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Cosmetic Breast Surgery in Hampshire & Dorset
Thoughtful, individualised breast surgery with a focus on proportion and natural shape
Changes in breast size, shape and position can occur through pregnancy, weight change, ageing or simply natural development. For some women, the concern may be lack of volume; for others it may be breast droop, asymmetry, excess size or changes related to previous breast implants.
Mr Mo Herieka is a UK-trained Consultant Plastic Surgeon with a specialist interest in aesthetic breast surgery. His background in complex reconstructive and microsurgical breast surgery gives him a detailed understanding of breast anatomy, soft-tissue behaviour and proportion — principles that underpin his approach to cosmetic breast surgery.
Every operation is individually planned around your anatomy, priorities and the result you would realistically like to achieve.
Private consultations and surgery are available at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital in Hampshire, conveniently located between Southampton and Winchester.
A personalised approach to breast surgery
There is rarely a single “correct” operation for a particular concern.
A patient seeking fuller breasts may benefit from implants, fat transfer or a combination of approaches. Someone concerned about breast droop may require a mastopexy, while another patient may achieve the result she wants with an implant alone. In some cases, breast uplift and augmentation are combined.
The aim of consultation is therefore not simply to choose an operation. It is to understand what you would like to change, what your anatomy will allow, and which approach offers the best balance between shape, scars, recovery and long-term stability.
Breast reduction
Reducing breast volume while improving shape
A breast reduction removes excess breast tissue and skin while simultaneously lifting and reshaping the breast.
Women consider reduction surgery for many reasons. These can include the physical weight of the breasts, difficulty exercising, discomfort from bra straps or simply feeling that their breasts are disproportionately large for their frame.
The nipple is repositioned and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped to produce a lighter, more elevated breast.
Rather than aiming for a specific bra cup size — which varies significantly between manufacturers — the focus is on creating a breast size and shape that is appropriate for your proportions and personal preferences.
Breast reduction surgery has been shown to significantly improve quality of life in those troubled by disproportionately large breasts and can be one of the most rewarding procedures to undertake.
Breast augmentation
Breast implants tailored to your frame
Breast augmentation uses implants to increase breast volume and improve shape. It may be considered for naturally small breasts or those who have experienced loss of volume following pregnancy or weight loss. They may also be helpful in cases of asymmetry between the breasts or tuberous breasts.
Implant selection involves much more than choosing a cup size. Your chest width, breast dimensions, existing tissue, skin quality and desired result all influence the implant that is likely to suit you best.
Implants can be positioned in different tissue planes depending on your anatomy - commonly talked about as being ‘over’ or ‘under’ your pec muscle.
During the consultation, Mo will explain the options and why a particular approach may be more appropriate for you.
The aim is not simply to make the breast larger, but to create a result that is balanced with your frame and consistent with your individual goals.
Breast uplift
Mastopexy without implants
A breast uplift, or mastopexy, reshapes and repositions the breast when the main concern is drooping rather than lack of volume.
The nipple and breast tissue are repositioned and excess skin is removed to create a more elevated and compact breast shape.
A mastopexy does not necessarily require an implant. If you are happy with your existing breast volume, an uplift alone may achieve the change you are looking for.
The trade-off is scarring. The pattern depends on the degree of breast droop and the amount of reshaping required.
If you are considering an uplift, are keen to avoid implants but would like a modest increase in the volume - fat transfer to the breasts can help to achieve this.
The tailored approach that suits you will be discussed carefully during your consultation.
Augmentation mastopexy
Breast uplift with implants
An augmentation mastopexy combines a breast uplift with implants.
It can be particularly helpful when the breast has both lost volume and descended on the chest — for example after pregnancy, breastfeeding or substantial weight change.
The implant restores volume while the mastopexy reshapes and lifts the breast.
Because the procedure combines two opposing forces — adding volume while tightening the breast envelope — it requires particularly careful planning.
The aim is to improve breast position, shape and upper-pole fullness while keeping implant size proportionate to the surrounding tissues.
‘Internal bra’
In some augmentation mastopexy procedures, particularly where the skin has lost some of its elasticity and has a tendency to stretch over time - an additional surgical mesh or internal support material may be considered to help support the implant.
You may hear this described as an “internal bra”, although the term can be misleading. The mesh does not function like an external bra and cannot prevent all future changes in the breast.
Instead, it may provide additional support to the lower part of the breast or implant in selected patients where tissue quality is limited or where additional reinforcement may be beneficial.
Mo will discuss whether mesh is likely to add meaningful benefit in your particular case, alongside its additional risks and costs.
Implant exchange and revision surgery
Breasts and implants change with time.
Some women seek revision surgery because of a specific implant-related problem, while others simply wish to change their breast size or shape many years after their original augmentation.
Implant exchange may involve replacing existing implants with implants of a different size, shape or type.
Revision surgery may also involve adjusting the implant pocket, correcting asymmetry, treating scar tissue around the implant (Capsulectomy) or combining implant exchange with a breast uplift.
Revision surgery is often more technically complex than a first-time augmentation because previous surgery has already altered the breast tissues.
Careful examination and review of your previous implant history are therefore particularly important.
Breast implant removal
Explant surgery
Some women eventually decide that they no longer wish to have breast implants.
Implants can be removed without replacement, but the appearance of the breast afterwards depends on several factors including implant size, length of time the implants have been present, pregnancy, weight change, skin elasticity and the volume of your own breast tissue.
For some women, simple implant removal is sufficient.
Others may benefit from combining implant removal with a mastopexy, fat transfer or reshaping of the remaining breast tissue.
Your consultation will include an assessment of what your breast is likely to look like after implant removal and whether additional surgery would be helpful.
Capsulectomy
A layer of scar tissue naturally forms around every breast implant. This is known as the capsule.
In some circumstances, part or all of the capsule may need to be removed during implant revision or implant-removal surgery.
This may be appropriate where there is significant capsular contracture, implant rupture, abnormal thickening of the capsule or another clinical reason to remove it.
A complete capsulectomy is not automatically required every time an implant is removed.
The extent of capsule removal is based on the condition of the capsule, implant history, clinical findings and the balance between potential benefit and surgical risk.
Where appropriate, removed tissue can be sent for laboratory histological assessment.
Fat transfer to the breasts
Using your own tissue to enhance breast shape
Fat transfer to the breast involves removing fat from another part of the body with liposuction, processing it and carefully injecting it into the breast.
It can be useful for:
improving breast contour, correcting mild asymmetry, adding modest volume, refining the edges of breast implants or improving shape following previous surgery.
Fat transfer does not produce the same degree of enlargement as a breast implant.
Some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed during healing, and occasionally more than one treatment is required to achieve the desired volume.
For suitable patients, however, it offers a valuable way of improving breast shape using their own tissue whilst avoiding implants. It can be safely combined with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures where i often use liposuction to improve the overall shape, the fat that is removed during these procedures can be processed and transferred to the breasts in the same sitting.
Breast asymmetry
Almost every woman has some degree of natural breast asymmetry.
Where the difference is more pronounced, treatment may involve implants, breast reduction, uplift, fat transfer or a combination of techniques.
The two breasts do not always require the same operation.
For example, one breast may benefit from reduction while the other requires an uplift, or implants of different sizes may be appropriate.
The aim is improvement rather than perfect symmetry. These can be some of the most challenging procedures in cosmetic breast surgery and so it is important to choose a surgeon with a solid background and understanding of breast proportions, anatomy and up to date approaches.
Mummy makeover surgery
Combining breast and abdominal surgery
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect several areas of the body at the same time.
The breasts may lose volume or become more droopy, while the abdomen may develop loose skin, muscle separation or changes in contour.
A mummy makeover is an informal term used to describe surgery that addresses more than one of these areas, commonly combining breast surgery with an abdominoplasty and, where appropriate, liposuction.
The breast component might involve:
Breast implants
Breast uplift
Implant with uplift
Breast reduction.
The abdominal component may involve abdominoplasty with or without liposuction.
Combining procedures can reduce the need for separate anaesthetics and recovery periods, but it also increases operating time and the physiological demands of surgery. At your consultation, Mr Herieka will carefully assess your anatomy, overall health, goals and priorities before outlining your options, benefits, risks, recovery and expected cost.
Breast FAQ’s
How do I know whether I need implants or a breast uplift?
It depends on whether the main issue is loss of volume, breast droop or a combination of the two. Examination during consultation is the most reliable way of determining which approach is appropriate.
Can I have a breast uplift without implants?
Yes. If you are satisfied with your existing volume, mastopexy can reshape and lift the breast without adding an implant.
Can I have implants without a breast uplift?
Sometimes. Mild droop can occasionally be improved with augmentation alone, but an implant cannot reliably correct more significant breast descent.
What is an internal bra?
The term usually refers to additional internal support using mesh or another reinforcing material. It may be useful in selected patients but is not necessary for every breast uplift or augmentation mastopexy.
Can I change my implant size during implant replacement?
Usually, yes. However, changing size may also require adjustment of the implant pocket or breast skin, particularly when moving to a substantially larger or smaller implant.
Do I need a capsulectomy when removing implants?
Not necessarily. I often remove the capsule that forms around every implant however capsule removal is based on clinical need rather than automatically being performed in every patient.
Can fat transfer replace breast implants?
Fat transfer can provide modest volume and shape improvement but generally cannot achieve the same increase in breast size as implants. Depending on your goals and expectations, fat transfer could be a suitable alternative.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with breast surgery?
Yes, in selected patients. There are advantages and disadvantages to combined procedures - what works best for you depends on your overall health, goals and priorities. We will tailor the approach to you and your needs.
Can I breastfeed after breast surgery?
Many women can breastfeed after cosmetic breast surgery, although no operation can guarantee the ability to breastfeed.
For the best results most breast procedures are best deferred till after your family is complete although in many cases patients will feel that this isn’t possible for them. Mo will listen to your concerns and help you reach a decision on timing that works best for you and your priorities.
Will pregnancy affect the result?
It can. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change breast volume, skin and shape whether or not you have previously undergone surgery. The degree to which the breasts change is variable from patient to patient and pregnancy to pregnancy. The decision to have a cosmetic breast procedure before your family is complete is a highly personal one and depends on your individual priorities. Mo will explore these with you and work with you to find a plan that addresses your personal goals.
Considering cosmetic breast surgery?
If you are considering breast augmentation, breast uplift, reduction, implant revision or another form of cosmetic breast surgery, consultation is the best place to start.
Mo will help you understand which options are appropriate for your anatomy, what each operation can realistically achieve, the scars involved and the likely recovery.