Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation)

Augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) may aid in the size and shape of a woman’s breasts.

Augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) can give long-lasting and natural-looking breasts. The surgical procedure is used primarily to aid in the size and also the shape of a woman’s breasts with the use of breast implants. Placement of the implant behind each breast increases its volume and enhances the overall shape of the breast.

Breast implants can be performed, as long as the natural breasts are fully developed. Women seek augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) surgery for a number of reasons, including dissatisfaction with the size, proportion, or balance of her breasts, or to improve the contour and size of her breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.

In some cases, fat transfer/injection can be used in addition to implants to increase volume in certain areas of the breast, to achieve better symmetry, for more upper pole fullness and/or for a better cleavage line. Dr Lim will discuss this option with you at your consultation.

Dr Lim uses three different types of incision when performing augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) surgeries:

  • Inframammary — incision in the fold of the breast. This is the most common incision.
  • Periareolar — incision around the nipple.
  • Transaxillary — incision underneath the arm.

Where possible, Dr Lim’s preference is to use an inframammary fold incision. This provides appropriate access to the breast tissue and muscle to allow for accurate and safe placement of the breast implant, and presents a lower chance of contamination that can lead to complications.

The position and size of the incision will depend on your clothing preferences, and the shape, size and placement of the implant. Breast implant placement depends on the amount of breast tissue available to hide the implant to ensure it cannot be seen or felt. Patients with minimal breast tissue benefit from submuscular (sitting under the muscle) placement to provide more cover above the actual implant and prevent visible rippling of the implant. Submuscular placement also can reduce the risk of capsular contracture (internal scar tissue that constricts the implant).

While many patients are concerned about visible scarring, our goal is to achieve the desired final breast size and shape, which will determine the incision placement.

Dr Lim will do his best to minimise scarring, and the location and length of your incision will be discussed with you in the consultation process.

Silicone gel-filled implants are most commonly used in Australia as they are known to achieve a more natural result. At My Klinik, Dr Lim uses both cohesive silicone gel and saline breast implants depending on the patient’s needs.

Breast implant shapes vary from round to anatomical (also known as teardrop shape). Round breast implants are available in low and high profile while the teardrop-shaped breast implants are available in various widths, heights, projections and sizes.

Generally, round implants are more suited to patients that are happy with the breast shape and are looking only to increase in the size of their breasts. Round implants give more upper-pole fullness to the woman’s breast.

Teardrop implants give a much more natural shape to the breast. The more projected lower half of the breast lifts the nipple and may suit those patients with slightly droopy breasts, such as post pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.

Choosing the size and shape of your desired implants is an important and personal decision. Dr Lim is very experienced in the use of both implant shapes and he will guide you through the decision-making process during your augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) consultation. Dr Lim will help you to select the most optimal implant depending on your chest size and your breast base measurements.

Every surgical procedure comes with risks, and Dr Lim will discuss these with you so you can make informed decisions.

Over the last decade, some types of breast implants have been associated with the development of a very rare form of lymphoma called BIA-ALCL — Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. It is important to highlight that this is very rare, with about 600 cases reported worldwide in 2019 from an estimated 40 million women with breast implants.

While research in understanding BIA-ALCL is early, it seems to be connected with implants with a rougher texture. Both silicone and saline filled implants have a silicone outer shell that is either smooth or rough textured. It has been believed that rough-surfaced implants minimise internal scar tissue and capsular contracture.

The rare cancer BIA-ALCL is associated with rough, highly textured breast implants (macro-textured) such as salt loss reduction and polyurethane surfaces. Smooth or very low textured (nano-textured) implants have not been formally linked and micro-textured implants rarely associated.

Dr Lim now uses either nano-textured (Motiva) or micro-textured (Mentor) breast implants with low surface roughness as these have been shown to be the safest implants available on the market worldwide. These implants have Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval. We recommend keeping up to date with the latest advice from the TGA.

After consultation with Dr Lim, your augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) surgery will be performed under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital. The procedure takes about 70 minutes and most patients will go home that day.

After surgery, you will wake up wearing a surgical bra and a stabiliser. Dr Lim will review you post-operatively and prescribe analgesia and antibiotics that will aid healing and reduce the potential for infection and bruising.

My Klinik staff will stay in touch with you after the procedure, monitor your progress and answer any questions or concerns as they arise. You’ll have reviews with Dr Lim one week, one month and six months after surgery. Dr Lim recommends a yearly breast ultrasound to check on your implants.

Our goal is to make your experience as supportive as possible — Dr Lim and the My Klinik staff are always willing to answer any questions you may have.

Dr Lim’s 2023 Breast Surgery Guide

Breast Surgery Guide
Breast Surgery Guide

Pre and Post-Operative Care

  • You must fast prior to your procedure — do not eat, drink (even water) or chew anything for at least six hours before your procedure. The hospital will ring you the day before your procedure to confirm your admission time.
  • If you have a gastric band or sleeve, you will need to have a fluid diet the day before your surgery and fast for at least eight hours on the day of your procedure.
  • Notify Dr Lim of any medications that you are currently taking.
  • Do not take any medication that contains aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory or herbal medication for two weeks before your procedure. Aspirin thins the blood, which can result in unnecessary blood loss during your procedure.
  • Do not smoke for two weeks before and two weeks after your procedure. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and may delay the healing process.
  • Do not drink any alcohol for two days before and two days after your procedure as it can interfere with the anaesthetic you will be given on the day.
  • Vitamin C may help reduce your healing time and is recommended for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.
  • Do not wear any nail polish, make-up or jewellery to the hospital and leave any valuables at home.
  • You will need to wear comfortable, loose clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head or face before and after surgery. We will supply you with a soft bra to wear home from hospital. You will need a support bra or crop top (with no underwire) for the first few weeks after surgery.
  • Be prepared for at least a week of very minimal activity after the procedure.
  • You will be discharged on the day of your surgery. You will be wearing a surgical bra and stabiliser when discharged.
  • General anaesthetic can take a few days to recover from — it can be quite normal to feel a little slow or out of sorts for a few days.
  • The amount of pain experienced post-operatively is different for everyone. For most women, the first two to three days are the most painful. Dr Lim will prescribe oral pain relief — please contact My Klinik if this doesn’t control your pain.
  • It is crucial that you finish the course of antibiotics you are prescribed to prevent any post-op infection.
  • Your bra or crop top should be worn night and day for three months until all the swelling has subsided. Underwire bras are not recommended for three months after surgery. You will also have to wear an implant stabiliser for two weeks.
  • As your chest will feel quite tight, you will be more comfortable if you sleep semi-upright on two to three pillows — this will also help to reduce swelling and bruising.
  • The bruising, swelling and sensitivity in your breasts may take two to three weeks to settle. It is best to avoid physical contact during this time, until you feel comfortable.
  • Avoid lifting your arms above your head for the first two weeks and avoid heavy lifting (including children) for the first three weeks. You may resume gentle walking after the first few days and driving after one week.
  • You may start applying vitamin E cream or oil to your scars after two weeks. This will help with healing and is recommended twice a day for three months.
  • Do not smoke during your recovery period as this may slow the healing process and affect wound healing.
  • My Klinik nursing staff will contact you after surgery to make sure that you are feeling comfortable and to confirm your one-week post-op checkup with Dr Lim.
  • Contact My Klinik if any of the following develop:
    • A temperature higher than 38°C or chills
    • Heavy bleeding or drainage from the incisions
    • Increasing pain in the breast
    • Redness around the incisions that is spreading
    • Tenderness and marked enlargement of either breast.
  • Dr Lim and the nursing staff are available to you as you recover — should you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact My Klinik. For after-hours concerns, please contact the hospital where you had your surgery and they will be able to contact Dr Lim as required.

Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation) FAQs

If you are concerned about one or more of the following augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) surgery may be right for you:

  • You feel your breasts are too small
  • Breast size is not proportional to the rest of your body
  • The size and shape of your breasts feel uneven
  • You are unhappy with the contour and size of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.

Breast implants are best suited for patients in good physical health, who don’t smoke and who have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

Individual factors and personal preferences will help you and Dr Lim to determine your appropriate breast size, the location of the incisions and whether the implant will be placed on top or underneath the pectoral muscle.

An incision is usually made underneath the breast in the crease, though in some cases the incision is in the armpit or around the nipple. After making an incision Dr Lim creates a pocket either in front of the muscle or behind it into which the implant is inserted. The length of the incision will depend on the type and size of implant used and is normally around five centimetres for silicone implants and slightly smaller for saline implants. Dr Lim inserts the implants, ensuring they are evenly placed, then closes the incision. Drains are not usually used for this procedure.

Dr Lim will discuss with you the best type of implants and placement for your desired outcomes during the consultation process.

Silicone gel-filled implants are popular in Australia as they are known to achieve a more natural result, while some people feel more comfortable with saline-filled varieties due to negative implications associated with older silicone implants. Modern silicone gel implants are far more robust and are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

At My Klinik, Dr Lim uses both cohesive silicone gel and saline breast implants depending on the patient’s needs. He also uses either nano-textured (Motiva) or micro-textured (Mentor) breast implants that are considered to be the safest available textured implants with respect to BIA-ALCL. We recommend keeping up to date with the latest advice from the TGA. Dr Lim also uses smooth breast implants.

Choosing the type, size and shape of your desired implants is an important and personal decision. Dr Lim is very experienced and will guide you through the decision-making process during your breast augmentation consultation. Dr Lim will help you to select the most optimal implant depending on your chest size and your breast base measurements and considering all the risks.

Your first consultation with Dr Lim will take around 45 minutes and you are most welcome to bring a support person with you. Due to social distancing measures as a result of COVID-19, the support person may not be able to enter the rooms (depending on the number of persons in the rooms at that particular time).

Dr Lim will take the time to discuss the procedure with you, the breast size and shape you desire, and any other issues related to the appearance of your breasts that you feel are important to you. This will help Dr Lim understand your expectations and determine if they are achievable.

Dr Lim will explain the risks of surgery and discuss types of implants and their use with you. Your breasts will be assessed, and a few measurements and photographs will be taken to plan the procedure. You will have the opportunity to try implants of different sizes so that you have some idea of what the final result may look like. Wearing a fitted top to the consultation will assist with this.

You do not have to make the decision to proceed with the surgery at this initial consultation. You will be given a written quotation and information to take home to read.

Dr Lim will examine your breasts and consider factors such as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the position of your nipples and areolas.

Please come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions you have, medications you are currently taking, allergies you have, other medical treatments you have received and any previous surgery you have had. You will also be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer and about results of any mammograms you may have had.

Please discuss with Dr Lim any plans for significant weight loss or future pregnancies. There is no evidence that breast implants affect pregnancy or breastfeeding, but this is a great time to ask any questions you may have. A second consultation is required if you wish to proceed with surgery.

In some cases, Dr Lim may recommend a baseline mammogram/ultrasound before surgery. Following augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation), you will still be able to perform breast self-examination and should do so every month. You will still be able to have regular mammograms after surgery. Dr Lim recommends yearly breast ultrasound to check on your implants.

Avoid products that contain aspirin, glucosamine, herbal supplements, fish oil and krill oil for four weeks before surgery. We also strongly recommend avoiding alcohol, and not smoking for two weeks before and after surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process.

On the day of surgery, patients should wear comfortable, loose clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head or face. Don’t wear any make-up, jewellery or nail polish.

We want to make this experience as supportive as possible — you will be given all pre-operative instructions prior to your procedure but please don’t hesitate to call My Klinik if you have any questions or concerns before your surgery.

Dr Lim performs all surgeries at fully accredited hospitals — Lakeview Private Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital. Augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and you can expect to go home the same day or the day after the procedure.

Please contact the hospital a day before surgery to confirm your admission and fasting time. On entering the hospital, you need to report to the admissions desk and the staff will direct you through the admission process. Dr Lim and the anaesthetist will both see you prior to surgery and Dr Lim will make some markings on your breasts.

After the procedure, you will spend some time in the recovery room where you will be closely monitored until you are fully awake. Dr Lim or a nurse will review you before discharge.

The first days after surgery are usually the most uncomfortable and your breasts will be slightly bruised and swollen. The top of your breasts may appear rather swollen and your breast implants may appear to be sitting quite high. Over the following month, the swelling will subside, and the implants will settle into a more natural position.

It is normal to feel tired and a little slow for a day or two following a general anaesthetic. You will have tapes covering your incisions and will be able to shower after 48 hours.

Everyone is different, so the recovery period following this procedure varies from person to person and depends on where the implant is positioned. An implant placed behind the muscle tends to cause more discomfort than placement in front of the muscle.

You should be able to drive after one week. Avoid activities that involve lifting your arms above your head, or strenuous and heavy lifting, for two to three weeks after surgery. Any sexual activity should be restricted for at least the first week or two. Returning to work depends on the demands of your job — you may be able to return to office duties after one to two weeks.

Your breasts will be sensitive for around one month following surgery and they should be handled according to your own level of comfort. Dr Lim will discuss your individual situation with you before and after your surgery.

We endeavour to make sure our patients are as informed as possible. While some of the potential risks seem frightening, it is important for you to be aware that they can occur. During consultation, Dr Lim will take you through the risks involved and the potential complications.

Some of the possible complications are:

  • Infection
  • Keloids and hypertrophic (or raised) scars
  • Temporary or permanent numbness
  • Rippling of the implant
  • Accumulation of blood (haematoma) in the breast which requires drainage
  • Shifting, rupture or leakage of the implant
  • Capsular contracture (internal scar tissue that constricts the implant)
  • BIA-ALCL.

Over the last decade, some types of breast implants have been associated with the development of a very rare form of lymphoma called BIA-ALCL — Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. It is important to highlight that this is very rare, with about 600 cases reported worldwide in 2019 from an estimated 40 million women with breast implants.

While research in understanding BIA-ALCL is early, it seems to be connected with implants with a rougher texture. Dr Lim uses either nano-textured (Motiva) or micro-textured (Mentor) breast implants with low surface roughness as these have been shown to be the safest implants available on the market worldwide. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has more information on BIA-ALCL or you are welcome to call My Klinik if you have further questions or concerns.

Naturally, most breasts are slightly different in size and shape and this persists after the procedure. While you will be slightly swollen following the surgery and it may take several months to see the ultimate result, the immediate effect of this surgery is dramatic and the benefits will be obvious straightaway.

Although the increase in breast volume will be permanent, your breast size and shape will continue to be affected by the changes that ageing, pregnancy/breastfeeding, weight loss and weight gain can produce in all women.

In years to come, if you become dissatisfied with your breast shape and contour, you may choose to undergo a mastopexy (breast lift) procedure to achieve a more desired position and contour.

Dr Lim will monitor your progress carefully and our staff will stay in contact with you during the post-operative period. You will be seen at frequent intervals over the first twelve months and Dr Lim recommends a yearly breast ultrasound.

Your relationship with Dr Lim and the nursing staff does not end once you have had the procedure. If you have any questions or concerns after your operation, you are always welcome to call My Klinik.

Want to know more?

Due to Australian medical guidelines we are unable to publish reviews and testimonials on our website. This is to ensure any opinions or information you read comes from an unbiased and unedited source. Though this is the case, we understand that reviews and testimonials are a very important part of your decision-making process when selecting a specialist plastic surgeon. Please contact the My Klinik team for further information.

Book a Consult

About Dr Jake Lim

Highly qualified and experienced specialist plastic surgeon Dr Jake Lim focuses on facial plastic, cosmetic breast and body contouring after significant weight loss

Dr Lim creates the best possible plastic surgery results for his Australia-wide and international patients.

Dr Lim is passionate about making sure each and every patient has access to the right information about available treatments and procedures and is able to make well-informed decisions.

At My Klinik, patient safety, education and achieving optimal results are our top priorities.

Learn More