Breast Augmentation, also known frivolously as a ‘Boob Job’, can be achieved either with Breast Implants, or by Fat Transfer for those not wanting implants.
We have put together a list of questions that we are often asked about Breast Augmentation, but firstly, always ensure that whichever doctor you are seeing for Breast Augmentation, has the experience, training, and good reputation for Breast Augmentation.
1. How Can I Increase My Breast Size?
Breast Augmentation can be achieved either by inserting Implants or by Fat Transfer.
Implants come in such a huge array of variations that one can essentially customise a patient’s result by choosing the correct implant in terms of:
- Implant type (saline-filled or silicone)
- Implant shape (Round or Teardrop)
- Implant surface (Smooth or Textured) – and last, but certainly not least,
- Implant size
In addition to the many choices with implants, there are additional choices in terms of:
- Location of the incisions; and
- Implant placement (‘under the muscle’, ‘in front of the muscle’, sub-fascial or ‘dual plane’)
So, it should be plainly obvious to anyone considering Breast Augmentation with implants that whomever they intend to see for the surgery, he/she should have the experience and knowledge to guide them through the myriad of options available.
If, on the other hand, you are for any reason looking for Breast Augmentation but don’t want it done with implants, there is also the procedure of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation. This basically involves removing unwanted fat from one part of your body and then injecting it into the breasts. It may sound like the ‘perfect solution’ but there are ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ with it and not everyone is suitable for it. To learn more, visit our web page on Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation.
2. Do Breast Implants Feel Real?
Silicone breast implants do have a more ‘natural’ feel than saline implants because they more closely approximate the consistency of breast tissue. However, no implant should be considered undetectable to the touch.
Only Breast Augmentation by Fat Transfer (Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation) can be expected to impart a completely natural ‘feel’ to the touch.
3. How Big An Implant Size Should I Get?
The choice of implant size should be entirely yours! Choose the size that YOU like, not what you think others will like! However, always bear in mind that your implanted breasts should be in proportion to your overall figure and not look disproportionately large, unnatural, and obviously ‘fake’!
4. How Much Does Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost?
Unfortunately, we cannot give you a total cost for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation simply because the total cost will depend on the individual component cost, each of which cannot be estimated until the doctor has assessed you.
Those individual component costs are the Surgical Fee (for the removal of the fat by liposuction, its processing, and finally its injection into the breasts), and the Hospital and Anaesthetist Fees – and as the latter are both based on how long your procedure in Theatre will take, it’s only after the doctor sees you that your time in Theatre and therefore the Hospital & Anaesthetist Fees can be estimated.
5. Will Implants Correct My Sagging Breasts?
The answer to this is YES provided you have only MILD sagging! If your sag is only minor, the right size, shape and placement of implant can lift the breast upwards and correct the sag.
If, however, your degree of sagging is more than any implant could possibly correct, some form of ‘lift surgery’ would be required. A Breast Lift with Implants (known medically as an Augmentation Mastopexy) is achieved by first inserting an implant (usually ‘under the muscle’) and then removing the excess breast skin over the new, larger breast size. This skin-tightening manoeuvre tightens the breast ‘envelope’ which in turn has the effect of moving the entire breast upwards to a more pleasing and natural position on the chest.
6. How Is Breast Augmentation Done?
Breast Augmentation is a very popular procedure that can be done either by implants or by Fat Transfer for those women keen to increase their breast size without implants.
Whatever your preferences, in the best interests of patient comfort and safety, all Breast Augmentations are performed in a Licensed Hospital under General Anaesthesia administered by our Specialist Anaesthetist.
However, hospital stay is not necessary, and you can return home after 1-2 hours in Recovery. However, you cannot go home alone. You must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can also be with you for the first 24 hours.
7. What Do Teardrop Breast Implants Look Like?
Teardrop-shaped silicone implants are a very popular type of breast implant because they mimic the natural shape of the breast. They deliver maximum fullness and projection to the lower breast but then taper in profile towards the top allowing a very natural ‘drape’ of skin from the collarbone down to the nipple.
8. How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
The lifespan of any implant can never be predicted or guaranteed. Although there are many women who have had the same silicone breast implants in place for many years without any problems, there are also women who have had to replace their implants within a relatively short period of time.
Since implants were first introduced decades ago, successive improvements in implant design and technology have significantly increased the lifespan of today’s breast implants compared to those of yesteryear.
Admittedly, the chances of implant rupture do increase with the number of years you’ve had them in, but then again, regular ultrasound checks on the integrity of the implants can detect an early or ‘silent’ rupture and allow for an immediate implant replacement.
9. What Is The Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation?
You will not feel any pain during the surgery as it’s performed under General Anaesthesia.
Post-operatively, however, expect to feel some soreness in your chest but it’s rarely agonising pain and is described by most patients as a sensation of ‘pressure’ on the chest. In any event, it will largely settle over the next 5-6 days and in the meantime, it can be relieved with the pain relievers your doctor will have prescribed. By the end of the first week, even though you may feel occasional ‘twinges’ on certain movements, you should not need any regular pain relievers.
10. What Can Go Wrong With Breast Augmentation?
Most Breast Augmentations with implants proceed smoothly and uneventfully without complications.
However, every surgical procedure has potential risks complications, and Breast Augmentation is not an exception. All possible complications of breast surgery should be explained by your doctor at your initial consultation and that is why we offer a 2-Hour Consultation (Your Unique 2-Hour Consultation) at the end of which you will know everything you need to be able to make an informed decision as to whether to have the procedure.
11. When Can I Shower After Breast Augmentation?
In Recovery, you will notice a small dressing covering each incision. Even though these are waterproof dressings, do not soak them by having a full bath or shower. You can sit in a low bath to wash your lower body and sponge under your arms but do not wet the dressings.
Four days after your sutures are removed, you can shower and bathe normally.
12. What Bra Should I Wear After Breast Augmentation?
In the first 3 months after breast surgery, a good supportive, non-under-wire bra is all that is required. Other than that, wear whichever clothes are comfortable and easy to put on. After 3 months, you can resume wearing bras of any style including under-wire bras.
13. Can I Sleep Without A Bra After Breast Augmentation?
Just for extra support until all tissues heal and strengthen, it’s probably better to sleep in a bra during the first 3 months to prevent rolling onto your breasts and pushing the implants out of position. For the same reasons, if you have always slept on your stomach, you must now sleep on your side during the first 3 months. Preventing yourself from turning onto your stomach during sleep can be easily achieved by placing a pillow on each side of your body.
14. When Should I Start Massaging My Breast Implants?
Some doctors believe that massaging helps to prevent the complication known as ‘Capsular Contracture’ in which the breast feels firmer due to shrinkage of the fibrous envelope that normally forms around every breast implant. Other doctors dispute this theory believing that massaging could cause micro-hemorrhages in the fibrous envelope and actually increase the chances of developing Capsular Contracture.
If truth be known, the most effective protection against Capsular Contracture were the Polyurethane Foam-Covered Silicone Implants but these are no longer available in Australia.
15. Will My Areolas Get Bigger After Breast Augmentation?
As the breast skin must stretch to accommodate the breast implant under it, so too will the areola stretch along with it. Naturally, the larger the implant size, the more the skin and the areola will stretch. Nevertheless, this rarely stretches to an unacceptable degree.
16. Is Breast Augmentation scary?
Breast Augmentation is a great way to boost breast size for any woman unhappy with her current size. Understandably, surgery still makes some people nervous, so knowing how to prepare yourself for surgery can help lessen any anxiety.
Feeling confident with your chosen doctor is always a great start. Detailed pre-operative instructions and preparations also help by preparing you as to what to expect. In addition, having pre-operative pathology tests to confirm you are fit and healthy for anaesthesia and surgery – should also help to lessen any anxiety.
17. What Will the Scars Be Like?
In fair-skinned individuals, surgical scars usually end up white and become more inconspicuous over time. However, if you have brown or Asian skin, the scars could end up pigmented. Women with a history of thickened scars or keloids would not be considered good candidates for Breast Augmentation surgery.
18. What Is The Earliest Age I Can Get A Breast Augmentation?
For most women, breasts are not fully developed until 18 years of age and accordingly, Breast Augmentation is not advisable under 18.
