Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery operations. Breast implants are used to increase the breast volume. They may also improve the breast shape, and can help to lift the nipple or breast tissue.
Breast Augmentation
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Is this surgery right for me?
At Tailored Plastic Surgery, we will tailor your augmentation surgery to your needs. People may increase the shape and volume of their breasts, potentially improve symmetry and even achieve a degree of breast lift.
Most women who are interested in this operation either wish to regain breast volume they may have lost through weight loss or following childbirth, or wish to enhance their natural breasts.
What does the procedure
journey look like?
To begin your journey at Tailored Plastic Surgery, you will typically have an initial consultation to discuss your goals and see how we can help you. After a second consultation and a cooling-off period of one week, if you wish to proceed, we will schedule the surgery on a date that suits you. We will discuss the steps you need to take in the lead-up to your surgery, and also on the day of your procedure.
The night after your procedure and the day after you may feel that your breasts are swollen and your chest region mildly tight. You will be wearing a post-operative surgical bra and have instructions for medications to take at home, and exercises to perform. You should be able to go home that same day. You should be able to return to work within two weeks depending on what your regular occupation is. We advise against strenuous physical activity and exercise within the first six weeks.
Procedure Risks
Breast augmentation is a procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts using implants. In addition to general surgery risks, potential risks associated with breast augmentation include:
Capsular Contracture:
The formation of a thick scar tissue capsule around the breast implant, leading to breast deformity, pain, and asymmetry.
Breast Implant Malrotation or Malposition:
The rotation or migration of the implant from its original position, resulting in breast deformity and unevenness.
Breast Implant Rupture:
Rarely, breast implants may rupture, causing asymmetric breasts and deflation on the affected side.
Loss of Sensation:
Nerve injury during surgery can result in temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipple or a patch of breast skin.
Risk of BIA-ALCL:
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an extremely rare type of cancer that arises from immune cells around the implant. It is primarily associated with textured implants. Treatment typically involves implant removal and sometimes en-bloc capsulectomy.
Additional Risks:
These may include the risk of BII (Breast implant illness) or pneumothorax (intraoperative complication)
Still unsure? Here are some FAQs..
Can I have a breast augmentation and breastfeed after?
There is a significant proportion of people who are unable to breastfeed their babies, even when they have not had breast implants. While people have had breast implants and breastfed successfully afterwards, there is a chance that you may not be able to breastfeed after your breast augmentation.
How is breast augmentation performed?
Breast implants can be inserted via an inframammary fold (IMF) approach, a transaxillary approach in the armpit, or along the nipple-areolar complex (periareolar). There are advantages and disadvantages for each of these, and at Tailored Plastic Surgery, we are happy to explain these to you and what best suits you. We typically use the IMF approach, and the scar is usually very well hidden, and less than 5cm long.
Can I have a breast lift at the same time?
Some people may wish to have a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time as having breast augmentation.
Will I have drains used?
Most commonly, drains are not used for a breast augmentation.
How long will my implants last? Do I need to change them?
Breast implants do not need to be changed after a defined period of time. We recommend monitoring your breast implants regularly to ensure there are no abnormal changes, and they only need to be changed where there are concerns.
How do I know what implant volume to choose?
It may be difficult to choose what volume of implant you would like for your breast augmentation. At Tailored Plastic Surgery, we guide you through the process. Using a combination of methods, we try to help you choose an implant volume that will best help you achieve your results.
Can I have a breast augmentation and breastfeed after?
There is a significant proportion of people who are unable to breastfeed their babies, even when they have not had breast implants. While people have had breast implants and breastfed successfully afterwards, there is a chance that you may not be able to breastfeed after your breast augmentation.
Can I have a breast lift at the same time as a breast reduction
A breast reduction is commonly performed together with a breast lift – as we reduce the weight and volume of your breasts, we lift the nipple to a higher and more youthful position. We also commonly reduce the size of your areola as part of the breast reduction.
How is breast augmentation performed?
Breast implants can be inserted via an inframammary fold (IMF) approach, a transaxillary approach in the armpit, or along the nipple-areolar complex (periareolar). There are advantages and disadvantages for each of these, and at Tailored Plastic Surgery, we are happy to explain these to you and what best suits you. We typically use the IMF approach, and the scar is usually very well hidden, and less than 5cm long.
Where is the implant placed?
The breast implants can be positioned in front of your pectoralis muscle (pre-pectoral/subglandular pocket) or behind your pectoralis muscle (sub-pectoral/submuscular pocket). A number of factors influence this decision, including how much soft tissue you have naturally, your lifestyle, and your desired appearance. There are advantages and disadvantages for either of these, and at Tailored Plastic Surgery, we are happy to explain these to you and what best suits you.
What type of implant do we use?
Breast implants are either filled with silicone or saline. Silicone gel gives a more natural feel but does require monitoring to ensure there is no rupture. Saline implants are more obvious when they rupture, and require less monitoring. We generally use smooth silicone implants for breast augmentation.