Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, can be a cosmetic procedure or a reconstructive procedure in the case of breast reconstruction surgery. The procedure involves implants being inserted beneath the breasts to enlarge them. The implant type and size depends on factors such as how much bigger you want your breasts to be, your breast anatomy, skin thickness and elasticity, and body type.
Are Breast Implants Right For You?
It’s not medically possible to fully determine your suitability for breast implant surgery without a personal consultation session. But generally there are a number of indicators that mean breast implants are right for you.
- Do you regularly feel that your breasts are too small?
- Are clothes that fit well around your hips too large at the bustline?
- Do you feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top?
- Have your breasts become smaller or lost firmness after childbirth or weight change?
- Is one of your breasts noticeably larger or smaller than the other?
If you can identify with any of these, our doctors can help. These are all relatively common issues and even if you decide not to pursue a surgical treatment path, a consultation session with the experts at Australia Cosmetics Clinic can help you manage these issues. In addition to this, Australia Cosmetic Clinics is one of few locations to utilise Vectra 3D imaging technologies, which means you can get a clear and realistic picture of how any implants will change your breasts without needing to commit to anything.
Breast Implant Choices
There are a lot of choices involved in breast augmentation, but our doctors are there to help you throughout the decision-making process by making recommendations according to your needs, and having thorough knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of every option.
Implants
There are three main factors to consider when selecting an implant. These are shell type, shape and filler substance.
- Shell Type: The outer surface of the implant can be either smooth or textured and rough. Smooth implants are easy to insert, can be placed with minimal scarring and reduce the risk of wrinkles or ripples appearing on the breast surface. However, they have a higher chance of causing abnormal hardness or surrounding muscle contracture. On the other hand, textured implants, including more recent polyurethane foam models, are much less likely to cause muscle contracture but remain slightly more prone to rippling, and require a larger incision. Based on your medical history, chest structure and requirements, our surgeons will recommend a shell type that best suits your needs.
- Shape: There are two main types of implant shape; rounded and anatomic. The former tend to give more rounded, full and higher-looking results, while the latter are anatomically tear-drop shaped, and are overall more natural looking breast implants, with a softer look and sloping upper pole. This decision will usually be made according entirely to your aesthetic preferences, but certain body types or medical conditions may necessitate the use of one over the other.
- Filler Substance: The filler is what makes up most of the actual implants. The two main types of filler are silicone gel and saline solution. Currently over 99% of Australian breast augmentation procedures use silicone on account of its excellent cohesion, durability and robustness. Saline implants are more likely to rupture or deform, but are still used as their filler can be completely absorbed by the body if this happens. Because they’re only inflated after insertion, they also require smaller incisions, which helps reduce scarring. This is generally a personal choice, but specific issues might make one a better option than the other.
Implant Placement Breast augmentation implants can be placed either in front of or behind the layer of muscle that underlies breasts.
- In front of the muscle placement has one main drawback – it’s generally not suitable for people with thin frames or too little existing breast tissue. This is because the edge of the actual implant might be visible if it’s placed too close to the surface. Other than that, it’s generally quicker, easier, less painful, has a faster recovery time and is well suited to people looking for more lift and fullness from their breasts.
- Behind the muscle placement is a more versatile option, suitable for almost everyone. The extra layer of muscle tissue on top of the implant helps conceal it further and reduces any rippling effects. The downside to this option is that it’s more intrusive, requires deeper incisions and takes longer to heal.
Incision Type
The incision is the surgical cut where the actual implant is inserted into the breast. The type of incision is mostly up to you, and is primarily dependent on where you’d like the scar. Some scarring is unavoidable, but choosing an incision that suits your lifestyle and dressing habits can make it functionally invisible. Should you have a preference, all our surgeons have extensive experience with each incision type.
- Breast crease incisions are the most common choice. They provide direct access to relevant surgical areas and conceal the scar in the breast crease. Generally the only people who will ever see the scar are you and your partner.
- Through the armpit is a good choice for people who don’t want any scars on their breasts at all. The incision is tucked away in an armpit crease and cannot be seen when your arms are down. It might be slightly visible while wearing a strapless dress, but is far enough from the breasts that few people associate it with augmentation surgery.
- Around the nipple is the least common approach in Australia, but remains popular in Europe and South America. Incisions in this area tend to heal extremely well so any scars are very well concealed, but it’s been known to result in increased changes to sensitivity, and people with smaller nipples might not be viable candidates for this choice.
