Breast Augmentation

The goal of breast augmentation surgery is to enlarge your breasts to a size that is in better proportion with your physique. Generally, a C-D cup size is attained as a result. It is crucial to emphasise that individual outcomes can vary.

Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon at Assure is the best person to determine if your expectations are achievable and can give you a good idea of the likely size you will be after surgery. They will take your desired size into consideration when recommending the right implant for you. It is important to maintain realistic expectations that are in line with the natural possibilities of the procedure.

There are currently multiple techniques available for breast augmentation, which involve the insertion of a safe silicone gel implant either behind the breast tissue or behind the pectoral muscle.

The implant is placed through a small incision, either under the breast (Inframammary technique) or around the nipple (Periareolar technique). Our implant supplier is one of the world’s leading implant manufacturers, Mentor (Johnson & Johnson), credited with very high safety and quality standards. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will assess and determine the most suitable approach for you.

Breast augmentation procedures in Perth are performed in accredited hospitals, either as a day case or with a short hospital stay. It is important to have a discussion with your surgeon regarding the specific details of your recovery.

As part of your procedure, your breast implants will be registered with the Australian Breast Device Registry. This nationwide initiative, established by the Australian Government, aims to monitor the safety and quality of breast implant procedures. Participation in the Registry is free of charge for patients.

Breast augmentation in Perth is performed in an accredited hospital. You can expect to be discharged that same day or in some cases, the next day. You will need to attend a post-operative consultation approximately 5-7 days after breast enlargement surgery, and again 6 weeks later.

Every plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgical procedure carries inherent risks and possible complications. It is vital to comprehend and minimise these risks in order to achieve a successful surgery. While every effort is made to mitigate these risks, some risks are unavoidable.

The information provided on this page is of a general nature. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will thoroughly discuss the particular risks and complications that are relevant to your specific surgical procedure during your consultation. General risks for surgery are listed here.

Breast augmentation surgery, in particular, has its own set of specific risks, including but not limited to:

• Fluid accumulation: After the surgery, there is a possibility of fluid accumulating around the breast implant. This condition, known as seroma, may require additional procedures to drain the fluid. To prevent any fluid or blood accumulation, thin tubes called a drains may be temporarily placed under the skin while you’re in hospital.
• Fat necrosis: This is a rare complication that can occur when fatty tissue dies. It can cause hard lumps under the skin, but it is usually not a serious problem.
• Changes in breast and nipple sensation: Breast augmentation may lead to temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation. Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity, while others may notice reduced sensation.
• Numbness: Temporary or permanent areas of numbness in the breasts and surrounding areas can occur as a result of nerve damage during the surgery. It is important to discuss this possibility with your surgeon prior to the procedure.
• Skin wrinkling: In some cases, wrinkling of the skin over the breast implant may occur. This can be more common in individuals with thin skin or those who have chosen larger implants.
• Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture is a complication where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to become firm and lose its shape and softness. This can result in discomfort and may require additional surgery to correct.
• Implant-related issues: There are various implant-related risks, including inappropriate implant size, implant rupture, and deflation. These issues may necessitate revision surgery to replace or remove the implant.
• Breast asymmetry: Breast augmentation can sometimes result in unevenness or asymmetry of the breasts. This can occur due to variations in healing, tissue response, or implant placement.
• Calcium deposits: In some cases, calcium deposits may develop in the scar capsule around the breast implant. These deposits are usually harmless but may require monitoring or treatment.
• Granulomas: Granulomas are lumps that can form in the local lymph node tissue due to leaking silicone. Although rare, they can occur and may require medical attention.
• Breastfeeding difficulties: Breast augmentation may potentially affect breastfeeding, leading to reduced milk supply. It is important to discuss this concern with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure, especially if planning to have children in the future.
• Breast cancer screening challenges: Breast implants may interfere with the effectiveness of mammograms in detecting breast tissue abnormalities, including tumors. It is crucial to inform healthcare providers about the presence of implants to ensure proper screening techniques are used.
• Implant movement: In some cases, breast implants may shift from their original position over time. This can result in asymmetry or discomfort and may require corrective surgery.
• Additional surgeries: In the event of complications or unsatisfactory outcomes, further surgeries may be necessary to address any issues. Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced after approximately 10 to 15 years.

In recent times, there have been claims made regarding a possible link between implants and the development of connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and other autoimmune conditions. While certain studies have shown a slight increase in risk, numerous medical investigations have not established a conclusive connection between implants and these specific health conditions. It is important to acknowledge that a certain percentage of women in the general population may develop these diseases irrespective of having implants. Therefore, while there is a possibility of developing connective tissue and autoimmune diseases, it should be regarded as a remote likelihood.

In very rare instances, there have been cases of Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). For further information on this, please click here.

Occasionally, women with implants have reported experiencing general symptoms such as joint pain, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, increased susceptibility to common illnesses, hair loss, skin rashes, headaches, memory problems, nausea, muscle weakness, irritable bowel syndrome, and intermittent fever. Although there have been suggestions of a correlation between these symptoms and autoimmune disorders, it has not been definitively proven.

While scars are an inevitable result of surgical procedures, your surgeon will prioritise reducing their visibility and making sure they are inconspicuous. In the case of breast augmentation, the scars are generally small, measuring only a few centimeters, and strategically positioned to minimise their noticeability. We recognise that certain patients may have a predisposition to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars, so we urge you to inform your surgeon if you are aware of this tendency in yourself. Your surgeon will carefully consider this information to enhance your outcomes and minimise the likelihood of visible scarring.

Unwanted side effects from breast augmentation are uncommon. They include one implant becoming fixed in a slightly higher or lower position than the other, or a capsule of scar tissue forming around the implant. There are rare incidences of what is known as Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) – please click here for more information. Breast implants do not interfere with breastfeeding.

Your surgeon will discuss all risks of breast augmentation surgery with you during your consultation.

Please note that the recovery process after the breast implants procedure may vary for each individual. While most patients can expect to resume their normal routine within 2-3 weeks, it is important to consider certain factors and follow personalised advice from your surgeon. It is recommended to wait a little longer before engaging in strenuous exercise to ensure optimal healing.

The timing of returning to work or regular activities should be determined based on your specific circumstances and the guidance provided by your Specialist Plastic Surgeon. To support the healing process and minimise swelling, you will be required to wear post-surgical compression garments for approximately six weeks.

It is crucial to understand that every patient’s recovery requires sufficient time, support, and appropriate postoperative care. Healing abilities and pain tolerance may vary among individuals, leading to differences in the duration of recovery and the ability to participate in various activities. For accurate information about your recovery and expectations, we strongly advise consulting your Specialist Plastic Surgeon who can provide personalised guidance.

There is no set lifespan of breast implants, but you may have to change or remove them at some stage during your lifetime. The risk of problems or rupture are low however, follow-up after breast implant surgery is very important. If you notice any changes in the shape or feel of your implants, it is important to get this checked by your GP and referred back to your Specialist Plastic Surgeon should you require any revision surgery.

Our breast implant supplier is one of the world’s leading implant manufacturers, Mentor (Johnson & Johnson), credited with very high safety and quality standards.

Yes, absolutely. As part of your initial consultation with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon you will be provided with an extensive gallery of before and after photography (with approval granted by previous patients) for you to view and discuss. You can also view some images here.

A good starting point is to book a consultation with one of our experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeons at Assure Cosmetic Centre. You will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and ask questions. You will be provided with detailed information regarding the treatments or procedures that can help you, the expected outcomes, and the costs involved. Click here to make an appointment.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website is a helpful and reliable source of information online. Their website is an excellent place to research a range of surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments, and view video animations.

Utilising a search engine can also be beneficial in finding relevant information on these topics.

For patients seeking breast augmentation, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) breast implant hub also has several documents regarding breast implants, covering various subjects such as Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), consumer inquiries, and related matters.

Your first consultation with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will cost $250 and is pre-paid. The cost of breast implants in Perth is a commonly asked question. Your consultation will allow you to discuss this and other questions to help you make an informed decision.

We offer a package for breast augmentation patients – for one all-inclusive price of $12,990 (including GST), which covers your Specialist Plastic Surgeon’s fee, Specialist Anaesthetist’s fee, all hospital and theatre fees, the cost of your implants and post-operative care. Read more about our All-Inclusive Breast Augmentation package here.

Medicare and private health insurance rebates are not typically available for breast implant surgery in Perth. Your surgeon can provide you with more information, but you would then need to talk to your private health insurer to determine if they will provide any cover.