Expert Breast Implants in Edinburgh & Scotland
If you’re considering breast implant surgery to enhance your confidence and body shape, our experienced plastic surgeons at Quaba provide expert breast enlargement procedures for women across Edinburgh and Scotland. Our GMC Specialist Register surgeons combine advanced techniques with personalised care, helping you achieve natural-looking results that complement your individual goals, whether you’re looking to restore volume after pregnancy, correct asymmetry, or simply enhance your natural shape.
Breast Augmentation
In May, I underwent breast augmentation surgery at Waterfront Hospital in Edinburgh with Omar Quaba. It was a stress-free and straightforward process as I was cared for by the most fantastic team of nurses, anaesthetists and Dr Quaba. I am beyond pleased with my results and would recommend Quaba to anyone in Scotland who’s considering cosmetic surgery. Thank you!
Katie
Table of contents
Breast augmentation 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
The Medical Importance of Breast Augmentation
Whilst often perceived primarily as cosmetic, breast augmentation plays a significant role in addressing genuine medical and psychosocial needs. Clinical research supports that this procedure can provide substantial improvements in physical function and emotional wellbeing for appropriately selected patients.
Studies published in the British Journal of Plastic Surgery and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal demonstrate that patients seeking breast augmentation frequently report functional limitations, physical discomfort, and psychological distress prior to surgery. Importantly, these studies show measurable improvements in quality of life metrics following appropriate surgical intervention.
For many patients, the decision to pursue breast augmentation represents a thoughtful step toward resolving both physical and emotional concerns. At Quaba, we recognise the multifaceted nature of this decision and ensure our approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of your care.
Why Choose Quaba for Breast Augmentation
- Specialist Surgeons – Our plastic surgeons are on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery and are members of BAAPS and BAPRAS, bringing comprehensive expertise to Edinburgh.
- Advanced 3D Imaging – Visualise potential outcomes before surgery with our state-of-the-art technology.
- Exceptional Facilities – All procedures performed at Waterfront Hospital, featuring the latest medical technology and dedicated nursing staff.
- Comprehensive Aftercare – Dedicated follow-up care ensures optimal recovery with support available whenever needed.
- Trusted by Patients – Patients travel from throughout Scotland and beyond based on our reputation for quality and care.
Visualise Your Results Before Surgery with 3D Imaging
We provide advanced 3D imaging to help you understand how different implant sizes and shapes may address both your aesthetic goals and functional needs before your operation. This gives you a clearer understanding of potential outcomes, all from the comfort of your own home.
How 3D Imaging Can Help:
- Accurate Planning – By generating a detailed 3D model of your breasts, this technology guides your surgeon in creating a tailored plan suited to your individual anatomy.
- Informed Choices – You can compare how different implant sizes and shapes would appear on your body, making it easier to choose options that align with both your physical needs and personal goals.
- Improved Communication – With a realistic preview of expected results, both you and your surgeon can discuss and agree on the best approach for your specific situation.
- Reduced Anxiety – Seeing a lifelike image can help alleviate concerns and set realistic expectations before undergoing breast augmentation.
Benefits of breast augmentation
- Restoration After Pregnancy – Addressing volume loss and tissue changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can affect both appearance and comfort.
- Correction of Asymmetry – Balancing natural differences in breast size or shape, which may cause physical discomfort or affect clothing fit.
- Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction – Playing a vital role in breast reconstruction following cancer treatment.
- Enhanced Body Proportions – Creating a more balanced silhouette, particularly for those who feel their natural proportions are uneven.
- Correction of Congenital Conditions – Addressing developmental issues such as tuberous breasts or other structural abnormalities.
- Improved Self-Image – Many patients report feeling more comfortable with their appearance after surgery, which can positively affect confidence and quality of life.
Your Breast Augmentation Journey
1. Initial Consultation
Begin with a comprehensive consultation at our clinic. Our surgeons will discuss your goals and concerns, explain the procedure, and help you understand potential outcomes using our advanced 3D imaging technology.
2. Pre-Operative Assessment
Prior to your procedure, you’ll have a thorough assessment to ensure you’re fully prepared for surgery.
3. Procedure Day
Your surgery will take place at Waterfront Private Hospital, where you’ll receive exceptional care from our experienced team.
4. Recovery and Aftercare
Following your procedure, you’ll receive dedicated follow-up care, with appointments scheduled to monitor your recovery and results.
Commonly asked questions
How do I choose what implant size to go for?
How do I choose what implant size to go for?
Choosing the right implant size is essential to achieving the look you desire. At Quaba Cosmetic Surgery, we use a sizing kit to help you visualise your options. This allows both you and your surgeon to get a clear idea of the size you’re aiming for. Bringing along some of your favourite tops can help you see how different sizes appear.
Additionally, we offer 3D imaging with Crisalix, which visually represents how different implants might look on your body.
We’ll also discuss the type of implants (round or anatomical/teardrop) and placement options (above, below the chest muscle, or dual plane) to ensure you feel confident about your choice.
What if my breasts are also droopy?
What if my breasts are also droopy?
If your breasts have lost volume and begun to droop, a combination of breast enlargement with a breast lift (Augmentation Mastopexy) may be recommended. This decision depends on factors like the position of your nipples relative to your breast crease, the size of the implant you’re considering, and whether previous pregnancies or weight loss have affected your breast tissue.
If you’re unsure about needing a lift, our cosmetic surgery selector tool can be a helpful resource.
Will my implants need to be replaced over time?
Will my implants need to be replaced over time?
Breast implants have no set lifespan, and they do not need to be replaced after a specific time. However, over the years, some patients may experience technical issues (such as implant rupture or scar tissue development) or cosmetic changes (such as changes in breast shape after pregnancy or weight loss). It’s essential to understand that future surgery may be required to maintain or adjust your results.
Are there alternatives to breast enlargement surgery with implants?
Are there alternatives to breast enlargement surgery with implants?
Yes, for those looking for a modest increase of around one cup size, fat transfer to the breasts may be an option. This involves removing fat from areas like the tummy or thighs through liposuction, processing it, and injecting it into the breasts. Fat transfer doesn’t introduce foreign materials but typically results in a subtler enhancement. Additionally, the body may reabsorb some of the transferred fat so that results may vary. Breast implants remain the preferred option for patients desiring a more significant size increase or a reliable volume.
Is fat transfer better than getting implants?
Is fat transfer better than getting implants?
Each option has unique benefits and limitations. Fat transfer uses your own tissue, avoiding implant-related risks and offering a natural feel. However, fat transfer generally only achieves a modest increase (½ to 1 cup size) and may require multiple treatments.
Breast implants, on the other hand, provide a more predictable and substantial augmentation, are effective for upper pole fullness, and often cost less than fat transfer. Implants may be the more suitable option if you desire a larger size increase.
Advantages of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Advantages of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
• Natural: Uses your body’s own tissues.
• No Implants: Avoids risks such as implant rupture or capsular contracture.
• Recontours the body: Liposuction for fat harvesting can enhance body shape.
• Minimal Scarring: Only small incisions are required for fat transfer.
Disadvantages of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Disadvantages of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
• Limited Augmentation: Typically only achieves modest size increase.
• Fat Reabsorption: Some transferred fat may be reabsorbed, affecting final volume.
• Droopiness: Not effective in correcting significant sagging.
• Higher Cost: Fat transfer often costs more than implants due to the two-step process (liposuction and augmentation) and the potential need for additional treatments.
Would you consider breast implants instead of fat transfer?
Would you consider breast implants instead of fat transfer?
Breast implants can offer several benefits over fat transfer:
• Substantial Augmentation: Implants provide a more significant size increase.
• Enhanced Cleavage: Implants can create more fullness in the upper breast area.
• Consistent Results: Unlike fat transfer, implants provide reliable volume.
• Lower Cost: Generally, implants cost less than fat transfer due to the simpler procedure.
We recommend a face-to-face consultation to provide a personalised assessment and determine whether you are a candidate for fat transfer or implants.
How much does breast augmentation cost in Edinburgh, Scotland?
How much does breast augmentation cost in Edinburgh, Scotland?
At Quaba Cosmetic Surgery, breast augmentation prices start from £5800. This cost includes your consultation, surgery, and post-operative care. Costs may vary based on individual needs and specific implant choices so that a detailed estimate will be provided during your consultation.
Is fat transfer to the breasts more expensive than implants?
Is fat transfer to the breasts more expensive than implants?
Yes, fat transfer generally costs more than breast implants. The process involves two procedures (liposuction and augmentation), which increases the cost. Additional treatments may be required for optimal results, particularly if there’s significant reabsorption of the transferred fat. Our team will provide a clear breakdown of costs and discuss the best option for your goals.
Why do the costs of breast implants vary?
Why do the costs of breast implants vary?
The cost of breast implants can vary depending on the type, the complexity of the procedure, and any additional treatments like a breast lift. At Quaba, we use high-quality silicone implants with excellent safety profiles and long-lasting results. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your options and provide a transparent estimate based on your preferences and requirements.
Are financing options available for breast augmentation in Edinburgh?
Are financing options available for breast augmentation in Edinburgh?
Yes, Quaba Cosmetic Surgery offers financing options to make breast augmentation accessible to those who desire it. During your consultation, we can discuss payment plans and financing options for our patients in Edinburgh and Scotland.
What are the risks?
Surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic as a day case. The risks of general anaesthesia include clots to the legs and lungs, and we take precautions to minimise this risk. Other risks include chest infection, and the risks of a severe complication under general anaesthesia are less than 1 in 100,000.
The risks of breast augmentation surgery itself include:
Bleeding
Bleeding
Bleeding and a possible return to theatre to deal with this (approximately 1 or 2 out of every 100 patients).
Infection
Infection
In less than 2 out of every 100 patients, the implant may become infected – this will require removing the implant and replacement no sooner than three months afterwards.
Scars
Scars
All scars are permanent. The scars are usually placed in the breast crease and measure approximately 5cm long. They typically settle very well but may be red for up to 6 months and rarely can be thickened and itchy (keloid scarring).
Under or over-correction
Under or over-correction
We cannot guarantee the final size or cup size, but we will always do our best to get you to the size you require. I will not place implants too large for your breast tissue, as this increases the risk of you having problems further down the line.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
A degree of asymmetry is common before surgery; if this is the case, it will be pointed out to you. After your surgery, the asymmetry may remain and, in some cases, can be more noticeable.
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is the most frequent complication of breast implants and occurs when the capsule or scar that forms around the implant becomes thicker and starts to contract. This can make the breast feel firmer than it should and cause tenderness and distortion of the implant. The risk of noticeable firmness can happen in 1 out of every ten patients). The chance of needing a further operation is about 1% a year. So, after ten years, about 1 in 10 women will have had revision surgery for capsular contracture (the risk with Motiva implants is thought to be much lower than this).
Changes in sensation
Changes in sensation
Some altered sensation in the breasts after breast augmentation surgery is common. This usually relates to numbness near the scar and oversensitivity of the nipples. This gradually settles down but may take several months to do so. Permanent numbness to the nipples can occur, but this is rare.
Feeling or seeing the implants under the skin
Feeling or seeing the implants under the skin
In thin patients, it is common to feel the edges of the implants. This is less likely in patients who start with a reasonable amount of their own tissue covering the implant. Over time some women may see or feel ripples or folds in their implants, particularly when leaning forwards. This risk can be reduced by placing the implants under the muscle where appropriate and ensuring that the implants are not too large.
Implant rupture/ failure
Implant rupture/ failure
Modern breast implants are designed to last for life. They do not need to be replaced unless there is a specific problem, such as capsular contracture. A small number of implants may rupture (around 1 in 10). This poses no health risks. In many cases, the leak is contained within the capsule, and the patient does not notice a problem. Some patients will see a change in the implant’s size, shape, or consistency. A lump might appear, and the breast may look swollen. A scan will usually be carried out, and if this suggests the implant has ruptured, removal and exchange of the implant will be recommended.
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare breast cancer associated with breast implants. The risk with the implants we use is estimated to be around 1 in 60,000. Most cases can be cured by removing the implants and the capsule around them.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
There is currently no firm evidence that the silicone used in breast implants can cause medical harm. However, some patients experience several symptoms, including aches and pains, which improve when their silicone breast implants are removed. This is an area that is still being investigated. Further information can be found from BAAPS here.
Change in cosmetic appearance
Change in cosmetic appearance
The appearance of your breasts is likely to change naturally over time, which may be the case if you have future pregnancies or breastfeed. Fluctuations in weight can also impact long-term results.
Lifelong maintenance
Lifelong maintenance
Please remember that you will need to fund any revision surgery after one year if you experience problems. The cosmetic outcomes can be affected by further pregnancies/ fluctuations in weight/ natural ageing, and issues directly related to the implants (or a combination of the two).
Understanding breast implants
What are the main types of breast implant?
What are the main types of breast implant?
There are two main types of breast implants as defined by their filler material: Saline solution or Silicone gel.
Both have shells made of silicone elastomer (a rubber-like material composed of silicone). Saline implants are filled with sterile saline solution during surgery. Silicone implants are pre-filled with cohesive medical-grade silicone gel. Saline implants are rarely used in Europe as they do not feel as natural as silicone implants.
The undersurface of an implant contains useful information
The undersurface of an implant contains useful information
The manufacturer’s details, size and serial numbers are printed on the implant’s base. This can be helpful during surgery when replacing implants in women who do not have the details of their original implants.
What are the different types of breast implant surface (shell)?
What are the different types of breast implant surface (shell)?
A breast implant’s surface (or shell) can be smooth, micro-textured or textured. Surgeons in Europe have traditionally used textured implants, whereas surgeons in the USA have used smooth surface implants.
A recent shift has occurred from heavily textured implants to smooth or micro (nano) textured implants. This is due to the association of textured breast implants with a rare breast implant-associated cancer – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
We use nano-textured implants made by Motiva. These are categorised as smooth implants.
What are the different shapes of breast implants?
What are the different shapes of breast implants?
Round breast implants are the most commonly used shape for cosmetic breast enlargement. The other shape of implants is known as anatomical (or teardrop). Anatomical implants must be textured to reduce the chance of them rotating. They can be useful in a particular subset of patients where the surgeon is trying to fill out extra loose tissue at the lower part of the breast.
Round implants assume a teardrop shape after implantation. Several studies show that people (including surgeons) cannot differentiate between patients with round or tear-shaped breast implants.
How is breast implant size described?
How is breast implant size described?
The size of a particular breast implant is described by its volume in millilitres (ml) or (cc)—popular sizes of breast implants range from around 250ml to 400ml. For any shape, there are many sizes which go up by small amounts, say 15-20ml.
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Is there a correlation between the size of the implant and the increase in the cup size?
Is there a correlation between the size of the implant and the increase in the cup size?
1. There is no clear link between the size of the implant and the increase in the cup size of a particular patient after surgery.
2. No formula can precisely predict the change in cup size. A surgeon can make an educated guess but never promise a specific cup size.
Here are some reasons:
A. Manufacturers make bras to their particular standard, meaning that the same person may be measured as a C cup from one manufacturer and a D or DD cup from another.
B. Different ways of measuring breast size lead to different cup sizes for the same person.
C . There are variations in how women like to wear their bras (loose, tight, padded, etc.), which can influence how the cup size changes after surgery.
So the same-sized breast implant will affect cup size differently in different women. For example, it may only enhance the upper part of the breasts in one woman (same bra cup but filled), increase cup size by one in another woman, and change it by two cup sizes in a third.
What to expect and breast implant aftercare
Discomfort/ Pain
Discomfort/ Pain
Some pain is typical in the first few days after surgery, especially if your implants have been placed under the muscle. You may experience some numbness around your nipples and incision areas. You may experience temporary soreness, tightness, swelling and bruising, and discomfort in the incision area. Your breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
Bruising/ swelling
Bruising/ swelling
Your breast will feel tight and swollen for several days, and bruising is not uncommon.
Appearance
Appearance
Most of the swelling will subside in 4-6 weeks.
Scars may be red-looking for six months. In time, these usually soften and fade.
Your breasts will drop by 1-2cm over six months.
Your final result should be judged at six months.
Please visit our breast implant aftercare page for detailed post-operative instructions following your surgery. This page will also help you with your preparation in terms of what to expect after surgery.
Further reading
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Author
Dr Omar Quaba, MBBChir, FRCS (Plast), GMC 4586300, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. Educated at Cambridge University and trained in Aberdeen and Glasgow, with a fellowship in Australia, he transitioned to full-time private practice in 2020. As Hospital Director of Waterfront Private Hospital and a full member of BAPRAS, BAAPS, and ISAPS, he combines extensive expertise with a commitment to excellence in patient care.