Breast implants - Things to consider before getting breast implants

Having any type of cosmetic surgery, such as breast implants, is a major decision. It can be expensive, time consuming and the results can't be guaranteed.

It's important to ask yourself why you want to have breast implants, find out as much as you can about the procedure, and consider everything from the potential benefits to the financial costs and health risks.

Don't be pressured by someone else into having breast implants or be rushed into making a decision.

Speak to medical professionals

If you're considering having breast implants, it's best to speak to your GP about it first. They can talk to you about your options and give you more general information about what surgery involves. They can also advise you about the possibility of having the procedure on the NHS.

If your GP thinks cosmetic surgery may be a suitable treatment option for you, they may refer you to a consultant who can talk to you in more detail about the availability of the procedure on the NHS, what it involves, and what your expectations of surgery are. You need to be realistic about what the surgery can achieve so you are not disappointed with the results.

If you decide to have breast implants fitted at a private hospital or clinic, it's still a good idea to discuss your plans with your GP first as they will be familiar with your medical history and may be able to recommend particular surgeons.

Consider the financial costs

An important issue to consider when deciding whether to have breast implants is the overall financial cost.

Breast implants on the NHS

It is rare for the NHS to fund any type of cosmetic surgery, including breast implants. Most people who want to have breast implants fitted do so by paying for private treatment.

However, there are a few circumstances where breast implants may be available on the NHS. For example, you will be able to have a breast reconstruction, which may include the use of breast implants, on the NHS if you have had breast removal surgery (mastectomy) as part of your treatment for breast cancer.

You may also qualify for breast implants on the NHS if it is clear the appearance of your breasts is causing you significant psychological distress or your breasts have not developed normally. For example, you may be able to have NHS-funded breast implants if your breasts are significantly uneven or breast tissue has failed to develop.

The availability of breast implants on the NHS may also depend on your local clinical commissioning group (CCG) and the amount of funding they allocate for breast implant surgery. Your GP may be able to advise you about availability in your area.

Private treatment

In most cases, you'll need to pay for breast implants to be fitted privately. This can be an expensive option and it is important to be aware of all the potential costs involved.

The average cost of having breast implants in the UK is in the region of £3,500-5,000. You may also have to pay additional costs for any consultations you have and any follow-up treatment you require.

For example, if an implant has to be replaced at any point, this will usually need to be paid for privately. The NHS may be able to remove an implant if there is a problem with it, but it will not usually be replaced on the NHS unless the original operation to fit it was also performed on the NHS.

Be aware of the health risks

It's also very important to make sure you are aware of the potential risks of having breast implants fitted, including the complications related to surgery or further problems that may develop at a later stage.

Some of the problems that can occur as a result of having breast implants fitted include:

• infection or bleeding after surgery
• scarring
• the shrinkage of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
• the implant splitting (rupturing)
• the implant becoming creased or folded
• temporary or permanent changes to nipple sensation

In some cases, further surgery may be needed to treat any problems that develop.

Read more about the risks of breast implants.

Research clinics and surgeons

If you do decide you would like to go ahead and have breast implants fitted, it's a good idea to spend some time finding out about treatment centres that can perform the operation.

You can do this by checking the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website or calling their customer helpline on 03000 61 61 61. All independent clinics and hospitals that provide cosmetic surgery must be licensed with the CQC.

You should also find out about the surgeon who is going to fit your breast implants. Implant surgery is usually carried out by either a plastic surgeon or a breast surgeon.

When discussing the procedure with your surgeon, find out their level of experience. For example, you may want to find out:

• the number of successful breast implant operations they have carried out over the past two years
• how many breast implant operations they have performed where there have been complications
• what qualifications they have – see qualifications to look for in a cosmetic surgeon for more information
• whether or not they are a member of a recognised surgical association, such as the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS), or The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)
• what sort of follow-up you should expect if things go wrong, even at a much later date

Read more about choosing a cosmetic surgeon.