Procedures to increase the breast size and/or balance and restore volume.
Procedures to increase the breast size and/or balance and restore volume.
Dr Steve Merten, MBBS, FRACS
Registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon
AHPRA MED0001155669
Education and Training:
Breast Enlargement, also referred to as breast augmentation, is a cosmetic surgery where breast implants are used to increase the volume and modify the contour of the breasts. Breast Enlargement can also correct noticeable breast asymmetry.
Dr Merten has performed over 2000 breast augmentation surgeries. According to the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR), an estimated 20,000 women undergo breast augmentation surgery each year in Australia for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
In recent years there has been much advancement in breast augmentation surgery. Today, women can choose from a wide variety of breast implants in different shapes, sizes and materials that allow personal customisation of this surgery.
Breast Enlargement requires an individualised approach that takes into account each patient’s specific needs and cosmetic goals—there is not a universal technique that is ideal for all women. After carefully listening to your concerns, our experienced plastic surgeons will guide you through the implant selection process and formulate a personalised surgical plan.
Please note: Outcomes shown are only relevant for the individual patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Results vary due to many factors including an individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Breast enlargement (“augmentation”) increases the size and modifies the shape of your breasts, using breast implants, making your breasts larger and fuller. Benefits for you may include:
There are many factors that go into deciding who is a suitable candidate for breast enlargement surgery. Your reasons for wanting to undergo the procedure are important, and it is critical that you are honest with the surgeon who will be performing your breast surgery. Some of the most common reasons for wanting breast implants include breasts that are small, flat, asymmetrical or have lost tone or volume.
Implants are also often used during breast reconstruction after a mastectomy to remove cancer of the breast.
During the initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will talk with you about what you hope to achieve with breast augmentation. It is important to note that this procedure, as with any aesthetic surgery, is intended to enhance one’s appearance, not provide perfect results. To determine if you are eligible for the procedure, your surgeon will ask about your expectations as well as go over your medical history. Since this procedure is performed in the operating room and general anaesthesia is required, you need to be in good physical and mental health. If you have any medical conditions or have ever had any adverse reactions to general anaesthesia, this should be discussed with your doctor.
The first consultation is the time to talk in detail about the new shape and size of your breasts. It can be helpful to bring in pictures of breasts that you admire, as this can give your surgeon a better idea of your desired outcome. During this visit, your surgeon will perform a physical examination, taking a variety of measurements of your breasts. Since breast augmentation goes beyond just an increase in size, these measurements will assist your surgeon in the planning process. From the slope of the upper breast and lower breast, to the placement of your nipple on the enlarged breast, your surgeon will consider how each detail factors into the final look. Our surgeons believe the best breast augmentation is one that is correctly proportioned to your body and is natural in appearance. They will help you understand which breast implant size, shape and type will work best with your chest size, body frame type, personal preferences, and chest tissue thickness.
You and your surgeon will go through a computer simulation of your body with “virtual surgery” results, as well as pictures of past patients, allowing you to point out qualities you like and those you don’t. You may also wish to try different implants by placing them inside your bra, helping you see them on your body frame. Your surgeon will go over your different options and offer recommendations based on your ideal outcome. They will also explain what you can expect in the recovery process and possible complications that can occur. You are encouraged to ask questions at any point.
As the date of your surgery gets closer, you will return for a second consultation with your surgeon to make any final decisions about your procedure. This is to ensure that you and your surgeon have a mutual understanding of the expected outcome and results of your breast augmentation. The second consultation will also review any risks specific to your case. Breast augmentation is a major procedure, so you’ll undergo a pre-operative assessment with your doctor to evaluate your health and identify any pre-existing conditions or risk factors.
You’ll also be provided with a information specific to your procedure to help you prepare. This will include which medications should be stopped leading up to surgery, how to prepare for your recovery, and when to refrain from eating or drinking before your appointment. Patients are also advised to quit smoking for at least a few weeks prior to surgery, as smoking can interfere with the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications.
With Crisalix 3D breast simulation software, our Breast Enlargement patients are able to virtually “try on” their results ahead of time. This is an extremely valuable tool our team uses during the initial consultation process, which helps patients visualize their results and allows our surgeons to better understand their aesthetic goals.
When suitable, we will take a series of photos to do 3D morphing simulations using Crisalix technology, which can then be used to show you what breast implants of different size and shape will look like on you.
To see your simulated results, request a consultation.
Our Pure Aesthetics surgeons routinely perform breast augmentation in Sydney using cohesive or highly cohesive silicone gel breast implants. They are actively involved in clinical research to improve the long-term outcomes in breast implant surgery. Although saline-filled breast implants are available, they are infrequently used in Australia.
Most plastic surgeons and patients find that silicone gel implants have a more natural feel, are less likely to ripple than saline breast implants, and do not deflate.
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Breast implants come in different shapes and profiles. Anatomic or “teardrop” shaped implants were created with a more natural shape and are fuller in the lower half, similar to a natural breast. Round implants are more centrally full and tend to provide more fullness in the upper breast.
Both types of breast implants come in a range of “projections,” which is how much they push forward. Equally as important as the shape of the implant is the shape, tissue thickness, and skin quality of the patient. Thin breast tissue combined with round implants may give an unnatural look with breasts protruding extensively.
On the other hand, thinner tissue with a teardrop implant may be the best choice when wanting to achieve natural-looking breasts due to the tapered top half of the implant. Both types of breast implants can look excellent, and both can look more or less natural, depending on how they are used.
When plastic surgeons talk about the profile of breast implants, they are discussing the way the implant projects forward from the chest wall, as compared to the width of the implant base. Think of the profile as the intended distance that the new breasts will project outward in the front. If the patient wants a more obvious silhouette after surgery, a higher profile implant may be used. The implant profile for a Breast Enlargement can be ultra high, high, moderate plus, or moderate.
Ultra High: This implant will have the smallest width at the base and the highest level of projection from the chest wall. This gives a more centred breast with less side fullness and may be better for women who have a smaller chest wall width who want to achieve a fuller outcome. This profile option may, however, look more obvious than lesser projecting implants.
High: The base width will be wider than the ultra high profile, and the projection will be less pronounced.
Moderate Plus: This implant profile will have a moderate width at the base of the implant and less projection than a high profile choice.
Moderate: This implant profile has the widest base width and the least amount of projection out of all the breast implant profiles. This may give more cleavage and upper fullness, whilst keeping the overall size lower.
Breast implants may be placed either in front of the chest muscle (pectoralis muscle) or behind it. The choice depends on a number of factors, particularly how much of your own tissues are present, as there needs to be enough thickness to minimise the visibility of the implant itself.
Submuscular placement: Also called subpectoral placement, this technique involves detaching the chest wall muscle from the bottom along the ribs and inserting the implant underneath. Since the chest muscle is fan-shaped, it doesn’t cover the entire breast implant, but it does provide support and help reduce visibility beneath the skin. For this reason, submuscular placement is often recommended for women with less natural breast tissue. Implants positioned behind the muscle are also associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture, but the procedure is more involved and may require a longer recovery period.
Subglandular placement: Subglandular placement involves positioning the breast implant on top of the chest wall muscle and directly behind the mammary glands. It is less involved than submuscular placement, but is typically reserved for women with a sufficient amount of inherent breast tissue to reduce implant visibility. An advantage of subglandular placement is that the breast implants are not affected by the movement of the chest muscle during physical activity, which can cause temporary distortion that may be noticeable. As a result, athletic women may also prefer having their implants placed on top of the muscle.
Most women having breast augmentation are either naturally thin, or have lost breast tissue thickness after pregnancy and breastfeeding, so placement behind the muscle is more common. This location also has additional benefits, including a lower rate of capsular contracture and better visibility of the breast tissues for breast cancer screening.
Like any other cosmetic surgical procedure, breast augmentation requires incisions in the treatment area. This gives your surgeon access to the underlying breast tissue and allows placement of the breast implants into the chest. However, incisions can be placed in different areas depending on your needs and preferences. Incision location is important, because it determines where the scar will form after surgery. Strategic incision placement can minimise the visibility of scarring.
This is the most common type of incision used in breast augmentation. It is made in the fold beneath the breast where it is naturally concealed, reducing the likelihood of visible scars.
This incision is made around the edge of the areola — the dark area around the nipples. It is more visible than the inframammary incision, but provides more difficult access for implant placement. Once it heals, it blends in well with the darker, textured areola skin.
This incision is made in the armpit and can be a good option for women who prefer to avoid scarring on the breast itself. However, due to the location, it may be more difficult for your surgeon to achieve precise implant placement through this incision.
Breast implants come in a wide variety of sizes, allowing for full customisation of your new look. However, breast implant sizes are measured either by volume or weight in cubic centimetres (cc), rather than cup size. Common implant size ranges are between 250 to 450 cc, with a larger number meaning a larger breast augmentation implant. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect every 150-250 ccs to add one or one and a half cup sizes.
Most implants fall into the range of 300 to 400cc, with larger implants being over 450cc, but you don’t necessarily need the largest implant size available to achieve larger and fuller breasts. By considering other factors such as projection, profile and shape, smaller or moderately sized implants may be suitable, and often are preferable.
When you consult with a qualified plastic surgeon about breast augmentation surgery, this professional will evaluate your body type and frame size as part of the consultation process, and then make suggestions about the appropriate size and shape of your breast implants and recommend a surgical technique. Your plastic surgeon will measure the width of your chest to evaluate possible sizes for your procedure and then discuss your options with you.
The size of your new breasts after Breast Enlargement is just one of the important considerations, and you need to determine how much projection you are looking for and whether you want subtle and more results that are more obviously the result of plastic surgery. You should always be aware, however, that oversized breast implants have higher risks and more problems than implants that are more moderately sized, and your body type and frame size will also play a role in the right size as well.If you choose large implants for Breast Enlargement then you may have to face higher risks and more problems over time. This may be especially true if you are small and have a thinner frame. If the size you want is too large for your actual frame then you could experience stretch marks, rippling or wrinkling in the skin, thinning of the breast tissues including fat and muscle, and a number of other risks as well.
Projection is another aspect that should be considered before Breast Enlargement. How far do you want your new breasts to project out from the chest wall? A tiny woman who chooses a large implant size may find that the implants cause her breasts to project too far, giving them an unnatural and fake appearance. Narrow shoulders may also indicate that a smaller implant size is called for, and each case is different and unique because each woman is an individual.
When you consult with a qualified plastic surgeon about Breast Enlargement, this professional will evaluate your body type and frame size, and then make suggestions about the right size to get the results that you are hoping for. Breast implant sizes are measured either by volume or weight; a larger number means a larger Breast Enlargement implant. Your plastic surgeon will measure the width of your chest to evaluate possible sizes for your procedure and then discuss your options with you.
The same size breast implant may look very different on various body types, so all of the factors involved in each case need to be considered before a final implant size can be chosen. Our surgeons partner with each patient to look at all of the factors, evaluate the possible sizes that may be the appropriate for your body, and then make recommendations based on these considerations.
Our surgeons recommend that patients start preparing for their Breast Enlargement as far in advance as possible. There are several things that you will need to consider so that you are fully prepared after you have breast implant surgery and leave the hospital.
For at least 24 hours after your surgery, you will need someone to stay with you. It is also important that a friend or relative drives you to the hospital and back home after your procedure. You should also arrange for care for any children or pets for the first few days. You will be provided with the prescriptions for any needed medicines ahead of time so these can be filled before your procedure as well.
We advise patients to avoid smoking, alcohol use, and certain other activities for at least a few weeks before Breast Enlargement. Smoking can impact any plastic surgery procedures because it impairs healing, and alcohol use can also cause problems or contribute to complications with breast implant surgery. Try to follow a healthy diet in the weeks before the plastic surgery procedures so that your body has all the nutrients needed for proper healing.
Patients travel from all over the world to work with the right plastic surgeons. If you’re travelling from out-of-town or overseas to Sydney for a breast augmentation at Pure Aesthetics, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to prepare for your surgery. This includes making arrangements for accommodation near our location so you have easy access and a comfortable place to recover. You’ll also need to plan for transportation to and from our facility on the day of surgery and for any follow-up appointments. Our team can assist you with any aspect of your interstate or international travel to ensure that you’re properly prepared.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes about one to two hours to complete. More complex or intricate procedures may last longer, but these possibilities will have already been discussed during your consultation.
During breast enlargement surgery, a small incision is made either under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit, depending on your needs and preferences. The implant is then inserted through this incision and placed into the breast pocket, positioned either over or under the chest wall muscle. After the implants are in place, the incisions are closed with internal dissolving sutures. Although the incisions are small and strategically placed, some scarring is expected after your breast augmentation. Over time, these scars will fade and become less noticeable.
Understanding the cost of breast augmentation in Sydney is an important part of planning your surgery. During your consultation, all aspects, including the costs and what they cover, will be explained in detail. Following your breast enhancement surgery, you will enter a recovery period. Proper care and follow-up consultations are crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and to achieve the best results.
Below, please watch our video animation to see what happens in a breast augmentation procedure.
Immediately after your breast augmentation, you may feel tired as the anaesthetic gradually wears off. You may also be slightly sore and experience discomfort, but this is typically well-tolerated. During your procedure, a local anesthetic is injected into the breast area to improve postoperative comfort. Since breast augmentation is considered a “day surgery,” you will be able to return home within a few hours of your operation.
The time needed to recover from Breast Enlargement will vary with each individual; however, there is some care that can be taken to ensure a speedy recovery. The first 48 hours will require lots of rest and taking it easy. Pain medication can be utilised to control the pain. Swelling and bruising is also common; however, this usually subsides within a week or two.You may notice that your chest feels tight or that you have pressure on your chest. This is normal and should go away as the chest muscles stretch out over the implants; the feeling is similar to a pulled muscle or a heavy weight sitting on the chest.
The initial recovery period usually lasts from 7 to 14 days, depending on where the breast implants are placed and other relevant factors. You will need to avoid any lifting or excessive movement that involves the affected tissues for at least a few days.
At the beginning of your recovery you will be wrapped in surgical tape. This will be replaced after the first week with a postoperative compression bra, to be worn during the day and at night for 6 weeks. The stitches used during surgery are typically dissolving, eliminating the need to have them removed later on. Should your surgeon choose to place traditional sutures, these are typically removed after two weeks.
For the average woman doing non-strenuous clerical-type work, it is generally tone to two weeks after surgery before you may be able to return to work. For other types of jobs, however, which may require heavy lifting, it may be longer.
Recovery from breast augmentation can take several weeks to months, depending on your body’s healing process and the extent of your surgery. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during each phase of your recovery:
The results of your breast augmentation will be immediately apparent, but your final results will take some time to develop as swelling subsides and your implants settle into their new position. Your breasts may also feel firm right after your operation and soften to a more natural state as your recovery progresses. If your breasts continue to feel unusually firm, or this sensation is accompanied by pain, contact your surgeon right away — this could indicate the formation of capsular contracture, or scar tissue that is abnormally hard and dense.
Swelling is typically mild following breast augmentation, and you’ll see it continue to fade even more over the course of the next 4 to 6 weeks. About 8 weeks into your recovery, you should begin to see how your new implants look. As your body continues to heal, your breasts will appear fuller and softer, with your final results noticeable within 3 months.
Modern breast implants have a well established record, but you shouldn’t expect your implants to last a lifetime. In the absence of injury or trauma that results in implant failure, breast implants can remain in the body for 15 to 20 years without needing to be removed or replaced. However, if you’ve had your implants for 5 years or more, it’s recommended that you schedule a follow-up to assess the health and structural integrity of your implants as a preventative measure, even if you aren’t experiencing any problems. We recommend seeing your surgeon every 5 years after breast augmentation.
If you do experience complications or change your mind about your breast implants, you can have them removed or exchanged for new ones that suit your body or aesthetic preferences. It’s important to keep in mind that secondary breast procedures, such as breast implant revision, are often more complex than the initial breast augmentation.
As with any surgery, scars cannot be avoided after your breast augmentation. However, our surgeons are experienced with performing advanced surgical techniques to minimise the appearance of scarring. Over time, the incision lines from your surgery should gradually lighten and become less noticeable.
Although our plastic surgeons are highly skilled and experienced, every surgery comes with risks and can potentially lead to complications. This includes, but is not limited to:
The risks more specific to Breast Enlargement, which will be covered in detail during your consultation, include:
To learn how to identify and respond to these possible complications, should they arise, please listen to your surgeon’s advice and ask any questions you have.
The standard Breast Enlargement is a cosmetic procedure, as such there are no rebates from Medicare or health insurance, except in special circumstances, such as major breast asymmetry, and constricted or tuberous breasts. In these situations, Medicare and Health insurance may be applicable. Out-of-pocket expenses start at $12,500 including Surgeon, Anaesthetist, Implant and hospital fees.
Cost should never be the most important consideration, but it is a factor that needs to be looked at. Some breast implants are more costly than others, and adding a breast lift to the procedure can make it even more expensive.
The cost of round implants is typically lower, while anatomical implants are up to twice as much—although different brands vary somewhat. It is the cost of the implants that varies, not the doctors’ fees. For an accurate price, please contact us for an appointment today.
Pure Aesthetics is a plastic surgery practice in Sydney led by a team of dedicated and knowledgeable Specialist Plastic Surgeons. We are committed to helping patients achieve their results using the most innovative and up-to-date techniques available. Throughout the entire treatment process, we’re focused on getting to know each individual to make sure our patients feel comfortable and informed about their procedure.
Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons are devoted to delivering top-quality care and guidance during your breast augmentation journey with us and look forward to meeting you for your consultation at our Sydney City or Macquarie University clinic.
It is important to understand that breast enlargement surgery is an aesthetic procedure—it cannot offer a new life or a quick “fix” for unrelated problems. Your emotional stability and having realistic expectations are necessary for achieving a successful outcome.
In addition to understanding the benefits and limitations of the procedure, you may want to arrange for help throughout the beginning of your recovery. Knowing what complications can arise, and how to respond to them should they occur, can also ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
If you smoke then your ability to heal is affected, and you may take longer to recover from breast enlargement surgery or even develop complications from the implants. It is recommended that you quit smoking at least 4-6 weeks before you plan on undergoing a Breast Enlargement surgery.
Breast Enlargement is performed as a “day surgery” procedure and usually takes 1.5-2 hours. You get to go home that same day. All surgeries are performed in fully accredited facilities ensuring your safety.
It is certainly possible to do both Breast Enlargement and abdominoplasty at the same time, and our surgeons do this combination frequently, such as in a comprehensive post pregnancy reconstruction. If you have significant abdominal muscle separation and problems related to this, Abdominoplasty has a Medicare Item number, so there are rebates for this surgery (criteria apply), and if you have health insurance, your hospital fees may also be covered. When we are doing combinations of procedures, there is usually some cost benefit because of time savings in these settings.
In some cases breast implants alone may not give you the desired results, and your surgeon may recommend a breast lift in addition to the Breast Enlargement procedure. Breast lift surgery is an additional procedure that may be recommended following breastfeeding or significant weight loss where breast tissue and skin has loosened and drooped. Depending on your specific needs, your surgeon can determine whether a combination breast lift with implants is recommended.
In most cases breast enlargement will not prevent you from breastfeeding any child that you have in the future. If this is a big concern then talk to your surgeon to ensure that you have the right information for your situation. The breast implants should not affect breast milk, and the infant should not be affected in any way.
Most women do not realize that their new breasts must go through a period of settling in, and initially the breasts may look larger and fuller than the final result. Do not be alarmed, this is normal and will go away over time. As healing takes place the implants will position correctly and the appearance of the breasts will become evident.
Breast implants don’t last forever and all types will need replacing, on average, after 15 to 20 years. With careful treatment planning in the first instance, revision breast implant surgery should not be necessary before this time.
If you undergo Breast Enlargement surgery and your implants start to sag or rupture, then you may need an additional plastic surgery to correct the problem or replace the ruptured implant.
New breast health baselines need to be established by you and your doctor post Breast Enlargement. Breasts with implants will feel different during self and professional examinations. Your doctor can equip you with the tools needed to undertake a self-assessment and what to look for. It is important to get a professional examination every year and that you let the doctor know you have had implants.
Before you make any decision to have Breast Enlargement surgery, there are many important factors that need to be considered and weighed carefully. An experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon can help you weigh the pros and cons of this type of surgery, so that you can make an informed decision. Any plastic surgeon that is in a rush or does not make sure that you fully understand this cosmetic surgery you will be having should be avoided.
A qualified plastic surgeon can help you identify the right breast implants for your specific situation. Make sure that the plastic surgery expert that you choose is well qualified to handle this type of plastic surgery procedure, and that they are licensed and certified by the proper authorities and organisations. Experience is also a top consideration, so ensure your plastic surgeon has plenty of before and after photos of their prior patients to show you.
If you have any further questions about Breast Enlargement and implants, please contact Pure Aesthetics, and one of our team members will be happy to help you.