What is Breast Augmentation and What Happens When it Goes Wrong
Breast augmentation is one of the most widely performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK, helping people change the overall appearance of their breasts. As with all surgery, there are risks involved. Some problems cannot be avoided, but others may occur when proper safety measures and surgical standards are not followed.
This guide to breast augmentation surgery explains what breast augmentation is, how to tell the difference between expected healing and possible complications, and what steps you can take if you believe your results have been affected by your surgeon’s negligence.
Breast augmentation surgery, what is it?
Breast enlargement surgery or breast augmentation is a type of cosmetic procedure carried out to change the breast size, shape, and overall appearance. It usually involves placing implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles. These implants are typically made from silicone gel or filled with saline solution, with the choice depending on personal preference, the surgeon’s advice, and the desired results. In some cases, breast augmentation may be combined with a breast lift, which raises and reshapes the breast skin and tissue for a more uplifted appearance.
Although many people choose breast enlargement operations for cosmetic reasons, such as increasing size or altering shape for a more balanced figure, it is also performed for reconstructive purposes. This may include restoring breast shape after treatment for an illness such as breast cancer, correcting changes caused by injury or congenital differences, or as part of a gender reassignment journey.
Each person’s decision to undergo breast implant surgery is highly individual and can be influenced by both physical goals and emotional wellbeing. The procedure aims not only to change the appearance of the breasts but also to help individuals feel more confident and comfortable in their own body.
Choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation surgery
For anyone choosing to undergo breast augmentation, selecting a suitably qualified surgeon is an important step towards achieving the results you want from breast augmentation while protecting your safety. The right surgeon will have the training, experience and professional standards needed to perform the procedure correctly and with care.
When making your choice, consider the following:
- Check professional registration: ensure the surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council and holds recognised specialist qualifications in plastic surgery.
- Review credentials and experience: verify their education, surgical training and track record in performing breast augmentation procedures.
- Read patient feedback: look for independent reviews and testimonials to understand the surgeon’s approach, skill and the care they provide.
- Arrange a consultation: discuss your goals, ask questions and assess whether the surgeon’s communication style makes you feel confident and understood.
- Ask about implant experience: confirm they have expertise in both saline implants and silicone implants and can recommend the most suitable option based on your body shape and wishes.
Choosing a surgeon who listens to your needs, explains your options clearly and prioritises your wellbeing can make a meaningful difference to both your experience and your results.
Breast augmentation recovery
The length of recovery following breast augmentation varies from person to person. Factors such as the size of the implants, their placement and the technique used during surgery can all influence how long healing takes. Everyone recovers at a different pace, but most people follow a general recovery pattern with silicone breast implants and saline breast implants having a similar recovery period.
In many cases, the recovery period lasts between four and eight weeks. During this time, it is important to avoid strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, or putting excessive strain on the upper body. Doing too much too soon can increase the risk of your saline or silicone gel implants movement, such as flipping or rippling, and may also affect how scars heal. Repeated strain on the incision sites can place unnecessary stress on the skin, potentially delaying recovery.
24 hours post-surgery
Immediately after the procedure, it is common to experience soreness, fatigue and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Some swelling and bruising around the breasts are expected, and changes in breast or nipple sensitivity may occur.
Following surgery, the medical team will usually monitor you in a recovery room for several hours while the effects of anaesthesia wear off. In some cases, you may be advised to stay overnight to ensure your recovery is progressing well.
Pain or discomfort can be more intense in the first day, and your surgeon may provide pain relief or muscle relaxants to help you feel more comfortable.
Five to seven days post-surgery
By the end of the first week, discomfort should start to ease. You may be able to resume light daily activities if your surgeon confirms it is safe to do so. However, lifting your arms above your head should still be avoided, as this can place strain on healing scars and increase the risk of bleeding.
Your implants will begin settling into place during this stage. It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, which may include gentle massage to reduce swelling. Wearing a supportive, high-impact sports bra day and night is often recommended to help the implants settle and maintain position.
Three to four weeks post-surgery
By the third or fourth week, you should feel little to no discomfort, and swelling or bruising should have reduced noticeably. If bruising or swelling persists, particularly if it worsens or is accompanied by pain, contact your surgeon promptly for assessment.
Most people can return to a wider range of activities at this stage but should still take care to avoid overexertion. Continuing to wear a supportive bra can assist with the final stages of healing.
Four to six weeks post-surgery
Many people have recovered fully within this timeframe and can resume their usual routines. By now, the breasts should look and feel more natural, and any visible signs of swelling or bruising should have resolved.
What is your surgeon's duty of care?
Your surgeon has a legal responsibility to meet the correct standard of care throughout your breast augmentation journey. This duty applies before, during and after the procedure. It exists to protect your safety, ensure you are fully informed and provide you with the level of treatment expected from a qualified professional.
If a surgeon fails to meet this standard and you experience avoidable harm as a result, this may be considered negligence. A breach of duty can occur at any stage of the process, which is why your surgeon’s obligations extend across the entire treatment timeline.
Before surgery
Your surgeon must:
- Give you clear, accurate and honest information about the procedure, including how it will be carried out, what outcomes can realistically be achieved, and what scarring and healing to expect.
- Explain alternative treatment options so that you can make an informed choice about whether surgery is right for you.
- Assess your suitability for surgery by reviewing your medical history, discussing any health conditions and performing necessary checks.
- Answer your questions and address any concerns in a way that ensures you feel confident in your decision to proceed.
During surgery
Your surgeon must:
- Carry out the operation with the skill, care and attention expected of a qualified and experienced professional.
- Follow all recognised safety protocols to minimise the risk of complications.
- Ensure the correct implants, placement technique and surgical approach are used as agreed before the procedure.
- Take appropriate action if an unexpected situation arises during surgery.
After surgery
Your surgeon must:
- Provide clear post-operative instructions to support safe healing and reduce the risk of complications.
- Monitor your recovery, including arranging follow-up appointments to check your progress.
- Identify and respond promptly to any signs of complications, such as infection, severe pain or unexpected changes to the breast’s appearance.
- Offer or arrange further treatment where needed to address any problems resulting from the surgery.
For help or to start a claim, call our team on 0800 634 0285
Breast augmentation surgery complications
Most breast augmentation patients enjoy a smooth surgery without any complications. However, there is still the risk of issues if your surgeon failed to mitigate the common preventable problems of breast surgery. These include:
- Unexpected scarring: scar tissue of a different size, or in a location not discussed before surgery may suggest poor planning or surgical technique.
- Infection: this is a known risk of any surgery, but if your surgeon failed to advise on proper aftercare, did not identify infection during follow-up or did not take the right steps when infection was present, this may be negligent.
- Symmastia: also known as ‘uniboob’, this occurs when implants cross over the midline of the chest, often caused by incorrect implant placement or over-dissection of the pocket.
- Persistent droopiness: if your breasts appear excessively droopy after surgery, it could indicate the wrong procedure was performed or that the surgeon failed to select a technique suited to your anatomy.
- Double bubble: this describes when the implant drops below the natural breast crease, creating a visible indentation and two folds. It may result from poor implant positioning or inadequate surgical technique.
- Areola stretching: if the areola has enlarged beyond what was expected, this may suggest the surgeon failed to consider or use a suitable round block suture to maintain shape and size.
- Waterfall deformity: also known as ‘Snoopy nose’, this happens when breast tissue slides below the implant, creating a drooping appearance. It can occur if the implant is placed incorrectly or the chosen technique is unsuitable for the patient’s breast tissue.
- Asymmetry: noticeable differences between the breasts in size, shape, implant height, or the height and size of the areolae can indicate poor planning or execution during surgery.
Some of these problems can be temporary and easily resolved, but some will require further attention. If you encounter any of these problems after your breast augmentation, it is important that you contact your surgeon immediately to organise a follow-up consultation.
What action can you take if your surgeon was negligent?
If you believe your breast augmentation result is due to negligence, there are steps you can take to protect your position and give your claim the best chance of success.
Collect evidence
Begin by gathering medical records, invoices and receipts for the procedure alongside any related aftercare, and written or electronic communications with your surgeon or clinic. This documentation can help show what advice you were given, the treatment carried out and the costs you have faced.
Contact a specialist
Next, contact a solicitor who specialises in cosmetic surgery negligence. These cases require detailed medical knowledge, an understanding of surgical standards, and experience in identifying where a duty of care has not been met. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is the first legal practice in England and Wales to focus solely on cosmetic surgery claims, with over 15 years’ experience helping clients secure compensation for the harm caused by negligent surgeons.
Our team will review your case in detail, arrange for independent medical assessment where needed, and work to recover compensation for your pain, emotional distress and financial losses. We have successfully pursued claims for clients in situations similar to yours, using our expertise to challenge poor surgical standards and hold negligent practitioners accountable.
By working with Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, you have access to a dedicated team that understands both the legal and medical aspects of your claim and is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
What can go wrong with breast augmentation surgery?
Like with all procedures, breast augmentation surgery is not without risks. Common problems of breast surgery include:
- Thick scarring that will not fade
- Hardening of the breast tissue, usually caused by the scar tissue around the implant shrinking
- A rupture caused by the implant leaking
- Noticeable creases and/or rippling in the implant
- Infection that requires the implant(s) to be removed
- Being unable to breast-feed or producing less milk than before the surgery
- Nerve damage
Some of these problems can be temporary and easily resolved, but some will require further attention. If you encounter any of these problems after your breast augmentation, it is important that you contact your surgeon immediately to organise a follow-up consultation. A good surgeon will be able to give sound advice and should be able to help you through these problems.
Contact Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors today
If you've experienced complications and believe it was because your surgeon acted negligently, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you make a claim for compensation.
We can gather evidence and pursue financial reimbursement for your suffering. Get in touch by calling us on 0808 189 7718 or filling out our .
