Breast surgery

Augmentation, reduction, lift — Breast

Surgery that changes the volume, shape and position of the breasts in proportion with the body.

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Implant sizers of different volumes and a tape measure on linen on a consultation desk

Procedure card

Duration
2–3 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Hospital stay
1 night
Recovery
Support bra for 6 weeks
Back to social life
7–10 days
Settled result
Settles within 6 months

Breast surgery is not a single procedure; augmentation, reduction and lift use different techniques and are often planned together. For augmentation, implant size is chosen by measuring chest width and tissue thickness; you can try different volumes at the consultation.

Reduction can also ease complaints such as back and neck pain and strap marks on the shoulders. In a lift the nipple is moved higher and, if needed, an implant is added for volume.

Preparation and procedure

  1. Consultation and measurement

    Chest, tissue thickness and symmetry are measured; volume is discussed with sizers.

  2. Before surgery

    Breast ultrasound (mammography depending on age), blood tests and anaesthetic assessment.

  3. Surgery

    Performed under general anaesthesia using the chosen technique.

  4. Recovery

    Support bra for six weeks; no heavy lifting in the first month.

  5. Check-ups

    Week 1, months 1, 3 and 6, then yearly.

Recovery timeline

Drag along the line or tap a day to see what usually happens at that point.

0 day

Day of surgery: one night at the clinic.

  1. Day 0Day of surgery: one night at the clinic.
  2. Day 1Support bra on; a feeling of tightness in the chest.
  3. Day 7First check-up; any stitches removed.
  4. Day 10Return to desk work possible.
  5. Day 42Support bra no longer needed; gradual return to exercise.
  6. Day 180Tissue softens and the breasts settle into their final position.

The timeline describes an average course; recovery varies from person to person. Your surgeon gives you your own timeline.

Questions about this procedure

All questions
Do breast implants need replacing?
Modern implants have no fixed lifespan, but they cannot be said to last a lifetime either. They are followed with yearly check-ups and ultrasound when needed.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Every surgical procedure carries its own risks and results vary from person to person. The right approach for you can only be decided after an examination.

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