A patient-centred approach to choosing size, shape, implant surface and position

Breast augmentation is a very personal procedure. For me, achieving a good result starts not with choosing an implant, but with understanding the individual patient: what they would like to change, what they hope to achieve and, importantly, what would feel natural and proportionate to them.

More than choosing a cup size

There are several decisions involved in breast augmentation, and there is rarely a single option that is right for everyone. During consultation, I work closely with patients to consider four important factors: size, shape, implant surface and position.

Implant size should complement your frame and existing breast tissue rather than simply aiming for a particular cup size. Shape and profile influence how the breast looks and how much projection or upper-pole fullness we create.

We also discuss implant surface and where the implant should sit. Depending on your anatomy, an implant may be placed over the muscle, under the muscle, or using a dual-plane technique. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, which I explain carefully so that we can make the decision together.

Sometimes an implant isn't the whole answer

Breast shape is just as important as volume. If there is significant drooping or loose skin, an implant alone may not achieve the desired result. In these circumstances, breast augmentation can sometimes be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy).

For some patients, particularly those who already have implants and would like to become smaller or remove them altogether, another option is auto-augmentation mastopexy. This uses the patient's own breast tissue to reshape and restore fullness while lifting the breast, without necessarily requiring another implant.

Making the decision together

My approach to breast augmentation is collaborative. Consultation should be a conversation rather than a prescription. I want patients to understand why I am recommending a particular implant, position or procedure, as well as the alternatives and their respective benefits and limitations.

Ultimately, the aim is not simply a larger breast. It is to achieve a result that suits your body, your lifestyle and your idea of how you would like to look - with a plan that we have developed together.

Plastic Surgery in Plymouth