Cosmetic Surgery

Are you considering cosmetic breast surgery?

If you are considering cosmetic breast surgery, there are a number of things you will need to consider, including:

• What is involved in the procedure?
• Who should perform the procedure?
• What follow-up will you have?
• What are the potential risks of surgery?
• What will be the costs involved?

Below you can find information, from a number of sources and organisations, that can help you make important decisions regarding your surgery.  

Going abroad for cosmetic breast surgery

The ABS has produced information for patients considering going abroad for cosmetic breast surgery. Cosmetic tourism is on the rise and it is important for patients to consider the full picture when making decisions about cosmetic breast surgery.

Breast Augmentation Guide

This booklet is for those looking for more information about breast augmentation (breast enlargement). It aims to give an overview of options available, what is involved and the expected outcomes. It will also go through the possible problems associated with breast augmentation and breast implants. There are also links to other resources.

Patient information: your guide to breast reduction

The ABS has produced information for people considering breast reduction.

Breast reduction surgery aims to reduce the size and improve the shape of the breasts to make them more proportional. The nipple will also be re-positioned. This surgery can also be used to correct breasts that are of unequal size.

NHS Choices

To help you to make an informed decision about undergoing cosmetic breast surgery, NHS Choices have published an NHS guide to cosmetic procedures on their website.

General Medical Council

The General Medical Council (GMC) has also produced guidance on professional standards for doctors carrying out cosmetic procedures. Their guide for patients is available on their website.

Royal College of Surgeons of England

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has a cosmetic surgery certification system for professionals. They provide a comprehensive information hub for patients considering cosmetic surgery on their website.

The RCS also provide a pre-surgery information checklist to ensure that you have received all of the necessary information about the procedure for you to make an informed decision.

MHRA statement on the symptoms sometimes referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII)

On the 17th January 2020 the MHRA published a statement on symptoms sometimes referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII). This clarifies their current position on this issue and outlines their ongoing work in this area.

Anyone experiencing symptoms they believe to be associated with their breast implants should speak to their surgeon and report to the MHRA via their Yellow Card Scheme