Breast surgery
Good records and a UK review soon after you return make a real difference to breast surgery aftercare. We help you gather both.
Overview
We support people having breast surgery at overseas partner clinics. Your operation is performed by your overseas surgeon. We coordinate UK screening and aftercare.
Before you travel
We ask about family history, previous breast problems, previous surgery and any lumps or changes. Your clinician will tell you whether anything needs checking before you travel. Follow national screening invitations as usual.
We review bloods, BMI, blood pressure, medicines, smoking and previous anaesthetic problems. Your clinician may suggest changes that help healing.
If you are having implants revised, we ask for details of the original operation, the implant type and any problems. Bring any records you have to your consultation.
Implants should come with an implant information card and records. Ask your clinic to give you the manufacturer, model, size and batch or serial details, and the date of surgery. Keep them somewhere safe. You may need them for future imaging, revision or recalls, and any registry entry your surgeon makes should be confirmed with you.
After surgery
Always follow your surgeon's instructions. This outline shows what UK follow-up typically involves.
Collect your operation note, discharge summary, medicines list and implant information card. Ask about drains, dressings, bras and when stitches or drains will be removed.
A UK clinician checks your wounds, breast shape and swelling, any drains, pain and general recovery. They review your paperwork and implant details and agree a follow-up plan.
We look at wounds for redness, tension or opening, and drains for output and signs of infection. Ultrasound through a CQC-registered diagnostic partner is arranged where clinically indicated, for example if one breast is more swollen than the other.
Swelling and breast position change gradually. Your surgeon will advise on bras and activity. Optional scar care and lymphatic drainage are available as add-ons. See add-ons.
Implants are not lifetime devices. Keep your records, attend follow-up as advised and seek review if you notice changes in shape, size, pain or firmness.
Safety
Call 999 or go to A&E for sudden chest pain, sudden breathlessness, collapse, or rapid swelling with severe pain. If you are abroad, contact your treating clinic and local emergency services.
Questions
As advised by your surgeon. Ask about clot-prevention measures for the flight and how to protect your wounds while travelling.
Typically within days of returning. We arrange it before you travel.
Your implant information card, the manufacturer, model, size and batch details, the operation date, and your operation note. If your surgeon records implants on a registry, ask for confirmation of the entry.
Not routinely. Your clinician may arrange one if there is a clinical reason, such as asymmetry, a suspected fluid collection or a concern about an implant.
We can review your history and records, and arrange imaging where indicated. Surgical decisions remain with a surgeon. We will help you work out whom to see.
Surgeons commonly advise a particular type of support for a period of time. Follow your surgeon's instructions. Garments are available as an add-on.
Speak to a UK clinician about screening and aftercare for breast surgery.
Book a consultation