Breast Augmentation Surgery
Procedures to increase the breast size and/or balance and restore volume.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Sydney
- What Is Breast Augmentation?
- Considering Breast Augmentation?
- Who Might Avoid Breast Augmentation?
- What Are My Breast Implant Options?
- Breast Implant Profiles
- Placing Breast Implants Above vs. Under the Muscle
- Breast Augmentation Surgery: What to Expect
- What Are the Potential Risks?
- Cost of Breast Augmentation in Sydney
- Why Choose Pure Aesthetics?
- Additional Breast Enlargement FAQs
Meet your Surgeon
Dr Steve Merten
Meet your Surgeon
Dr Steve Merten, MBBS, FRACS :
- Registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- AHPRA MED0001155669
Education and Training:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Sydney University in 1991
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 2001
- Fellowships in Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery and Monash University
- Fellowship in Breast Reconstruction at the University of British Columbia, Canada
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a procedure that uses breast implants to adjust the size, shape, and contour of the breasts. It may be considered by individuals looking to address:
- Smaller or underdeveloped breasts
- Changes in breast volume following pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or ageing
- Breast asymmetry
According to the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR), approximately 20,000 people undergo breast augmentation surgery in Australia each year for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes.
Breast Enlargement Before & After Photos
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.
Considering Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation may be an option if:
- You are in good physical and mental health.
- You have realistic expectations about the outcomes.
- You are over 18 years of age.
- You are exploring options to address the size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts.
Who Might Avoid Breast Augmentation?
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently given birth.
- Individuals with untreated medical conditions.
- Those with impaired healing or significant health concerns.
Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Sydney
At Pure Aesthetics, we take a personalised approach to breast augmentation in Sydney. During your consultation, our surgeons will:
- Understand Your Goals: Discuss your desired breast size, shape, and projection.
- Assess Your Anatomy: Perform a physical examination to evaluate your breast tissue, skin quality, and chest wall structure.
- Review Implant Options: Guide you through choices between shapes (round or teardrop), and profiles (moderate, high, ultra-high).
- Visualise Potential Outcomes: Use Crisalix 3D imaging technology to provide a simulation of potential results.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Types of Breast Implants
At Pure Aesthetics, our surgeons perform breast augmentation in Sydney using cohesive or highly cohesive silicone gel breast implants. They participate in clinical research related to breast implant surgery. While saline-filled breast implants are an available option, they are less commonly used in Australia.
Silicone gel implants are often chosen by both plastic surgeons and patients due to their softer feel. They may have a lower likelihood of rippling compared to saline implants and are not prone to deflation.
Silicone Gel Implants
Pros
- Feel most like normal breast tissue
- A lower risk of rippling
- May provide a softer feel and a different appearance compared to saline-filled breast implants.
- Come in round and teardrop shapes, allow more customisation.
Cons
- The incision required is longer, making some placement methods more difficult because the implant is pre-filled
- Ruptures can be difficult to detect
- Periodic screenings and diagnostic tests are required to ensure proper function
Saline Implants
Pros
- Implants are adjustable.
- The most projection and upper pole fullness possible
- The incision required may be smaller compared to other surgical approaches, depending on individual circumstances.
- Rupture is more easily detected because the breast implant will deflate (although this can also be problematic, as it can happen quite suddenly and unexpectedly.
- Less expensive than silicone implant types
Cons
- Less natural feel, the implants are firmer as the implants need to be maximally filled with saline to reduce “rippling”
- Higher risk of rippling and rupturing than silicone breast implants
- Heavier, which can cause “bottoming out” over time
Crisalix 3D Imaging
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 visualise 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.
Breast Implant Profiles
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.
Anatomic vs. Round Breast Implants
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 are available in different ‘projections,’ which refers to how much they extend forward. The overall outcome is influenced not only by the shape of the implant but also by the patient’s natural breast shape, tissue thickness, and skin quality. Individuals with thinner breast tissue and round implants may notice a more prominent appearance, depending on the implant placement and surgical technique.
For individuals with thinner tissue, a teardrop implant may be considered due to its tapered top half, which can contribute to a particular breast shape. Both types of breast implants may provide different aesthetic outcomes, depending on individual anatomy and how they are used.
Placing Breast Implants Above vs. Under the Muscle
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.
Breast Augmentation Surgery: What to Expect
- Procedure: Typically performed under general anaesthesia, with the surgery lasting 1-2 hours. Incisions are often made in discreet locations, such as the inframammary fold, around the areola, or in the armpit.
- Implant Placement: Breast implants can be positioned above (subglandular) or below (submuscular) the chest muscle, depending on individual anatomy and goals.
- Recovery: Many individuals return home the same day. Initial recovery often takes 7-14 days, with full recovery achieved within 6 weeks.
Recovery Timeline
- First 48 Hours: Focus on rest and following post-operative care instructions.
- First Week: Wear a supportive garment, avoid heavy lifting, and attend follow-up appointments.
- First Month: Supportive bras may help manage residual swelling.
- Six Months Onward: The breast implants typically settle into their final position, with scars generally becoming less noticeable over time.
What Are the Potential Risks?
Breast augmentation, like all surgeries, carries some risks. These may include:
- Capsular contracture (hardening around the implant)
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Infection or bleeding
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Rare risks, such as BIA-ALCL (associated with certain types of implants)
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Sydney
The starting cost for breast augmentation Sydney is approximately $13,900, which may include surgeon, anaesthetist, implant, and hospital fees. Medicare or private health insurance might cover certain cases, such as those involving correction of breast asymmetry or specific reconstructive needs.
Why Choose Pure Aesthetics?
- Qualified Surgeons: Our team includes AHPRA-certified plastic surgeons.
- Personalised Approach: We develop tailored treatment plans based on individual needs.
- Advanced Technology: Crisalix 3D imaging provides a detailed simulation of potential outcomes.
- Supportive Care: Guidance is offered throughout your journey, from consultation to recovery.
Additional Breast Enlargement FAQs
What Should I Know Before Breast Enlargement Surgery?
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 positive 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.
Why Should I Stop Smoking Before My Breast Enlargement?
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.
Will I Need to Be Hospitalised for My Breast Enlargement Surgery?
Breast Enlargement is performed as a “day surgery” procedure and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. You get to go home that same day. All surgeries are performed in fully accredited facilities, ensuring your safety.
Can I Get an Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) and Breast Enlargement at the Same Time?
It may be possible to undergo both breast enlargement and abdominoplasty during the same surgery. This approach might be considered in specific situations, such as post-pregnancy reconstruction. If you have significant abdominal muscle separation and meet specific criteria, abdominoplasty may have a Medicare Item number, potentially providing rebates for this surgery. Health insurance may also cover hospital fees, depending on your policy. It is important to discuss your options with your surgeon to determine the most appropriate approach for your individual circumstances.
Will I Need a Breast Lift in Addition to Getting Implants?
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 dropped. Depending on your specific needs, your surgeon can determine whether a combination breast lift with implants is recommended.
Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After Breast Enlargement?
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.
How Long Does It Take for the Implants to Settle?
Most women do not realise 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.
Will My Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced in the Future?
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.
What Happens if My Plastic Surgery Implants Sag or Rupture?
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.
How Will Implants Affect My Ongoing Breast Care?
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.
How Do I Choose A Surgeon for My Breast Enlargement?
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 who is in a rush or does not make sure that you fully understand the 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.
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