Breast augmentation

About 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.

  • Correct uneven breasts (asymmetry).

  • Correct tuberous breast deformity.

  • As part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy .

Procedure information

  • In planning for your surgery:

    • Consultation
      You will meet Dr Law in consultation. The consultation will begin with a conversation about your goals and expectations. Please feel free to bring any questions you may have. The procedure will be explained in detail - covering what it can and cannot achieve. Dr Law will also discuss the surgical process, possible risks, and complications. To ensure you feel fully informed and confident in your decision, a second consultation will be arranged before proceeding with surgery. This gives you the opportunity to ask additional questions.

    • Choosing implant size
      During the consultation, Dr Law will guide you in selecting a suitable implant type and size. We have a sizing kit in the office where you can “try on” the different implant sizes. We can also use a 3D imaging system to simulate the desired changes to allow you to gain a better idea of how your breasts will appear post operatively.

    • Smoking
      Please stop smoking as soon as you are able to, as smoking increases the risk of complications from surgery. If possible, please stop smoking at least six weeks before your surgery.

    • You will be given instructions ahead of time regarding fasting, medications, and other practical information.

    On the day of surgery:

    • You’ll meet with a nurse, who will assess your health.

    • The anaesthetist will meet you and confirm your anaesthesia plan to make sure the procedure goes as smoothly and safely as possible.

    • Dr Law will see you to confirm the procedure again, take photographs, and draw markings on your skin to guide 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: You can have reactions to anaesthesia. However a fully qualified anaesthetist will look after you during the surgery to ensure your anaesthetic will be as safe and smooth as possible.

    • Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions are possible. We will ask you about any known allergies beforehand to help avoid exposure during surgery.

    • Infection: You will be given antibiotics at the start of your surgery (as you go to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics afterwards, to help minimise this risk. 

    • Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot): A bit of bleeding onto the dressing is common and usually stops on its own. There is a very small risk of blood clots, requiring drainage.

    • Seroma (fluid collection): A pocket of fluid can occasionally collect in the body after surgery.

  • 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: Scars are typically placed in the fold beneath the breast, where it is less visible. Scars will fade and mature over 12–18 months. Scar care advice will be given at your follow-up visit.

    • Changes in sensation: Sensation in the nipples may temporarily become numb or more sensitive. This usually improves over weeks or months, but in rare cases, changes can last longer.

    • Asymmetry: No one has perfectly symmetrical breasts, and small differences may remain or become more noticeable after surgery.

    • Implant rotation: Rarely, implants can shift or rotate out of position.

    • Breastfeeding: Most women can still breastfeed after breast augmentation. However, changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding can alter breast shape and implant position, sometimes requiring revision surgery.

    • Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): A rare type of cancer has been reported in some patients with breast implants. Treatment for ALCL may include surgery and, in rare cases, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

    • Capsular contracture: Your body naturally forms a scar “capsule” around the implant. In some people (about 5–10%), the capsule can become thick and hard, which may require surgery to correct.

    • Rippling: Some implants can cause visible ripples, especially if there is thin tissue covering them. This varies from person to person.

    • Changes over time:

      • Larger implants can lead to more long-term changes, like sagging.

      • Natural ageing, weight changes, or pregnancy can affect your breast shape, which may make implants look out of place later on.

      • Revision surgery may be needed down the track.

      • Removing implants doesn’t always restore your breasts to how they were before surgery.

    • Muscle-related movement (animation deformity): If your implants are placed under the muscle, they may move slightly when your chest muscles contract. This may be more noticeable during certain activities, like bodybuilding.

    Choosing a qualified surgeon for your surgery with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.

Book your Appointment

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