Breast Augmentation in Edinburgh
Patients consider breast augmentation for a range of reasons — to feel more proportionate, to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight change, to correct asymmetry, or to feel more confident in clothes and in themselves. At Waterfront Private Hospital, breast augmentation is delivered by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register. The consultant you choose at your first appointment is the consultant who plans your surgery, performs it, and reviews you afterwards. We do not pressure decisions — a second consultation, free of charge, is available before you decide to proceed. Guide price from £6,800.
Contents
Overview
- TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
General - LENGTH OF SURGERY
1-2 Hours - HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery - RECOVERY
1-2 weeks off work
6 weeks before strenuous exercise
My experience was great
My experience was great. I had been thinking of getting breast implants for 10 years, and I thought now was the time to do this. I had a few questions around the procedure. Dr Omar Quaba was very informative and made me feel at ease. He confirmed my options and made sure I didn’t feel under pressure to make a decision. I feel like I have all the information I need to make my decision, and I can’t wait to get my date for surgery. Can’t recommend the hospital and their staff enough.
Ellen
Aug 2025
What the procedure involves
- Initial Consultation:
- Discussion of Expectations: A comprehensive discussion about aims and expectations, including concerns, desired breast size, shape, and overall aesthetic goals.
- 3D Crisalix Imaging: Some of our consultants use 3D Crisalix imaging during the consultation to assist with implant selection, providing a virtual view of potential results. Your consultant will discuss whether this is appropriate for you.
- Viewing Before and After Images: Patients can view several before and after images to understand potential outcomes.
- Second Consultation:
- Recognising the significance of this decision, we offer a free second consultation if you would like one before proceeding, ensuring you are confident and fully informed.
- Choice of Implants:
- Modern Nanotextured/Smooth Implants: We offer a range of high-quality, modern nanotextured or smooth implants to suit individual preferences and needs.
- Surgical Technique:
- Inframammary Incision: We utilise a small, approximately 4cm, inframammary incision under the breast.
- Implant Placement: Implants are carefully placed either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle based on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.
- Closing the Incisions:
- Dissolvable Sutures and Glue: The incisions are meticulously closed with dissolvable sutures and medical-grade glue to minimise scarring and promote healing.
Crisalix 3D
Benefits and expected outcomes
- Enhanced Size and Shape
Creates fuller, more proportionate breasts tailored to your body and goals.
- Improved Symmetry
Corrects uneven breasts for a more balanced, harmonious look.
- Restored Volume
Ideal for restoring lost fullness after ageing, weight loss, or childbirth.
- Boosted Confidence
Many patients feel more confident and feminine, improving self-image.
- Better Fit for Clothes
Enjoy a wider range of clothing options and styles that fit beautifully.
- Natural-Looking Results
Modern techniques focus on achieving a natural, balanced appearance.
- Long-Lasting Results
While implants may need replacement eventually, results can last for years.
- Emotional Well-being
Helps address insecurities and promotes a positive body image.
- Quick Recovery
Return to daily activities within 2–3 weeks, with visible changes immediately.
Before and after breast augmentation
Who is an ideal candidate?
- Physical Health: Women in good health, non-smokers, and at a stable weight.
- Aesthetic Goals: Those looking to enhance breast size, improve symmetry, or restore volume.
- Realistic Expectations: Understanding the potential outcomes and limitations of breast augmentation.
- Pregnancy: Women who have completed their family or have no plans to have children soon.
Risks and considerations
General Surgical Risks
- Anaesthesia Risks: Includes reactions to anaesthesia, ranging from mild side effects to more serious complications.
- Bleeding and Infection: Standard risks associated with any surgery, typically managed with careful surgical technique and post-operative care.
- Scarring: Scars are an inevitable outcome but are strategically placed to minimise visibility.
Specific Risks Associated with Breast Implants
- Capsular Contracture: The formation of hard scar tissue around the implant, which may require additional surgery.
- Implant Leakage or Rupture: Modern implants are robust, but there’s a small risk of leakage or rupture over time.
- Changes in Nipple Sensation: Some patients may experience increased or decreased nipple sensitivity post-surgery.
Additional Considerations
- Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): A rare but treatable type of lymphoma associated with certain types of breast implants.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some women report a range of symptoms, including fatigue, memory loss, and joint pain, which they attribute to their breast implants.
- Lifelong Maintenance: Breast implants require ongoing monitoring and may eventually need to be replaced.
Further Reading and Resources
For more detailed information, please refer to the following resources:
- British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS): BAAPS Breast Augmentation
- National Health Service (NHS): NHS Breast Augmentation
Conclusion
While breast augmentation can offer significant aesthetic and psychological benefits, it’s important to consider all potential risks and long-term considerations. We prioritise patient education and safety at Waterfront Private Hospital, ensuring you are fully informed throughout your decision-making process.
Aftercare and recovery
- Rest and Recovery: Initial rest is essential. Patients are advised to take it easy for the first few days post-surgery.
- Pain Management: Any discomfort or pain can typically be managed with prescribed medication.
- Wound Care: Instructions on how to care for incisions to promote healing and minimise scarring.
- Activity Restrictions: Guidance on when to resume regular activities, including work and exercise, to avoid complications.
What does breast augmentation cost?
The guide price for breast augmentation surgery at Waterfront Private Hospital is £6,800. We do not offer price matching, and our initial consultations are paid as they are clinical assessments with a consultant plastic surgeon. We do, however, offer a free second consultation if you would like one before deciding to proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Can Breast Augmentation Be Achieved Without Implants?
How Do I Choose the Right Size and Type of Implants?
Are Breast Implants Safe in the Long Term?
What Happens If I’m Not Happy With the Results?
Can Breast Augmentation Affect My Ability to Breastfeed?
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
How Do Lifestyle and Future Plans Affect My Suitability for Breast Augmentation?
What Are the Latest Advances in Breast Implant Technology?
How Does Age Impact the Results of Breast Augmentation?
Can I Combine Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures?
How Does Breast Augmentation Impact Mammograms and Breast Cancer Screening?
What Should I Look for in Before-and-After Photos When Researching Surgeons?
How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Customised for Each Patient?
Author
Mr Omar Quaba, MBBChir, FRCS (Plast), GMC 4586300, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. Based at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh, he is fully accredited on the GMC Specialist Register and specialises in advanced cosmetic procedures. Full member of BAAPS.
