Breast Augmentation

By Vireon Medical Editorial Team · First published 5 November 2026 · Evidence checked through 5 November 2026

On this page

• What breast augmentation is
• What may be causing the concern
• Who may be considered
• Alternatives
• Procedure, preparation and anaesthesia
• Recovery and results timeline
• How long implants last and monitoring
• Pain and comfort
• Risks and complications
• How strong is the evidence?
• Implant distinctions and red flags
• Cost drivers and what a quote should include
• Frequently asked questions
• Bottom line
• Sources

What breast augmentation is

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) increases breast volume with implants or with the patient’s own fat.⁸ Implants have a silicone outer shell. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water; silicone gel implants are filled with silicone gel.⁴ Both come with smooth or textured shells, and in round or teardrop shapes.⁴¹⁴

The implant is placed either behind the breast tissue, over the chest muscle (subglandular), or under the pectoral muscle (submuscular).⁹ Incisions are usually made in the fold under the breast (inframammary), around the edge of the areola (periareolar) or in the armpit (axillary).⁹

Fat transfer uses liposuction to remove fat from another area, which is then injected into the breasts. It is generally suited to a relatively small increase in size.¹³

What may be causing the concern

The cause decides whether augmentation, a lift, both or nothing fits.

• Naturally small breasts once development is complete.¹²
• Volume loss after pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight loss.⁸¹⁴
• Asymmetry, either natural or after earlier breast surgery.¹⁴
• Sagging (ptosis), where the main issue is skin and position rather than volume. Implants do not prevent or correct this, and a breast lift may be suggested.⁸¹⁴
• New breast changes, such as a lump or one-sided change, which need medical assessment in their own right, not cosmetic surgery.

Who may be considered

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) describes candidates as physically healthy, not pregnant or breastfeeding, with fully developed breasts, realistic expectations, and doing it for themselves.¹² In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves saline implants for augmentation from age 18 and silicone gel implants from age 22.⁴ Suitability is decided by examination, not by a checklist.

Alternatives

Option	What it addresses	Key difference
Fat transfer	Small volume increase	Uses your own fat instead of an implant; suited to a relatively small size change13
Breast lift (mastopexy)	Sagging	Repositions tissue; can be combined with implants8
Padded or shaping bras	Appearance in clothing	No surgery or ongoing risk

See breast lift for the procedure that addresses sagging.

Procedure, preparation and anaesthesia

Before surgery, a baseline mammogram may be needed, and you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you the first night.¹⁴ In the United States, the FDA requires a patient decision checklist to be reviewed and signed with the surgeon before implants are placed.³

The operation is usually done under general anaesthesia, although some surgeons use sedation or local anaesthesia.¹⁹¹⁴ It takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and you may go home the same day or stay overnight.¹ The pocket is created, the implant placed, and the incisions closed in layers.⁹

Recovery and results timeline

Time after surgery	What is typical
Days 1 to 5	Acute pain usually subsides; support bra worn around the clock11
1 to 2 weeks	Time off work; no driving for at least 1 week1
At least 2 weeks	Avoid strenuous activity that raises heart rate or blood pressure14
Several weeks	Soreness, swelling and bruising settle1114
At least 1 month	Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise1
Up to 3 months	Some surgeons recommend a sports bra day and night1

Scars fade over time but do not disappear completely.¹⁴

How long implants last and monitoring

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The longer they are in place, the more likely complications, removal or replacement become.²³ The NHS notes that some women need further surgery after about 10 years.¹

Silicone implants can rupture without symptoms (“silent rupture”).¹⁰ Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most effective way to detect this, and ultrasound is an acceptable alternative in people without symptoms.² ASPS and Mayo Clinic report the FDA recommendation of imaging 5 to 6 years after silicone implant placement, then every 2 to 3 years.¹⁰¹⁴ Tell anyone performing a mammogram that you have implants, as extra views are needed.¹¹⁴

Pain and comfort

Under general anaesthesia you are asleep during the operation.¹⁴ Afterwards, acute pain typically settles within one to five days, though soreness and swelling can last a few weeks.¹¹ Pain medicine may be prescribed, and a compression bandage or sports bra helps with support and swelling.¹⁴ Persistent pain is a recognised complication, so pain that does not settle should be reviewed.¹⁰

Risks and complications

Expected temporary effects

Soreness, swelling, bruising and tightness for a few weeks are expected.¹¹¹⁴

Recognised complications

• Capsular contracture: scar tissue around the implant tightens, making the breast feel hard and sometimes distorting its shape. Severe grades (Baker III and IV) may need reoperation.¹²
• Rupture or deflation: a tear in the shell. Saline that leaks is absorbed; silicone can spread and cause lumps. A ruptured implant needs removing.¹²
• Malposition, rotation, rippling and wrinkling of the implant.¹²
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, and reduced milk supply.¹¹⁰
• Infection, haematoma, seroma (fluid collection) and poor scarring.²¹⁰
• Reoperation, which the FDA advises patients to expect; a further operation may not produce a satisfactory result.²³

Rare serious complications

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not breast cancer. It is a T-cell lymphoma, usually found in the fluid or scar capsule around the implant.⁵ Risk is higher with textured implants, especially macrotextured ones.⁵⁷ The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) estimates a reporting rate of 1 case per 12,187 implants and tissue expanders sold in the UK, and describes the risk as low.⁷ Symptoms usually appear years later, on average 7 to 10 years after implantation; the most common sign is a late fluid build-up causing swelling.⁷ Treatment is removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule; MHRA reports 89% five-year survival.⁵⁷ Neither the FDA nor the MHRA advises removing implants in people without symptoms.⁵⁷

Breast implant illness (BII) describes systemic symptoms some people attribute to implants, such as fatigue, memory problems, rash, “brain fog” and joint pain.²¹⁰ The FDA states these symptoms and their causes are poorly understood. Studies have not shown implants cause them, although some people report improvement after removal.²¹⁴

General surgical risks include bleeding, blood clots, infection and reactions to anaesthesia.¹

How strong is the evidence?

Claim	Vireon assessment	What supports it	Important limitation
Implants are not lifetime devices	Strong	FDA and NHS positions13	Individual implant lifespan varies widely
Textured implants carry higher BIA-ALCL risk	Moderate	FDA and MHRA reviews of reported cases57	Based on passive reporting, not controlled studies
Absolute BIA-ALCL risk	Uncertain incidence	MHRA reporting-rate estimate7	Under-reporting; sales do not equal implants placed
Rates of capsular contracture and rupture	Uncertain incidence	FDA lists both among complications in at least 1% of patients2	Rates depend on device, time and follow-up
Implants cause breast implant illness	Insufficient	FDA and Mayo Clinic describe reported symptoms214	Causation not shown; symptoms poorly understood
Fat transfer suits small increases	Limited	ASPS patient information13	Long-term fat retention not addressed in sources reviewed

Much of the safety data comes from regulator reporting systems, which cannot give true incidence because of under-reporting and duplicate reports.⁶

Implant distinctions and red flags

Feature	What to know
Silicone gel	Most common in the UK; less wrinkling; silent rupture needs imaging12
Saline	More likely to fold, rupture or deflate; leaked saline is absorbed1
Textured shell	Higher BIA-ALCL risk than smooth5
Placement	Over or under the chest muscle, chosen with the surgeon19

• No written record of implant manufacturer, model and serial numbers.
• Implants described as lasting a lifetime, or no discussion of future surgery and monitoring.
• Sagging not assessed before choosing implant size.

More detail is in breast implant risks and monitoring.

Cost drivers and what a quote should include

Cost depends on implant type and brand, whether a lift or fat transfer is added, anaesthesia, the facility and overnight stay. Long-term imaging and replacement are usually extra. A clear quote should list:

• Surgeon, anaesthetist and facility fees.
• The implant manufacturer, model and any manufacturer warranty.
• Pre-operative tests, surgical bra, medicines and follow-up visits.
• Who pays if a complication or revision is needed.

See reading a treatment quote.

Frequently asked questions

Does breast augmentation hurt?

The operation is done under anaesthesia, and acute pain afterwards usually subsides within one to five days.¹¹ Soreness can last a few weeks.

When can I work, drive, exercise and fly?

Most people take 1 to 2 weeks off work, avoid driving for at least 1 week, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a month.¹ Flying with implants is considered safe, but timing after surgery should be agreed with your surgeon.¹¹⁵

How long do implants last?

There is no fixed lifespan; implants are not lifetime devices, and some people need further surgery after about 10 years.¹³

Should textured implants be removed?

Not if you have no symptoms, according to both the FDA and the MHRA.⁵⁷ Know the warning signs and report changes.

Can I breastfeed after implants?

Some people can, but others find it difficult and milk supply may be reduced.¹¹⁴

How many operations will I need?

Augmentation is usually one operation, but the FDA advises assuming further surgery will be needed over your lifetime.³

Bottom line

Breast augmentation can change size and symmetry, but it is a commitment rather than a single event: implants need monitoring and will probably need replacing. Sagging, breastfeeding plans and willingness to have future surgery matter as much as size. BIA-ALCL is rare and linked mainly to textured implants, while breast implant illness remains poorly understood.

Related reading

• Plastic surgery overview
• Liposuction
• How to verify a doctor’s credentials
• Medical travel red flags

Sources

1. NHS. Breast enlargement (implants). NHS website; 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/breast-enlargement/ Accessed 5 November 2026.
2. US Food and Drug Administration. Risks and complications of breast implants. FDA; undated. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants Accessed 5 November 2026.
3. US Food and Drug Administration. Things to consider before getting breast implants. FDA; 2023. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/things-consider-getting-breast-implants Accessed 5 November 2026.
4. US Food and Drug Administration. Types of breast implants. FDA; 2019. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/types-breast-implants Accessed 5 November 2026.
5. US Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). FDA; 2019. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/questions-and-answers-about-breast-implant-associated-anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma-bia-alcl Accessed 5 November 2026.
6. US Food and Drug Administration. Medical device reports of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. FDA; 2025. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/medical-device-reports-breast-implant-associated-anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma Accessed 5 November 2026.
7. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). GOV.UK; 2025. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/breast-implants-and-anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma-alcl Accessed 5 November 2026.
8. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast augmentation. ASPS; undated. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation Accessed 5 November 2026.
9. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast augmentation procedure steps. ASPS; undated. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/procedure Accessed 5 November 2026.
10. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast augmentation risks and safety. ASPS; undated. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/safety Accessed 5 November 2026.
11. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast augmentation recovery. ASPS; undated. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/recovery Accessed 5 November 2026.
12. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast augmentation candidates. ASPS; undated. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/candidates Accessed 5 November 2026.
13. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Fat transfer breast augmentation. ASPS; undated. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation Accessed 5 November 2026.
14. Mayo Clinic. Breast augmentation. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; undated. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178 Accessed 5 November 2026.
15. NHS. DVT (deep vein thrombosis). NHS website; 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/ Accessed 5 November 2026.

Article history

• 5 November 2026 — First published.