Breast augmentation can help increase the size, shape, and volume of the breasts. Before the procedure, you may have a lot of questions about what breast augmentation is actually like. To provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to anticipate when considering whether this procedure aligns with your needs, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
7 Best Breast Augmentation FAQs
1. Will my breasts feel different after Augmentation?
The short answer is that your tissue may feel different after an augmentation. If you choose an implant, there are still lots of factors that can make an impact on how your breasts will feel after the procedure. For example:
- The kind of augmentation you get
- Your original breast size and how much tissue is around your implant
- The size and material of your implant
- Whether you put an implant over or under your pectoral (chest) muscle
Most surgeons offer saline and silicone implants. Saline implants use a silicone shell, which is filled during surgery with sterile saline after the shell is in place. Silicone implants are pre-filled with semi-solid silicone. “Gummy bear” implants are a newer option that uses cohesive gel.
After surgery, it may take a while to adjust to your new proportions and for your implants to “settle” in their final location. There is a chance that nipples will be sensitive, numb, or sore during recovery, but this goes away after you recover from the surgery.
2. How big an implant should I get?
The same size implant can look very different in different women; existing breast tissue, musculature, and other biological factors can play a role in how big or small an implant appears beneath your skin. For some patients, a breast “lift” without any implant at all can provide the desired results.
Looking at photos of breasts you like and even “trying on” implants in a special bra before surgery can help you visualize what your breasts might look like after surgery. However, bigger isn’t always better. The size of the implant you should get depends on various factors including your desired outcome, body proportions, and the recommendation of your surgeon after a thorough consultation.
3. Will I have visible scars?
The type of incisions required varies based on the type of implant you’re getting. Your natural breast shape, skin tone, age, sun exposure, lifestyle choices like smoking, and other factors can also influence how visible these incisions are after you heal.
Implants are inserted through small incisions which can typically be “hidden” in the dark skin around the areola, the fold underneath the breast, or in the armpit. As the scars undergo a maturation process, they become less noticeable.
4. How long does recovery take?
Breast augmentation is a major surgery that requires general anaesthesia. However, most people can go back to work and non-strenuous activities after about two weeks.
Other activities, such as stretching and lifting things overhead may be limited for several months, during which time you’ll need to wear a supportive bra and do exercises to recover your full range of motion. Find out more about Recovery after Breast Augmentation Surgery.
5. Will I still be able to breast feed, weight lift, get cancer screenings, etc.?
Some implant and incision types have different effects than others. For example, implants placed under the pectoral muscle may feel different when performing chest exercises.
Pregnancy can affect the way implants look on your body, but there’s no inherent reason why pregnancy would interfere with implants or vice versa. Some surgical techniques are more likely to affect nipple sensitivity and milk production than others. Make sure to discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.
Breast cancer screenings may be more involved once you have an implant. Mammograms, for example, will require twice as many pictures. You may need regular MRIs to ensure that your implants are intact and don’t require revision surgery.
6. What happens if I don’t like the way I look afterwards?
Emotions play an important role in surgical recovery. It can take time to feel like your new dimensions are “yours.” Ups and downs are part of the process, and some people choose to revise their surgeries down the road. Read more about Managing Your Emotions after Cosmetic Breast Surgery.
If you’re dissatisfied with your appearance after the procedure, discuss your concerns with your surgeon to explore potential revision options.
7. How long do they last?
Breast implant lifespans vary. In some cases, they will need to be replaced within the first couple of years after surgery, while others can last as long as 25 years. On average, breast implant manufacturers say the products should last about 10 years. Your body and desired size may also change over time, necessitating revision surgery.
Top Breast Augmentation/Breast Implant FAQs
What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast implants?
Breast augmentation is the name of the procedure to enlarge the size of the breasts, while breast implants are medical devices inserted during surgery.
What does breast augmentation mean?
Breast augmentation increases the size and shape of the breasts through the insertion of implants.
Do breast implants feel different to touch?
The feeling depends on the type of the implant, the size of the implant in relation to the original breast size, and the placement. Scar tissue can also affect how breast implants feel to the touch.
What is the fastest way to increase breast size?
Regular breast massages and a healthy diet may increase breast size. But the only proven effective way to make it happen is to get breast implants or fat grafting (fat injections). Or for temporary effects – try a push-up bra.
What age is best for breast augmentation?
The ideal age for breast augmentation is typically when a person’s breasts have fully developed, which is usually after the age of 18 or when they have reached physical and emotional maturity.
How painful is breast augmentation recovery?
The intensity of pain varies from patient to patient depending on their pain tolerance.
How long after breast augmentation can they be touched?
Your breasts will be sensitive to touch for about three weeks after the breast augmentation, or even longer.
Why can I feel my breast implants?
You may feel your breast implants if they are positioned close to the surface of the skin or if the surrounding tissue is thin, allowing for easier detection of the implant.
Can you tell if someone has breast implants?
A significant increase in breast size is easy to spot. It can be tricky to notice subtle increases in breast sizes, but it’s also possible. See The Mini breast augmentation – Natural-looking smaller implants for petite or lean patients.
What do breast implants look like when you’re old?
The appearance of breast implants as you age can vary depending on factors such as implant type, placement, and changes in breast tissue over time.
Is there an alternative to breast implants?
An alternative to breast implants is a fat transfer which makes use of your own body fat. The fat is harvested through liposuction and is then processed in a laboratory. Once processed, it will be injected into the breasts to add volume.
How many ccs is a size C implant?
The general rule of thumb is that one cup size is 175cc. So, a woman who wears A-cup and wants to be a full C-cup will need 350cc implants.
Do breast implants feel heavy?
During the healing process, your breasts could feel heavy. This heaviness occurs due to muscle healing and skin stretching.
Breast Augmentation FAQs about Your Different Options
Should I get a breast augmentation?
This is one of the first and most important questions you might be asking yourself. There are so many reasons that might make you want to get a breast augmentation. You may consider the procedure if you want to increase the size of your breasts or if you want to address breast asymmetry, tuberous breasts, and breast changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
What other methods of breast augmentation are there?
You’ve probably heard of breast augmentations using fat transfer or breast fat grafting jobs. When getting a breast augmentation by fat transfer, your surgeon will remove fat from another part of your body (like your buttocks or thighs) and inject it carefully into your breasts to increase their size.
What are the best breast implants for me?
Dr Turner prefers MENTOR breast implants. Breast implants come in many shapes, sizes, types, and textures. Here are some of the things you might want to know about breast implants:
- Breast implant material: All breast implants have an outer silicone shell, however, their filling may differ. The two main implant types are saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are filled with normal saline (saltwater). Their advantages include a smaller incision and better adjustability during surgery since they are inflated intraoperatively. The second breast implant type is silicone-filled implants. These implants feel softer.
- Breast implant size: Dr Turner will help you choose the breast implant size depending on your desired shape and the current characteristics of your breast and skin. Breast implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and not the traditional bra cup size. They usually range between 80cc and 800cc.
- Breast implant shape: Breast implants are usually either round in shape or teardrop-shaped. Teardrop (or contoured) implants require a larger incision. Round implants provide more fullness to your breasts and can make them project more.
- Breast implant surface: Breast implants come in a range of surface textures from ultra-smooth to heavily textured. Smooth-surfaced implants are less likely to be felt within your breast. The advantage of textured surface implants is that their design helps them stay in place and not migrate and that they carry less risk of causing scarring around the implant.
Breast Augmentation FAQs about Finding the Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon
How do I find the best breast augmentation surgeon in NSW?
Always choose a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Always start by looking at your surgeon’s qualifications, past patient online reviews, and before and after photos. Make sure your surgeon will be operating in an accredited hospital not just a day surgery centre.
Where can I get a breast augmentation?
To get a breast augmentation, you need to look for an experienced plastic surgeon and not just a cosmetic or general surgeon. Plastic surgeons are surgeons who have received extensive training in breast augmentation surgery. While looking up a surgeon, make sure they belong to FRACS, ASPS, ASAPS, or ISAPS. Members of these societies are accredited and recognized plastic surgeons.
Why are breast augmentation before and after photos important?
Before and after pictures can help you better explain to your surgeon what kind of breasts you want. You can discuss with them specific details: size, shape, projection, nipple shape, among other things while using before and after photos as a reference. Your surgeon can also use their own before and after breast augmentation photos to explain to you what each implant will achieve, by showing you examples from previous patients.
Breast Augmentation FAQs about Surgery
What happens after I get a breast augmentation?
Your breasts will be sore and swollen for the first few weeks after surgery. You might notice some bruising that will go away after a few days. You will see the small surgical scar which, depending on your specific case, is usually right on the crease under your breast (the IMF or inframammary fold). This scar will become less noticeable after a couple of years once they mature.
How long do breast augmentation results last?
On average, experts estimate that implants need to be changed around 10 years after surgery. However, factors such as age, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and implant type can affect the longevity of the outcome.
Breast Augmentation FAQs about Funding and Planning Surgery
Are breast augmentations covered by insurance in Australia?
Breast augmentations for purely cosmetic reasons are unlikely to be covered by insurance in Australia. On the other hand, breast reconstruction for corrective reasons, like tuberous breast surgery or after a mastectomy, is more likely to receive a rebate from Medicare and third-party health insurers.
Can I take sick leave to get my breast Augmentation?
After a breast augmentation, you will need some time to rest at home. You will need to check with your human resources department at work to learn what qualifies as sick leave but it is possible. Purely cosmetic surgery is sometimes not considered essential and is therefore not granted sick leave. Corrective plastic surgeries (like tuberous breast surgery) are more likely to be covered by sick leave. Either way, you will need to check with your specific work policies in this matter. Your medical leave certificate will not have any information about your specific surgery for medical privacy reasons, however, it will be signed by a plastic surgeon. Make sure to ask about these details before planning the right time for surgery.
Download our plastic surgery guides or give us a call to learn more about the services our surgeons offer. You can book an appointment to get a full assessment by Dr Turner to discuss breast augmentation and see which implant size and type are best for you.
That’s it for our best Breast Augmentation FAQs – For Further Reading check out – BA Commonly Asked Questions
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Download a Procedure Guides to find out more about your surgery.
- Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.
Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?
- A medical referral is helpful but NOT essential for purely cosmetic consultations.
- Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
- Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.
Making The Most of Your Consultation
- Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
- You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
- Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing and payment plans
- Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us
How to Book Your Consultation
- You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.
Book a Phone Call for More Info
To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2.
Contact us or call 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.
Email us for more information: [email protected]
