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
Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation)
Before & After
This gallery contains photos of consented patients of Dr Jake Lim and My Klinik and have not been altered or digitally enhanced.
Outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient 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. All surgery carries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
Actual patient images are © property of Dr Jake Lim. Please note: some medical images may contain ADULT content and is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 years and may not be suitable for all adults. View at your discretion.
Pre and Post-Operative Care
Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation) FAQs
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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.