Breast augmentation

About breast augmentation

Breast augmentation as a procedure has been refined and improved significantly since the first implants were conceived in the 1960s. Many things have changed over time, from the implants themselves to the surgical technique. In the hands of an experienced Plastic Surgeon, the risks are low and it is a predictable and reliable procedure. This is the result of extensive training combined with a team of experienced individuals including not just the surgeon, but anaesthetists and nursing staff who ensure optimal patient care.

Based on the Mornington Peninsula, we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of care in terms of qualifications and facilities.

Dr Mathew Lee does all breast implant based procedures ranging from primary breast augmentation to secondary and revisionary breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy) with or without augmentation, total capsulectomy, and fat grafting for refinement of results. Learn more about Dr Lee’s experience.

Dr Lee also performs breast reduction, implant removal, implant removal and replacement and breast reconstruction.

Breast augmentation procedure details

There are many factors to consider when contemplating breast augmentation. Body shape, existing breast tissue and shape, family planning and exercise goals are just a few factors that need to be taken into account. Every patient is different and subsequently, the implant and surgical technique required for a breast augmentation will vary from individual to individual.
It is important that you take some time to consider your situation and goals regarding breast augmentation and discuss these with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr Mathew Lee.
The cost of a breast augmentation starts at $16,000. This is inclusive of the surgeon’s fee, leading brand implants, hospital and theatre fees, anaesthetist’s fee, assistant fee and follow up visits.
Revisionary breast augmentation is a complicated procedure. As such, the cost for surgery is significantly higher and will vary on a case-by-case basis. Cost estimates will be provided following assessment of your needs during your consultation with Dr Lee.
Pre-operative planning for breast augmentation is done over two consultations at our Mornington rooms and involves the expertise of Dr Mathew Lee and his team of experienced plastic surgery nurses.
We look at your reasons for wanting breast augmentation and this ultimately helps to establish the goals for your surgery. While size is often an initial part of the discussion, there are many aspects of you as a patient that need to be considered in order to plan an operation that is tailored specifically for you.
Implant selection involves matching your body dimensions and desired outcome to the device best suited to you. Silicon implants are the most common type of breast implant used and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and softnesses. Saline implants are used from time to time, and there are pros and cons attached to each device.
Careful pre-operative analysis, measurements and photos are used to plan the right operation for you.
Sizing will be done with our experienced nurses who can provide you with a wealth of information on how to choose an implant suited to you. They will also advise you on what to expect from your surgery and subsequent recovery.
3D imaging can be a useful tool to help patients with sizing for breast augmentation. During your consultation for primary breast augmentation, you will have the opportunity to see a 3D simulation of what the proposed implants might look like following surgery. We can simulate a number of different implants to ensure that you are as informed as possible before committing to surgery and whilst it is not a guarantee of outcome, it is a way for patients to visualise potential volume changes.
This service may incur an additional cost; however, it is included for patients who have booked a surgery date.
Breast augmentation is performed in an accredited hospital operating theatre under general anaesthesia. There are a number of techniques and approaches, but Dr Mathew Lee’s preferred technique is the infra-mammary fold approach. This means an incision is made in the fold below the breast allowing safe access for placement of the implant and ensures that the scar is hidden. It also allows access to key areas of the procedure where bleeding is likely and can be pre-emptively managed.
Intraoperative sizers or test implants are used in all cases to ensure accuracy. While you are still asleep, you will be sat up to check size, shape and implant position before the definitive implant is installed. Following completion of your breast augmentation, your anaesthetist will allow you to wake up, and you will be taken to the recovery room.
Patients having breast augmentation can often go home on the day of surgery. Whether you stay in hospital or not, tailored instructions will be provided to assist you with your recovery. Post-operative compression bras will also be provided to ensure comfort and optimal management of swelling. We ask that you wear this 24 hours a day for the first 2 weeks the during the daytime alone for a further 2-4 weeks.
Local anaesthetic given at the time of surgery helps with pain during the first 12 – 24 hours. Pain relief will be provided on discharge with instructions on how to actively manage pain and prevent any unnecessary discomfort.
A follow-up appointment is booked prior to your procedure and the details of this will be included in your hospital discharge information.
Once at home, you need to take it easy for a couple of weeks. This means no gym, no running and no heavy lifting. Movement above shoulder height for activities such as hair washing and haircare is completely fine. Showering can start from day 1 as all dressings are water resistant. You will need to avoid driving for about 2 weeks.

Breast augmentation recovery timeline

Dr Lee will review you in hospital before you go home. Once home, you will need to rest and undertake only light activities in the home. Avoid lifting anything over 1kg. All arm movements below and above the shoulders are ok.
You will be reviewed in the clinic to change dressings and assess progress. Some swelling is normal and the implants often sit high. This settles over the first few weeks. Where implants have been placed under the muscle, discomfort when pushing up in bed or lifting yourself out of a chair is expected.
Dressings will be changed again and we will start active scar management with micropore tape. You can usually start driving again at this time.
Further follow up is at 6 weeks and 3 months to check implant position as it settles and monitor scar remodelling. In most circumstances, all normal activities may resume 6 weeks after surgery. A gentle return to normal activities is recommended.

Breast implant before and afters

3 month result post bilateral breast augmentation using 250cc smooth round implants
3 month result post bilateral breast augmentation using 350cc smooth round high profile implants
3 month result post bilateral breast augmentation using 250cc smooth round implants
6 month result post bilateral breast augmentation using 275cc implants
3 month result post bilateral breast augmentation using 300cc smooth round implants

‘Before and after’ images shown are only relevant for these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

Other considerations

There are many potential complications from surgery and thankfully, the majority of these are extremely rare.
Capsule contracture, or hardening of the scar that forms around the implant, is the most talked about problem with silicone implants. The body naturally creates a layer of tissue around an implant to separate it from the surrounding structures. This tissue is known as a capsule. A great deal of work on surgical and sterile technique and implants has been dedicated to reducing the risk of capsule contracture.
Unfortunately, the capsule can become thick and contract, which causes distortion of the implant and can result in poor cosmetic outcomes as well as pain and discomfort for patients. This is capsule contracture. A ‘no touch technique’ when introducing implants, use of antibiotic solutions, improved choice of implant and plane of insertion below or above the pectorals muscle have led to more reliable, reproducible results and less capsule contracture.
Other potential complications include asymmetries, infections, scar imperfections and alterations in nipple sensation.
The Canvas Plastic Surgery Team will fully explain any potential complications during the pre-operative planning process and commits to supporting you throughout your recovery period.
There is a lot of media attention relating to overseas surgery and surgery with ‘cosmetic surgeons’.
In the age of online forums, social media and misinformation, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
The simplest response to this is that you get what you pay for. Cheap surgery is offered by taking shortcuts which equates to increased risk for patients. Some people are willing to take this risk and may get away with it. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, the complications can be devastating and potentially life-threatening.
In making a decision to have surgery, it is important to ensure that you see a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to discuss your options and suitability.
We welcome you to speak with us to obtain specific information about our processes.
The Australian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons have a wealth of information for patients.