If you’ve had breast implants, or you’re thinking about getting them, you may be wondering how they’ll affect your ability to breastfeed in the future. It’s one of the most common questions women ask, especially those who are planning to have children or expand their family down the line.

The good news is that in many cases, it is possible to breastfeed with implants. However, like anything related to surgery and the body, it depends on a few key factors.

In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to know about breastfeeding with implants, what to expect, and how a breast lift can help restore shape and confidence after the baby stage.

Can you Breastfeed with Implants?

Yes, in most cases, women with breast implants can breastfeed successfully. Whether or not you can breastfeed depends more on how the original surgery was performed than on the implants themselves.

If your implants were placed under the muscle (a common technique), and the incisions were made under the breast or in the armpit, there’s usually little or no disruption to the milk ducts or nerves involved in breastfeeding. In these cases, milk production is often unaffected.

However, if the incision was made around the areola, there’s a slightly higher chance that some milk ducts or nerves may have been affected during surgery. That doesn’t automatically mean you can’t breastfeed, it just means milk supply could be lower, or that sensation may be reduced in the area, which can sometimes impact let-down.

If you haven’t had surgery yet but are considering implants and plan to breastfeed in the future, be sure to raise this in your consultation. Your surgeon can help guide the approach to maximise the chances of keeping all breastfeeding functions intact.

Will Breastfeeding Affect My Implants?

Breastfeeding won’t harm your implants, but pregnancy and feeding can still affect the way your breasts look and feel. As your breasts grow and shrink with milk production, the surrounding tissue and skin stretch and contract. Once feeding stops, this can sometimes leave the breasts looking flatter or less firm, even if the implants themselves haven’t changed at all.

This is one reason why many women choose to have breast surgery after they’ve finished having children. That way, the results aren’t affected by future changes related to pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, if you already have implants, rest assured that feeding your baby won’t cause damage to the implants themselves.

Considering a Breast Lift After Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding itself is a natural and rewarding experience, it can take a toll on the shape and position of your breasts, especially if you already have implants. Some women find that once they’ve stopped breastfeeding, their breasts feel deflated or sit lower than before, even with implants in place.

As we’ve explored in this blog on post-breastfeeding breast lifts, many mothers choose to have a breast uplift to restore the breast’s natural position, remove excess skin, and bring back a firmer, more youthful shape. In some cases, the lift is done alongside implant replacement or size adjustment, depending on how your body has changed.

It’s a popular option because it focuses on reshaping what’s already there, rather than starting over. If your implants are still in good condition and you’re happy with the volume, a lift alone may be all you need to feel more confident in your post-baby body.

If you’re considering implants or wondering about your options post-breastfeeding, Mr Nigel Horlock can help guide you. To find out more, book a consultation.

Breast lifts are a popular procedure for women who want to restore a more youthful shape and position to their breasts. Despite this, there are still plenty of misconceptions that can make patients uncertain about whether a lift is right for them.

Some myths come from outdated information, while others are the result of confusion between a breast lift and other procedures.

Here are five of the most common myths about breast lifts, and the truth behind them.

Myth 1: A breast lift will make your breasts bigger

One of the most common myths about breast lifts is that they can increase cup size. In reality, the goal of a lift is to reshape and reposition, not enlarge. By removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, the breasts are lifted into a more youthful position.

For women who also want more volume, a breast lift can be combined with implants, but the lift itself does not add size. Many women actually notice that their breasts look fuller simply because they sit higher on the chest.

Myth 2: You can achieve the same results with exercise or creams

Exercise is excellent for improving overall health and strengthening the chest muscles that lie beneath the breast, but it cannot tighten stretched skin or lift breast tissue that has changed over time.
Similarly, no cream or topical treatment can reverse sagging. Breast lifts are surgical for a reason. They directly address the skin and tissue that contribute to drooping, delivering results that cannot be achieved from workouts or skincare products.

Myth 3: Breast lifts leave highly visible scars

All surgery leaves scars, but with breast lifts, the incisions are placed carefully to minimise visibility. Over time, most scars fade significantly and can often be hidden by clothing, including swimsuits and bras.

Advances in surgical techniques also mean scars are now finer and more discreet than they once were. Patients who follow aftercare advice and allow time for healing are usually pleased with how subtle their scars become compared to the improvement in shape and position.

Myth 4: Recovery takes a very long time

While recovery is an important part of the process, most women find it easier than they expect. Discomfort is generally manageable, and many patients return to desk-based work within a week or two. Light activity is encouraged early on, with heavier exercise avoided until healing has progressed.

Full recovery takes a few months, but most of the visible improvement is noticeable right away, and patients often feel more confident in their appearance soon after surgery.

Myth 5: Results don’t last long

Another common myth about breast lifts is that the results are only temporary. In reality, the results are long-lasting, although they cannot stop the natural aging process. Over time, gravity, changes in weight, or pregnancy may affect breast shape again, but most women enjoy the benefits of their lift for many years.

Choosing a qualified surgeon, maintaining a stable weight, and following healthy lifestyle habits all contribute to keeping results at their best.

Making an informed decision

Breast lifts can improve comfort, confidence, and the way clothing fits. Like any cosmetic procedure, they require careful thought and realistic expectations, but they can be highly rewarding for the right patient.

If you are considering a breast lift and would like to find out more, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today.

When it comes to getting the best results from cosmetic surgery, most people focus on choosing the right procedure and an experienced surgeon, which, of course, is essential. But your everyday habits can have just as much impact on how well you heal and how long your results last.

Things like sun exposure, smoking, and even poor sleep can interfere with your recovery and affect the final outcome.

If you’re planning surgery, or you’ve already had it, paying attention to these lifestyle factors can make a big difference to how your body responds.

UV exposure and healing skin

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of sunshine, but when it comes to healing skin, UV exposure can be a problem. Fresh scars are especially sensitive to the sun, and even limited exposure can lead to long-term discolouration. This is known as hyperpigmentation, where the scar becomes darker than the surrounding skin, and it can make scars more visible than they need to be.

If you’ve had a facelift, breast surgery, or any procedure with visible incisions, protecting your skin from the sun is essential. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), keeping treated areas covered while outdoors, and avoiding tanning beds completely.

The impact of nicotine on cosmetic surgery

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: Smoking and cosmetic surgery do not mix. Nicotine affects blood flow and oxygen levels, both of which are crucial for proper healing. It increases the risk of complications such as infections, poor wound healing, skin loss, and even implant-related issues.

For procedures involving lifts, tight skin closures, or fat grafting (where survival of transferred fat depends on blood supply), smoking is particularly risky. It can reduce the amount of fat that survives after grafting and affect the final shape and feel of your results.

Even vaping or using nicotine patches can have similar effects. Surgeons usually recommend stopping all nicotine use at least two weeks before and after surgery, but the longer you can stay away from it, the better.

The importance of quality sleep

Getting enough rest is one of the most powerful things you can do to support recovery. When you sleep, your body produces the hormones and proteins it needs to repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and build new cells.

Poor sleep can also increase your stress levels, which can slow down healing and leave you feeling more run-down during recovery. It’s a good idea to plan ahead so your sleeping environment is as calm and comfortable as possible post-surgery. This could mean using extra pillows, sleeping on your back if advised, and keeping screens or distractions to a minimum in the evening.

If pain is making it difficult to rest, talk to your surgeon about safe ways to manage discomfort while supporting your recovery.

Support for longer-lasting results

Surgery can offer fantastic results, but maintaining them is a team effort between you and your body. Protecting your skin, quitting harmful habits, and giving yourself enough rest all contribute to smoother healing and longer-lasting outcomes.

Mr Nigel Horlock offers detailed aftercare advice tailored to each patient, helping you understand what to expect and how to support your recovery at home. If you’re considering cosmetic surgery and want to make sure you’re doing everything possible to get the best result, a consultation is a great place to start.

If you’ve recently had cosmetic surgery, or you’re planning to, chances are you’ve also thought about how soon you can get on a plane, head off on holiday, or simply return home if you’ve travelled for treatment.

While it’s completely normal to look forward to getting back to everyday life (or taking a well-earned break), travelling too soon after surgery can interfere with healing and increase your risk of complications.

In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to consider when it comes to flying, wound care, and even sun exposure after cosmetic surgery.

When is travelling safe after cosmetic surgery?

The timing of your return to travel depends on the type of surgery you’ve had and how smoothly your recovery is going. In general, short-haul flights should be avoided for at least 7 days following most cosmetic procedures, while long-haul flights often require a longer wait (around 4 to 6 weeks is typical). This is to reduce the risk of complications such as swelling, clotting (particularly deep vein thrombosis), and delayed healing.

Long periods of sitting can increase swelling and pressure in areas that are still recovering. After surgeries like tummy tucks, breast augmentation, or facial procedures, your body needs time to rest, and flying too soon can add unnecessary strain.

If you’re unsure when it’s safe to travel, speak to your surgeon during your follow-up appointment. They’ll be able to advise based on how your individual recovery is progressing.

Protecting your wounds

Even if you’re cleared to travel, your body is still in recovery mode, and taking care of your healing wounds should remain a top priority. Dressings should stay clean, dry, and secure, particularly during long journeys when access to clean facilities might be limited.

Be mindful of movement, friction, and pressure on surgical sites, especially when carrying luggage, sitting for extended periods, or navigating through busy airports.

Wearing any compression garments that you’ve been advised to use is important, even while flying, as they help with circulation and support the surgical area. Staying hydrated and taking short walks on the plane (where safe to do so), can also help reduce swelling and support recovery.

It’s wise to bring any medications, aftercare products, or spare dressings in your carry-on bag.

Sun and scars

If your travel plans include sunshine, it’s essential to protect healing scars from UV rays. Fresh scars are particularly sensitive to sunlight and can darken permanently when exposed too early, leading to long-term discolouration. This process, known as hyperpigmentation, is more likely to occur in the first few months after surgery when the skin is still fragile and producing new collagen.

Even if your scar looks healed on the surface, deeper layers of tissue may still be mending. Always use high-factor sunscreen (ideally SPF 50), keep scars covered when possible, and avoid sunbeds and prolonged sun exposure during your initial recovery period. Taking these small steps can make a big difference to how your scars look in the long run.

If you have any questions about when it’s safe to travel after surgery, or how to care for yourself while you’re away, Mr Nigel Horlock will be happy to advise you during your consultation or follow-up appointments.

For many women, menopause marks a profound transition, not just hormonally, but physically and emotionally.

Skin that once felt firm may begin to loosen, breasts might lose their youthful shape, the abdomen can feel softer or less defined, and arms may take on a slightly sagging appearance.

These changes are completely natural and part of the body’s evolution over time. However, for some women, there’s a mismatch between how they look and how they still feel inside – vibrant, confident, and full of life. That’s where the idea of the so-called ‘menopause makeover’ has gained popularity.

Here, we’ll look at some procedures that can help women enter this new stage of life feeling more empowered and comfortable in their own skin.

What body changes can occur during menopause?

To understand why cosmetic treatments are increasingly sought after around menopause, it helps to look at what’s happening beneath the surface.

When oestrogen levels decline, the body’s production of collagen and elastin also slows down. These are the structural proteins that keep skin firm, plump, and resilient. Without them, the skin begins to thin and lose elasticity. At the same time, fat distribution shifts, often leading to a thicker waistline or softer midsection, even if you haven’t gained weight.

Breasts, too, can start to feel different (less full and droopier), while the upper arms may take on a softer, less toned look as muscle mass naturally decreases with age.

It’s worth emphasising that these are normal, expected changes. But for women who want to regain a sense of control over how they look and feel, a menopause makeover can be a thoughtful, tailored approach to restoring confidence.

What’s a menopause makeover?

The beauty of this approach is that it’s entirely personalised. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula. For some women, the focus may be on surgical procedures like a breast lift or augmentation, helping restore volume or correct sagging that has developed over time. Others may be more concerned with their abdomen, seeking a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles for a firmer, smoother silhouette.

The upper arms, a common concern at this time, can also be reshaped through procedures like brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, which removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue. For women who aren’t ready for surgery or want to explore non-surgical options first, there’s an ever-expanding range of treatments that can target the skin and soft tissue.

Non-invasive skin tightening procedures, laser treatments, and injectables can help improve skin texture, stimulate collagen production, and add subtle volume where it’s been lost. Combining surgical and non-surgical treatments can be the most effective way to achieve natural-looking results.

Book a consultation to discuss your concerns

If your reflection in the mirror no longer matches the way you feel inside, whether that’s due to sagging skin, lost volume, or changing body contours, you might understandably want to explore ways to refresh and restore.

If you’re thinking about exploring a menopause makeover, it’s essential to work with an experienced, qualified surgeon who understands both the physical changes associated with menopause and the emotional dimensions of this life stage.

During your consultation, you’ll have the chance to discuss your concerns, your goals, and the options available to you. It’s important to have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what each treatment can (and can’t) achieve.

If you’re curious about how a menopause makeover might work for you, Mr Nigel Horlock and his team are here to answer your questions, guide you through your options, and support you every step of the way.