Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast Augmentation surgery aims to shape the contour and fullness of the breasts. Breasts are naturally varied in their shape and size, whether they be small, large, or asymmetric. Breasts also continue to change due to many factors, such as during breast-feeding, significant weight loss, or progressively as we advance in age.

Breast Augmentation surgery includes breast augmentation with implants and breast lift-mastopexy surgery. As Dr. Verma is trained in both, he offers the opportunity to perform either procedure individually or combine both procedures to meet your individual aesthetic needs.

Breast augmentation, which is also sometimes referred to as an augmentation mammoplasty, involves a transfer of natural fat deposits or insertion of implants beneath the surface of the breasts. The size and type of implant utilised depends on a variety of factors such as the size you would like your breasts to be, but also your individual breast anatomy, the elasticity and thickness of your skin, and your body-frame.

There are primarily two main types of implants used in Australia: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with salt water and silicone implants are filled with stable medical grade silicone. Each implant has benefits and disadvantages, and Dr. Verma will discuss the different implants with you and help you decide the best option during the consultation.

The implants are placed either just behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle commonly known as the ‘pec’. The location of the implant is chosen to meet the unique requirements of each patient.

A breast lift-mastopexy, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes the breasts by removing natural excess skin and tightening the internal breast tissue and surrounding tissues. It helps in repositioning of the nipples and contouring the breast to your individual aesthetic needs without adding volume.

What is Breast Augmentation surgery? Breast Augmentation surgery includes breast augmentation with implants and/or breast lift-mastopexy surgery to contour the shape, position, and fullness of the breasts to meet your individual aesthetic needs.

Where is it done? Your Breast Augmentation surgery will be performed at the brand-new Honeysuckle Day Hospital in Newcastle, a fully licensed and accredited day hospital which is purposely equipped to care for cosmetic surgical procedures.

Length of surgery: Usually between 2-3 hrs. Maybe longer depending on type and complexity of Breast Augmentation surgery that is performed.

Type of anaesthesia: General Anaesthesia.

Day surgery or inpatient stay? Day Surgery.

Approximate cost: Varies according to the type, complexity, and length of the procedure. You will receive a quote with a cost of the procedure after your consultation with Dr. Verma.

Not sure if Breast Augmentation surgery is right for you? We advise booking a consultation with Dr. Verma. With his expertise and commitment to achieving the best results for you, together you can create a personalized treatment plan involving both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments individually tailored to the look you would like to achieve.

Please also see our list of general FAQs for more details.

Do I qualify for Breast Augmentation surgery?

As mentioned earlier, Breast Augmentation surgery helps enlarge small breasts, restore breast volume, balance asymmetric breasts and even reconstruct breasts after mastectomy or injury. Please note that pregnancy and breastfeeding change your breast shape and volume. Therefore, if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding you are not a suitable candidate for Breast Augmentation surgery until after you have given birth and finished breastfeeding. Also, anyone with malignancy in the breast cannot undergo Breast Augmentation surgery. Dr. Verma may ask you to undergo breast imaging prior to surgery to ensure the breast tissues are normal.

Who is a good candidate for Breast Augmentation surgery?

The ideal candidate is someone who has realistic expectations of what surgery can achieve and is undergoing surgery for themselves and not for anyone else (e.g. pressure from partners or family, undergoing surgery to salvage a relationship or try to procure or keep a job). The volume of the implant may need to be reduced according to the size your chest wall tissues can safely allow without causing complications.

What to expect during the consultation?

A general medical history will be taken and examination of the breasts will be performed. After discussing your concerns with you, Dr Verma will then suggest surgical and non-surgical treatments specifically tailored to address any issues.

Please note that Dr. Verma will be taking photographs of your chest. Photography is vital in the cosmetic surgery experience and allows Dr. Verma to document and share with you your progress pre- and post-operatively. These photos are secured and private, only available to Finesse Cosmetic Surgery staff. With your permission, sometimes these photographs will be uploaded onto our website. The images are de-identified, with birthmarks, tattoos and other identifying features removed. The images are not altered any other way, to give a true representation of the likely results. Such ‘Before-After’ images help other potential patients like yourself to decide whether this is the right procedure for them.

Generally, the consultation is your opportunity to ask Dr. Verma any questions or clear any concerns you may have regarding Breast Augmentation surgery.

What is the cost of Breast Augmentation surgery? What is included?

Cost of Breast Augmentation surgery depends on the length and complexity of the surgery. After the consultation, once you have decided you are interested in having Breast Augmentation surgery, you will receive a quote for the cost of the surgery. This price includes Dr. Verma’s fees (Proceduralist fees) and the cost of follow up visits up to 3 months post-surgery. It does not include hospital and anaesthetist costs but an estimate of such costs can be provided on request.

Is breastfeeding possible after Breast Augmentation surgery?

Most likely yes. But this depends on the type of Breast Augmentation surgery required to reshape the breasts. Also, pregnancy causes enlargement of breasts, which then deflate after breastfeeding is completed causing loss of shape and volume and reversing the effect of any Breast Augmentation surgery. Therefore, Breast Augmentation surgery is generally recommended after finishing breastfeeding.

Where will the incisions/scars be?

Small incisions are made in the crease below your breasts, in the underside of your breast below the areola or in the skin around the nipple. This helps to hide the incision sites and make the scar less obvious. The incision wounds generally fade to form faint white scars, although the degree of fading varies depending on how your skin tends to heal and form scars.

What type of Anaesthesia will be used?

The type of anaesthesia used is general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation. Sometimes local anaesthesia may be injected into the site of surgery, giving you better pain relief upon waking.

What are the side effects of Breast Augmentation surgery?

Temporary bruising and swelling, numbness of the nipples and areola, increased sensitivity of the breasts to pain and pressure are normal after this surgery. The majority of such symptoms resolve within 2-3 weeks after the operation.

What are the risks and complications of Breast Augmentation surgery?

With any surgical procedure, there are risks involved and most problems are easily treated and settle with time.

General risks of any surgery include excessive bleeding, reaction to any of the medications (including anaesthesia), infection, poor healing or excessive scarring. There are also risks and complications specific to Breast Augmentation surgery such as movement of the implant, a formation of scar tissue around the implant, rupture of an implant, being able to see the outline of the implant or feel the implant. Sometimes a thin plastic tube may need to be inserted into the area that has been operated on. These tubes drain any blood and secretions that accumulate under the skin after surgery and help to promote healing. Whether these drains are inserted or not is decided on a case-by-case basis, but generally, they are reserved for those requiring extensive surgery.

The occurrence of such complications depends mainly on whether you smoke, your general health status, how your body heals, as well as your post-operative recovery. Dr. Verma will discuss all risks and complications with you during a consultation, as well as techniques and medications which can minimize risks.

Care of your breasts and wounds

You will be provided with detailed instructions by Finesse Cosmetic Surgery with regards to care of your sutures, wounds etc. Any sutures are usually removed in 7-10 days. After breast surgery, you may need to wear a ‘post-op garment’. This is a snug fabric garment for your chest to be worn after surgery. It reduces swelling and bruising after surgery, helping to minimize pain and achieve healthier results.

Downtime

Returning to work takes 7-10 days, depending on the type of work you do. More strenuous activity (such as lifting, straining, pushing, exercise beyond a light walk) should be strictly avoided for 4-6 weeks. The majority of the bruising and swelling can take up to a month to resolve.

When will you see results?

Results will be visible after your tissues heal when swelling and bruising subside which may take up to a month. Thus, being patient and optimistic is key to recovery after Breast Augmentation surgery.

What will be your follow up schedule?

Dr. Verma will see you one week post the operation and then organize subsequent follow-ups according to how you recover. All follow-up visits cost up to three months after the operation are included in the cost of the surgery. Revision surgery for any complications carries an extra charge.

Similar to your consultation visit (see above), Dr. Verma will be taking photographs of your chest in order to document its healing during follow up visits.

How long do the effects of Breast Augmentation surgery last for?

Breast implants, unless there is an issue, generally do not need to be replaced for at least 10 years.