How is breast augmentation performed?

There are several techniques, all of which involve the insertion of saline or silicone gel-filled implants behind the breast tissue or behind the pectoral muscle. The implant is inserted through a small incision either under the breast, around the nipple, in the armpit or through the naval. Together, the patient and surgeon determine which approach is most suitable during the pre-operative consultation process.

What are the risks of breast augmentation?

Like all surgery, breast augmentation carries inherent risks and complications. In addition to health problems, there is the risk that the patient will not like the results of her breast augmentation.

Can I breastfeed after breast implant surgery?

Most women who have had breast augmentation find breastfeeding with implants no more difficult than breastfeeding without implants. Usually, the milk ducts that bring milk from the lobes and lobules of the breast to the nipple are not disturbed during surgery. The implant is placed in a pocket under all of the breast tissue. The periareolar incision is the only one that cuts through breast tissue and ducts.

Should I wait to get breast implants until after I have children?

Although women can generally have breast implants at any time, many patients choose to hold off if they plan on having children. Weight gain and breast tissue gain and loss will affect the appearance of the breasts, as will breastfeeding and associated hormonal changes.

Can breast implants lift sagging breasts?

Although breast implants cannot elevate excessively drooping breasts, they can reduce the appearance of mildly drooping breasts by adding volume behind loose skin. Moderate to severe sagging breasts can be corrected by a breast lift (mastopexy), which can be performed at the same time as augmentation, or as a standalone procedure.

Are augmented breasts more likely to sag over time?

All breasts relax with age as elasticity is lost and the amount of breast tissue usually decreases. This means that all breasts can be expected to sag, with or without implants. Implants do add weight to the breast, which may increase the rate of sagging, but implants and surrounding scar tissue can also provide internal support for the breasts. The larger the implant, the greater the likelihood of sagging. It is important to wear a good quality supportive bra and not assume that breast implants mean that a bra is not necessary.

Is there much pain associated with breast augmentation?

The amount of pain experienced depends on the technique, the incision site and the implant placement. Patients tolerate pain in different ways, and surgeons prescribe appropriate pain medication after surgery.

Will the procedure leave any scars?

Scars are an inevitable result of all surgeries, but skilled surgeons make them as inconspicuous as possible. Breast augmentation scars are usually a few centimetres long and are located to be barely noticeable.

Will I have swelling?

Swelling is very common post-operatively, and patients will most likely experience swelling to some degree. This can be reduced by applying cold compresses. Sleeping in a reclining position may help the fluid move away from the breast area and ease swelling.

Will I have bruising?

Any bruising typically fades in the first week or two after surgery. Severe or deep bruising that feels firm should be reported to the surgeon as this could lead to haematoma.

What are the safety issues surrounding breast implants?

Both saline and silicone gel implants behave in a highly predictable way, although both types can rupture or break open. In the case of rupture, both types of implant need to be surgically corrected. All implants in Australia must meet the high safety standards of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) before they are made available to the public.

Will I know if my implants have ruptured?

If a saline implant ruptures, the saline solution disperses into the body without causing any harm and the breast volume is rapidly and visibly reduced. If a silicone gel implant ruptures, the gel may remain in the shell or leak into the surrounding tissue. While the gel is harmless to the body, it is difficult to detect a rupture because the gel moves slowly. For this reason, mammograms or ultrasounds may be necessary. Many silicone gel implant ruptures can remain undetected.

What results can I expect?

The goal of breast augmentation surgery is to increase the size of the breasts. The extent of the increase needs to be discussed prior to the procedure and depends on such variables as individual measurements and overall proportion. Experienced surgeons can determine whether the patient's expectations are achievable.

How important are psychological factors in relation to breast augmentation?

Emotional stability is a primary factor to be considered before any cosmetic surgery is performed. A bigger bust does not guarantee a new life or an end to all personal problems. It is mostly a patient's mental attitude that helps determine a successful outcome. A breast augmentation can improve the appearance of the breasts as well as self-confidence - the rest is up to the individual.

When can I resume normal activities?

This varies for individual patients and should be discussed and planned for before and after surgery. Generally, most patients should be able to resume office work around three to five days after surgery. For more physical work, downtime is usually around two weeks in most cases.

Do implants have to be replaced regularly?

Breast implants have a limited lifespan and may have to be removed or replaced at some stage. The lifespan varies but many of them last up to and beyond 25 years. It is possible for any type of implant to leak, and it must be assumed that all implants will eventually wear out.

Can breast implants cause breast cancer?

There is no medical evidence to show that women with breast implants have a higher incidence of developing breast cancer or other diseases.

Do breast implants make it difficult to detect breast cancer?

Breast implants can obstruct x-rays from penetrating all of the breast tissue, creating potential for abnormalities to remain undetected. Women with augmented breasts should choose a facility that has technicians experienced in obtaining reliable mammograms from breast implant patients. Informing technicians about your breast implants enables them to use appropriate techniques and avoid compression that could lead to rupture.