What can breast augmentation address?

At Allure Clinic, we see patients with a range of concerns, breast shapes and breast sizes. Some of the most frequently seen breast concerns we address include the following.

• Breasts that are too small for the frame of the patient
• Breasts that are too small to meet the aesthetic preferences of the patient
• Women who have lost volume after having children and breastfeeding
• Women who may or may not have had children but have sagging, with a loss of firmness and shape to their breasts
• Women who have breast asymmetry (different sized breasts)
• Women who have had breast tissue removed surgically, as is often the case to treat certain types of breast cancer
• Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and, along with that, a loss of breast volume

What are my implant options?

Implant selection is entirely individualised according to your aesthetic goals, the existing breast tissue and balancing the risk and advantages of different implant choices. Our experience at Allure Clinic will allow you to find the right option based upon your consultation and a comprehensive evaluation.

Keep in mind that almost all patients prefer to opt for silicone implants. This is because these implants tend to be softer, with a much more responsive feel that closely mimics the texture of natural breasts. The implants contain a thick silicone gel that offers a reduced risk of leakage. In addition to this, patients will also need to make decisions regarding implant surface, shape, and profile.

Implant Surface
Implants have either smooth or textured surfaces. In the past, there were polyurethane implants available; however, these have been withdrawn for the Australian market.

Smooth implants don’t seem to cause breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). There is a rare association between breast implants and lymphoma, BIA-ALCL. In every case where implant details are known, BIA-ALCL has always been associated with textured breast implant exposure. The TGA has a Breast Implant Expert Working Group that A/Prof Mark Magnusson is a member of. As a result of consultation with this group and further investigations by the TGA, implants with the highest association with lymphoma have been removed from the Australian market. For textured breast implants available in Australia today, our best estimate of risk is one case of lymphoma per 35,000 breast implants. This is rare. On the other hand, BIA-ALCL has never been associated with the use of smooth implants alone. Smooth implants have a higher risk of moving out of position and capsular contracture when above the muscle.

Textured implants are considered more stable in position over time, have a lower rate of capsular contracture over the muscle, and are less likely to migrate out of position. Implant migration and capsular contraction are the most typical reasons for re-operation following breast implant in the first ten years after surgery. All anatomical implants are textured to reduce the likelihood of implant rotation. Round implants can be either smooth or textured.

For women with loose tissues, such as following multiple pregnancies or weight fluctuations, implant migration has a higher risk, and textured implants may be considered and used more frequently. If the implant selected has a lower projection and smaller volume or size, then implant texturing may be less effective as it doesn’t press on the surrounding breast tissue as firmly. Consequently, a smooth implant will usually be selected.

Implant Shape
Implants are available in both round and anatomical, or teardrop, shapes. The shape chosen will ultimately determine the way the breasts look after surgery.

Round implants are considered the ideal choice for women who want extra fullness in the upper pole of the breasts. Additionally, round implants usually create a more obvious augmented look, although they are known to yield a more tender touch.

Anatomical implants are shaped like a teardrop and are the preferred choice in women who desire a more natural breast contour. Teardrop implants usually have a firmer gel consistency and can address shape concerns, improve mild sagging, and create contrast between the upper and lower breast poles.

Implant Profile
The profile of an implant indicates how far it will project forward from the chest wall when standing. Two implants can be the same size yet have different widths to produce different levels of projection.

Low Profile Implants are relatively flat and only slightly project the chest, making them the ideal option for women with a wider chest.

Moderate Profile Implants give a moderate amount of projection and provide a natural result, which makes them the preferred choice for women with smaller, more narrow chests.

High Profile Implants are very narrow at the base, providing maximum projection. Providing the most full, rounded results, high profile implants are best for petite women with a very narrow chest.

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery?

No surgical procedure is suitable for every patient; however, most women can consider breast augmentation surgery if they believe it is the best solution to address their goals. You should be in good overall health and should have reasonable expectations. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo the breast augmentation procedure until the breast stabilises after weaning.

You should be as close to a healthy weight as possible, as any fluctuations in your weight could impact your results. If you plan on losing weight, be sure to mention this to your surgeon, as it may be best to postpone your surgery for just a while so that you can reach your weight loss goals. It will be well worth the wait when you can see the best breast augmentation results.

Smokers should stop smoking several weeks prior to surgery, as smoking can hinder healing. In particular, smoking can constrict the blood vessels, which can result in delayed healing and an increased risk for infection.

How soon will I see my results?

When you wake up from your breast augmentation surgery, you’ll definitely notice your chest size has increased. It is, however, important to note that your true breast shape and size won’t be noticeable until the postoperative swelling has decreased. You may feel a bit concerned that your breasts look too large right after surgery. Rest assured that normal postoperative swelling will subside with healing. In the first week especially, the breasts look very full in the upper part; by two weeks, they will start to look better; at six weeks, they will look good, and at six months, they look natural. It takes this time for the body to respond to the new tension due to the increased volume associated with the implant and these changes are gradual.

Are there any risks to breast augmentation surgery?

There are risks with any surgical procedure. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and all will eventually require re-operation. Eight out of ten will still have their implants at ten years and probably half still have their implants at 15 years. Most breast augmentation patients will experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort after the procedure. With current surgical techniques, most women find that they experience less pain than they anticipated.

Potentially risks may include the following.

• General risks from surgery such as infection and bleeding are uncommon after this strictly controlled procedure
• Capsular contracture is considered the most common reason for eventual re-operation
• Implant migration is also one of the most common reasons for re-operation
• Implant rupture may occur eventually with any breast implant but is very uncommon before ten years
• Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare form of lymphoma associated with textured breast implants. In the early stages, it appears to have slow progression, and there is debate about whether this early phase represents lymphoma or a transition stage. For 90% of women affected, removal of the implant and the capsule is complete treatment without recurrence and no requirement for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. BIA-ALCL occurs one in 35,000 for textured breast implants still on the Australian market today. It has not been reported in association with exposure to only smooth breast implants. Associate Professor Magnusson is a researcher into this condition.
• Breast implant illness (BII) is a potential association of generalised systemic symptoms such as tiredness, poor memory, dry hair and skin, reduced libido, anxiety, headaches, and joint pain. There are many other symptoms reported. This is something A/Prof Magnusson is currently researching with collaborators in Australia and the US. There is still no clear link that has been established, yet we continue to investigate this possibility with well-structured research in the hope that we can answer some of these questions.

Your postoperative care instructions will detail the signs that you need to be aware of in the event that something more serious does happen.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

Breast augmentation surgery costs can vary based on several factors that are uniquely your own. This could include the type of implant you opt for and whether you require other types of reconstruction, such as breast lift or associated fat grafting. Some patients also opt to combine cosmetic procedures, which can, of course, alter your expected costs. Another consideration is the several factors that make up the cost of the procedure, including your surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, hospital costs, the costs for the implants themselves and costs for any further consultations or check-ups. You will also need to factor in the cost of compression garments, medications, and time off from work for the surgery and recovery period.

As a general rule, breast augmentation costs at Allure Clinic start from $10,395. This fee is a guide only, and the final cost of your surgery will depend on the type of implants you have chosen and the hospital where your procedure is performed. At Allure Clinic, we will provide you with an honest breakdown of your expected costs after your consultation.

Are you ready to book your consultation at Allure Clinic? Call to learn more about the benefits of breast augmentation surgery.