It’s a major step for most women to undergo cosmetic surgery, and often a positive one as it can change their lives forever. For women who have underdeveloped breasts, assymetrical breasts and those who feel that their breasts are smaller for their body, a breast augmentation can offer a long-term solution to these problems. Studies have shown that breast implants surgery can help boost self-regard, improve image and sexual satisfaction.

Breast Augmentation surgery or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure used to enhance the breast volume and improve their symmetry by using implants in order to correct sagging related to ageing, pregnancy, weight loss and breastfeeding. It is also aimed to reconstruct the breasts after surgical removal (modified radical mastectomy).

Breast implants can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. After such time, you will need to undergo another surgery to have your implants replaced or removed. Also, complications such as painful scar tissue and ruptures can occur; therefore, women are required to have the implants removed. In the event that your saline-filled implant ruptures, the solution will be absorbed by the body and will expel it naturally. On the other hand, if a silicone-filled implant ruptures, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required to confirm that the implant has already ruptured.

Women may undergo breast augmentation if:

• They have asymmetrical or sagging breasts

• They are not comfortable with the size, shape, or feel of their breasts

• You are at least 18 years old for saline implants, and 22 years old for silicone implants

• You have realistic and positive expectations about the procedure

Our qualified and highly plastic and reconstructive surgeons can help you determine whether you are a good fit for the procedure. They will provide you with before and after photos of the procedure for you to visualize what you will undergo through.

After the general anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will create an incision for the implants to be inserted. The inframammary incision involves creating an incision underneath the inframammary fold. This incision is best created for silicone gel implants. Periareolar technique is performed around the border of the areola and it can be done in conjunction with a breast lift. This incision produces fewer scars. Transaxially, involves creating an incision in the armpit. This technique is scarless but requires fine tuning. Transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) involves creating a minor incision in the navel. This technique is also scarless but makes it difficult for the silicone implant to be inserted. Breast implants are placed in one of four locations: 1. between the pectoral muscles and breast tissue, 2. below the fibrous tissue of the pectoral muscle, 3. subpectoral plane, and 4. beneath the pectoral muscle. You and your surgeon will choose the location of the incision site and the placement of the implant. All of these factors will depend on your body type and preferences.

As any other type of surgery, there are related risks and complications that you should be aware of. Such risks include:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia

• Bleeding or hemorrhage

• Capsular contracture

• Changes in breast sensation

• Death of tissues (necrosis)

• Discontent with cosmetic results

• Implant ruptures

• Infection

• Physical discomforts

• Skin wrinkling

• The need for additional surgery

Risks and complications of the surgery should be discussed during the initial consultation between the patient and the plastic surgeon.

The main determinant of the price of the procedure has to do with the brand and type of implants. The size of each implant also increases the costs involved. If you are expectating for a guarantee, it also increases the price. But some guarantees come free when you purchase breast implants. Replacement costs are different, even with the guarantee. Your health insurance agency such as Medicare will not usually cover the costs when performed for cosmetic reasons. But when it is performed as a corrective surgery, your insurance usually covers the breast implants. To be safe, review your health insurance policy and you should give a letter to your surgeon from your health insurance stating that they will guarantee complete coverage. In general, other costs involved are the following:

• Your surgeon’s fee (more experienced surgeon usually has expensive professional fee)

• Hospital fee (includes medications, garments, dressings, room and anesthesia used)

In case you want to get a written estimate of the procedure, you can talk to one of our FRACS-certified surgeons and have your questions answered. We offer financing options and breast augmentation packages at highly competitive prices to serve your cosmetic needs.