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, to achieve more proportionate breasts or to address congenital asymmetries or irregularities.
In addition, pregnancy and the natural ageing process can affect the size, shape, and fullness of your breasts. Augmentation can help restore fullness to your breasts.
Breast augmentation Before & After
Front – 2 stages; 1. bilateral breast reduction/lift, 2. Bilateral Breast Augmentation- high dual plane 555cc
Oblique – 2 stages; 1. bilateral breast reduction/lift, 2. Bilateral Breast Augmentation- high dual plane 555cc
Concerns that a Breast Augmentation procedure can address
Your breast augmentation surgery procedure will be customised to fit your anatomy and achieve your desired results. Various types of implants, implant shapes, implant sizes, and implant profile surfaces are available and can be selected to tailor to your individual needs.
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, but saline implants may also be selected. 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.
- Saline implants have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a medical-grade saline solution.
Before your breast augmentation procedure
Organise a consultation with breast augmentation surgeon Dr Peters in Brisbane to discuss your concerns and expectations. You can ask any questions that you may have about your breast augmentation surgery and learn more about how the procedure will work.
Breast implant shapes
During your consultation with Dr Peters for breast augmentation surgery in Brisbane, you can discuss the 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.
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. All teardrop/anatomical implants are textured in surface, as the shape alone poses a higher risk of rotation.
Procedure time
Breast augmentation surgery typically takes one to two hours. The procedure time will depend on the complexity of your individual breast augmentation procedure. When the procedure has been completed, you may need to remain in the hospital for monitoring before your discharge.
Recovery
Post-procedure symptoms
You might experience swelling, a sensation of tightness or aching, and minor bruising for several days after your breast augmentation procedure.
You will be provided with specific post-operative instructions and what to expect throughout each stage of your recovery.
Self-care during recovery
Dr Peters will provide you with information on your specific post-surgery care requirements. We suggest that you prepare an area in your home for you to comfortably recover in. You can keep pillows and ice packs in the designated area of your home to assist in your comfort. You may also choose to pre-prepare some healthy meals, purchase some comfortable, loose clothing and fill any needed prescriptions before your procedure date.
As you heal from breast augmentation surgery, you will need to avoid any strenuous physical activities. Specific instructions will be provided to you regarding your return to your usual activity will be provided to you. You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultation with Dr Peters and a VPS clinic nurse as well as your review appointments post-operatively.
Post breast augmentation bra
Following your breast augmentation surgery, you will be given a surgical bra to support your breasts while you heal. You may need to wear this bra for up to six weeks, depending on your individual recovery needs, which will be discussed in detail.
Am I a candidate for breast augmentation surgery?
You may be a suitable candidate for breast augmentation surgery if your breasts have fully developed but you are not satisfied or comfortable with the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts. You may have experienced a loss of shape and volume in the breasts following pregnancy, weight loss, or with age.
When considering individual health factors, you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery if you are physically and mentally healthy, your expectations for what surgery can achieve are realistic, and you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. If you do not smoke or are willing to stop smoking in the months before and after surgery, you may also be a suitable candidate for a breast augmentation procedure.
Breastfeeding
Generally, mothers find that they can still breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery, provided that their anatomy enabled them to do so before surgery. You can discuss any concerns about your ability to breastfeed with Dr Peters during your initial consultation.
Resuming usual daily activities
Resuming your daily routine after breast augmentation surgery should be done slowly to allow sufficient recovery time.
- Exercise may be slowly resumed after surgery, first with some light walking to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. You may be able to resume most exercise from three to six weeks after the procedure, however, you will need to avoid resuming heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until six to 12 weeks after surgery.
- Returning to work may take up to a week or more following surgery, depending on the nature of your occupation. You may be able to return to seated desk work within seven days, however, occupations that require strenuous movement or lifting may require two to six weeks before returning to ensure enough recovery time.
Specific advice and instructions will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr Peters and a VPS clinic nurse. You can discuss any concerns about your recovery during your consultation.
Surgery Risks & Complications
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to procedure specific risks. The risks associated with breast augmentation will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr Peters.
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor the state and health of your breasts and notifying your doctor of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
You can discuss any concerns that you may have about the possible risks and complications of undergoing breast augmentation surgery in Brisbane with Dr Peters.
Your questions answered 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.
Breast Augmentation Related Procedures
Breast Implant Revision
Breast Lift
Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reduction
