Breast augmentation

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and shape of the breasts. The breast can be augmented with breast implants, fat, or a combination of the two. More commonly, it involves placing an implant under the breast tissue or chest muscle. Sometimes, breast augmentation is done together with a breast lift (mastopexy) to improve drooping.

Why do women choose breast augmentation?

Breast implants can be used to:

Enlarge small breasts.
Restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss.
Treat uneven breasts (asymmetry) and tuberous breast deformity.
As part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy .

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Procedure information

Before your surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Dr Law to discuss your goals, the procedure, and any risks. Clinical photos will be taken, and a second consultation will be arranged to answer further questions. During your consultation, Dr Law will help you choose the right implant type and size. You can try different sizes using our sizing kit, and we also use 3D imaging to show you how your breasts might look after surgery.
It’s important to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to reduce risks. You will receive personalised instructions to prepare you for surgery.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital. It usually takes between 1-2 hours.
The surgery for breast augmentation typically involves the following:
- A small cut is made under the breast. The incision is usually 5-6 cm in length and placed in or near the fold under your breast.
- A pocket is made under or above the chest muscle for the implant.
- A temporary “sizer” may be used during surgery to help choose the best implant.
- Implant is placed under extremely sterile conditions. We adhere to the 14-point plan to reduce bacterial contamination during surgery.
- Wound is closed with dissolvable sutures.
Dr Law will give you personalised instructions to follow after your surgery. Please also note that recovery can vary between individuals. But in general:
- Most patients go home the same day.
- You may feel sore or uncomfortable for a few days, especially if the implant is under the muscle.
- You’ll slowly return to normal activities over 2 weeks.
- Most women take about 2 weeks off work (longer if your job is physical).
- You can drive when you feel comfortable (check with your insurer).
- Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for 6 weeks.

Breast implant details

In Australia, the two main types of breast implants used are:
Saline implants
These implants have a silicone shell and are filled with sterile salt water (saline) in varying amounts. If a saline implant leaks, it will deflate, and the body will naturally absorb and eliminate the saline. Saline implants are more likely to show rippling and may feel less natural.
Silicone implants
These implants have a silicone shell and are filled with a cohesive, gel-like silicone that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. It is similar in texture to a Turkish delight. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel may stay within the shell, escape into the surrounding scar capsule, or in some cases, spread into the breast tissue. Unlike saline implants, silicone implants generally do not collapse if they leak.
In modern breast augmentation, silicone implants are more commonly used. The implants vary in size and shape, from anatomic (tear drop) shaped implants to round implants and can be textured or smooth.
Implants can come in an anatomical (teardrop) shape or a round shape.
- Round implants are a traditional choice, and gives more fullness at the top of the breast.
- Anatomical (teardrop) implants are shaped to match the natural curve of the breast.
The surface of the implant comes in different “finishes”:
- It can be smooth, which means it has a plain, soft outer shell.
- It can be textured. The degree of texturing can also range from: macrotexture, microtexture to nanotexture.
Breast implants can be placed in a subglandular or submuscular plane.
Subglandular placement (over the muscle)
- The implant is placed under the breast tissue but over the chest muscle.
- This may be suitable if your natural breast tissue is thick enough to cover the implant.
Submuscular placement (under the muscle)
- The implant is placed behind the large chest muscle called the pectoralis major.
More commonly a dual plane technique is used. This means that the breast implant is placed partially behind the chest muscle (pectoralis major) and partially behind the breast tissue. It combines the benefits of both submuscular and subglandular implant placement.
In general, the top part of the implant is placed under the chest muscle, so you get a more natural slope in the upper breast and this also reduces the risk of visible implant edges. The lower part of the implant is in contact with the gland which gives greater shape to the breast.
Modern silicone implants used for breast augmentation are high quality but are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Breast implants typically last 10 to 15 years. Future surgery is often required to replace one or both implants. Dr Law will review you regularly after your breast implants to check their integrity.
Dr Law only uses implants from trusted, leading manufacturers such as Mentor and Motiva. She does not use low-cost or unverified implants, as your safety and long-term results is her top priority.
Most women who have breast implants can have regular mammograms. Please see BreastScreen NSW for more information.

What is hybrid breast augmentation?

A hybrid breast augmentation refers to a breast enlargement procedure using both implants and your own fat to achieve tailored results.

Fat is carefully harvested from a part of your body where there is excess fat available, and the fat is processed and re-injected into your breasts.

Combining fat grafting with implants can add volume, while customising features like the cleavage.

Roughly 60–70% of the fat is expected to survive. However, significant weight loss or a high metabolism may reduce the amount that remains long-term.

Fat grafting can help:

Create natural-looking cleavage lines.
Add volume to the sides of the breasts (“side boob”).
Soften or hide rippling from older implants.
Improve breast asymmetry.

Risks & complications

All surgery carries risks and may include:
- Drug reactions.
- Allergic reactions.
- Infection.
- Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot).
- Seroma (fluid collection).
Risks specific to breast augmentation will be discussed with you during your consultation and will also be provided in your consent paperwork. These include:
- Scarring.
- Changes in nipple sensation.
- Asymmetry.
- Implant rotation or rippling.
- Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
- Capsular contracture (thick hard scarring around the implant).
- Rippling.
- Muscle-related movement around the implant (animation deformity).
- Need for revision surgery.
Choosing a qualified surgeon for your surgery with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.