Surgical · Breast

Breast Surgery in London

Consultant-led augmentation, lift and reduction — performed personally by Dr Hassan Soueid. Each plan is built around your anatomy, your lifestyle, and the long view.

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Hello!

Medically reviewed by Dr Hassan SoueidConsultant Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon

Overview

What does breast surgery cover?

Breast surgery covers a family of related operations: augmentation (adding volume, usually with implants), mastopexy (a lift), reduction (removing volume and reshaping), and combinations of the above. The choice depends on your anatomy and what you would like to change.

At Kensington Cosmetic Clinic every breast operation is performed personally by Dr Hassan Soueid, a consultant plastic surgeon with twenty years of breast surgery experience including reconstruction. The same surgeon who consults with you operates and follows you up — there is no rotating team.

Our brief is restraint and natural proportion. We do not perform fashion-led extreme augmentations, and we are equally clear about the cases where we recommend against surgery in favour of non-surgical alternatives or a different technique.

The right breast operation is the one that fits your frame, your goals and your future — not someone else's photograph.

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Surgeon and patient reviewing a 3D anatomical breast contour planning diagram on a tablet during consultation at Kensington Cosmetic Clinic — Pre-operative planning. The implant size, profile and incision choice are agreed together before booking surgery.

How it works

Inside a breast augmentation

A side cross-section of the procedure. Hover any pulsing marker to see how each anatomical layer is treated by Dr Hassan during surgery.

Breast augmentation cross-section illustration

Hover or tap any highlighted region

Illustration is anatomical only — the operation is tailored individually at consultation.

Treated Areas

What breast surgery can address

Most patients combine two indications — for example, a lift with a small implant. The plan is built from what you want to change, not from a single operation name.

Augmentation (Volume)

Breast augmentation

Adding volume with silicone implants. Implant size, profile (low/moderate/high), shape (round/anatomical) and pocket position (subglandular/submuscular/dual-plane) are chosen for your anatomy and goals.

Fat-transfer augmentation

Augmentation using your own fat instead of implants. Limited volume gain per session (typically half a cup), staged across two procedures. Best for patients who want a small, natural-feeling change without an implant.

Composite augmentation

An implant plus fat transfer combined — fat softens the visible upper-pole edge of the implant and creates a more natural transition. Often the right answer for thin patients.

Lift & Reduction (Shape)

Mastopexy (breast lift)

Reshaping and elevating breasts that have descended due to ageing, weight change or pregnancy. Volume is rearranged rather than added — the breast is lifted into a higher, more youthful shape.

Augmentation-mastopexy

A lift combined with a small implant. Sometimes the right answer when there is both descent and volume loss — though the operation is more complex and revision rates are higher than either alone.

Breast reduction

Removing tissue and reshaping the breast for patients with large, heavy breasts causing back, neck or shoulder symptoms. One of the highest-satisfaction cosmetic operations performed.

Specialist & Reconstructive

Areola, nipple and inverted nipple correction

Reshaping or reducing oversized areolae, lifting downward-pointing nipples, or correcting inverted nipples — performed alone or alongside a lift or reduction.

Tubular and asymmetric breasts

Congenital differences including tubular ('tuberous') breast shape and significant left/right asymmetry. Each side is planned independently — sometimes one side is augmented and the other lifted or reduced.

Gynaecomastia (male chest)

Excess male breast tissue removed via liposuction, direct tissue excision or both. Restores a flat, masculine chest contour.

Implant revision & exchange

Replacement of older implants, capsular contracture correction, and explant procedures (removal without replacement). Honest assessment of whether replacement, exchange or simple removal is the right answer.

Candidate

Who is breast surgery for?

Has finished growing (typically age 18+ for cosmetic augmentation; 21+ for elective implants in the UK)
Is in good general health, a non-smoker, and able to take 2–3 weeks of recovery
Has stable weight and is not planning pregnancy in the next 12 months
Has realistic expectations and prefers natural proportion over extreme change
Understands implants are not lifetime devices and may require future surgery

Benefits at KCC

The KCC Clinic difference

Performed by Dr Hassan or another qualified plastic surgeon at our clinic
All theatre work in CQC-registered facility, with consultant anaesthetist
Reconstructive and aesthetic experience — particularly valuable for revision and asymmetry cases
Honest plan — sometimes our advice is to choose a smaller implant, or no implant at all
Single point of contact through consultation, surgery and follow-up
Discreet Kensington location with private parking and concierge support

Investment

Pricing on consultation

Every patient is different — the area, technique and number of stages shape the plan. We share full pricing during your private consultation, after Dr Hassan or your treating clinician has reviewed your goals in person.

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Before

How to prepare

Breast surgery preparation begins 4–6 weeks before the operation. Following these steps reduces complications and supports a smooth recovery.

Stop smoking entirely 4–6 weeks before and 4–6 weeks after surgery — nicotine increases healing and infection risk substantially
Stop ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil and blood-thinning supplements two weeks before
Have an up-to-date breast screening (mammogram/ultrasound) where age-appropriate before surgery
Arrange 2–3 weeks of social downtime and help with childcare or heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks
Buy a soft front-fastening surgical bra in two sizes — one for after surgery, one for week 2 onwards
Eat well, hydrate, fast from midnight before surgery

Choice

Implant or no implant?

The two routes to volume change. Both have a place — the right answer depends on your anatomy, lifestyle and the long view.

Option 1

Breast implants

Predictable size and shape change in a single operation. We offer the full range so the implant can be matched to your anatomy and goals — silicone cohesive-gel or saline fill, and round or anatomical (teardrop) shape. Modern cohesive-gel implants are extensively studied with well-understood revision rates. Best for patients wanting a clear, defined volume increase or significant size change.

·Fill: silicone cohesive gel (most patients) or saline
·Shape: round (fuller upper pole) or anatomical / teardrop (more sloped, natural profile)
·Predictable size and shape outcome
·Suitable for any size goal within reason
·Revision rate ~1% per year — implants are not lifetime devices

Option 2

Fat transfer (no implants)

Augmentation using your own fat — no foreign material, softer and more natural feel. Limited volume gain per session (typically a half cup) and best in stages. Requires sufficient donor fat. Implants can never be added later if the result is insufficient — though further fat transfer can.

·Natural feel, no foreign material
·Modest volume gain per session — staged approach
·Often combined with body contouring of donor area

Composite augmentation (implant plus fat transfer) is sometimes the right answer for thin patients — discussed at consultation.

The Treatment

What happens on the day

Consultation

Two consultations are standard before booking — first to confirm the plan and review options, second to confirm consent, implant choice and surgical date. Standardised photographs are taken at the first visit.

Surgery — general

Performed under general anaesthetic in our CQC-registered theatre. Total operative time is typically 1.5–3 hours depending on the operation. The technical steps differ depending on whether the operation is an augmentation, a lift, or a combination of both.

If you are having a breast augmentation

Augmentation adds volume and shape using an implant. The implant choice (silicone gel or saline; round or anatomical / teardrop) is confirmed at your second consultation.

Incision choice — inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the nipple) or trans-axillary (armpit), discussed at consultation.
Pocket creation — subglandular, submuscular or dual-plane — selected based on your tissue thickness and goals.
Implant insertion — via Keller funnel (a no-touch technique) for reduced infection risk.
Closure — fine sutures in layers; soft surgical bra and supportive dressings applied.

If you are having a breast lift (mastopexy)

A breast lift reshapes and re-suspends the existing breast tissue and repositions the nipple-areola higher — without adding volume. The scar pattern is chosen to match the degree of ptosis (sag) and the size of the areola.

Incision pattern — periareolar / donut (mild ptosis), vertical / lollipop (moderate ptosis) or anchor / Wise pattern (significant ptosis or combined with reduction) — chosen at consultation to give the lift you need with the smallest scar that will achieve it.
Tissue re-suspension — the breast tissue itself is re-shaped and lifted internally — not the skin alone — which is what makes the result durable.
Nipple-areola repositioning — the nipple-areola complex is moved up to its new natural position; areola size can be reduced at the same time if requested.
Closure — fine sutures in multiple layers; soft surgical bra and supportive dressings applied.

If you are having both (augmentation + lift)

When volume is needed and the breast also sits low, augmentation and mastopexy are performed in the same operation. Steps from both procedures above are combined, and the implant is positioned during the lift. Whether this is safer as one or two stages is decided individually at consultation.

Recovery in clinic

Most patients are discharged the same day or the morning after. First review at 24 hours, drains (if used) removed at 48 hours, sutures self-dissolving.

Step by Step

Your patient journey

Breast surgery — augmentation, lift, reduction or revision — moves through clear stages. Here is what to expect at each.

01 · The Consultation
Building the operative plan
Two consultations before booking. Body and chest measurements, standardised photography, implant try-on (where relevant) and an honest conversation about the right operation for your goals. Sometimes our advice is a smaller implant, fat transfer instead of an implant, or a lift alone.
02 · Preparation
Optimising for surgery
Six weeks of smoking cessation, two weeks off blood-thinners. Up-to-date breast imaging where age-appropriate. Two soft front-fastening surgical bras. Two to three weeks of clear social downtime arranged with help on hand for the first week.
03 · The Procedure
Personally performed by Dr Hassan
Under general anaesthetic in our CQC-registered theatre — typically 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the operation. Incision and pocket choice are individualised. Implants are inserted via a no-touch Keller funnel technique to reduce infection risk. Closure is in fine layered sutures.
04 · Recovery & Aftercare
Three to six months to settle
Surgical bra worn 23 hours a day for six weeks. No overhead lifting for four weeks; no heavy lifting for six. Massage routine begins at six weeks. Implants 'drop and fluff' over three to six months — the shape at week two is not the final shape.

After

Recovery & aftercare

Most patients return to non-physical work at 7–10 days; full social downtime is 2–3 weeks. Final shape settles by 3–6 months.

Wear surgical bra continuously for 6 weeks (day and night), then transition to a soft sports bra
No overhead lifting for 4 weeks; no heavy lifting for 6 weeks
Sleep on your back, head elevated, for the first 2 weeks
No exercise for 2 weeks; light cardio at 2 weeks; full chest exercises at 6 weeks
Avoid baths, swimming and saunas until incisions are fully healed (typically 4 weeks)
Massage routine begins at 6 weeks (we provide written guidance)
Attend reviews at day 1, day 7, week 6, 3 months, 6 months and annually

Results

When will I see the result?

Breast surgery results settle gradually. The shape immediately after surgery is not the final shape — implants 'drop and fluff' over the first 3–6 months.

Week 2 — initial swelling settling, shape still high and firm
Week 6 — implants beginning to settle into their final position
3 months — soft, natural feel; most patients consider this the 'finished' result
6 months — final shape and scar maturation
Annually — implants are checked at routine review (first scan recommended at 5 years)

Questions

Breast Surgery in London FAQs

Are silicone breast implants safe?+

Modern cohesive-gel silicone implants have an extensive safety record. The MHRA, FDA and major plastic surgery bodies all support their continued use. Specific risks (capsular contracture, rupture, BIA-ALCL with textured implants) are discussed in detail at consultation. We use only smooth-shell implants from established manufacturers with comprehensive warranties.

How long do implants last?+

Implants are not lifetime devices. Average longevity in published series is 10–15 years; some patients are still happy with their implants at 20+ years, others require revision earlier. Revision rates are approximately 1% per year. We discuss the long-view at consultation, including the realistic likelihood of future surgery.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?+

In most cases yes. The surgical approach is selected to preserve milk ducts and the nerve supply to the nipple. Inframammary (under-breast) and submuscular implants have negligible impact on breastfeeding. Periareolar incisions and lifts have a small additional risk of impaired breastfeeding. We discuss this thoroughly at consultation.

Will my breasts look obviously 'done'?+

Not if the plan respects your frame. The 'obvious' look comes from over-large implants on small frames, or implants placed too high on the chest. Conservative sizing matched to your anatomy produces results that look like your own breasts, fuller. We are deliberately cautious about extreme size requests.

What about explant — implant removal without replacement?+

Yes. Explant procedures are an established part of our practice. Some patients choose simple removal; others request en-bloc capsulectomy (removal of implant and surrounding scar tissue). Some need a lift after removal to address skin redundancy. We discuss the realistic outcome honestly — explant alone typically leaves smaller, slightly looser breasts than before augmentation.

What if I have asymmetry?+

All breasts are asymmetric. Significant asymmetry can be addressed by augmenting the smaller side, reducing the larger side, or different implant sizes left and right. Tubular breast shape (one side more affected than the other) is treated as part of our specialist congenital practice.