Breast implant size & shape
Breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can also come in different textures. Choosing the right implant size and type for you depends on various factors, such as your objectives, age, skin characteristics and overall health. Breast implants vary in the following ways:
- Shape: Teardrop (anatomical) or round
- Profile: This is how much the implant projects forward. They can be moderate, high or extra high
- Gel consistency: Firm or soft, depending on the style of implant
- Surface: Implants can have a softer or firmer texture.
Breast implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes and projection profiles. Choosing the right implant size and type for you depends on various factors, such as your objectives, age, skin characteristics and overall health. During your initial consultation with Dr Attalla, these issues will be discussed to determine the right implants for you. Additionally, he will provide sizing samples to help you understand how the various implant options may look.
Breast implant surgery scars
All surgery involves scars to some degree; however, the scars left after breast augmentation surgery are minimal. Usually, an incision is placed within the lower breast fold, so the scar is barely visible. Alternatively, Dr Attalla may create an incision in the armpit, which, once again, is mostly undetectable once fully healed. The most appropriate incisions for you will depend on your anatomy and surgical planning.
What’s involved in a breast augmentation procedure?
Dr Attalla performs all Breast augmentation surgeries in a private hospital with the patient under general anaesthetic. The length of the procedure depends on various factors, such as the type of implant, the placement method, the incision site and whether other procedures are performed at the same time.
During the procedure, space is created in the breast area to position the implant. Implant placement may be above or below the chest wall, or partly under the muscle, depending on individual needs.
Occasionally, breast implant surgery is combined with a fat transfer, where the patient’s own fat is transferred into the breast area.
Implants: above or below the muscle?
Depending on your anatomy, Dr Attalla will place the implants either above or below the pectoral muscles. For example, if a patient does not have much upper pole fat and has less than two centimetres that can be pinched, then it is likely that Dr Attalla will place the implant below the muscle. However, if the patient has some drooping of the breast and enough volume of fat in the upper pole, the implants will likely be placed above the muscle. This is a simplistic summary, though, and the correct implant pacing can only be determined after an initial consultation with Dr Attalla.
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Your Breast Augmentation Consultation with Dr Mark Attalla
If you are considering breast augmentation in Melbourne, you can schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your options and ask any questions. Call our clinic on (03) 8822 3472 or book a consultation by filling in our form.
Before deciding on cosmetic surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations. During your consultation, you will receive detailed information about what the surgery may involve, including the recovery process and possible outcomes.
*All cosmetic surgery is invasive and carries risk.
*Individual results vary as the outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
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Dr Mark Attalla, MBBCHa FACCS – Cosmetic Practitioner
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Recovery information
Immediately after surgery
Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience side effects such as swelling, bruising, discomfort, or tightness in the breast area. Your new breasts may feel unnaturally firm at first, but will turn to a more natural state as the swelling subsides and recovery progresses.
You’ll be given appropriate care for the surgical site during your recovery period. There may also be temporary changes in nipple sensation, such as numbness or increased sensitivity. These effects vary between patients and may lessen over time.
Avoid all activities that strain the chest wall, such as lifting or carrying items. During your early recovery (first 1 – 2 weeks), you’ll need help with day to day activities.
1 week
You’ll be required to wear your surgical support bra for one to 2 weeks after surgery. After this time, you can move to a comfortable sports bra. Avoid any underwire bras at this time as they can irritate the incision marks, making the scars more visible. During your consultation, Dr Attalla will advise you on what bras you can wear and when you can return to wearing underwire bras. You may recommence driving after 1 week, provided you feel comfortable.
2–3 weeks
Provided you feel comfortable, you can engage in more vigorous activities, such as walking on a treadmill. At this stage, your discomfort should be minimal. However, it’s vital you avoid strenuous activities such as labour intensive jobs or gym routines.
4 weeks
After approximately four weeks, there will be no need for pain medication. You can gently resume exercise and some regular activities, provided you go slowly and avoid disrupting the recovery process. Avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise and any physical activity that strains the body until at least 6 weeks.
6 weeks
You will no longer need to wear a surgical bra. Most swelling should have subsided and you can now be fitted with new bras to wear each day. You can resume normal physical activities and workouts, provided there is no pain.
Breast augmentation results
The effects of breast augmentation develop gradually as the body heals. Swelling may lessen over time, and the implants may take several weeks to months to settle into position. The timeline differs for each patient, and recovery progress can influence when changes become more noticeable.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
You can still have a mammogram or ultrasound after having a breast augmentation. Inform the centre that you have implants, and they will take the necessary measurements to properly examine you. NB: Having implants does not reduce the ability to detect breast cancer through routine screening.
You must strictly avoid driving for one week. After this time, you should only recommence driving when you feel comfortable and confident enough to do so.
After breast implant surgery, most women require a good 1-2 weeks’ rest before slowly transitioning to light exercise. However, it is essential to avoid any straining, heavy lifting or exertive exercise at this time. Generally speaking, all gym exercises and competitive sports should be avoided for 6 weeks. During your consultation with Dr Attalla, you must discuss your regular activities so that he can provide you with a personalised recovery guide to ensure the best possible recovery.
Your breast implant surgery will be performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia.
Immediately after surgery, you can expect significant swelling. However, much of this swelling will have subsided after 2-3 weeks.
There is a myth that all implants must be replaced every 10 years. However, this is not the case. Many women keep their implants for a lifetime. However, certain factors can warrant further surgery. For example, factors like trauma, leakages, ruptures, capsular contracture, excessive rippling or movement of the implant may require corrective or replacement surgery.
Sometimes, after breast implant surgery, implants can shift or become displaced over time so that they’re not in the correct position in the breast. This can happen to one or both implants due to various factors, such as an error in initial implant placement, implants that are too large, gravity, and problems with the breast skin.
You can still breastfeed after breast implant surgery. This is regardless of whether your implants are placed above or below the muscle. However, if the implant is placed via an incision along your areolar edge, you will cut through some of the milk ducts, which will likely result in a reduced ability to breastfeed.
The minimum age for BAM in Australia is 18 years.
No, Medicare typically does not cover BAM surgery, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, in rare instances, such as congenital defects, such as tuberous breasts, a Medicare rebate may apply.
In rare cases where breast augmentation procedures are considered reconstructive, your Private Health Insurance fund may cover a small portion of your procedure. NB: Most breast surgeries are considered cosmetic and therefore are not eligible for a rebate.
Dr Mark Attalla uses silicone breast implants only.
Potential risks & complications
All surgical procedures carry risks and complications. With breast augmentation surgery, typical risks and complications include:
- Infection: This may occur at the incision site or around the implant. Management can involve medication. In some cases, further intervention may be required.
- Capsular contracture: This refers to scar tissue forming around the implant, which may lead to tightness, discomfort or changes in breast shape.
- Implant rupture or leakage: Over time, implants may rupture or leak. The changes can vary depending on the type of implant used. Monitoring and possible replacement may be required.
- Changes in breast sensation: Some patients may notice temporary or longer-lasting changes in nipple or breast sensation, ranging from increased sensitivity to numbness.
- Scarring: Scars are a normal part of surgery, and their appearance varies from person to person.
- Breast asymmetry: Differences in shape, size, or position can occur.
- Pain and discomfort: Pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising are common after surgery.
- Anaesthesia risks: As with any surgery requiring anaesthesia, there are potential risks.
- Revisional surgeries: Implants are not considered lifetime devices, and additional surgery may be needed in the future for replacement or removal.
Individual results vary, as the outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect those of others due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise.