Breast augmentation surgery is an operation to increase breast size and improve the way they project.

A breast implant (prosthesis) is a shell made of medical silicone, filled with cohesive silicone gel or occasionally with saline (sterile salt water). Cohesive gel is not runny, and in case of rupture the gel component will stick to itself and remain in place.

Gel-filled prostheses have a similar feel to normal breast tissue. In thin women, however, both gel and saline implants may be felt and even seen. In thin women, the prostheses may be partially buried under the pectoral muscle to try and disguise it.

The prostheses must be centred under the nipple and the size that can be accommodated is determined by this and the size and shape of the underlying chest wall. Different shapes and configurations of implants of the same volume allow some choice but there are limits to how much enlargement can be achieved.

This procedure is usually performed as a day case under general anaesthetic in a private hospital. This is carried out either as a day procedure or with one night stay in hospital. The procedure itself takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours.

We make a space for the implant under your breast or under the chest muscle below your breast. The implant is placed usually through an opening in the fold under your breast.

After the Operation

After your surgery the breasts will be taped and a soft bra will be in place. This bra should only be removed for showering. There is some pain postoperatively which is usually controlled with simple pain relief such as Paracetamol. You should take things quietly for the first week after surgery being especially careful with lifting the arms at the shoulder

Most people get back to normal levels of activity 3 to 4 weeks after the operation. However, you need to restrict vigorous activity, such as gym work for at least 6 weeks. Your breasts should be ready for a new bra fitting after 6 weeks.

The operation leaves a small scar below each breast, usually hidden by the fold under your breast.

The outcome for you is:

You have fuller and more prominent breasts
You should be able to breastfeed normally if you have a child, although this is not guaranteed.

Your surgeon will give you full information on the safety of implants and risks of complications with them. The body recognizes implants as foreign material, so implants do cause some scar formation.

There are risks and complications associated with this surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these in detail with you during your consultation. These include: scarring, bleeding, infection, implant exposure, capsular contracture, sensation change or loss, visibility and palpability, leakage, the lifetime of implants.

Ongoing breast examination is recommended. If any lumps appear this should be checked by a doctor as you normally would. Nothing is inserted or injected into the breast gland tissue itself. The breast remains in front of the prosthesis and it can be physically examined, although it may make X-ray testing for cancer more difficult. Please tell your radiographer that you have breast implants as they will modify their technique accordingly.

Finally, there can be no guarantee with any surgery. The realistic aim of this operation is improvement, not perfection. A further operation may be required to improve the result.

The information provided about breast augmentation is intended as a guide and does not replace a full consultation with your surgeon. If you have any questions regarding this surgery be sure to get them answered in advance. Find out everything before the operation. Your surgeon will be very happy to explain anything in greater detail.

Before your surgery you will need to make various decisions with advice from you surgeon and the nurse specialist.

Decisions includes:

• the type of breast implant and its size and shape
• whether you will have the implant placed under your breast or under your chest muscle
• where the scar on your breast will be.

The cost is approximately $15,000 including the surgeon’s fee, hospital fees and anaesthetic fees. Implants are an additional cost, depending on the type of implant these can cost approximately $3600.

A breast lift may also be carried out at the same time and there would be additional costs involved. A personal quote will be provided after your consultation with one of our surgeons.