If you are considering breast augmentation, making an informed decision is the most critical first step in your surgical journey. At Australia Plastic Surgery, our team of specialist plastic surgeons—including Dr Laith Barnouti, Dr Mark Kohout, and Dr Lisa Friederich—are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). With decades of combined experience, our priority is to provide patients with comprehensive education, prioritizing your safety and well-being above all else.
This guide is designed to help you understand the fundamentals of breast augmentation, the types of breast implants available, and what you can expect during the consultation and recovery processes.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known clinically as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to alter the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts. This is typically achieved through the surgical placement of breast implants or, in some cases, via fat transfer (lipofilling).
Patients seek this procedure for various reasons, including restoring breast volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, improving breast symmetry, or as a key component of breast reconstruction following medical treatments. Depending on your anatomical needs, this procedure can sometimes be combined with a [breast lift (mastopexy)] to achieve the desired outcome.
Understanding Your Options for Breast Implants
Selecting the appropriate breast implants is a highly individualized process. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach, as your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals play a significant role.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the primary types of breast implants used in Australia:
-
Silicone Gel Implants: These are the most commonly used implants today. They are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that is designed to closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue.
-
Shape and Profile: Implants come in round or anatomical (teardrop) shapes, as well as varying profiles (how far the implant projects from the chest wall).
Your surgeon will take detailed measurements and utilize their expertise to recommend the most suitable breast implants for your body type, ensuring a proportionate and natural-looking result.
The Consultation Process: What to Expect
A thorough consultation is the cornerstone of safe plastic surgery. When you [book a consultation] with our specialist plastic surgeons in Sydney, Parramatta, Chatswood, or Orange, you will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment.
We believe in honest, transparent communication. Your surgeon will discuss your medical history, examine your anatomy, and help you establish realistic expectations. We will also discuss alternative options, such as whether a non-surgical treatment or a different surgical approach might be more appropriate.
AHPRA Guidelines: Safety, Risks, and Realistic Expectations
In accordance with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Medical Board of Australia guidelines, it is essential to understand that all surgical procedures carry inherent risks.
While breast augmentation is a routine procedure for our experienced surgeons, potential risks and complications include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and the risk of implant rupture or capsular contracture (where scar tissue forms tightly around the breast implants).
Please note: Surgical outcomes cannot be guaranteed, and individual results will vary based on your body’s unique anatomy, healing process, and other factors. A second medical opinion is always welcomed and encouraged before proceeding with any surgery.
Recovery from Breast Augmentation
The recovery timeline for breast augmentation requires patience and adherence to your surgeon's specific aftercare instructions.
-
Initial Recovery: You will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days. Pain management will be provided.
-
Downtime: Most patients require 1 to 2 weeks off work, depending on the physical demands of their job.
-
Physical Activity: Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and raising your arms above shoulder height must be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks to allow your breast implants to settle and your incisions to heal properly.
Our clinic provides ongoing support from your initial consultation right through your recovery journey, ensuring continuity of care.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to undergo breast augmentation is a deeply personal decision that requires careful thought, adequate research, and the guidance of a highly qualified medical professional. By choosing a FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeon at Australia Plastic Surgery, you are placing your trust in a team dedicated to rigorous safety standards, ongoing medical education, and ethical patient care. We are here to guide you through every step, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and confident in your choices regarding your breast implants.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are ready to discuss your options for breast augmentation, our team is here to help.
Call us today:
-
Sydney Area: 02 9561 0200
-
Outside Sydney: 1300 004 008
-
Or [Contact Us online] to schedule your comprehensive consultation at our Glebe, Parramatta, Chatswood, or Orange clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. While they can last a decade or more, they may eventually need to be removed or replaced due to complications like capsular contracture, implant rupture, or natural changes in your body over time.
2. Can I breastfeed after having breast augmentation?
Many women are able to breastfeed successfully after surgery. However, depending on the incision type and implant placement, there is a risk that milk production or delivery could be affected. Discuss this with your surgeon if you plan to breastfeed in the future.
3. Will the surgery leave noticeable scars?
All surgical procedures leave scars. Incisions are typically placed in discreet locations, such as the inframammary fold (under the breast crease), to minimize their visibility. Over time, and with proper scar care management provided by our team, these scars usually fade, though they will never disappear entirely.
4. Do I need a referral to book a consultation?
Under new Medicare and AHPRA guidelines, a GP referral is highly recommended and often required if you wish to claim any applicable Medicare rebates (which generally only apply to reconstructive, rather than purely cosmetic, procedures). Contact our administrative team for specific guidance on referrals.
5. Where are the breast implants placed during surgery?
Your specialist plastic surgeon will discuss the most appropriate placement for your breast implants based on your natural anatomy, the thickness of your breast tissue, and your aesthetic goals. Implants can be placed either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or over the muscle but beneath the breast tissue (subglandular/subfascial). Submuscular placement often provides a more natural transition and reduces the risk of visible rippling, while subglandular placement may offer a slightly faster initial recovery.
6. Will I lose sensation in my nipples after breast augmentation?
It is common to experience temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation immediately following breast augmentation. You may experience numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity as the local nerves heal from the surgical trauma. For the vast majority of patients, normal sensation gradually returns within a few months. However, as with any surgery, there is a small risk that changes in sensation could be permanent.
7. Can I still get mammograms if I have breast implants?
Yes, you can and absolutely should continue your routine breast cancer screenings. However, it is vital that you inform your radiologist and technician that you have breast implants when booking and arriving for your appointment. The technician will use specialized imaging techniques, such as implant displacement views, to ensure the natural breast tissue is thoroughly examined without compromising or damaging the implants.
8. How should I sleep after my surgery?
During the initial weeks of your recovery from breast augmentation, you will be instructed to sleep on your back, ideally with your upper body elevated using a few pillows. Sleeping on your stomach or sides is strictly prohibited during the early healing phase, as this can put undue pressure on your healing incisions, increase swelling, and potentially cause your breast implants to shift out of their optimal position.
9. How much does the procedure cost?
The total cost of breast augmentation is highly individualized and depends on several factors, including the specific type and brand of breast implants chosen, the complexity of the surgical technique, the anaesthetist's fees, and the hospital or day surgery facility costs. At Australia Plastic Surgery, we believe in complete financial transparency. Following your comprehensive consultation and medical assessment, our team will provide you with a detailed, itemized quote so you know exactly what to expect before making any decisions.
(Disclaimer: This article is general in nature and does not replace individual medical consultation. Non-surgical alternatives should be considered where appropriate. All invasive procedures carry risks. Seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner before proceeding.)