Breast Implants

Breast implant or breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic and/or reconstructive procedure to enlarge the breasts creating a fuller, more rounded appearance.

Implants are inserted beneath or above the breast muscle to increase the size of your breasts and/or restore volume. Asthetica’s expert cosmetic surgeons only use the highest quality anatomical or round breast implants and use precision techniques to ensure correct positioning and shape.

In our experience, we have found the most common reasons women opt for breast implant surgery are:

-        Enhance the fullness and contour of the breast

-        Enhance the symmetry and balance of your figure

-        Even up asymmetric breasts

-        Improve breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding

-        Reconstruct the breast following an injury or medical procedure, such as a mastectomy.

The size and shape of a women’s breasts can create a sense of insecurity and negative body image. Breast augmentation surgery can provide a convenient solution by creating fuller, larger breasts.

If you are over the age of 18 and are in good health then you are generally a suitable candidate for breast implants.

It’s important to be realistic about your desired outcome and in some cases, an alternative surgery may be advised. For example, your desired outcome may mean that a breast lift and breast implants would be advised. The best way to ascertain your suitability for a breast implant surgery is to book a complimentary call with one of our friendly team who can discuss your options with you.

-        Subglandular – above the chest muscles, below the breast tissue.

-        Submuscular – below breast tissue and chest muscles.

If an implant is placed above the chest muscles (subglandular), natural breast tissue will cover it. For women with insufficient breast tissue, subglandular may not be the best option as the placement will likely not look or feel natural.

For implants placed below both breast tissue and chest muscles (submuscular), the only thing that can be felt is the natural breast tissue. This makes the placement look more natural and can help hide imperfections like wrinkles and ripples that occasionally appear with saline implants.

Implants are round or teardrop shapes.

-        Round breast implants don’t impact symmetry as they rotate freely and can improve your cleavage.

-        Teardrop breast implants have more volume in the low part and more closely mimic a natural breast shape.

Our surgeons will discuss which option may be best for you, depending on your natural breast shape and desired outcome.

At first, you may feel your breasts sit too high and the skin will feel tight. This is quite normal. Swelling and settling can take several months and the final result will not be apparent until after this time. A high majority of our patients are very pleased with the final result, but it can take a while to get used to your new breasts. Sometimes there can be more or less sensation in your nipple and this can change over time. It’s likely you will need to purchase new bras that appropriately fit your new breast size and shape.

-        Wear a support bra (no underwiring) for at least six weeks.

-        Do not lift anything heavy for four weeks.

-        Avoid sex for at least two weeks.

-        Avoid vigorous exercise for six to eight weeks.

-        You should only drive once you feel safe and comfortable wearing a seatbelt, but we also advise checking with your car insurance company.

As part of our comprehensive aftercare plan, we will advise you on how to manage tenderness, swelling and treating the area. You will also have phone access to UK and Australian registered nurses once you return home.

If you have breast implants, a little weight gain should not have any effect on the implants or results of your boob job.

While it can vary from person to person, a little weight gain or loss generally doesn’t have any change in the appearance of your implants.

If you have gained more than 8kg, then this may lead to a change in the appearance of the implants. This is because more fatty tissue around the breasts can change the breast shape, symmetry and texture.

Significant weight loss can make the breasts look wrinkly or have a ‘crepe’ appearance, due to the lack of underlying fat that previously supported the skin and implant.

You may require a cosmetic review if you have significant weight gain or loss.

It is not uncommon for some women to gain some weight after breast implant surgery. Generally, this weight gain is temporary and is only around 1-2kgs. Some of this weight gain is due to the implants in your body, but there are other factors that can account for the weight gain, including:

-        Swelling. There will be some swelling in the area after your procedure which can account for some of the weight gain.

-        Fluid retention. It is quite common to retain fluid after a breast augmentation and as you heal, this will subside.

-        Lack of activity. You will be unable to exercise for a few weeks after your procedure and you should wait at least XX months before undertaking strenuous exercise. It’s important to get plenty of rest during recovery so this lack of movement can account for some of the weight gain.

Breast implants are an invasive cosmetic procedure which means that some scarring will be inevitable. Our specialist cosmetic surgeons will endeavour to minimise scarring as much as possible and keep them inconspicuous. Incisions are usually made along natural skin lines which means they are easier to hide. Scars generally fade over time but if you are prone to scarring, please let us know during your consultation.

There are different types of breast implants. Two of the common types of breast implants you may have heard of are saline and silicone.

Silicone breast implants. Filled with silicone gel, these implants provide excellent durability and cohesion making them soft, light and long-lasting. They have a very natural look and feel and there is less chance of a ‘rippling’ effect. The drawback is that if the implant leaks, silicone can escape into the breast pocket. While the implant will not collapse, it is important to get them checked to make sure they are still intact.

Saline breast implants. Filled with sterile saltwater, these implants provide firm and uniform shape. Unlike silicone implants, any leak of the saline is immediately noticeable as the implant collapses. Saline can be naturally expelled by the body, meaning they are considered a safer implant option. They also require smaller incisions than silicone implants which means there is less scarring, however, there is a higher likelihood that they can rupture.

This is a very common question! To answer this, it’s important to note that natural breasts feel different – some are small and firm, some are large and soft. What’s important is what you want your breasts to feel like after surgery.

Generally, silicone implants provide a softer, more natural-looking feel and appearance. Saline implants are considered firmer and not as ‘squishy’.

Our cosmetic experts can discuss implant options with you depending on the look and feel you would like

Breast implants are measured in cc’s which are generally equivalent to weight in grams. So, a 250cc breast implant weighs 250grams.

Your breast implants should look and feel natural and shouldn’t cause any back or shoulder pain.

As a general rule, it's reasonable to expect your breast implants for around 10 years if not more. In some cases, breast implants can stay in good condition for up to 20 years.

You may see a change in their appearance over this time relating to changes in your body shape or problems with your implant, such as leaking.

Every person is different, and the longevity of your implants will depend on a variety of factors. It’s important to note that implants are not a lifelong solution.

This is a very common question! To answer this, it’s important to note that natural breasts feel different – some are small and firm, some are large and soft. What’s important is what you want your breasts to feel like after surgery.

Generally, silicone implants provide a softer, more natural looking feel and appearance. Saline implants are considered firmer and not as ‘squishy’.

Our cosmetic experts can discuss implant options with you depending on the look and feel you would like.