition, for petite frames with naturally small breasts, the implant's contour may be visible, particularly at the upper edge of the implant, creating a visible step. Therefore, under the muscle ensures a better result in some patients.
Dual Plane (Mixture)
Dual plane positioning involves creating an implant pocket where the top part of the implant is under the pec muscle (submuscular), and the bottom part of the implant is directly under the breast tissue (subglandular). In many respects, this provides you with the benefits of both submuscular and subglandular positions.
Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
Mr Pieri will perform your breast enlargement operation under general anaesthesia, taking between one to two hours to complete. In addition, your breast implant surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure (i.e. day case); therefore, you will be discharged that same day to recover in the comfort of your home.
Following the operation, post-operative check-ups are scheduled at week one, week two, two to four months and twelve months apart to ensure optimal recovery, and you will need the right post-surgery bra. Learn more about your breast augmentation procedure by visiting our blog.
TIME IN THEATRE
1 Hour
Hospital Stay
Day case (0 nights)
Return to Work
7 Days
Recovery Time
6 Weeks+
Post-Op Bra
6 Weeks
Guide Price
Breast Augmentation
- Initial consultation £200
- Follow up consultation for additional questions Inclusive
- Treatment £6300
- Pre-assessment Inclusive
- Day case operation at TSS Hospital Team Valley Inclusive
- Motiva implants Inclusive
- Follow up wound check (1 week) Inclusive
- Follow up check (2 weeks) Inclusive
- Follow up (3-6 months) Inclusive
- Guide Price £6500
frequently asked questions
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
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.
Should Breast Implants Be Replaced?
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].
How Much Is Breast Enlargement Surgery?
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.
Are Breast Implants Safe?
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.
Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Leave A Scar?
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.
What Is A Natural Alternative To Breast Implants?
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.
Is It Better To Get Implants Or A Fat Transfer?
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].
Can You Get A Breast Augmentation On The NHS?
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.
Book Your Newcastle Breast Enlargement Surgery
Mr Pieri performs his specialist cosmetic surgery consultations at his Newcastle clinic, located at The Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he also has his NHS practice. However, you can book private consultations at any of his North East locations. These include Gateshead, Washington, Durham, Darlington and Carlisle.
To book your consultation or ask a question about this procedure, complete the form, and Mr Pieri will be in touch.