Breast Augmentation Surgery: Understanding Your Options
Your breast augmentation procedure will be customised to fit your anatomy and best achieve your realistic, desired results. Various types of implant shapes, sizes, profiles and textures are available and can be selected to best meet your individual needs.
What is Breast Augmentation and Why Consider It?
Dr Matthew Peters understands that every patient has their personal reasons for wanting to undergo breast augmentation, whether that be to restore volume and shape following breastfeeding or weight loss, or to address congenital asymmetries or irregularities.
Breast augmentation procedures tailored to your individual needs can also address aesthetic concerns, post-pregnancy changes and the natural ageing process which can affect the size, shape, and fullness of your breasts.
This procedure can address concerns such as:
- Restoring breast volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss
- Helping to achieving symmetry between breasts
- Helping to improve overall body proportions
There’s a lot to digest during our consultation because a breast augmentation is a serious undertaking. But it is an elective procedure, and the techniques are as individualised as the reasons for wanting to undergo the procedure. I always stress to my patients that I need you to think about the ‘now’, whilst also contemplating the future ‘you’ before deciding to proceed with this surgery.
– Dr Matthew Peters
Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation:
Good candidates for breast augmentation surgery typically include women who:
- are not satisfied or comfortable with the size, shape, or appearance of their breasts.
- have experienced a loss of shape and volume in the breasts following pregnancy, weight loss, or with age.
- are in good overall health
- are non-smokers or those willing to quit before surgery
- have fully developed breasts
- have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes
- are aware that a breast augmentation is a long-term commitment (ie. You may need to remove the implants and/or replace in the future)
During your consultation, Dr Peters will assess your health, discuss your goals, and determine if breast augmentation is right for you.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure: What to Expect:
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours. Various aspects need to be considered in a breast augmentation procedure, all of which are as individualised as you. In summary, they are:
Can Breast Augmentation be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes, breast augmentation can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures. Common combinations include:
- Breast lift (mastopexy) for sagging breasts
- Abdominoplasty
- Body contouring procedures
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Types of breast implants:
The type of implant that is best for you will depend on your individual shape and breast augmentation surgery goals. Silicone implants are the preferred choice of breast implants in Australia. The inner gels of the breast implants are available in different degrees of firmness.
- Silicone implants consist of a silicone outer shell and silicone-gel inner fill. The consistency of silicone reduces the risks of post-procedure leakage risks. Silicone implants are soft and resemble natural breasts more than saline implants.
Breast implant shapes:
During your consultation, you can discuss a breast size and shape that may be suitable for you.
- Round implants will provide more upper half breast fullness than teardrop/anatomical implants.
- Teardrop/Anatomical implants are designed to closely mimic natural breast shape, creating a fuller and more rounded base with a thinner upper area. Teardrop implants have a greater risk of shifting in placement post-operation; therefore, suture-tab technology has now been added to the new nanotextured anatomical implants to stop them from rotating.
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Implant Size:
Breast implant sizes are measured in CCs. This is a metric unit of volume with one CC of silicone weighing about one gram. Breast implants are available in a variety of sizes, starting at 125cc up to 700cc. There is no direct correlation between implant size and cup size. Implants will look different on each individual patient, depending on individual features. You can discuss which implant size will best achieve your body goals during your breast augmentation surgery consultation.
Breast Implant Placement:
Breast implants can be placed between the breast tissue and the chest muscle, or behind the large chest muscle (pectoralis major). There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these approaches, which Dr Peters will discuss with you during your consultation.
Placement of Incisions:
Dr Peters will typically use an inframammary approach for breast augmentation surgery. This involves making a small incision underneath the breast in the breast crease.
Possibility of fat grafting:
Breast augmentation will most commonly require implants to achieved desired results. However, fat grafting techniques are becoming more reliable and predictable so can be a suitable alternative to implants for small volume augmentations or specific volume asymmetries that may exist. Dr Peters can assess the possibility of fat grafting within the context of your anatomy and desired result during your consultation.
Implant Profile:
The profile of a breast implant indicates how far it projects out from the chest when standing.
- Low profile implants are flatter in appearance and are often suitable for those with a wider chest
- Moderate profile implants give the chest a more moderate amount of projection and are often suited to those with a smaller or narrower chest.
- High profile implants provide maximum projection, providing the fullest and most rounded results.
Breast Implant Surface:
The surface of breast implants can be smooth or textured which can influence the possibility of an implant shifting postoperatively.
- Smooth implants are soft and have a smooth outer shell. Smooth implants pose a higher risk of moving out of place, such as downwards or out towards the side of the chest. Smooth breast implants have an increased risk of capsular contracture.
- Micro or Nanotextured implants have a rough outer shell for the purpose of preventing implant rotation and reducing the risk of capsular contracture. Teardrop/anatomical implants are textured in surface, as the shape alone poses a higher risk of rotation.
As you can see, there are many facets to consider in undergoing a breast augmentation. Dr Peters will determine the right method for you to reach your desired outcome and you can discuss the details of your procedure during your initial consultation.
Will there be scars?
Scars are an inevitable part of breast augmentation surgery. While they will be permanent, they are usually well-concealed beneath a bra or swimsuit. Over time, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
Recovery Process After Breast Augmentation
Recovery from breast augmentation surgery varies for each patient, but generally involves:
- Initial recovery period of 1-2 weeks before returning to work (this is dependent on your type of work)
- Wearing a compression and support bra for up to 6 weeks
- Gradual return to normal activities over 4-6 weeks
- Avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 12 weeks
- Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Peters to monitor healing
Recovery from any surgical procedure is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. Dr Peters and his nursing team spend a tremendous amount of time with each patient to ensure they are ready for the recovery process.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultations with either Dr Peters or the clinical nursing team at Valley Plastic Surgery.
Final results typically become apparent after several months, as swelling subsides and tissues settle. Review appoints will continues 6 and 9 months post-surgery.
Will I Still Be Able to Breastfeed After a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery aims to maintain the attachments of the nipple to the underlying breast tissue. This means that you should still be able to breastfeed, provided that your anatomy allowed you to do so prior to surgery.
If this is a concern for you when considering breast augmentation surgery, please discuss this with Dr Peters during your initial consultation in Brisbane.
Understanding the Risks
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to the procedure specific risks. The risks associated with a breast reduction – and ways in which to minimise them – will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Peters. He will always allow ample time to discuss any concern you may have. You can also reach out to Dr Peter’s clinical nursing team to assist with any question or concerns you may have prior to and after your procedure.
The Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons details the potential risks and complications and you may read more here
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor how you are feeling and notifying the Valley Plastic Surgery team of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you’re considering a breast augmentation, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Peters. During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Discuss your goals and concerns
- Learn about the procedure in detail
- View before and after photos of previous patients
- Receive a personalised treatment plan
- Discuss any questions or concerns you may have around your procedure.
Remember, the decision to undergo any surgical procedure is personal and should be made with careful consideration. We’re here to provide the information and support you need to make the choice that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr Peters generally uses an inframammary approach for breast augmentation surgery. This involves making a small incision underneath the breast, in the breast crease.
Silicone remains the product of choice for both the outer shell and the inner fill of a breast implant. However, saline implants may be available if preferred. Available shell surfaces are smooth, micro or nanotextured and the inner gels are available in different degrees of firmness. Round and anatomical versions are available, with suture-tab technology being added to the new nanotextured anatomical implants to stop them from rotating.
There are two options for breast implant placement: between the breast tissue and the chest muscle, or behind the large chest muscle (pectoralis major). There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these approaches. Dr Peters will consider these with respect to your anatomy and desired outcome to suggest the best plan for you.
The first step is to organise a consultation with Dr Peters, where you can discuss your concerns and expectations, ask questions, and learn more about what happens during the procedure.
You will be provided with information about how to best prepare for your specific procedure and post-surgery care requirements by Dr Peters as well as during your consultation with a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse.
We suggest that you prepare an area in your home for you to recover comfortably, with pillows, ice packs, and entertainment. You may also choose to pre-prepare some healthy meals, purchase some comfortable, loose clothing and fill any needed prescriptions before your procedure date.
Generally, mothers find that they can still breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery, provided that their anatomy provided them to do so before surgery.
If you are concerned about your ability to breastfeed, please discuss this with Dr Peters during your initial consultation.
Usually, breast augmentation does require implants. However, fat grafting techniques are becoming more reliable and predictable and can be a suitable alternative to implants for small volume augmentations or specific volume asymmetries that may exist.
Dr Peters can assess the possibility of fat grafting within the context of your anatomy and desired result during your initial consultation if this is an option you are interested in.
Breast implants do not have a set expiry date, however, breast implants may last about 10 to 20 years on average. Replacement or removal surgery may be necessary if complications occur. To lower your risks of certain complications, follow all postoperative instructions closely and get regular check-ups to ensure the absence of any ruptures.
Recent research has determined that certain types of breast implants are linked to a rare form of cancer called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL).
It is important to acknowledge the risk of ALCL when considering breast implant surgery. During your consultation, Dr Peters will discuss the risks of ALCL with you and the steps he will take as a surgeon to mitigate them.
‘CC’, standing for cubic centimetre, is a measure of volume. The larger the CC size of an implant, the more it will increase your breast size. The final number is not as relevant as the actual dimensions a patient requires; however, it does provide a useful measure to allow for comparisons.