Website of the Department of Health

The procedure:

This procedure should be carried out by a surgeon with relevant skills and experience in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission.

Pectoral implants involve surgery under general or local anaesthetic and the treatment can take up to two hours per implant. The surgeon makes two small incisions underneath the armpit before inserting the implant. These are then stitched up.  The implant is held in place by the chest muscles or by stitches.

Pectoral implants are made of silicone.

The results:

Most people find that their pectoral muscles look bigger or fuller as required. The results will be permanent.

The risks:

General risks associated with surgery - see Considering cosmetic surgery?

Risks can include infection, blood loss, fluid collection, movement of the implant or scarring. If the implant is infected, ruptures or moves, it may have to be removed, which is not always a straightforward procedure. Talk to your doctor immediately if you think this has happened to you.

• Considering cosmetic surgery?

Before you start:

Most people choose to have pectoral implants because they think their chest looks small - but this may be due to the structure and proportions of your body rather than your chest muscles. Before considering a pectoral implant, talk to your doctor about whether there are any alternatives.

Also see:

• Nipple reshaping
• Breast reduction (male)