Breast Implants

What are breast implants?

Breast implants are used as part of a breast augmentation to enhance the overall shape of the breasts.

During a breast enlargement, a breast implant is used to increase the volume and projection of the breasts. The benefits of a breast enlargement include improving the symmetry of the breasts and enhancing their existing shape, ultimately increasing self-esteem and confidence.

Breast uplift surgery lifts sagging breasts to create a more youthful and firm appearance. This can be combined with breast implant surgery to give more volume and projection, creating the appearance of a larger chest. 

Breast implants are inserted under, over, or between the breast muscle, depending on the preference and existing breast tissue of the patient. 

How much do breast implants cost?

Here at MYA, you don’t pay for the breast implant on its own. You pay for the full procedure, which includes the surgery itself, the breast implant, and aftercare appointments and advice. 

The starting cost of a breast enlargement at MYA is £5,895. 

However, this can change depending on the size of the breast implant you choose and the type of breast surgery you decide on - e.g. breast enlargement, breast uplift with implant, breast implant reaugmentation, etc.

Are breast implants safe?

There are two different types of breast implants - saline breast implants and silicone gel-filled implants. Every cosmetic surgery company has different preferences as to which one they use on their patients.

For breast augmentations here at MYA, we use Mentor breast implants. Mentor is the leading manufacturer of breast implants, with 98% satisfaction rates and a trustworthy reputation. 

Made from medical-grade cohesive silicone gel, Mentor implants have a natural feel, yet maintain their shape with movement. 

Mentor breast implants have 4 shell layers to prevent leaking and are designed to reduce the likelihood of rupture and capsulation, for a long-lasting look and feel. 

Types of breast implants 

There are many different combinations of silicone breast implants available depending on the look you want to achieve. 

Breast implants are available in different: 

Sizes - Breast implants are measured in cubic centimetres (ccs), and range from small to large - just like natural breasts. 

Shapes - You can choose from round or anatomical (teardrop).

Profiles - The profile of a breast implant indicates the forward projection off the chest wall - low, moderate, or high.

Placements - This refers to where the breast implant will be placed - submuscular, subglandular, or subfascial. 

Texture - You can choose from smooth or textured breast implants.

How long do breast implants last? 

Breast implants are designed to last around 15 years. 

It’s important to be aware that there is a small risk that breast implants can ripple or flip after breast implant surgery. If this is the case, they will need to be replaced or removed completely. 

If this does happen, contact your surgeon so they can book you in for a consultation and organise a revision.

Do breast implants need replacing?

It’s advised you get your breast implants replaced every 10-15 years to maintain the desired look and shape. 

As you age, it’s only natural for your skin to droop and sag on and around your breasts. Having the implants replaced when advised maintains a fuller, more youthful look. 

A breast implant reaugmentation at MYA costs upwards of £6,845. The total cost depends on the patient’s physical requirements, the look they want to achieve, and the size of the implant chosen. 

The way breast implants sit on the chest can also change because of lifestyle changes like weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Will breast implants drop on their own?

After a breast augmentation, you will experience a process called 'drop and fluff'. This is when the implants settle into position and 'drop' to reveal the final result.

At around 6 weeks post-op, you'll notice the breast implants taking shape to create a full look. It's important to be aware that this isn't an overnight process and changes can continue to affect your breast implants for up to one year post-op.

If you have severely asymmetrical breasts and opt for breast implant surgery to correct it, each breast implant can drop and fluff at different rates, as it depends on the existing tissue.

By attending your follow-up appointments and following all aftercare advice, our team can monitor your progress.

Breast implant scars

Breast implants themselves don't cause scarring, but breast implant surgery can leave mild scarring under the breast.

While scarring is inevitable with cosmetic surgery, there are things you can do to reduce the appearance of scar tissue, including:

• protect or cover the scars in the sun

• avoid sun beds

• don't smoke

• follow the advice given by your MYA nurse and surgeon

When signed off by your surgeon, you can apply oils and moisturisers to keep the area as hydrated as possible, further reducing the look of the scar tissue.

Check out our blog - Post-surgery scar and wound care advice - for more advice on healthy healing after breast augmentation surgery.

Learn more with MYA

Whether you want to learn more about the difference between silicone breast implants and gel ones, the breast augmentation procedure, or what breast implants can do for you, we're here to help. 

Simply call us today - we're more than happy to answer any of your questions!

Or, to kick start your breast augmentation journey, book a FREE eConsult to speak with us about the procedure from the comfort of your own home.