Breast Augmentation: Where to Start

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in Australia. If you are considering it, the amount of information available can feel overwhelming. This guide covers the fundamentals to help you understand your options and prepare for your consultation.

Understanding Your Options

Breast augmentation involves using implants (or in some cases, fat transfer) to increase the size, improve the shape, or restore the volume of the breasts. Before you begin consulting with surgeons, it helps to understand the key decisions involved.

Implant Types

There are two main types of breast implants available in Australia:

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel and are the most commonly used in Australia. They are known for:

• A natural feel that closely mimics breast tissue
• Maintaining their shape well over time
• Coming in a wide range of sizes and profiles
• If the shell ruptures, the gel tends to stay within the implant capsule (though monitoring is still essential)

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after being placed in the body. Key characteristics include:

• If the shell ruptures, the saline is safely absorbed by the body
• The rupture is immediately noticeable as the breast will deflate
• They may feel slightly firmer than silicone
• They can sometimes show more visible rippling, particularly in people with thinner breast tissue

Implant Shapes

Breast implants come in two primary shapes:

Round Implants

• Provide fullness across the entire breast, particularly in the upper pole
• If the implant rotates, it does not affect the shape (as it is symmetrical)
• Available in various profiles (low, moderate, high) that affect how much the implant projects from the chest wall
• The most commonly selected shape in Australia

Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants

• Designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast, with more volume in the lower portion
• May provide a more natural-looking result in some patients
• If the implant rotates, it can create an unnatural shape — though modern textured surfaces are designed to reduce this risk
• May be recommended for specific body types or aesthetic goals

Implant Placement

Where the implant is positioned relative to the chest muscle is another important decision:

Submuscular (Under the Muscle)

• The implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle
• May provide a more natural slope, particularly in people with less natural breast tissue
• Can make mammography slightly easier
• May involve a longer recovery due to muscle involvement
• The implant may move with chest muscle flexion

Subglandular (Over the Muscle)

• The implant is placed between the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle
• Recovery may be shorter as the muscle is not disturbed
• May show more implant edges in people with thinner tissue
• May be recommended for certain body types or revision cases

Dual Plane

• A hybrid approach where the upper portion of the implant is behind the muscle and the lower portion is behind the breast tissue
• Aims to combine the benefits of both placements
• The most commonly used placement technique in Australia

Incision Options

The incision location determines where the surgical scar will be:

• Inframammary fold — In the crease beneath the breast (most common)
• Periareolar — Around the lower edge of the areola
• Transaxillary — In the armpit (less common)

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate incision based on your anatomy, implant choice, and their surgical approach.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

A thorough consultation is the most important step in the process. During your appointment, your surgeon should:

• Assess your breast anatomy and body proportions
• Discuss your goals and expectations
• Recommend implant type, size, shape, and placement
• Allow you to see and feel different implant options
• Explain the procedure, recovery, and risks
• Provide an indicative cost estimate
• Answer all of your questions without rushing

Many surgeons offer 3D imaging to give you a visual preview of different implant options on your body, which can be helpful for setting realistic expectations.

Recovery Overview

Breast augmentation recovery varies depending on the surgical approach, but a general timeline includes:

• Week 1 — Rest and limited arm movement; prescribed pain medication
• Weeks 2 to 4 — Gradual return to light daily activities; continued wearing of a supportive bra
• Week 6 — Most physical restrictions are lifted
• 3 to 6 months — Implants settle into their final position; swelling fully resolves

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

Prepare a list of questions for your consultation, including:

• What implant type, size, and placement do you recommend for me, and why?
• How many breast augmentations have you performed?
• What is the expected lifespan of the implants you use?
• What are the potential risks and complications?
• What is your approach if a complication arises?
• Can I see before and after photos of your patients?

Pirk can help connect you with qualified breast augmentation surgeons across Australia and support your research with independent guidance.

Disclaimer: Pirk is not a medical provider. We are here to support your decisions and help connect you with qualified, registered health practitioners. All procedures are performed by qualified surgeons or registered health practitioners, and any medical advice should always come directly from your treating provider. We guide you through the journey, but all medical decisions are made between you and your surgeon.