Breast Augmentation: A Surgeon’s Honest Guide to What You Really Need to Know

Breast enhancement ranks as the top cosmetic surgery in North America. Modern implants are safe and last a long time. Most implants stay in great shape for over a decade before they need to be replaced.

The decision to get breast implants needs careful thought. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) keeps a close watch on implant safety. They’ve put stricter rules in place to protect patients. The results can be life-changing, but patients should know that implants usually need replacement after 10 to 15 years. Regular checkups with doctors are a must.

This detailed guide gets into everything you need to know about breast enhancement. We cover how to pick the right surgeon, understand costs, and what to expect during recovery. You’ll learn about different implant options available in Australia. The guide walks you through the surgical process and highlights key safety points to help you make the right choice for your procedure.

Understanding Breast Augmentation Basics

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, uses breast implants or fat transfer techniques to boost breast size and shape. Surgeons place implants beneath breast tissue or chest muscles to achieve the desired aesthetic outcomes.

What breast augmentation actually means

The procedure covers more than just increasing breast size. Surgeons create spherical augmentation of the breast hemisphere through specialised techniques. On top of that, fat-graft transfer approaches can fix contour defects by using adipocyte tissue from the patient’s own body. The fat transfer usually leads to modest volume increases, limited to one bra cup size or less.

Common reasons people choose this surgery

People choose breast augmentation for personal reasons. Research with 25 breast augmentation candidates showed that patients made their decisions based on their feelings about their breasts rather than external influences. Common motivations include:

• Restoring breast volume lost after pregnancy or significant weight loss
• Fixing noticeable breast asymmetry
• Boosting natural proportions for better body balance
• Building self-image and confidence

Available implant types in Australia

Australia’s breast implant market is dominated by two manufacturers: Mentor and Motiva. These implants come with several key features:

Filling Material:

• Silicone gel implants have a cohesive gel that mimics natural breast tissue closely
• Saline implants contain sterile salt water, though they’re less common in Australia because they can ripple and feel unnatural

Shape Options:

• Round implants give fuller upper breast volume and work great for restoring volume lost through breastfeeding
• Teardrop (anatomical) implants provide more fullness in the lower half and create a subtle straight-line drape

Surface Texture:

• Smooth implants give the softest feel and move naturally
• Textured implants reduce movement risks by adhering to tissue

Breast implants need replacement after 10 to 15 years typically. Implant sizes range from 100cc to 800cc, and most Australian surgeons prefer sizes between 300-350ml for the best results. Your anatomy, lifestyle factors, and desired outcomes will determine which option works best for you.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon

Finding a qualified surgeon is the lifeblood of successful breast augmentation. Australian medical standards protect patient safety through detailed surgical training requirements.

Checking surgeon credentials

A specialist plastic surgeon needs at least 12 years of medical education. This includes a minimum of 5 years of intensive post-graduate training. Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) earn their recognition only after showing exceptional surgical expertise.

Here are the significant qualifications to look for in potential surgeons:

• Registration with the Medical Board of Australia
• FRACS certification specifically in plastic surgery
• Membership in the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Regular participation in continuing medical education programmes

Research shows surgeons who perform more than 15 breast operations yearly get better patient outcomes. So, it’s vital to ask about a surgeon’s yearly case volume during consultations.

Reading patient reviews and results

A surgeon’s track record offers great insights beyond their credentials. Studies reveal that breast-focused surgeons achieve 26% higher rates of successful breast-conservation surgery compared to general surgeons. Patients report greater satisfaction with specialists, whatever the surgeon’s gender or years in practice.

Take these steps while reviewing a surgeon’s portfolio:

• Get into before-and-after galleries showing patient anatomies of all types
• Request to see examples specific to your desired outcome
• Pay attention to lighting and positioning in photographs
• Look for consistency across multiple cases

Patient survival rates increase by 36% when surgeons complete specialised surgical training. The best choice would be surgeons who operate from accredited hospitals and maintain detailed post-operative care protocols.

Patient experiences often give valuable insights. Despite that, online reviews need careful consideration since some testimonials may come from patients receiving discounted services for feedback. A better approach would be to ask for recommendations from general practitioners. They maintain professional relationships with qualified surgeons and understand their expertise firsthand.

Real Costs and Financial Planning

Understanding breast augmentation costs helps patients plan their surgical trip better. The total cost changes based on several factors including the surgeon’s expertise and hospital facilities.

Surgery costs breakdown

Australian breast augmentation costs range from AUD 7,644 to AUD 30,579. A standard procedure usually costs between AUD 12,231 and AUD 15,289. These prices include:

• Surgeon’s fees and implant costs
• Anaesthetist charges
• Hospital theatre fees
• Post-operative care for 6 months
• Surgical garments and medications

Medicare and insurance coverage

Medicare and private health insurance coverage depend on medical necessity. Medicare covers breast implant procedures in specific cases:

• Breast cancer treatment
• Post-mastectomy reconstruction
• Correction of tuberous breasts
• Treatment of severe asymmetry
• Implant removal complications

Patients need to get a referral from their GP and meet Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) criteria for eligible procedures. Private health insurance policies have different levels of coverage, but most need an MBS item number for benefits.

Payment options available

Patients can choose from several payment options for their surgery:

Direct Payment Methods:

• Cash payments
• Bank transfers
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• BPAY

Flexible Payment Solutions:

• Interest-free payment plans up to 6 months before surgery
• Weekly or monthly instalments until two weeks before the procedure
• Third-party medical finance providers
• Personal loans through banking institutions

A deposit of AUD 764 is needed to secure the surgery date. The remaining balance must be paid between two to four weeks before the operation. Medical practitioners recommend patients should only proceed with surgery when they feel financially comfortable.

Your Surgery Journey Step by Step

Breast augmentation surgery follows a clear path that ensures the best results through careful planning. Many practises now use advanced Vectra 3D imaging technology to show patients what they might look like after surgery.

Original consultation process

The first meeting focuses on choosing the right implant size and type. Surgeons take breast measurements and give patients a specialised bra to try different implant sizes. The 3D imaging helps patients see possible results with different implant shapes and sizes, which lets them make better decisions about their desired look.

Pre-surgery preparation

Preparation starts several weeks before the operation. Patients need to quit smoking 4-6 weeks before surgery. Key preparations include:

• Taking time off work – one week for office jobs, two weeks for physical roles
• Getting post-surgery help for at least 24 hours
• Stopping certain medications, especially those that affect bleeding
• Getting baseline mammograms if needed

Day of surgery expectations

A breast augmentation procedure usually takes 90 minutes under general anaesthesia. The surgeon creates a pocket either behind or in front of the chest wall muscle. They place the implant through a cut made in one of three spots: under the breast, around the nipple, or under the arm.

Recovery timeline

Recovery after surgery happens in clear stages:

First 24-48 hours: Patients feel moderate discomfort and manage it with prescribed pain medication. Most go home the same day but need help with daily tasks.

Week 1-2:Pain decreases by a lot. Patients must wear compression bandages and keep their arms below head level.

Weeks 3-4:Most people can do normal daily activities, but should avoid hard exercise. The implants start settling into their final position.

6-8 weeks: Patients usually recover fully. They can return to all regular activities, including high-impact exercises.

Surgeons check progress through scheduled follow-up visits. The first check happens the day after surgery, with more reviews at one week and three months. Patients should call their surgeon right away if they get a fever, unusual swelling, or severe pain.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation is a personal choice that needs careful thought about many factors. Dr Terrence Scamp, the Gold Coast’s leading specialist in breast augmentation procedures, helps patients achieve the best results.

Australian patients can choose from many safe and long-lasting modern breast implant options. Most implants need replacement after 10-15 years. Good surgical technique and regular check-ups help achieve the best results. Patient safety comes first, and FRACS-certified surgeons who work in accredited facilities are the right choice.

The cost ranges from AUD 7,644 to AUD 30,579, which shows the complexity of the procedure and the expertise it requires. Patients should review their payment options and insurance coverage while they plan for both current and future costs.

Great results come from good preparation and realistic expectations about recovery. Patients get the best outcomes when they stick to post-surgery guidelines and keep their follow-up appointments. This leads to long-term happiness with their surgical results.