Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. This procedure involves the insertion of implants filled a silicone gel, to achieve the desired aesthetic result. Breast augmentation is often sought by individuals who wish to improve their body contour, restore breast volume lost due to weight reduction or pregnancy, or achieve better symmetry and proportion.
What Types of Breast Implants Are Available & Factors to Consider?
Key Considerations:
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Breast Augmentation: The Procedure
We’ve sat down with Dr Cronin to discuss some of the most commonly asked questions about Breast Augmentation surgery.
- Who is an ideal candidate for breast augmentation?
- How we help you determine the right implant size
- Round or teardrop implants
- Where are implants placed?
- The different types of incisions?
- Recovering after surgery
- Implant care over the years
- Breast screening after implants
- Breastfeeding after implants
- Can I have a breast lift and augmentation in the same surgery?
Watch the video to learn about Breast Augmentation with Dr Drew Cronin.
How is a breast augmentation performed?
There are several techniques for inserting breast implants, including through the inframammary fold (under the breast), periareolar (around the nipple), and transaxillary (through the armpit). The most common technique used throughout Australia is insertion through the inframammary fold (IMF).
Dr Cronin prefers the inframammary fold approach for several reasons:
Reduced risk of contamination
By avoiding the breast ducts, which contain bacteria, the risk of contamination and subsequent infection is minimised.
Direct Access
This technique provides the surgeon with direct access to the breast tissue and implant pocket, allowing for precise placement and positioning of the implant.
Lower Risk of Capsular Contracture
The inframammary approach, when combined with the principles of the 14-point plan, significantly reduces the risk of capsular contracture. This condition occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden and potentially distort the breast shape.
Aesthetic Advantages
The incision is strategically placed in the natural crease under the breast, making the scar less noticeable once healed.
What is the 14-point plan?
Dr Cronin uses the 14-point plan which aims to enhance safety and reduce the risk of complications such as infection and capsular contracture. The 14-point plan includes meticulous surgical techniques and protocols designed to ensure a sterile environment and optimal outcomes for breast augmentation procedures.
Our specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Drew Cronin will discuss your options and answer any questions or concerns you may have during your breast augmentation consultation.
Scarring after breast surgery
Being a certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr Drew Cronin has the appropriate skills and experience to ensure you can achieve minimal scarring. The incision for breast augmentation surgery is typically between three to four centimetres long and immediately post-surgery may be red and thicker than expected. It’s important to remember that all scars take time to heal and fade.
Your surgical care team will also provide you with guidance on how to achieve minimal scarring post-surgery. At The Coastal Clinic we also offer all patients a scar treatment plan which has been designed based on clinical evidence to treat scars
Recovery & Aftercare
As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information regarding the general risks associated with surgical procedures, anaesthesia, and procedure-specific risks.
You will usually be discharged home from hospital the same day. You are required to have someone pick you up from the hospital and remain with you for the first 24hours. You will be placed in a surgical bra which is to be worn at all times for the first 6weeks. Surgical garments provide compression to the site and assist in reducing swelling and support healing.
You will usually be discharged home from hospital the same day. You are required to have someone pick you up from the hospital and remain with you for the first 24hours. You will be placed in a surgical bra which is to be worn at all times for the first 6weeks. Surgical garments provide compression to the site and assist in reducing swelling and support healing.
Pain managed with prescribed medications; rest and limited activity is recommended for the first week.
You will have an initial review with our nurse during the first post-operative week, and at each week until your incisions are healed and your pain has resolved. 6 weeks post-operatively you will have a review with Dr Cronin. Regular follow -ups with Dr Cronin at 3months, 6 months and 12months are also essential to monitor your surgical outcome.
Patients should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the first few weeks post-operatively. Light activities can typically be resumed within a week. Dr Cronin will advise you if it is safe to resume exercise during your 6week review.
Keep incision sites clean and dry. Patients are advised on proper scar care techniques to minimise scarring. We offer a scar treatment plan for all of our surgical patients as an optional add on package to your surgery.
Be alert for signs of infection or unusual changes and call the clinic if you have any concerns.
Breast Augmentation Before and After Gallery
Individual results will vary from patient to patient and according to factors including genetics, age, diet, exercise. All invasive surgery carries risk and requires a recovery period and care regime. Be sure you do your research and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before proceeding. Any details are general in nature and are not intended to be medical advice or constitute a doctor-patient relationship.
For comprehensive information on the potential risks and post-surgery recovery process, please see risks associated with surgery section towards the bottom of this page.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
Understand the costs associated with breast implants with Dr Drew Cronin.
Please note that prices are subject to change, and the costs for hospital stay and anaesthesia are based on the specific provider’s rates at the time of your procedure. These fees may vary depending on the hospital and anaesthetist chosen, and any changes will be communicated to you during the consultation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
If we haven’t addressed your inquiries yet, here are some frequently asked questions that may provide the information you’re looking for. However, if you still have any remaining questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic at 07 5683 0820 or via email at admin@thecoastalclinic.com.au. Our team is ready to assist you.
There are three types of breast implant surfaces available.:
Smooth breast implants have a smooth, non-textured surface. They move feely within the breast pocket and feel very soft. However they have been found to have a higher risk of capsular contracture and rupture.
Nano-textured implants have a very fine, uniform texture created using advanced manufacturing techniques. They are most commonly used by Dr Cronin as the fine texture promotes better tissue integration, helping to stabilise the implant and reduce the likelihood of movement or rotation. There is also a reduced risk of capsular contracture compared to smooth implants.
Textured- Micro textured breast implants have a more pronounced and rougher surface which improves the stability of the implant. Micro-textured implants have also been shown to reduce capsular contracture compared to smooth breast implants. Macro textured implants are no longer available in Australia.
During your consultation with Dr Cronin, he will suggest the most appropriate implant type for you.
There are three types of breast implant surfaces available.:
Smooth breast implants have a smooth, non-textured surface. They move feely within the breast pocket and feel very soft. However they have been found to have a higher risk of capsular contracture and rupture.
Nano-textured implants have a very fine, uniform texture created using advanced manufacturing techniques. They are most commonly used by Dr Cronin as the fine texture promotes better tissue integration, helping to stabilise the implant and reduce the likelihood of movement or rotation. There is also a reduced risk of capsular contracture compared to smooth implants.
Textured- Micro textured breast implants have a more pronounced and rougher surface which improves the stability of the implant. Micro-textured implants have also been shown to reduce capsular contracture compared to smooth breast implants. Macro textured implants are no longer available in Australia.
During your consultation with Dr Cronin, he will suggest the most appropriate implant type for you.
The decision to undergo breast augmentation after a history of breast cancer should be made on an individual basis in consultation with your oncologist and a certified plastic surgeon such as Dr Drew Cronin with experience with breast reconstruction. There are several factors to consider, including the type and stage of breast cancer.
The cost of your procedure includes:
- Dr Cronin’s surgical fees
- Hospital fees (estimate only)
- Two surgical garments
- All post-operative appointments with our Nurse
- All post-operative follow up appointments with Dr Cronin
- Two LED Heallite sessions at The Coastal Clinic Aesthetics located at Varsity Lakes
- A 6week post operative pack which includes the Strataderm
Sagging breasts are clinically referred to as ptosis. Ptosis is defined as a breast that has dropped from its position on the chest. There are varying degrees of ptosis, however in most cases a breast augmentation alone will not resolve ptosis.
Often a mastopexy is coupled with augmentation to assist in lifting the breast higher on the chest wall and repositioning of the nipple. Women that experience breast ptosis, without excess breast volume, may be a candidate for a mastopexy (breast lift) with, or without augmentation to reposition the nipple and replace or add volume.
Breast implants can potentially affect breastfeeding, but the impact varies from person to person. In general, many women with breast implants are able to breastfeed successfully. If you are considering breast implants and have plans for future breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss your concerns with one of our plastic surgeons who can provide personalised advice based on your individual circumstances.
Capsular contracture is a potential complication following breast implant surgery, where the scar tissue (capsule) that normally forms around the implant tightens and compresses the implant. This can cause the breast to feel firm, look distorted, and sometimes lead to discomfort or pain. The severity of capsular contracture is often classified using the Baker scale:
- Grade I: The breast is soft and looks natural.
- Grade II: The breast is a little firm but appears normal.
- Grade III: The breast is firm and appears abnormal.
- Grade IV: The breast is hard, painful, and appears abnormal.
Prevalence in Australia:
In Australia, the incidence of capsular contracture varies but is generally reported to occur in approximately 5-10% of breast augmentation patients. Dr Cronin uses implant types that have the lowest documented rates of capsular contracture at around 1-2% per year.
The risk factors can include the type of implant (silicone vs saline), implant placement (subglandular vs submuscular), and individual patient factors such as smoking and post-operative complications like infection or haematoma.
Prevention and Management:
Preventive measures and management strategies include:
- Surgical Techniques: Using minimal-touch techniques and ensuring a clean, sterile environment during surgery.
- Implant Type and Placement: Choosing implants with textured surfaces and placing implants in a submuscular position may reduce the risk.
- Post-Operative Care: Following all post-operative instructions, including proper wound care and avoiding smoking.
If capsular contracture occurs, treatment options can range from non-surgical interventions such as massage and medication to surgical procedures like capsulotomy or capsulectomy.
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has been associated with breast implants, specifically termed Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). BIA-ALCL is not a breast cancer but a lymphoma that can develop in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant.
Risks of Developing BIA-ALCL: The exact cause of BIA-ALCL is not fully understood, but it is believed to be associated with chronic inflammation around the implant. The risk appears to be higher with certain types of implants, particularly those with highly textured surfaces as opposed to nano-textured or smooth surfaces.
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has conducted reviews and provided guidance on the risks associated with breast implants. As of current data:
- The incidence of BIA-ALCL is estimated to be between 1 in 2,500 and 1 in 25,000 women with textured breast implants.
- Most cases are diagnosed on average 7 to 10 years after the implant surgery.
Symptoms and Diagnosis: Common symptoms of BIA-ALCL include:
- Persistent swelling or pain around the implant
- Noticeable lump or mass in the breast or armpit
- Fluid accumulation around the implant (seroma)
Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI and a biopsy of the seroma fluid or tissue.
There are three types of breast implant surfaces available.:
Smooth breast implants have a smooth, non-textured surface. They move feely within the breast pocket and feel very soft. However they have been found to have a higher risk of capsular contracture and rupture.
Nano-textured implants have a very fine, uniform texture created using advanced manufacturing techniques. They are most commonly used by Dr Cronin as the fine texture promotes better tissue integration, helping to stabilise the implant and reduce the likelihood of movement or rotation. There is also a reduced risk of capsular contracture compared to smooth implants.
Textured– Micro textured breast implants have a more pronounced and rougher surface which improves the stability of the implant. Micro-textured implants have also been shown to reduce capsular contracture compared to smooth breast implants. Macro textured implants are no longer available in Australia.
During your consultation with Dr Cronin, he will suggest the most appropriate implant type for you.
Yes, breast implants can potentially affect mammogram results. When breast implants are present, it can make mammogram images more challenging to interpret and may affect the visibility of breast tissue. Implants can obscure a portion of the breast tissue, making it more difficult to detect small abnormalities.
It is important to inform the mammography facility about your breast implants beforehand so that they can use appropriate techniques to ensure the most accurate results.
Silicone breast implants are the most heavily studied and rigorously tested medical prostheses on the market.
Long-term studies have tracked patients with silicone implants over periods of 20 years or more. For example, a study published in the “Annals of Plastic Surgery” followed patients for over a decade and found that the majority of complications were minor and manageable. The most common issues reported included capsular contracture, implant rupture, and the need for reoperation. However, these occurrences were relatively infrequent.
Concerns have been raised about potential links between silicone implants and systemic diseases, such as autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. However, a comprehensive review published in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” concluded that there is no significant evidence linking silicone breast implants to a higher risk of developing these conditions.
We recommend having a discussion with Dr Cronin during your consultation if you have any concerns.
Silicone breast implants are not lifetime devices, and although they do not have an expiration date, they typically need to be replaced or removed at some point. The exact timing can vary based on individual circumstances, but here are some general guidelines:
Most silicone breast implants last between 10 to 20 years. However, they can last longer or shorter depending on various factors such as the type of implant, the individual’s body, and how the implants were placed.
Reasons for Replacement
Common reasons for replacing silicone breast implants include:
Rupture or Leakage: While silicone implants are designed to be durable, they can rupture. In the case of a rupture, the silicone gel tends to stay within the implant shell or nearby tissue, but replacement is necessary.
Capsular Contracture: This is a condition where the scar tissue around the implant hardens and can cause pain or change the appearance of the breast.
Changes in Aesthetic Preference: Over time, patients may desire a change in the size, shape, or type of implant.
Aging of Implants: As implants age, the outer shell may degrade, increasing the risk of rupture.
Personal Health Considerations: Medical conditions or complications may necessitate the removal or replacement of implants.
The TGA and other health organisations recommend regular follow-ups with your plastic surgeon to monitor the condition of your implants.
Consider what you hope to achieve with breast augmentation. Are you looking for a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic change? Bring reference photos to your consultation to communicate your desired outcome clearly.
Your surgeon will take detailed measurements of your chest, including:
- Breast width
- Breast height
- Chest wall shape
- Skin elasticity
- Existing breast tissue
These measurements help determine the appropriate implant size and shape that will complement your body’s proportions.
During your consultation with Dr Cronin, he will use implant sizers placed inside a bra to give you a visual and physical sense of how different sizes will look on your body.
Choosing the right implant size involves a combination of professional guidance, personal preference, and practical considerations. By working closely with plastic surgeon and taking the time to explore your options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used by some patients and healthcare providers to describe a variety of systemic symptoms that are believed to be associated with breast implants. These symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Autoimmune symptoms
- Skin rashes
- Anxiety and depression
It is important to note that BII is not a recognised medical diagnosis and its cause, mechanism, and prevalence are not well understood. However, it has been increasingly acknowledged by the medical community as a cluster of symptoms that some patients experience and attribute to their breast implants.
Prevalence and Research: The prevalence of BII is difficult to determine due to the lack of standardised diagnostic criteria and the subjective nature of the symptoms. However, growing awareness and reports from patients have prompted more research into this phenomenon.
Current Understanding and Management:
- Diagnosis: There is no diagnostic test for BII, therefore the diagnosis is primarily based on patient-reported symptoms and the exclusion of other medical conditions that could explain these symptoms.
- Treatment: The primary treatment for BII involves the removal of the breast implants, often along with the surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy). Many patients report improvement or resolution of symptoms following explantation, although this is not universally experienced.
The internal bra technique is an advanced surgical method used in breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures. This technique aims to hold implants in position by creating an internal support or “bra” within the breast tissue. It is particularly beneficial for patients with weakened breast tissue, skin laxity, or those undergoing revision surgery.
Patients considering the internal bra technique should discuss their individual needs, goals, and medical history with Dr Cronin.
Risks of Surgery
As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information regarding the general risks associated with surgical procedures, anaesthesia, and procedure-specific risks.
- Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
- Death
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
- A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
- Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
- Wound discharge
- Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
- Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
- Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
- Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
- Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
- Adverse scarring
- Revisionary surgery
- Psychological impact of change in appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Parasthesia (may be numbness or tingling)
- Asymmetry
- Capsular contracture
- Infection
- Reoperation
- Rupture of implants
- BIA- ALCL
- Rotation of implants
- Migration of implants
- Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
- Death
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
- A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
- Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
- Wound discharge
- Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
- Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
- Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
- Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
- Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
- Adverse scarring
- Revisionary surgery
- Psychological impact of change in appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
