A Comprehensive Review of Large Breast Augmentation in the UK
In this post, I’ll explore the most popular breast implants for breast augmentation in the UK, with insights from Mr. McGeorge FRCS (Plas), a respected plastic surgeon, about large breast implants and their suitability for various patients. If you’re considering breast augmentation and desire significantly larger breasts than you naturally have, I completely understand. When I was 21, I underwent my first breast augmentation, and although I was pleased with the results, I found myself disappointed with the size. This spurred me on a journey to learn everything I could about large breast implants and breast augmentation surgery.
When I had my third and final breast augmentation procedure, opting for 535cc anatomical silicone implants. My final breast implants increased my natural breast size from a 32A to a 32F. Even more important, they also gave me the top heavy look, with natural shaped breasts, that I desired. Over 20 years later I am still very happy with the appearance of my breasts and pleased I did not have larger breast implants. Something I certainly never thought I would say all those years ago!
Understanding Large Breast Augmentation in the UK
In the UK, breast enlargement surgery is predominantly performed with silicone breast implants, as many plastic surgeons consider them superior to saline implants. Silicone implants come pre-filled, and whether they’re placed in the subglandular (above the muscle) or submuscular (under the muscle) position, your breast tissue or muscle needs to stretch to accommodate them.
This stretching limits the implant size that can be safely used in a single procedure. For implants larger than 500cc, most patients may require a second procedure to ensure safe placement. If the skin and tissue are overstretched by excessively large implants, it increases the risk of complications such as:
- Hematomas (blood collections)
- Seromas (fluid collections)
- Implant extrusion
- Capsulation (excess scar tissue build-up)
- Implant misplacement
To reduce these risks, it’s essential to work with an experienced plastic surgeon who is skilled in performing large breast augmentations with implants between 500cc and 800cc.
Insights from Mr. Douglas McGeorge FRCS (Plast): The Limits of Large Breast Implants
When it comes to large breast implants or extra-large implants in the UK, finding a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon is critical. Ensure your surgeon listens to your desires but also prioritises your safety. Mr. Douglas McGeorge FRCS (Plast), a leading plastic surgeon in the UK with a private practice in Chester, UK, was kind enough to share his professional insights on the challenges and considerations of using large breast implants.
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Custom Silicone Implants Over 1000cc
“Very large implants are rare,” explains Mr. McGeorge. “While I’ve used custom-made prostheses in some cases, this is far from routine practice and is only done for carefully counselled individuals.” -
The Largest Breast Implant Size
“The size of the implant isn’t as important as its dimensions. Implants for wider chests tend to have higher volumes. In my practice, I rarely use extra-high projection implants, high projection is generally as large as I use.” -
Advice for Those Considering 1000cc+ Implants
“Patients seeking implants of 1000cc or more require careful counselling. The tissues often struggle to support such weight, which can lead to complications.”
What is the Largest Silicone Breast Implant Available?
The largest silicone breast implant available, without customization, is 800cc. This size can increase your bust by approximately three to five cup sizes. However, unless you have a significant amount of loose skin, it’s unlikely that your skin will stretch enough to accommodate more than two additional cup sizes in a single breast augmentation procedure.
Several factors impact the size and outcome of breast implants, including:
- Amount of natural breast tissue
- Implant placement (subglandular vs. submuscular)
- Chest width and rib cage shape
- Implant width, shape, and profile
It’s also essential to remember that even if two women share a similar frame and breast size, they may not achieve the same results with the same breast implants. Typically, round (non-anatomical, high profile) implants will enhance the size of the breasts more, but anatomical (teardrop) implants can provide a more natural shape.
My Personal Experience
When I underwent my final breast augmentation, I was limited to 535cc implants because I prioritised a natural breast shape over a larger volume. This was the largest anatomical implant that my chest width could safely accommodate. At the time, I would have gladly opted for 800cc implants, but now, in my 40s, I’m thankful I didn’t push for larger implants. Annabelle Baugh | CSA Founder
Reference Section
In this section, you’ll find a collection of carefully curated references, including medical papers, trusted studies, and authoritative resources, to support the information provided throughout this article. These references are essential for validating the accuracy and reliability of the content, ensuring that the advice and insights shared are grounded in credible scientific research and expert opinions.
Maxwell GP, Gabriel A. Breast implant design. Gland Surg. 2017 Apr;6(2):148-153. doi: 10.21037/gs.2016.11.09. PMID: 28497018; PMCID: PMC5409902.
Montemurro, P., Adams, W.P., Mallucci, P. et al. Why Do We Need Anatomical Implants? the Science and Rationale for Maintaining Their Availability and Use in Breast Surgery. Aesth Plast Surg 44, 253–263 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-019-01595-z
