Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty?

Augmentation mammoplasty is a surgical intervention designed to increase breast volume using medical-grade implants. The procedure involves creating a surgical pocket—either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular)—to house the implant. Beyond simply increasing size, the surgery aims to alter the breast’s contour and projection to better suit the patient’s torso proportions. In Australia, this is one of the most frequently performed specialist plastic surgeries, often utilized to address inadequate development or changes in breast volume over time.

Benefits and Anatomical Changes

The primary objective of augmentation mammoplasty is to achieve a change in the physical dimensions of the breast. Documented clinical benefits and anatomical changes include:

• Modified Breast Volume: Adding measurable volume to breasts that are small in proportion to the frame.

• Proportional Balance: Altering the breast-to-torso ratio to achieve a more balanced physical appearance.

• Symmetry Correction: Addressing significant differences in size or shape between the left and right breasts.

• Volume Replacement: Modifying the upper pole fullness that may have diminished after weight loss or lactation.

Ideal Candidate Profile

A suitable candidate for augmentation mammoplasty is an individual who:

• Is in good overall physical health and at a stable weight.

• Has fully developed breast tissue (typically 18 years of age or older).

• Seeks to address specific anatomical concerns such as asymmetry or volume loss.

• Has a realistic understanding of the surgical process, recovery, and long-term maintenance of implants.

• Has obtained a mandatory GP referral as per AHPRA requirements.

Good Candidate Checklist

• Physically healthy with no active infections or untreated medical conditions.

• Non-smoker or willing to cease smoking at least 6 weeks before and after surgery.

• Understands that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require future revision.

• Prepared for the mandatory 7-day cooling-off period and multiple pre-operative consultations.

• Realistic about the limitations of surgery and the expected anatomical outcomes.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate?

Surgery may not be advisable for individuals with:

• Active Breast Cancer or Untreated Abnormal Mammograms: Health must be cleared by a GP or specialist first.

• Unrealistic Expectations: Those seeking a “perfect” or “flawless” result that is anatomically impossible.

• Psychological Vulnerabilities: Individuals diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or those undergoing significant life crises.

• Pregnancy or Nursing: Surgery should generally be delayed until 6–12 months after breastfeeding has ceased to allow tissue to stabilize.

• Compromised Healing: Severe autoimmune conditions or uncontrolled diabetes that may impair surgical recovery.

Breast Implant Options

A range of breast implant options exists, which differ by:

• Shape – round or contoured
• Texture – smooth or textured surface
• Profile – standard, moderate or high
• Size
• Volume

One of the decisions involved in breast augmentation is whether to use silicone or saline implants.

Dr. Mohaghegh utilizes a range of techniques tailored to the patient’s existing anatomy:

• Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed under the chest muscle, which may provide more coverage for the implant edges.

• Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue, which may involve a shorter recovery time.

• Dual Plane: A hybrid approach where the top of the implant is under the muscle and the bottom is under the tissue.

Silicone Implants

These are the most commonly used implants in Australia. They are made of a silicone rubber shell filled with silicone gel that feels very similar to natural breast tissue.

Saline Implants

These are made of silicone rubber shells and are filled with sterile saltwater or saline solution. The saline solution has the same salt concentration as the body, which means that the solution presents no health risk.

These implants are both available in similar shapes, sizes, and textures, and only differ in the composition filling them. The appropriate implant will be selected with the surgeon’s help to accommodate the patient’s desired results and specific concerns.

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Anesthesia and Facility Information

This procedure is performed under General Anaesthesia in an accredited hospital facility in Sydney. A qualified Specialist Anaesthetist will monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery. General anaesthesia ensures the patient is unconscious and feels no pain during the 1–2 hour procedure.

Pricing and Cost Transparency

The total cost of breast augmentation in Sydney varies based on the choice of implants, hospital fees, and anaesthetist fees.

• Initial Consultation Fee: Required for the specialist assessment.

• Estimated Starting Cost: Pricing typically starts from a base range (available upon request during consultation) but is subject to change based on the complexity of the case.

• Transparency: Your quote will include the surgeon’s fee, assistant fee, anaesthetist’s fee, and hospital costs. Note that cosmetic procedures generally do not attract Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebates unless they meet specific reconstructive criteria.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery Timeline

• Immediately Post-Op: Monitoring in the recovery ward; most patients return home the same day or after one night.

• 24–48 Hours: Expect moderate discomfort, swelling, and tightness. Prescription pain relief is provided.

• Week 1: Most patients can return to light desk work. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a liter of milk.

• Weeks 2–4: Swelling begins to subside. Stitches may be removed if not dissolvable.

• Months 1–3: High-impact exercise is gradually reintroduced. The implants begin to “drop and fluff” into their final position.

• 6 Months+: Final scars mature and the tissue settles into its final anatomical shape.

Key Recovery Milestones

• Driving: Usually permitted after 1 week (provided you are no longer taking strong pain medication).

• Return to Work: 7–10 days for non-physical roles.

• Exercise: Walking from day 1; light cardio at 3 weeks; heavy lifting/chest weights at 6–8 weeks.

Clinical FAQ

How long do breast implants last? Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While they are highly durable, the TGA and ASPS suggest they may need replacement or removal after 10–15 years due to normal wear, capsular contracture, or changes in personal preference.

Will I lose sensation in my nipples? Temporary changes in nipple or skin sensation (numbness or hypersensitivity) are common. While most sensation returns within months, there is a risk of permanent sensory changes.

Can I breastfeed after getting implants? Many women successfully breastfeed after augmentation. However, some surgical incisions (specifically around the nipple) may impact milk production or delivery. Discuss your future family plans with Dr. Mohaghegh during your consultation.

Related Articles & Content

How to Approach Series:

• Breast Surgery: How To Approach Before and After Surgery

What to Expect From Your Surgery Series:

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
• Breast Lift With Implant
• Breast Lift and Autoaugmentation
• Breast Implant Removal / Fibrous Cap Removal
• Breast Implant Replacement
• Breast Reduction
• Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)

What Techniques Are Used Series:

• Breast Surgery

Related Procedures:

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Lift

What can be achieved?

Breast augmentation surgery is generally performed to:

• Increase breast size
• Enhance cleavage and fullness
• Improve breast and torso proportions
• Restore youthfulness
• Balance asymmetrical breasts