Breast Augmentation

A breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to increase the volume and alter the size, shape, and texture of the female breasts, often by means of saline or silicone implants.

Many women choose to undergo breast augmentation procedures because they have experienced a loss of volume with aging, weight loss, following pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with hormonal changes such as menopause. Some women require breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. Some women simply desire to alter the look and feel of their breasts.

Breast augmentation carries all the risks of any surgical procedure, including those associated with bleeding, infection, scarring, and anaesthesia. In addition, following your procedure, some of the most serious complications you may experience include implant rupture, leakage, deflation, and capsular contracture. Other risks include altered sensation, persistent pain, hematoma, implant rippling or wrinkling, impeded breastfeeding function, asymmetry, thinning of breast tissue, and symmastia (the “fusing” of the breasts at the sternum). Many of these risks can be avoided in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

The cost of a breast augmentation can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure, the type and placement of implants, the number of combination procedures desired (e.g. breast lift), the type of anaesthesia used, and the type and extent of work to be performed.

A typical breast augmentation procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours to perform depending on the type and extent of correction desired.

Your surgeon will typically use one of three types of incisions depending on your particular situation. A periareolar incision is located around the areola and is most commonly used in combination with a breast lift. An inframammary incision is made along the length of the breast fold and is usually used for pre-filled silicone implants as it is long enough to accommodate their larger size. A transaxillary incision is made in the armpit and is usually used for saline implants that can be filled after insertion. Less commonly, a transumbilical incision may be made at the navel, especially in combination with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck.

A breast augmentation is typically performed under general anaesthesia.

As with any surgery, breast augmentation poses a risk of scarring. However, as is the case with most cosmetic surgeries, scars will be hidden in inconspicuous places, such as in the breast fold, around the areolar border, or in the armpit, depending on the type of incision used.

While implant size is ultimately a personal choice, your surgeon is the best resource in helping you decide on the right size implants to achieve your desired results. Implants can appear bigger or smaller once implanted, and your surgeon will be able to provide photos to help illustrate the final appearance of implants of various sizes. Your surgeon should also be able to make recommendations based on your skin tone and whether your existing breast tissue will provide adequate coverage for your implants.

Your implants may be placed in a subglandular or submuscular position. Subglandular implants are placed beneath the glandular breast tissue but above the pectoral muscle. Submuscular implants are placed beneath the pectoral muscle and generally result in a lowered incidence of capsular contracture and less implant “rippling.” Each placement location has its risks and advantages, which your surgeon will discuss with you in detail at your initial consultation.

A wide range of implants are available for breast augmentation, but all are filled with either a silicone gel or a saline (salt water) solution. Silicone gel implants are available as a viscous fluid or a semi-solid gel (“gummy bear” implants), which hold their shape if the membrane is punctured, reducing the complication associated with silicone implant rupture. Implants are also available in a variety of sizes, shapes (round, elliptical, or teardrop), and textures (smooth or textured), each of which have their own advantages and are suited to particular situations. Your surgeon will be able to recommend the implants best suited to your situation.

Yes. Fat transfer, or fat grafting, is often touted as the “natural boob job,” as it uses fat harvested from another area of the patient’s body (usually the thighs or abdomen) and implants it into the breasts for a more subtle augmentation.

Every patient recovers differently, but most patients can return to sedentary work within a week following surgery. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks following surgery, and can be resumed under the advice of a physician. Submuscular implants typically result in longer and slightly more difficult recovery, but they ultimately result in fewer complications.

Most patients can be discharged the same day following a breast augmentation procedure.

Because of the anaesthesia used, the procedure itself will be totally painless. Some swelling, bruising, tenderness, and soreness can be expected in the days following surgery, and may be managed with prescribed pain medication. You may also experience some numbness and loss of sensation which should subside within a few days.Your surgeon may recommend a sports bra or similar compression garment in order to manage swelling in the surgical area. Submuscular implants generally result in more postoperative pain and slightly longer recovery times.

Yes. Breast augmentation procedures generally do not interfere with the normal functioning of nipples and milk ducts. However, because every woman heals differently, some women may find their breast feeding function to be impeded.

Patients report high rates of satisfaction following breast augmentation procedures, whether or not they experienced complications. While it is important to maintain realistic expectations, you can generally expect larger breast volume, better symmetry, and a more uniform breast shape. Your surgeon will arrange follow-up visits as necessary to ensure your recovery is proceeding well. Every woman heals differently, and while you will see some results immediately, you may not see your final results for several months following surgery. Your implants may sit high on the chest initially, but should gradually descend and settle into a more natural-looking final position. Many women even report improved confidence and increased self-esteem following breast augmentation.

Women considering breast augmentation are advised that breast implants are not permanent, and most women will need them replaced at some point in their lives. The incidence of complications such as rupture, leakage, and capsular contracture increases with time as implant materials chemically degrade. Most breast implants have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. Implant replacement surgeries are generally less expensive than an initial breast augmentation.

If you have experienced a loss of breast volume with age, menopause, or following pregnancy and breastfeeding, and are generally in good health with good skin tone, breast augmentation could be right for you. The best way to determine your suitability for this procedure is to book an initial consultation with one of our experienced surgeons.