Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a highly customisable contouring surgery that allows women to enjoy larger, shapelier breasts. Today, women who desire an enhanced chest profile have more options than ever and can choose from nearly limitless combinations of implant shapes and sizes for positive, personalized results. But with so many decisions to make, it’s important to choose a skilled plastic surgeon with a track record of excellence.

Dr Riccardo Frati is a breast enhancement surgery specialist with a reputation for delivering artful results with speedy recoveries. He works closely with each patient to ensure each patient leaves the office informed, confident, and ready to make a significant change. Dr Frati’s Harley Surgery uses the latest advanced techniques to ensure excellent outcomes for patients wishing to transform their bodies and their self-confidence. Interested patients are invited to schedule their initial consultation appointment at any of our locations throughout England.

• +44 20 3633 2619 (London) 
• +44 16 1327 2139 (Manchester)

Before & After Photos

Before and After Photos

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About Breast Augmentation 

Find Out More About Breast Augmentation in our locations

Although fashionable figures have changed throughout history, the desire for a beautiful set of breasts isn’t any newer than being a woman is! In 1895, the first successful breast surgery was performed on a mastectomy patient, who was able to have her missing breast reconstructed using her own tissue. In the meantime, surgeons continued to experiment with finding the perfect material to add volume to the breast safely. Then, in the early 1960s, the first silicone implant was introduced, and breast enhancement surgery skyrocketed in popularity. ^[1] Needless to say, both breast implants and the surgical techniques used to place them have undergone countless advances and improvements since then. World-renowned surgeon Dr Frati uses minimally invasive techniques and works closely with patients and help them make empowered choices to fulfil their aesthetic goals.

Tailored Results

Weight loss and gain, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all impact the look of a woman’s breasts. Some women may have been born with breasts that just don’t feel right for their bodies. No matter your reason for seeking breast augmentation, we have the expertise you need, for the results you deserve!

Just as no two women are the same, every breast augmentation surgery we perform is a unique, custom-tailored procedure. We emphasize respect and open communication from the moment patients first arrive at our Harley Street centre. We honour your time whilst putting your safety first.

Advanced Techniques and Shorter Recovery

In order to allow our patients to achieve their results and have an optimal recovery, Dr Frati performs advanced breast augmentation techniques. A short-scar surgical technique achieves safe implant placement and produces little-to-no scarring. Qualifying patients can receive their breast implant surgery under local anaesthetic and twilight sedation. Patients are completely pain-free during surgery but have fewer side effects than those who are administered general anaesthesia. As a result, patients feel better sooner and enjoy a shorter recovery.

About Breast Implants

Dr Frati uses Mentor implants, which come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and projections, so patients can get the precise results that they desire. These implants have high safety and satisfaction rates: these are considered the very best breast implants! Mentor’s MHRA-, FDA-approved silicone gel implants create long-lasting, natural-feeling breast volume. Both round and anatomically shaped implants are available. Round implants will fill both the upper and lower breast poles and produce more cleavage, while anatomical implants are tear-drop shaped and add greater volume to the lower breast pole. Mentor implants are covered by a lifetime product replacement policy, guaranteeing patient peace of mind. Studies have shown that these implants have a significantly lower rate of complications, and have a consistently high rate of patient satisfaction. ^[2] 

Your comfort and safety are our priority! Your implant and surgical options will be discussed during your private consultation. If you have any questions about Mentor implants, our helpful staff will be happy to answer them for you.

Your Incision Options

Dr Frati uses three principle incision techniques to insert breast implants. The incision technique used during your breast augmentation will be determined based on your existing breast tissue, implant size, and your desired results. However, regardless of his approach, Dr Frati utilizes short-incision methods that ensure minimal scarring and a short recovery time. To perform your surgery, Dr Frati may place your incisions in one of the following locations: 

Periareolar Incision

This technique reduces visible scarring by making a small incision along the bottom edges of the areola. Any scarring is then practically undetectable, as it is concealed by the darker-coloured skin of the areola.

Inframammary Fold Incision

This is the most frequently used incision technique.⁽³⁾ The incisions are made in the crease where the underside of the breast meets the chest wall. 

Transaxillary Incision

This technique avoids any incisions or scarring around the breast. Instead, incisions are placed in the armpit. Dr Frati will then gently guide the impact toward the breast pocket. Any scarring is minor, and is concealed beneath the arm.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery in the UK, and when you consider the many benefits it offers patients, it’s not hard to see why.  

Candidates

Healthy women who are looking to enhance their bustline are typically good candidates for breast augmentation. But before being approved for this surgery, prospective patients will meet with Dr Frati to ensure that they can undergo the procedure safely, and that it will be able to deliver the results they desire. Ideal breast augmentation candidates are:

Personal Consultation with Dr Frati

Your private consultation will be an honest and informative discussion with an experienced surgeon. Patients can meet with us in London and Manchester. Dr Frati will review your medical history and current health to ensure that you can undergo the procedure safely. After learning more about your goals, he’ll examine your breasts, taking note of your skin elasticity and your current measurements. Together, you and Dr Frati will discuss your options for achieving the breasts of your dreams. You’ll be guided through implant sizes, and will have the opportunity to preview your results with innovative 3D computer imaging! Once Dr Frati has finalized your personalized treatment plan and reviewed the details with you, we’ll schedule your surgery. Breast augmentation has helped thousands of women in the UK fall in love with their breasts, and Dr Frati is committed to helping each patient become her best, most beautiful self! If you would like to make a positive change for your figure, set up an initial appointment. You can reach us in London by calling +44 20 3633 2619. To contact our Manchester offices, call +44 16 1327 2139.

Preparation

Choosing to proceed with a breast augmentation is an empowering and exciting personal decision. That is why our supportive staff will be on hand to help you prepare for surgery and ensure you have the best experience possible. Before your scheduled appointment, Dr Frati advises patients to:

Procedure

Breast augmentation procedures typically take an hour to 90 minutes to complete, and can be performed with either general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia with twilight sedation. The details of your surgery will depend on the specific details outlined in your personalized treatment plan. The implants that you’ve chosen will be placed in the breast using your approved incision method. In order to achieve the most natural-looking results possible, the implant will be placed either subglandularly, over the chest muscle, or subpectorally, under the pectoral muscle. A third location is known as dual plane placement, in which the top portion of the implant rests under the muscle, while the lower part of the implant lies under the glandular tissue, combining the advantages of each location.⁽⁴⁾ The placement depth will depend on your existing breast tissue. Once the implant is in place, the incisions will be closed with fine sutures and dressing.

Recovery

Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure. In some cases, patients will need to stay a night in the hospital following their surgery. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your options during your personal consultation.

Due to the effects of anaesthesia, we recommend that you arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home following your surgery. We also recommend that you ask this person to stay with you for the first night of your recovery to guarantee your aftercare period begins comfortably for you. Rest as much as possible with intermittent brief walks to maintain healthy blood flow. Our minimally-invasive short-scar techniques will enable you to get back to work within one week. Patients who receive breast augmentation under local anaesthesia will enjoy a shorter recovery than patients who receive their surgery with general anaesthesia. Shorter recovery times mean that patients can enjoy their augmentation results and get back to their social lives much sooner! Normal activity is frequently resumed within four to six weeks. Strenuous exercise can be resumed within four to eight weeks. However, recovery times will vary depending on the individual.

Patients will be required to wear a support bra for about two to four weeks. A strap may also be worn for the first few days to prevent the breasts from moving.

Tiny, well-placed incisions will create little to no scarring. Results are flattering and natural-looking, and yours to enjoy for many years to come.

We put emphasis on making ourselves easily accessible to our patients throughout their recovery. If you have questions at any time during your recovery, please do not hesitate to ask!

Results

You will start to see your new, attractive breast contours once your symptoms lessen and your implants settle into place. Your breasts will feel firm and heavy following your breast augmentation. This is normal! Post-procedure bruising, swelling, and firmness will abate over the weeks following the procedure. The breasts will become softer and feel more natural within a few months. Within three to four months, you will enjoy the new shape and size of your full, beautiful breasts.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

For women looking to improve sagging or excess skin as well as increase volume, a Breast Uplift with Implants may be the best approach.  An uplift combined with an augmentation helps patients address the effects of ageing, pregnancy, or weight loss. After the implant is inserted, excess breast tissue is removed, and the breast is sculpted to sit higher on the chest wall for a perkier, more youthful look. 

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in London?

The results you desire will determine the details of your surgery and the price. You’ll be guided through the associated costs of a breast augmentation following your personal consultation.

FAQ

References

1. Coombs DM, Grover R, Prassinos A, Gurunluoglu R. Breast augmentation surgery: Clinical considerations. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2019;86(2):111-122. https://www.ccjm.org/content/86/2/111
2. Brown MH, Shenker R, Silver SA. Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2005;116(3):768-779. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000176259.66948.e7
3. Roy PG, Yan Z, Nigam S, Maheshwari K. Aesthetic breast surgery: putting in context—a narrative review. Gland Surgery. 2021;10(9):2832-2846. doi:10.21037/gs-20-892
4. Swanson E. Dual Plane versus Subpectoral Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2016;4(12):e1173. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000001173