Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation)

Women who would like to add fullness and volume to their upper body profile may consider augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) for this purpose. This surgical procedure uses synthetic implants to increase the size of the breasts, correct asymmetries and create a more aesthetically pleasing shape. Dr Teston has more than 24 years of experience performing breast surgery procedures and works one-on-one with all of her patients to help them find the best solutions to meet their specific goals.

Before Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation)

Before you schedule your augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) surgery, there are a number of decisions you will need to make:

Implant Options

There are two basic types of implants available:

• Saline – consists of a silicone gel filled with a sterile saline solution after they are place in the breast tissue
• Silicone – also has a silicone shell that is filled with a silicone gel-like substance, come pre-filled in a variety of shapes and sizes

The silicone shell may be smooth or textured. If you opt for silicone implants, you will also have the choice of round or teardrop-shaped (also known as anatomical) implants.

Your choice of implant may seem overwhelming, but Dr Teston will walk you through the steps to help you make the best choice for your specific anatomy and your desired results. She often suggests that her patients bring in a bra in the size they want to provide a visual idea of the results they want to achieve with their breast augmentation. From there, Dr Teston can help you select the type and size of implant that will fit your needs best.

Incision Placement

Incision placement is another choice for augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) that you will make in conjunction with Dr Teston’s recommendations. There are three basic locations for implant incisions:

• Periareolar – incision is placed around the areola, minimising visible scarring
• Inframammary – incision is placed in the lower crease of the breast
• Transaxillary – incision is placed in armpit to eliminate scarring on the breast

The incision placement will depend on a number of factors, including the size and type of implant used and whether you will want to preserve your ability to breastfeed after your augmentation surgery. Dr Teston will go through all of the pros and cons of each incision placement so you can feel confident you are making the best choice for you.

Implant Placement

Implants can be placed either on top of the chest muscle and behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath a portion of the chest muscle (submuscular). Placement will vary based on the amount of natural breast tissue you have, the size and type of implant you choose and your personal preference. Subglandular placement is usually recommended for women with a significant amount of padding in the breast tissue to safely hide the implant edges. Submuscular placement may require a slightly longer recovery process but may work better for women with less breast tissue on top.

During Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation)

Augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) surgery is performed in an accredited hospital using general anaesthesia. The procedure takes about two hours to complete, although it may take a bit longer if a mastopexy (breast lift) is performed at the same time. Patients spend a few hours in recovery after the procedure before they head home to recover or they may need to stay overnight so that they can be looked after by caring nursing staff. Patients may go home wearing a compression garment or special surgical bra to minimise swelling and hold the breasts in place while they are healing.

After Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation)

Most patients are able to return to their regular activities within two weeks after their augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) surgery. Strenuous exercise may be restricted for an additional two weeks or so to avoid placing undue strain on the breasts. Once you have healed fully, you will be able to enjoy your new breast size for many years. In fact, many patients never have a need for additional surgery if they continue to be happy with their new breast size and they do not experience any complications from their implants.

Potential Risks and Complications 

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) include:

• Bleeding and infection
• Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and topical lotions or ointments
• Changes in breast and nipple sensation
• Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• Keloid, or lumpy scar tissue, which is raised and irregularly shaped and may be inflamed and itchy
• Capsular contracture, where firm scar tissue forms around the implant causing it to lose shape and softness
• Inappropriate implant size
• Implant rupture or deflation
• Asymmetry or unevenness of the breasts
• Calcium deposits in the scar capsule around the implant
• Granulomas, or lumps, in local lymph node tissue formed by leaking silicone
• Breastfeeding difficulties, including reduced milk supply
• Reduced effectiveness of breast cancer screening, as an implant may hide breast tissue (and tumours) during a mammogram
• Movement of the implants from their original position
• Further surgery to treat complications
• Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
• Blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and may be life threatening

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

Breast Registry Information for Augmentation and Reconstruction

Patients can have the confidence that all of the information regarding breast implants are recorded into The Australian Breast Device Registry. All of the hospitals that Dr Teston is affiliated with, Kareena Private, St George Private and Bankstown Public will, following your surgery, input your information into the database of the registry. This is so that in the future if you ever require the information about the implants it can be retrieved from The Australian Breast Device Registry. This information collated includes type of implants used, manufacture, serial numbers, reason for surgery and the technique used and is a secure approved National Register.

To learn more about this procedure, contact Dr Teston’s office today on (02) 9708 3511 to set up your private consultation with Dr Teston today.

*The information about Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation) was reviewed by Dr Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.