Great Blogs and Information about Breast Implants and Implant Surgery from Dr Jeremy Hunt Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Edgecliff Sydney and Wollongong NSW
Breast augmentation mammoplasty (surgery for breast implants) has become very popular in recent years. While some only wish for small implants to create a subtle augment, others may decide they want very larger breast implants. In this blog we will discuss the possibilities and the impact that very large breast implants can have.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt is a skilled plastic surgeon performing breast procedures in Sydney NSW.
What Are Very Large Breast Implants?
When it comes to breast augmentation mammoplasty mammoplasty, size plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired aesthetic. To comprehend the realm of very large breast implants, it is crucial to differentiate between the various sizes available, namely moderate, large, and very large.
Moderate: Moderate-sized breast implants offer a subtle enhancement, adding fullness and volume while maintaining a natural appearance. This size option appeals to those seeking a modest change or a more discreet augmentation
Large: Moving beyond the moderate range, large breast implants provide a more pronounced and noticeable increase in breast size. This choice often emphasises curves and grants a more voluptuous silhouette, catering to those desiring a significant enhancement while still maintaining a sense of proportion
Very Large: The realm of very large breast implants represents a bold and daring choice. These implants offer a substantial increase in breast size.
Very large breast implants are typically characterised by their significant volume, surpassing the sizes associated with more conservative augmentations. While specific measurements may vary depending on individual preferences and anatomical considerations, very large breast implants are generally recognised for their substantial projection and size, delivering a dramatic transformation to the bust line. In general, very large breast implants are considered implants that exceed 800cc in volume.
Pros of Very Large Breast Implants
Very large breast implants offer a range of enticing benefits that might be appealing to people who want very dramatic results. Let’s explore some of the advantages that patients may consider when contemplating this bold choice:
Dramatic enhancement, which may appeal to those seeking a noticeable change
More pronounced curves: the increase in breast size can accentuate the waist for those seeking a more pronounced figure
It is essential to recognise that the advantages of very large breast implants are subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences, body type, and lifestyle.
Cons of Very Large Breast Implants
While very large breast implants can offer advantages, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and challenges that come with this choice. Let’s explore some of the cons associated with very large breast implants:
Physical discomfort and health risks: The significant increase in breast size and weight that comes with very large breast implants can lead to physical discomfort and potential health risks. The added strain on the chest muscles and tissues may cause discomfort, pain, and even postural issues. Additionally, the weight of the implants can contribute to back and shoulder pain. It is crucial to have realistic expectations and be aware of the potential physical implications before opting for very large breast implants
Impact on daily activities and exercise: Very large breast implants can affect an individual’s ability to engage in certain activities and exercises comfortably. The added weight and size of the implants may limit mobility and impact physical performance. Activities such as running, high-impact exercises, and certain sports may become more challenging or uncomfortable.
Potential for disproportionate body appearance: While very large breast implants can create a striking and eye-catching bust line, there is a risk of the overall body appearing disproportionate. It is crucial to consider the balance and harmony of the entire body when opting for very large breast implants. If the implants are disproportionately large in relation to the individual’s frame and proportions, it can create an unnatural or top-heavy appearance
It is important to have open and honest discussions with your plastic surgeon to fully understand the potential risks and challenges associated with very large breast implants. Your plastic surgeon can provide personalised advice based on your unique circumstances and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic goals and well-being.
Considering Personal Preferences and Goals
When contemplating very large breast implants, it is essential to take into account your personal preferences and goals. This involves considering factors such as your individual body type and proportions, as well as your lifestyle and long-term expectations. Let’s explore these aspects further:
Body type and proportions: Each person has a unique body type and proportion, and it is important to consider how very large breast implants will complement your natural features. Different body types, such as pear-shaped, hourglass, or athletic, may have specific considerations in terms of achieving a harmonious and balanced appearance
Lifestyle and long-term expectations: Your lifestyle and long-term expectations play a significant role in determining whether very large breast implants are a suitable choice for you. Consider your daily activities, hobbies, and profession. Are there any physical limitations or constraints that may arise from having larger breasts? More than this, think about your long-term goals and how they align with your desire for very large breast implants
The Surgeon’s Perspective on Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
From the plastic surgeon’s point of view, breast augmentation mammoplasty is not merely a procedure but an art form that requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the individual’s unique anatomy.
The plastic surgeon carefully assesses the patient’s desires, expectations, and physical attributes. Through in-depth consultations and thorough examinations, your plastic surgeon collaborates with the patient to design a customised enhancement plan that caters to their aesthetic goals while considering their individual body type, symmetry, and proportions.
The surgeon should select the appropriate implant size, shape, and profile to suit the patient’s the desired outcome. He takes into account factors such as the patient’s chest width, breast tissue quality, and existing breast anatomy.
FAQs about Very Large Breast Implants
What size qualifies as “very large” breast implants?
The definition of “very large” breast implants can vary depending on individual perspectives and preferences. However, in general, very large breast implants refer to sizes that exceed traditional moderate or large implant sizes. In general XL breast implants exceed 800 cc.
How long does the recovery process take after getting very large breast implants?
The recovery process after getting very large breast implants can vary from person to person. Compared to the recovery process after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty with moderate breast implants, the healing after an XL Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty can take longer. Due to the increased risk of developing complications, patients are advised to pay more attention to the dos and don’ts of the recovery period.
Can very large breast implants affect breastfeeding?
Breast implants, including very large ones, can potentially affect breastfeeding. The extent of impact depends on various factors, such as the surgical technique used, the location of the incisions, and individual factors. It is important to discuss your desire to breastfeed in the future with your surgeon during the consultation process.
Are there any age restrictions for getting very large breast implants?
Age restrictions for getting very large breast implants may vary depending on the legal regulations and guidelines of the country or state where the procedure is performed. However, the decision to undergo any Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty procedure, including very large implants, should be based on individual readiness, emotional maturity, and a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
What are the potential complications and risks associated with very large breast implants?
Like any surgical procedure, Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty with very large implants carries potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, implant rupture or leakage, capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant), changes in breast or nipple sensation, asymmetry, and the need for revision surgeries. It is important to thoroughly discuss these risks with your surgeon and weigh them against the potential benefits before making a decision.
How do I choose the right plastic surgeon for the procedure?
Selecting a qualified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation mammoplasty, especially when considering very large implants, is crucial. Look for a surgeon who is experienced in breast augmentation mammoplasty procedures, and has a proven track record of successful results. You can schedule consultations with multiple surgeons to discuss your goals, ask questions, and evaluate their communication style, experience, and ability to understand your desires.
Will insurance cover the cost of very large breast implants?
In most cases, Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty, including very large implants, is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, there may be exceptions if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to breast reconstruction following mastectomy or certain congenital abnormalities. It is recommended to consult with your insurance provider to understand their coverage policies and determine if any portion of the procedure may be covered.
Further Reading about Breast Implant Surgery (Augmentation Mammoplasty) with Dr Hunt
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
Wearing the appropriate bras after breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery not only promotes healing and comfort but also helps to maintain the desired shape and support of the augmented breasts. Additionally, the right bra can help to reduce the risk of complications, such as implant malposition or capsular contracture, and minimise the appearance of scars. This blog will guide you through the various types of bras to wear after breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, how to choose the right fit, and other considerations to keep in mind during the recovery process.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt regularly performs Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty procedures to help his patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
Download Dr Hunt’s Guide to Breast Surgery
Standard Breast Surgery
The Importance of Choosing the Right Bra after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Surgery
Support and stabilisation
Selecting the right bra after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty is crucial for providing adequate support and stabilisation. The newly augmented breasts require proper support to help the tissues heal and to prevent unnecessary strain on the incision sites. Wearing a bra that offers adequate support can also help minimise swelling and reduce the risk of complications, such as implant displacement or shifting.
Shaping and scar prevention
The right bra can contribute to the overall shaping and contouring of your breasts after surgery. It helps to maintain the desired shape, ensuring that the implants settle correctly and evenly. Additionally, wearing a well-fitted bra can aid in scar prevention by reducing tension on the incision sites and allowing the skin to heal without excessive stretching. Some bras are designed specifically to minimise the appearance of scars, with features such as seamless cups and soft, breathable fabrics.
Comfort and healing
Comfort is a top priority during the healing process, and wearing the right bra can significantly contribute to your overall comfort. A well-fitting bra should not be too tight or restrictive, as this can cause irritation, impede circulation, or hinder the healing process. On the other hand, a bra that is too loose may not provide adequate support, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Choosing a bra made of soft, breathable materials will help to keep you comfortable during the recovery period, while also promoting a healthy healing environment for your incisions.
Types of Bras to Wear Post-Surgery
1. Surgical bras
What are they: Surgical bras, also known as post-operative or compression bras, are specifically designed for use after breast surgery. They provide firm support, help reduce swelling, and stabilise the breasts during the initial healing process. These bras usually feature front closures for easy access, adjustable straps for a customised fit, and soft, breathable materials for maximum comfort.
When to wear them: Surgical bras should be worn immediately after surgery, as recommended by your surgeon. The duration varies, but most patients are advised to wear them continuously for the first few weeks post-surgery, even while sleeping.
Tips for choosing the right surgical bra: Look for a bra that offers firm support without being overly tight or restrictive. It should have adjustable straps, a front closure, and be made from soft, breathable materials. Consult your surgeon for specific recommendations based on your individual needs.
2. Sports bras
What are they: Sports bras are designed to provide ample support and minimise breast movement during physical activities. They can be an excellent option for patients transitioning from surgical bras, as they offer support without underwires, which can be uncomfortable during the recovery process.
When to transition from surgical bras: The timeline for transitioning to sports bras varies depending on your individual healing progress and your surgeon’s recommendations. Generally, patients can start wearing sports bras 4-6 weeks after surgery, once the initial healing process is well underway.
Tips for choosing the right sports bra: Look for a sports bra that offers adequate support without underwires. Ensure it is made from moisture-wicking, breathable materials for added comfort. The fit should be snug but not overly tight, and it should have adjustable straps to accommodate changes in swelling.
3. Wireless bras
What are they: Wireless bras, as the name suggests, do not have underwires. Instead, they rely on moulded cups, seams, or other structural elements to provide support and shaping. They can be a comfortable option for patients who have healed sufficiently but are not yet ready for underwire bras.
When to start wearing them: Patients can typically start wearing wireless bras around 6-8 weeks after surgery, depending on their surgeon’s recommendations.
Tips for choosing the right wireless bra: Look for a wireless bra that offers adequate support and shaping without causing discomfort or irritation. Consider bras with wide, padded straps for added comfort and ensure the band is snug but not too tight.
4. Underwire bras
What are they: Underwire bras feature a thin, semi-circular wire within the fabric below the cups to provide additional support and shaping. They can be reintroduced once the breasts have healed sufficiently and you have been cleared by your surgeon.
When to reintroduce them: The timeline for reintroducing underwire bras varies, but most patients can start wearing them around 3-6 months after surgery, depending on your plastic surgeon’s indications.
Tips for choosing the right underwire bra: When selecting an underwire bra, ensure the wires do not dig into your breast tissue or incision sites, as this can cause discomfort and irritation.
Bra Fitting and Sizing after Surgery
Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty surgery can significantly change the size and shape of your breasts. Implants or fat transfer can increase the fullness and projection of your breasts, leading to an altered bra size. It is essential to be aware of these changes to ensure you are wearing the appropriate bra size post-surgery, as an ill-fitting bra can compromise both comfort and healing.
A professional bra fitting is an invaluable service for anyone who has undergone Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty surgery. A trained fitter can help you determine your new bra size, taking into account the changes in your breast size and shape. They can also recommend specific bra styles and features that will best suit your needs and provide optimal support and comfort during the healing process. It is important to have regular fittings as your breasts continue to settle and heal, ensuring you always wear the correct size.
Signs of a well-fitting bra
A well-fitting bra should provide adequate support, comfort, and shaping without causing any discomfort or irritation. Some signs of a well-fitting bra include:
The band: The band should be snug and level around your torso, providing the majority of the support. It should not ride up at the back or dig into your skin
The cups: The cups should fully encase your breast tissue without any spillage or gaps. The fabric should lie smoothly against your skin without wrinkling
The straps: The straps should be snug but not too tight, with enough room for two fingers to slide under them comfortably. They should not dig into your shoulders or slip off.
The underwire (if applicable): The underwire should sit flat against your ribcage, following the natural curve of your breasts without digging into your breast tissue or causing discomfort
When to update your bra size
It is essential to update your bra size throughout the healing process and beyond, as your breasts may continue to change in size and shape. Some key times to consider updating your bra size include:
After the initial healing period: As swelling subsides and your breasts settle into their new shape, you may find that your bra size changes. This is an ideal time to get a professional bra fitting to ensure you are wearing the correct size
After any significant weight changes: Gaining or losing weight can affect your bra size, so it is essential to re-evaluate your bra size if you experience any significant weight fluctuations
Periodically during the first-year post-surgery: Your breasts may continue to change during the first year after surgery, so it’s a good idea to get professionally fitted every few months to ensure you are wearing the correct size
As part of your regular bra shopping routine: It is a good practice to get professionally fitted at least once a year, even after you have fully recovered from surgery, to ensure you are always wearing the correct size for optimal comfort and support
How to Take Care of Your Bras
Proper washing and storage
To prolong the lifespan of your bras and maintain their support and shape, it is essential to wash and store them properly. Here are some tips for proper bra care:
Hand washing: Hand washing is the gentlest method for cleaning your bras, especially those worn during the recovery process. Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water, gently agitating the bra to remove any dirt or residue. Rinse thoroughly and avoid wringing or twisting the bra, as this can damage the fibres and shape
Machine washing: If you must machine wash your bras, use a lingerie bag to protect them from getting tangled or damaged. Choose a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Fasten hooks and clasps to prevent snagging
Drying: Never use a dryer for your bras, as the heat can damage the elastic and fibres. Instead, gently reshape the cups and lay the bra flat on a towel or hang it by the centre gore (the piece connecting the cups) to air dry
Storage: Store your bras by neatly lining them up in a drawer or using a bra organiser. Avoid folding or inverting the cups, as this can cause creasing or damage to the shape
Frequency of replacing bras
The lifespan of a bra can vary depending on its quality, how often it is worn, and how well it is cared for. Generally, bras should be replaced every 6-12 months or when they no longer provide adequate support or comfort. Post-surgery bras may need to be replaced more frequently, as they are worn continuously during the healing process and may experience more wear and tear.
Importance of investing in quality bras
Investing in quality bras, especially after Breast Augmentation surgery, is crucial for several reasons:
Support and comfort: High-quality bras are more likely to provide the necessary support and comfort needed during the recovery process, as well as in everyday life.
Durability: Quality bras are typically made with better materials and construction, which can result in a longer lifespan and better performance over time.
Better fit: Quality bras often have more precise sizing and a wider range of sizes, making it easier to find a bra that fits you well and provides the support and comfort you need.
Overall satisfaction: Investing in quality bras can lead to greater satisfaction with the appearance, feel, and longevity of the bras, making the investment well worth it in the long run.
FAQs about Wearing Bras after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Surgery
How long should I wear a surgical bra after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty surgery?
The duration for wearing a surgical bra varies depending on individual healing progress and your surgeon’s recommendations. Generally, patients are advised to wear surgical bras continuously for the first few weeks post-surgery, even while sleeping. Always follow your surgeon’s guidelines for the best recovery results.
When can I start wearing a regular bra after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty?
The timeline for transitioning to regular bras depends on your healing progress. In most cases, patients can begin wearing wireless or sports bras around 6-8 weeks after surgery. Underwire bras can be reintroduced around 3-6 months post-surgery, once your surgeon has given you clearance.
How often should I get a professional bra fitting after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty surgery?
During the first year after surgery, it is a good idea to get professionally fitted every few months, as your breasts may continue to change in size and shape. After the first year, it is recommended to have a professional bra fitting at least once a year or whenever you experience significant weight fluctuations to ensure you are always wearing the correct size.
Can I wear push-up bras after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty surgery?
Push-up bras can be worn after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty surgery once you have fully healed and received clearance from your surgeon. However, it is essential to choose a well-fitting push-up bra that provides adequate support and does not cause discomfort or irritation. As with any bra, proper fit is key to ensuring comfort and maintaining the desired shape of your augmented breasts.
How do I know if my bra is the right size after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty surgery?
A well-fitting bra should provide support, comfort, and shaping without causing any discomfort. The band should be snug and level around your torso, the cups should fully encase your breast tissue without spillage or gaps, the straps should be snug but not too tight, and the underwire (if applicable) should sit flat against your ribcage without digging into your breast tissue. If you are unsure of your size or fit, it is best to consult with a professional bra fitter to ensure you are wearing the correct size for your new breasts.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
The one-on-one service and attention to detail from Dr Hunt has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
Breast surgery can be performed for various reasons, ranging from cosmetic enhancements such as augmentation mammoplasty and lift mastopexy, to medical necessities like mastectomies or lumpectomies for breast cancer treatment. While these procedures can offer many beneficial outcomes, they often leave behind scars that can cause physical discomfort or distress. In many cases, scars can make the recovery journey more challenging. Fortunately, several strategies can help reduce the visibility and impact of these scars, enhancing the overall results of the surgery.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has devoted his career to helping patients achieve the aesthetic outcomes they desire. He understands the physical and emotional toll that scars may impose. Dr Hunt’s compassionate care extends to all his patients, providing them with the information and support they need to confidently navigate their recovery journey.
Download Dr Hunt’s Guide to Breast Surgery
Standard Breast Surgery
Types of Breast Surgery Procedures
There are many types of breast surgery procedures, each with its own potential for scar formation. Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty involves placing implants to increase breast size, which can result in scars either around the nipple, under the breast crease, or in the armpit.
Breast reduction mammoplasty surgery is performed with the aim to reduce the size of large breasts, with scars forming around the nipple and down the lower portion of the breast.
A breast lift mastopexy procedure is performed to raise sagging breasts, and it commonly leaves a scar around the nipple, vertically down to the breast crease and along the crease itself.
For women who’ve undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer, breast reconstruction surgery can be an option. This procedure often leaves scars, but their location can vary depending on the specific surgical technique used.
Surgical Approaches and Incisions for Breast Surgery
The type and location of incisions made during breast surgery significantly influence the appearance of scars. Some common surgical approaches include:
Periareolar incision: An incision made around the edge of the areola, which is often used in breast augmentation mammoplasty, reduction mammaplasty, and lift mastopexy surgeries
Inframammary incision: An incision made in the crease under the breast, often used in augmentation mammoplasty and reconstruction surgeries
Transaxillary incision: This type of incision is made in the armpit, used primarily for breast augmentation mammoplasty
Vertical or “lollipop” incision: Used in breast reduction mammaplasty or lift mastopexy surgeries, it involves an incision around the areola’s edge that goes down vertically to the breast crease
Wise pattern or “anchor” incision: Often used in very large breast reduction mammaplasty or in mastopexies where the breast is extremely ptotic. The incision lies around the areola, vertically down the front of the breast and horizontally in the breast crease.
Factors Influencing Scar Formation
Scar formation after breast surgery can be influenced by various factors:
Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are naturally prone to form more noticeable hypertophic or keloid scars
Surgical technique: The plastic surgeon’s skill and the chosen surgical method can impact scar visibility
Post-operative care: How well you care for the wound after surgery can significantly influence scar formation
Lifestyle factors: Smoking and exposure to sun can exacerbate scar formation
Nutrition: Good nutrition is vital for proper wound healing and minimising scar tissue formation
How to Prepare For Breast Surgery to Prevent Visible Scars after Surgery
Preparing for breast surgery with the aim of minimising visible scars is an essential part of your surgical journey. Here are some steps you can take:
Choose an experienced surgeon: Choosing an experienced surgeon is crucial. They should have extensive knowledge of the best surgical techniques to minimise scarring and of proper wound care post-surgery
Discuss the surgical approach: Talk to your surgeon about the type of incisions they plan to make
Quit smoking: If you are a smoker, it’s highly recommended to quit at least a few weeks before the surgery. Smoking/vaping can slow down your recovery and increase the risk of visible scarring
Preoperative consultation: Discuss with your surgeon any concerns you have about scarring, and learn about the strategies that can be implemented both during and after surgery to minimise scars
Download Dr Hunt’s Guide to Recovery
Rapid Recovery
What to Avoid After Breast Surgery to Minimise Scars
Postoperative care is just as important as preoperative preparation when it comes to minimising scars after breast surgery. Here are some things to avoid to ensure the best possible outcome:
Avoid stress on the incision site: Avoid any activities that could put stress or strain on the incision site, especially in the early recovery phase. This includes heavy lifting, rigorous exercise, and stretching movements that may pull at the sutures
Don’t smoke: Smoking/vaping can significantly hinder the healing process and lead to worse scarring. It’s crucial to avoid smoking/vaping for several weeks post-surgery
Avoid sun exposure: Protect your scars from the sun, as UV radiation can darken scars and make them more noticeable. If you need to go outside, wear protective clothing, or apply a strong SPF sunscreen to the scar area once it has fully healed
Avoid picking at scabs or stitches: Picking at scabs or stitches can interrupt the healing process and potentially lead to worse scarring. If your stitches are causing discomfort, consult your surgeon rather than trying to handle it yourself
Don’t neglect proper nutrition: Continue to eat a diet rich in nutrients that support healing and healthy skin
Avoid dehydration: Keeping your body and skin hydrated can support the healing process, so try to avoid becoming dehydrated
Avoid swimming and baths: Soaking your incisions in water can lead to infection and negatively impact wound healing. Stick to showers until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead
Avoid alcohol: Excessive alcohol can impair wound healing, and can also interact with post-surgical medications. It’s best to limit or avoid alcohol in the weeks following surgery
Surgical and Non-surgical Scar Reduction Methods
Several surgical and non-surgical methods can be utilised to reduce scars post breast surgery:
Surgical methods include scar revision surgery, where the surgeon removes the scar and re-closes the wound, and fat grafting, which involves injecting small amounts of fat into the scar to minimise its appearance. The surgical methods to reduce or modify the appearance of scars can vary, depending on the type, location, and age of the scar, as well as other factors like the patient’s health and lifestyle. Here are two common surgical techniques:
Scar Revision Surgery
In this process, the existing scar is surgically removed, and the skin is re-sutured to heal in a less noticeable fashion. This can be done through a few different techniques.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or lipofilling, can help improve the appearance of depressed or atrophic scars. This procedure involves collecting a small amount of fat from another part of the body (like the abdomen or thighs), processing it, and then injecting it into the scar area. The injected fat can help elevate the depressed scar, making it level with the surrounding skin surface and thus less noticeable. In addition, fat grafting can also help improve the scar’s texture and colour, making it blend better with the surrounding skin.
Non-surgical methods include:
Topical treatments: Creams, gels, and silicone sheets can help in reducing scar visibility. Silicone sheets or gels are particularly effective as they keep the scar hydrated and protect it from excess sunlight, enhancing healing and minimising scar formation
Laser therapy: This treatment can reduce scar thickness and redness. The laser breaks down scar tissue and stimulates the body’s healing process, leading to the formation of healthier skin
Steroid injections: These are used for hypertrophic or keloid scars and can help reduce their size and alleviate discomfort
Massage: Gentle scar massage can help break down scar tissue and improve flexibility, especially in raised or thickened scars
Remember, the most suitable scar reduction method depends on the type of scar. Therefore, it is always best to consult a medical professional or a trained plastic surgeon like Dr Jeremy Hunt for personalised advice on scar reduction. They can guide you through the process, ensuring you understand the expectations and results of each method.
FAQs about Scars after Breast Surgery
When is scar revision surgery needed?
Scar revision surgery is usually considered when a scar causes physical discomfort or restricts movement, when the scar is aesthetically displeasing or causes distress, or when non-surgical methods have not been effective. Scars that have healed in a way that is noticeably misaligned with the skin’s natural tension lines, keloid scars (which are raised and extend beyond the original wound), or hypertrophic scars (which are thick and raised, but do not extend beyond the original wound) can often benefit from scar revision surgery.
Can scars from breast surgery be completely eliminated?
While the goal of scar management strategies is to make scars as unnoticeable as possible, it’s important to remember that scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. As such, they cannot be completely eliminated. Surgical and non-surgical methods can significantly reduce the appearance of scars, making them less noticeable and more aesthetically pleasing. The results vary depending on the individual’s healing capabilities, the location and type of the scar, and the treatment method used.
How long does it take for breast surgery scars to heal?
Healing times for breast surgery scars vary from one patient to the other. In most cases, initial wound healing occurs within 2 weeks, during which time the incision site should be carefully protected. Over the next few months, the scar will typically become darker and harder – this is a normal part of the healing process. Over the next 1 to 2 years, the scar will usually soften and fade, although it may not completely disappear.
What are my options to get rid of scars after breast surgery?
You have several options to manage scars after breast surgery. Topical treatments such as silicone sheets and creams, and injectable treatments like corticosteroids, can be used. For more noticeable scars, laser therapy or microneedling can be beneficial. Surgical options, such as scar revision surgery or fat grafting, may be considered for more severe or problematic scars.
Can natural remedies help reduce scars?
Natural remedies can sometimes help with scar management, although their efficacy varies and they are typically less effective than medical treatments. Aloe Vera is known for its healing properties and can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Vitamin E oil, when massaged into the scar, can help improve the scar’s elasticity and appearance.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
The one-on-one service and attention to detail from Dr Hunt, has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Would you like more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to a person’s goals for breast surgery. Breast characteristics include breast symmetry, the size, natural shape, and breast and nipple position.
Of course, different people have different perceptions and opinions on what they want their breasts to look like, or what they may consider desirable. For some patients, it will be a fuller, rounder look and for others, it will be a smaller, more petite and athletic look. Each individual breast surgery patient will have a different surgical plan based on their own goals – what they desire as an individual.
Process of consultation is the first step, and this would involve discussing with patients their expectations, so that the image that they have in their mind can be formulated into a surgical plan.
It may take multiple consultations and is often worthwhile for patients to bring images of what they desire the results to look like. It will also be important to think about your goals realistically and understand the risks and things that could go wrong.
Factors that will need to be considered will be the height of the patient, the weight of the patient, the width of their chest, their lifestyle and the length of their chest, as well as torso in terms of a ratio.
Anatomy Of the Breast
Your breasts are mainly made up of three types of tissue:
Glandular tissue: containing lobes and lobules that end in bulbs (glands) that can produce breast milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are all connected by thin ducts
Fat tissue: the adipose tissue that gives your breasts their volume. The fat fills the spaces between your breast’s glandular tissue
Connective tissue: the tissue that holds your breast tissue together and gives your breasts their form
There are no muscles in the breasts. However, your breast tissues are organised on top of your chest wall muscles, known as the pectoral muscles. Hence, your breast on the inside has your breast fat, lobes, lobules, and ducts sitting on top of your chest’s muscles.
On the outside, almost in the centre of the breast, you have a pigmented circular area on the breast’s skin (areola) with the nipple.
The size, volume, and positioning of these different types of breast components give each breast its unique shape, form, and size.
What Are Common Patient Goals?
When you think of what you might want your breasts look like, a lot of things can pop into your mind. How big should the breasts be? How far apart? What’s the right breast shape? Where should the breasts sit on the chest?
There isn’t a right or wrong answer, and there isn’t just one component. A combination of different breast characteristics can give you breasts that you like.
A common desire is having 45% of the volume of the breast above the nipple and 55% of the volume below. This would give a gentle ramp from the top of the breast to the location of the nipple.
This though may not meet everyone’s expectations and different people will look for a different result.
Things that need to be considered would include breast symmetry, volume, shape, elevation and position on the chest.
· Breast symmetry
A common desire of patients is for the breasts to be symmetrical. But breasts usually have some amount of natural asymmetry, which is completely normal.
The breasts can look asymmetric when one breast is larger than the other or when one sits further down than the other. Significant cases of asymmetry can be a motivation for breast surgery for some patients.
· The breast size
Many patients desire breasts that are not too big or too small for their bodies. What defines “too big” or “too small” is personal preference and will vary from person to person.
While some people may desire for a dramatic change in their breast size, others wish to achieve greater body proportion by either reducing overly large breasts or increasing very small breasts. It also depends on the natural body type of the patient.
For example, full and voluminous breasts might fit the body of women with wide shoulders and a broad waist. The larger breast size can often better complement the dimensions of such body types.
On the other hand, the same breast size may not be desired for someone with a petite figure and a narrow waist. The breasts could look oversized which may not be good if the person wants a breast size that looks proportionate to their frame.
Whatever your goals, an experienced surgeon can cater to your desired breast size.
· Breast shape
There are a lot of different types and shapes of breasts out there. You have the round, archetype, the bell-shaped, and many other breast shapes.
The natural shape of the breast resembles a teardrop; the breast tissue starts slightly thinner at the top and then gradually slopes into more fullness below the nipple.
· Elevation
Greater breast elevation is one of the things that is commonly desired in breast surgery patients, especially in the case of mastopexy (breast lift). Losing a lot of weight, giving birth, or simply growing older can cause laxity in the breast skin.
· Breast position on the chest
Then there is the position of the breasts on the chest. Whether they are high, low, close together, or far apart. Most patients desire for their breasts to be positioned somewhere in the middle of the chest; not too high up but not too low either.
· Nipple position
One of the breast cosmetic concerns that many women have is the position of their nipples.
In some cases, the nipple can hang low on the breast or point downward; this is known as nipple ptosis. In other cases, nipples may be too far apart or too close to one another.
· Breast firmness
Goals for breast surgery isn’t just about how your breasts look, it’s also about how your breasts feel to the touch.
While firm breasts are a sign of youth and health, a lot of people also prefer the breast to feel soft. You can discuss breast firmness with your surgeon to determine what might work for you.
· Comfort
And last but not least, comfort. Good results are often what the patient feels most comfortable with. This means they’re not too heavy on your chest, don’t cause discomfort, and that they suit your standards and aesthetic goals.
Deciding on a Surgical Option
Dr Jeremy Hunt performs a variety of plastic and reconstructive breast surgeries that can change different breast features.
1. Breast augmentation Mammoplasty
A breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, is a cosmetic surgery done to alter the size and shape of the breasts.
This can be done using fat transfer or using an implant, be it silicone or saline and each individual patient has a decision-making process as to where the incision will be located for insertion of the breast prosthesis, whether the implant is located above or below the muscle, the shape of the implant could be round or teardrop shaped and the fill of the implant could be silicone or saline.
Ultimately, the volume of the implant can range extensively from 100 cc to 800 cc and each of these will have an impact on the final result that is achieved.
Your breast implants can be placed either above the muscle (subglandular implants) or under the muscle (submuscular implants). The placement of your implants can affect how your breasts end up looking.
2. Breast Lift Mastopexy
A breast lift or a mastopexy is another breast cosmetic surgery that can reshape your breasts without using implants.
If your breasts have enough volume but you’re concerned about their position or laxity, this procedure might help. It can also raise a low nipple position if required.
If there has been descent or drop in the height of the nipple, be it due to ageing, weight loss or potential changes with pregnancy, breastfeeding and childbirth, then a breast-lift mastopexy may be necessary to achieve the desired breast shape.
There are several mastopexy techniques, including:
Lollipop lift
Crescent lift
Donut lift
Anchor lift
3. Breast reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction surgery or reduction mammaplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can permanently reduce the size of excessively heavy breasts. For some patients this can involve the removal of back, neck and shoulder pain caused by excessively heavy breasts.
During a breast reduction mammoplasty surgery, Dr Hunt removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to make your breasts look smaller and more proportional to the rest of your body. It can be a good option for some patients as it can relieve daily back, neck and shoulder pain and discomfort due to heavy breasts.
4. Breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery is a cosmetic surgery done to reshape the breasts and rebuild damaged breast tissue.
Dr Hunt performs reconstructive surgery of the breasts for patients with tuberous breast deformity and patients who’ve undergone breast cancer surgery.
Breast reconstruction can:
Restore the breast’s symmetry
Fix breast anatomical deformities
Give the breasts more volume
Alter the shape of the breasts
Reduce the size of enlarged areolas
Dr Hunt custom tailors each cosmetic breast surgery to make sure you end up with the breast features that suit both your body and aesthetic goals.
FAQs About Breast Surgery Goals
How do you make lax breasts look good?
Breast laxity cannot generally be addressed without surgery. A breast augmentation mammoplasty or lift mastopexy can be suitable for people who want to reduce the appearance of breast skin laxity.
What to do if one breast is bigger than the other?
It’s normal for one of your breasts to have a slightly different size than the other. Breasts are hardly ever 100% symmetrical. However, if you’re concerned that one breast is visibly larger than the other, you might consider getting breast surgery. Asymmetrical breasts can be surgically altered by making one of the breasts smaller (breast reduction mammoplasty surgery) to match the other, or one of the breasts bigger (breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery) to match the size and shape of the other.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
The majority of breast implant ruptures cause no symptoms or health problems and can remain undetected for a long time. Nevertheless, many patients wonder how they can know if their breast implant is ruptured. And what are some of the signs of a ruptured breast implant.
A saline-filled breast implant will usually shrink and deflate when it’s ruptured. You may experience a sudden or gradual change in the size and shape of your breast, an abnormal breast shape, and pain in case your saline implant leaks.
At the same time, a ruptured silicone implant doesn’t shrink and usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, it can be detected with a breast MRI or ultrasound. Less commonly, when a silicone gel implant ruptures, it can cause pain, breast lumps, thickening in the breast, and changes in the breast contour.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast surgery in Sydney, Australia.
What Causes a Breast Implant To Rupture?
A breast implant can be either silicone-filled or saline-filled. Either way, all types of implants have an outer silicone shell that rarely becomes torn or punctured causing the implant to rupture.
The following may cause a ruptured breast implant with any type of filling:
Normal ageing of the implant: implants are not permanent devices. With time, the implant shell starts to wear down. As a result, the older the implant, the higher the chances it could rupture
Damage during surgery: this is the most common cause of a ruptured breast implant. During a breast augmentation mammoplasty or breast reconstruction surgery, if a sharp surgical instrument comes in contact with the implant, it can micro-cut the implant shell and eventually cause it to rupture
Trauma to the chest: a blunt force trauma to the chest, such as the one experienced in a car accident, for example, may cause a breast implant to rupture
Needle insertion during a biopsy: during a breast biopsy, a biopsy needle is inserted into the breast tissue to collect tissue samples. Although a needle biopsy is safe in patients with breast implants, it needs to be performed by someone with a lot of experience to avoid puncturing the implant and rupturing it in the process
Shell swelling: the implant’s shell can become weak if silicone leaks from the filling into the shell. Consequently, the shell will swell, weaken, and become more vulnerable to rupture
Mechanical pressure: in very rare cases, the mechanical pressure on the chest from a mammogram or an ultrasound may cause a tear in the breast implant
Researchers suggest that the rupture of a silicone or saline breast implant is a multifactorial process. This means that a breast implant doesn’t rupture easily – you may experience more than one of the mentioned causes combined before your implant tears or leaks.
For example, your implant could become worn out with time but still doesn’t rupture until it receives a blow from an accident or another blunt force trauma to the chest.
What Are the Symptoms Of a Ruptured Breast Implant?
What happens when an implant ruptures? And how can you tell if you have a ruptured implant?
The symptoms of breast implant rupture depend on whether you have a silicone-filled breast implant or a saline-filled breast implant.
In general, you should suspect a ruptured implant if you experience one of the following symptoms:
Changes in the size or shape of your breasts
Pain, firmness, or swelling in the breast
A visible breast deformity
A tingling sensation in the breast
Changes in nipple sensitivity
Capsular contracture (a hard and dense capsule around the implant)
Breast granulomas (small areas of inflammation in the breast)
However, the rupture of a saline implant is different from the rupture of a silicone implant.
Silicone vs saline implant rupture
Saline breast implants are usually inserted empty into the chest through a small incision. After they’re in place, the implant will be filled with sterile salt water (saline).
When a saline implant ruptures, the saline water inside of it will leak out causing the implant to shrink and collapse. Consequently, you might want to consider that your saline implant has ruptured in case you notice the following:
A distorted breast appearance
Loss of fullness in the upper pole of the breast
An abnormal breast shape
Visible rippling or apparent implant edges
Even though a ruptured saline implant can affect the shape of your breast, it doesn’t usually cause any health concerns – the leaking saline is just sterile water that will be naturally absorbed by your body.
On the other hand, unlike a saline implant, when a silicone implant ruptures, it doesn’t collapse and usually doesn’t change the shape or size of your breast. Instead, the silicone remains stuck inside a layer that forms around the implant.
A ruptured silicone implant that doesn’t cause any problems and remains undetected for a long time is known as a “silent rupture”. You may not know you have a silent implant rupture until you get an ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for your breasts.
You may suspect that your silicone implant has ruptured in case you experience the following symptoms:
Breast pain
Breast thickening
Lumps in or around the breast
Changes in the contour or shape of the breast
You can make sure that your silicone gel implant is still in good condition by getting an MRI 3 years after your breast surgery and once every 2 years after that.
During your follow-up with Dr Hunt, he will give your breasts a thorough examination to make sure that all is well with your implants and that everything is in place.
How Common Is Implant Rupture?
Ruptured breast implants aren’t that common – implant rupture rates are very low, especially in the early years after you get your implants. As the implant ages, it becomes somehow more likely to rupture, but not by much.
Breast implants have been used for several decades. During this time, their safety and efficiency have been heavily investigated.
Over the years, implant manufacturers have made significant changes in the design of implants to make them stronger, safer, and more durable.
The third generation of implants with multilayered shells is now available and has significantly reduced the risk of rupture. Modern implants can last up to 35 years and remain intact without rupturing. Nevertheless, a revision surgery is usually needed after 10-15 years to address the breasts and erase some of the signs of ageing – even if the implants are still intact.
The rupture rates of an implant depend on:
The manufacturer of the implant
The shape of the implant
The age of the implant
The implant filling (silicone or saline)
Type of breast surgery (primary augmentation mammoplasty, revision augmentation, primary reconstruction, revision reconstruction)
These are all factors that can affect how easily an implant ruptures. In general, implants are hard to rupture even as the implant ages.
Long-term data from one implant manufacturer showed that 8 years after a breast augmentation mammoplasty, implant ruptures occurred in less than 6.5% of the patients. Even 10 years after breast surgery, less than 10% of the patients had ruptured implants.
Moreover, 98% of patients who received more modern implants were rupture-free 5 years after receiving the breast implant. Even after 10 years, around 85% of those patients were still implant rupture-free.
Although a ruptured breast implant usually doesn’t pose any health risks, you’ll probably need surgery to remove the ruptured implant.
Whether it’s saline or a silicone implant, Dr Hunt will surgically remove the damaged implant. If you’d like, he can also replace it with a new one during the same surgery.
In case you have a silicone implant that has ruptured but isn’t bothering you or causing you any trouble, you may be able to keep it in. A silent rupture will not change the shape of your breast and wouldn’t cause you any health problems.
Therefore, you can discuss with Dr Hunt whether you want to remove the ruptured silicone implant, replace it, or keep it in place.
What Are The Complications Of Implant Rupture?
A lot of research has been dedicated to the complications following the rupture of a breast implant.
So far, studies found no link between breast implant rupture and any health concerns. According to research so far, a ruptured breast implant:
Will NOT increase your risk of breast cancer
Will NOT cause any connective tissue or autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
Most implant ruptures pose no health risks and a lot of them are undetectable. One known complication of a ruptured breast implant is capsular contracture– a condition where the tissue around the implant hardens and tightens.
What To Do When You Suspect a Ruptured Breast Implant?
If you think your implant is leaking or that you may have a ruptured implant, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.
By performing a physical examination, ultrasound, or MRI, Dr Hunt will be able to determine whether your implant is damaged or intact.
Your implant can be surgically removed (explanted) and replaced with a new one. In case of the silent rupture of a silicone implant, you might not need surgery at all. Dr Hunt will recommend that you keep an eye on any changes or discomfort in your breast to make sure the implant won’t cause you any trouble.
FAQs about Implant Rupture
Does insurance cover a ruptured implant?
Most insurance companies only cover medically necessary cosmetic procedures. Therefore, you may be covered if your breast implant ruptures and causes infections, chronic breast pain, severe corpuscular contracture, or other health concerns.
Does a ruptured implant need to be removed?
A ruptured breast implant is usually removed if it’s causing breast deformities, physical discomfort, or health problems. A ruptured saline breast implant usually causes an irregular breast shape and requires surgical removal. Alternatively, a ruptured silicone implant doesn’t usually change the shape of the breast and can be left in if it isn’t causing any other discomfort.
Is a leaking breast implant an emergency?
The rupture of a breast implant is not a medical emergency. Nonetheless, you must replace your ruptured breast implant as soon as you can to fix the shape of your breast and avoid possible capsular contracture (internal scar tissue formation).
How long can you leave a ruptured implant?
Theoretically, you can leave a ruptured breast implant in as long as you’d like if it’s not causing you any pain or discomfort. The deflated or torn implant shell will not affect your health. However, the longer the damaged implant stays in, the more difficult its removal will be later on. Most patients prefer to remove and replace their implants as soon as possible after the rupture to restore the cosmetically appealing appearance of their breasts.
What do ruptured implants look like?
The signs of a leaking saline implant include breast ripples, visible implant edges, and deflated breasts. If one of your saline implants ruptures, you might notice that one of your breasts is starting to look smaller or remarkably different than your other breast. On the other hand, in some cases, a ruptured silicone breast implant can cause noticeable lumps or thickening in or around the breast. In other cases, it might not cause any physical changes to the breast.
Can a ruptured implant make you sick?
Different studies have found no link or connection between a ruptured breast implant and any health problems. There have been some reports of symptoms experienced by women after their implant rupture. Nonetheless, there has been no scientific evidence to support or prove that those symptoms were caused by implant rupture.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
You might have briefly heard or read about your inframammary fold if you have been researching breast surgery. In this article, we will discuss what the inframammary fold is and how it impacts breast surgery and surgery results. The inframammary fold plays a very important role in every kind of breast surgery. It is one of the most important elements of the overall aesthetic appearance of the breast. You may or may not have heard about the upper and lower poles of the breasts. These terms refer to the fullness of the top and bottom parts of the breast. These two elements are hugely impacted by the inframammary fold. Essentially, the inframammary fold is the part at the inferior or lower part of the breast, where your breast is attached to the chest.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Sydney specialist plastic surgeon who practices in Sydney and Wollongong. Dr Hunt has completed over a thousand breast surgeries in Australia.
What is an Inframammary Fold (IMF)?
The inframammary fold is discussed at every single breast surgery conference. It defines the lower pole of the breast. Any problems associated with inframammary fold essentially impacts how your breasts will look after the surgery. Clearly defining the fold is helpful. An inframammary fold that is either too low or too high can create many problems and complications.
Guide to Breast Surgery
Standard Breast Surgery
Different Types of Inframammary Folds (IMFs)
An experienced surgeon will take your breast anatomy into account. A simple test can determine what type of inframammary fold you have and what approach/technique should be employed to achieve the desired results. There are cases when lowering the inframammary fold can help the overall aesthetics outcome.Usually, a simple arm position test is enough. It is a great way to identify problematic folds.
4 types of IMFs defined by Surgeons
Type 0: it is a non-existent fold. This category defines the patient who has very hard to see inframammary fold. Think of it as a blank canvas or a blank palette. It gives surgeons the opportunity to create an inframammary fold themselves. Essentially, Dr Hunt will determine where to end the breast and start the waist. In this case, Dr Hunt can lower the fold as well because there is no native fold.
Type 1: this is the type of fold which is visible when people have their arms by their sides. However, as soon as the person lifts their hands up, the fold disappears completely and isn’t visible. It is generally a very safe fold when it comes to breast surgeries. Modern technology and cohesive gel will help efface the fold.
Type 2: it is definitely a tricky fold. This is moderately prominent. However, you cannot spot the fold unless the person lifts their arms. You can almost put a number to it: 50% effacement and 50% less dominant or less present. These folds can be lowered but the surgeon needs to be cautious. Dr Hunt might use a fat graft for a better result. Most surgeons would keep lowering it to the minimum, around less than 2cm. it is important to customise the dual plane interface to ensure the fold is gone and there isn’t any muscle covering it up.
Type 3: this is certainly a hard one and you need a surgeon to detect it for you. It essentially looks like any other normal fold but as soon as the person lifts their arms up, there is absolutely no change in the fold.
The fold will raise up in the same way as it was before. These folds can be deemed problematic. They can be lowered if the surgery calls for it. However, there is a high risk involved. If the fold isn’t lowered correctly, it can lead to double bubble deformity. Dr Hunt would advise you against lowering this type of fold as there is a high risk involved.
Every Breast Surgery Patient is Different
Every single patient is different. An individual with small breasts will have less distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold that someone with larger breasts. If the surgeon doesn’t lower the inframammary fold prior to making an incision for implant insertion, the scar can end up showing itself on the actual breast with the increase in breast enlargement. Lowering the inframammary fold will create the desired space for implants and the scar will be concealed underneath the breast instead of sitting on top of your breasts.
Every single person is different when it comes to the size and shape of their breasts and what they want from their surgery. Selecting the right surgeon for your breast surgery is critical. It is crucial for the plastic surgeon to understand different approaches as well as techniques to suit the needs of every single patient.
Selecting any doctor who believes in one size fits all approach can bring you closer to a breast surgery disaster. If you don’t want to end up with unsatisfactory results, invest some time in selecting the right surgeon who has years of experience in performing breast surgery procedures.
Key Elements of Breast Anatomy
Regardless of the type of breast surgery you are considering, your surgeon will examine your breasts and explain to you in detail how surgery can help get the results you want.
Learning about the inframammary fold, details about your breast anatomy along with common breast terms will enable you to understand and communicate with your surgeon in a better way. We have discussed the inframammary fold in detail. Now, let’s move to breast anatomy.
Developmental Formation of Breasts
Until you hit puberty, your breasts won’t look much different from the breasts of a boy. Until this point, the chest of boys and girls look very similar. Once you hit puberty, the hormonal changes stimulate the development of breasts and the breast tissue starts to grow and change in terms of size and shape for women. Throughout puberty, your nipples will become erect, areolas will become pigmented, rounder, and darker, and your breasts will become larger.
Typically, breasts will stop growing and mature by the time you reach the age of 18 years old. That doesn’t mean that your breasts will stay the same throughout life. Many factors impact the shape and size of your breasts throughout your life: skin elasticity, menstrual cycle, breastfeeding, weight gain, weight loss, ageing, and other lifestyle factors.
What are Your Breasts Made Of?
The anatomy of breasts is quite complex. Breasts consist of 3 main types of tissues: glandular, connective, and fat. Let’s discuss these elements briefly:
Glandular Tissue: this particular area is essentially responsible for breast milk production. Lobes along with tubes carry the milk to your ducts
Fat Tissue: it is essentially responsible for giving your breasts their size known as the adipose tissue
Connective Tissue: these tissues are essentially responsible for holding everything together and are responsible for giving their breasts the desired form and shape. Cooper ligaments are an important element of the connective tissues
Other Breast Features
We have discussed what the inframammary fold is, what your breasts are made up of, let’s dive deeper into the anatomy of the breasts.
Breasts essentially overlay the chest wall muscles. These chest wall muscles are known as pectoral muscles. There are two muscle layers. The inner layer is known as the pectoralis minor and the outer layer is called the pectoralis major. These muscles sit on your ribs. They are covered by fascia which is a thin layer of fibrous tissue. If the surgeon places the implants underneath the pectoral muscles, it is known as submuscular placement. It is typically the most common technique – under the muscle or dual plane.
The glandular tissue is generally organised into 15-20 lobes of the breast. Each of these lobes is made of many smaller tissues that are called lobules. These glands are responsible for breast milk production. Expect them to feel a little harder than the fat tissue surrounding them. A network of small ducts runs between the glands that are responsible for milk transportation to the nipples.
Breast Fat that surrounds the glandular tissue will give the breast its size. The tissue carries many veins and arteries along with lymph nodes and vessels. The connective tissue runs through the breast to offer support to the structure, Cooper ligaments are the key component of the connective tissue. These ligaments are an intricate web of thin but intense cords that run through the breasts. Moreover, cooper’s ligaments are very important when it comes to keeping your breasts firm and perky. Stretching of cooper ligaments will eventually lead to saggy boobs.
Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Incision Placement Options
During your pre-operative appointment, it is important to discuss the following incision placement options with your plastic surgeon:
The most common – Inframammary Incision
As very self-explanatory from the name, the inframammary incision is a short incision that is made in the crease underneath your breast. This scar is typically very thin and usually around 3 to 6 cm long depending on implant size. This technique is beneficial for concealing the scar and allows Dr Hunt to place larger implants with more precision. This incision will allow for sub-glandular (over the muscle) placement of implants along with subpectoral or submuscular (under the muscle) placement.
Other less likely choices include Periareolar Incision and Transaxillary Incision
Having basic knowledge about anatomy and breast surgery options will help you communicate with your surgeon in an effective manner and enable you to understand your implant placement options. It will also help you understand how your surgeon can modify your surgery with regard to the type of inframammary fold you have.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
One of the key questions that patients aspiring to get breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery ask is “when can I start exercising after breast implants”? In this blog, we are going to discuss all the details about working out after a breast implant (augmentation mammoplasty) surgery.
To give you an idea, you can start light walking around the house upon your return home. It is highly recommended to kick start the healing process and prevent the formation of blood clots. You can ask someone to assist you with walking for the first few days. Once the initial two weeks are over, you can start gentle cardio exercises such as walking on a treadmill and walking uphill.
In about a month after the surgery, most patients are able to perform all sorts of exercises except for heavy lifting and contact sports. Once the initial six to eight weeks have passed, patients can resume all sorts of workouts and exercises (provided that Dr Hunt gives you the go ahead).
Dr Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon who performs breast surgery procedures in Sydney NSW.
Guide to Breast Surgery
Standard Breast Surgery
Listen to Your Body after Breast Implants (Augmentation Mammoplasty) Surgery
If your implants are placed under the muscle, you need to stay clear of strenuous exercises that involve chest muscles such as pushups. As your implant is sitting under the muscle, any form of contraction will put pressure and this can lead to the displacement of implants. As a general rule of thumb, it is important to listen to your body while working out. If something is causing extreme discomfort, you need to stop it asap and give your body more time to heal.
You should know that implants allow you to have a healthy and active lifestyle. During the consultation, Dr Hunt offers his patients complete guidelines regarding working out safely post the surgery. It is important to let your body heal fully before jumping on your regular exercise routine. With that being said, it is also of critical importance to wear the right, supportive garments.
Exercise Timeline for Breast Implant (Augmentation Mammoplasty) Surgery
While every single person is different and will heal at a different pace, it is important to have a general idea of what to expect post-surgery and when is the right time to start incorporating exercise into your day-to-day life. Without further ado, let’s get started:
1. The First Few Days After Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
You need to dedicate a few days after the surgery to rest and heal. During this time frame, you will be on prescription medicine to control pain and discomfort. You will also be experiencing swelling and pressure. While it is very important to rest, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in your bed the whole day. It is recommended to take short, frequent walks around the house. Do not go at a fast pace, and rest when you feel tired. Other things like preparing a quick meal, taking a shower, combing out your hair, and checking your mail are all fine to do and help you feel better.
This simple activity will enable you to gain your range of motion without putting excessive strain on the incision site. Light activities and walking will promote blood flow throughout the body and minimise the risk of deep vein thrombosis and blood clotting.
For the first few days, you need to avoid long walks, jogging, or any kind of activity that can put a strain on your body. Avoid carrying anything heavy as well especially if your implants are placed under the muscle. Not only you will increase the chances of injury but will also risk displacement of implants.
2. Exercising and Activity Two Weeks After Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
Once the initial two to three weeks are over, most patients are cleared for light activity. This is the time when you will be going back to work, provided that you don’t have a physically demanding job. It is important to stay clear of all exercises that can lead to straining and stressing of the body or involve your upper chest. Stay clear of running, swimming, high-intensity interval training and heavy lifting.
3. Exercising and Working Out Six Weeks Post-Procedure
If everything goes well and you are healing at the right pace, you will be cleared to do most activities between weeks 4 to 6. In some cases, you will be cleared post 8 weeks. Once you are healed, you can perform all your normal exercises. However, it is important to start slow and gradually build your strength and pace. If at any point while working out, you feel tired or exhausted, it is important to take a break right away.
Exercises to Try After Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Surgery
Now that you know more details about recovery timeline, it is time to look at some of the exercises that are suitable after breast augmentation mammoplasty:
Walking
One of the easiest things you can incorporate into your daily routine is walking. You can start doing it regularly after the first week. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and start with a light walk for around 10 to 15 minutes. Gradually build up your duration and pace. Once the initial two weeks have passed, you can also start with a stationary bike. Again, do it at a slow pace and listen to your body. If at any point, if you feel that you are overexerting yourself, you should take a break and drink some water.
Shoulder Rolls
You can start doing shoulder rolls within the first week of your surgery. It will help with the stiffness that surrounds your shoulders and neck post the surgery. Here is how to do shoulder rolls:
Relax your shoulders
Slowly roll your shoulders forward a few times
Then, roll your shoulders backwards
While you are rolling your shoulders backward, make sure to squeeze the shoulder blades back
Take a deep breath with every single roll
Start with 5 rolls and gradually build it up to 10
Shoulder Wings
You can start doing shoulder wings once the first two weeks have passed. Here is how to do it:
First, place your hands on your chest and slowly raise your elbows to the side
Slowly lower your elbows down. Do not push yourself too hard
Conclude the exercise by raising your elbows higher to a point where you feel a gentle stretch
You shouldn’t feel any discomfort while doing this exercise. If you are, stop the exercise and take a break. You can do this 10 times a day
Leg Workouts
Once the initial four weeks have passed, you can start doing leg workouts. You can do any form of leg workout as long as they don’t put a strain on your upper body. Here are a few types that might work for you after breast implant (or breast augmentation mammoplasty) surgery:
Squats – We all know how great squats are for your butt. What you might not know is that squats are great for your legs as well. They don’t generally put pressure your upper body, which is also great.
Lunges – Another great exercise is lunges. They work your thighs, abs, and butt simultaneously. It is a complete workout for your lower body
Step-Ups – Think of step-ups as squats that involve one leg only. This exercise can work to tone your thighs and hips. All you need is a raised platform. Make sure to step on the centre of the platform to avoid putting too much pressure on your knees.
Light Weights
Once you are fully healed and Dr Hunt gives you the go ahead to start lifting weights, you can incorporate light weights into your workout routine. If you are not a fan of lifting weights, you can also do Pilates and other forms of workouts that involve your own body weight. Once Dr Hunt clears you for exercise, weights shouldn’t harm the results of surgery.
Breast Surgery Risks & Recommendations: High-Intensity Activities
Certain exercises are more intense than others. Most of these workouts involve the use of large muscle groups. While high-intensity workouts burn more calories, the recommendation is to start with shorter workouts and increase your overall fitness levels.
Some of the high-intensity exercises include jogging, running, tennis, horseback riding, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), step aerobics, climbing stairs, and plyometric exercise.
Risks of High-Intensity Exercise after Getting Breast Implants
Most high-intensity workouts involve fast movements and up and down motions. It can be quite strenuous and taxing on the upper body. Starting such workouts too soon can slow down the recovery process.
After breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, the tissues around the breasts need to heal in order to achieve satisfactory results. If you start working out too soon, it might lead to wound opening or implant displacement.
Other side effects include implants shifting out of the pocket which can result in the distorted appearance of implants. Even after you have recovered fully, make sure to wear supportive workout garments to support your breasts when performing any form of high-intensity workout.
Putting too much pressure on the chest muscles can lead to pain, dislodging your implants, bleeding around incisions, and a prolonged recovery phase. Always consult Dr Hunt prior to resuming your regular exercise routine. If you dislodge or shift the breast implant, it will most likely lead to breast revision surgery.
Tips for Exercising after a Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Surgery
You need to consider less intense workouts during the first-month post-surgery. Make sure to hold off on high-intensity workouts for at least six weeks or more based on the advice of Dr Hunt. Prevention is always better than cure. Your breasts need more support at this point than you are used to. Make sure to invest in a good quality sports bra before resuming working out.
Further Reading about Breast Implants (Augmentation Mammoplasty) Surgery
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
The TGA announced a review of textured breast implants and we would like to provide our patients with some more information regarding this announcement. The TGA announcement refers to a rare form of lymphoma (ALCL) and the data shows the risk of this rare lymphoma varies widely (see below), depending on the type of surface texture of the breast implant.
ALCL is generally observed in women 7-10 years after their surgery and often presents as a swelling or a lump.
BIA-ALCL Cases and some deaths have been reported in Australia and the TGA has advised that the majority of these cases were cured by removal of the implant and the surrounding breast capsule.
Lately, more awareness has been raised regarding the risks and symptoms of implant breast lymphoma and several precautions have been taken to avoid it.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has completed hundreds of breast augmentation mammoplasty procedures in Australia. Dr Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon who practices in Sydney and Wollongong NSW. Please ask Dr Hunt about the risks of BIA-ALCL during your consultation.
What Is BIA-ALCL?
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a very rare type of cancer associated with textured breast implants.
This type of breast lymphoma occurs in the immune cells close to the breast implants and usually takes years to develop. Very few women are diagnosed with BIA-ALCL each year, but those who are can be successfully treated with the surgical removal of the implant with the surrounding scar tissue.
About Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an extremely uncommon type of cancer that can arise in breast implant patients. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer but a cancer of the immune system. It develops in “T-lymphocytes” immune cells that are close to the breast implants.
Breast lymphoma develops slowly over the years and most cases are diagnosed 8-10 years on average after breast implant surgery (augmentation mammoplasty).
BIA-ALCL is a relatively newly observed condition – the first case was described in 1997. In 2008, a case study in the Netherlands found one of the first associations between ALCLA and breast implants.
It wasn’t until 2011 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established an association between ALCLA and breast implants. And in 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified BIA-ALCL as a condition separate from other anaplastic large cell lymphomas with unique characteristics that include:
Exclusively T-lymphocyte cancer cells
Cancer cells that are CD30+ (positive for the presence of the CD30 receptor protein and tumour marker)
Cancer cells that are anatomically close to a breast implant
Recently, both plastic surgeons and patients have become more familiar with this rare condition and more informed about it.
How Common Is BIA-ALCL?
Breast lymphoma after breast implants is a very rare type of cancer.
The risk of getting BIA-ALCL can range widely – between 1 in 3,817 and 1 in 300,000 in breast implant patients worldwide . In Australia, the chance of having lymphoma in the breast after a breast implant is between 1 in 2,500 and 1 in 25,000.
So far, more than 800 BIA-ALCLA cases have been reported worldwide with at least 33 consequent deaths.
1 in 7 cases reported globally occur in Australia which is higher than expected. However, this may be because until 3-4 years ago 85% of implants used in Australia were textured instead of smooth implants.
Risk Factors for BIA-ALCL
Investigations have revealed that the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is closely related to the type of breast implant and its manufacturer. Most of the cases of breast lymphoma are reported in patients with BIOCELL textured surface implants manufactured by Allergan aesthetics.
The risk of BIA-ALCLA with BIOCELL is 6 times higher when compared with other textured implants. This may be because BIOCELL implants are more textured than other implants.
To date, in Australia, all reported lymphoma cases associated with breast implants occurred in patients with textured or polyurethane implants and none in patients with smooth implants.
Breast lymphoma has not yet been associated with smooth implants directly. Instead, lymphoma has been reported in patients with smooth implants who have already had textured implants before. Nonetheless, the United States FDA believes that we cannot rule out the association between smooth implants and BIA-ALCL because full details of the history of implants are unknown.
Although the cause of implant-associated breast lymphoma is still not very clear, scientists suspect the following risk factors:
The large surface area of textured implants and their rough sandpaper-like surface can cause chronic inflammation which eventually leads to cancer
The rough and large surface of the implant can also trap more bacteria creating a biofilm (a colony of microbes) that causes inflammation and can lead to lymphoma
Bacterial contamination at the time of the surgery can cause prolonged breast inflammation
Genetic predisposition in the patients can make them more susceptible to developing lymphoma; mutations in JAK1 and STAT3 genes increase the risk of developing BIA-ALCL
Enough time has passed after breast implant surgery for the condition to develop
What are the Symptoms of BIA-ALCLA?
Symptoms of BIA-ALCLA may not necessarily indicate lymphoma – they can be symptoms of other benign breast conditions after a breast implant such as implant rupture or capsular contracture.
Symptoms that may indicate lymphoma in patients with breast implants include:
An effusion or persistent seroma (fluid collection) around the implant – the most common clinical symptom of BIA-ALCLA
Swelling of the breast
Asymmetry (one breast becoming larger than the other)
Pain or discomfort in the breast area
A mass or a lump (lymphadenopathy) in the breast or under the armpits is a less common symptom of breast lymphoma
A defining symptom of breast lymphoma after implant placement is that the size of the breast may get bigger. This doesn’t usually happen with implant rupture or capsular contracture.
Make sure to quickly inform your surgeon if you notice any changes in the size, shape, or feeling of your breast after getting an implant.
How is BIA-ALCLA Treated?
When a patient is diagnosed with BIA-ALCLA, the following steps will be taken:
The patient will be referred to an oncologist for evaluation
A PET/CT scan will be performed to look for any cancer that may have spread throughout the body. This will help determine the stage of the lymphoma which is crucial for treatment.
For patients with BIA-ALCLA localised only around the implant (in situ), Dr Hunt will remove the implant with the entire surrounding scar tissue capsule (en bloc capsulectomy and explantation) and reconstruct the breasts with or without new implants
Even if one implant is affected, both implants need to be removed
If lumps are found in the armpits, this may indicate that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In this case, a needle biopsy will be done to test lymph nodes. The lymph nodes may also be surgically removed for testing
Additional tests including blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy may be required
If cancer has spread to adjacent tissue (infiltrative lymphoma), it might be more serious. Infiltrative lymphoma may require additional therapy after implant removal, such as chemotherapy, or more rarely radiation therapy or stem cell transplant therapy
Following implant removal, patients are commonly observed for 2 years with imaging tests like PET-CT scans with 3 to 6-month check-ups. Nevertheless, lymphoma recurrence is very rare after surgical removal of the implants.
For patients who receive timely and adequate treatment, the prognosis is very good. Around 93% of patients are cancer-free at 3 years following treatment.
How to Reduce the Risk of BIA-ALCLA?
Breast implant associated cancer doesn’t develop often. Current data suggest that the less textured the breast implant is, the lower the risk of developing cancer.
Furthermore, a leading hypothesis suggests that a bacterial infection after implant placement can cause inflammation which leads to BIA-ALCLA.
That’s why Dr Hunt follows evidence-based precautions to decrease the risk of breast implant lymphoma, such as:
The use of prophylactic antibiotics to protect against bacterial infections
Proper skin preparation before breast surgery
Careful atraumatic dissection of the breast during surgery
The use of nipple shields to prevent bacterial spillage into the wound during breast implant placement
Maintaining good sterility to avoid bacterial infections
The use of a Keller funnel to deliver the implant without contaminating it
Patients should also be aware that implants are not for life. Breast implants are typically removed after 10-15 years.
The longer the implant has been placed, the more likely it would need removal because of contracture, rippling, movement, or rupture.
As a result, 3 models of breast implants and tissue expanders have been suspended and 5 others were cancelled in Australia.
Additionally, breast implants and tissue expander devices that have not been suspended will require strict conditions, such as:
All cases of BIA-ALCL must be reported to the TGA within 10 working days of the sponsor being aware of the case
The TGA should be provided with six-monthly reports of Australian and worldwide data supply, adverse events, and complaints regarding the used textured implants
Clear written information about the risk of BIA-ALCL must be provided with all devices to both the clinician and patients
These regulations and actions are done to make the use of textured implants less dangerous.
Updates on Breast Implants
In October 2021, the United States FDA issued new guidelines and regulations regarding the manufacturing, sales, distribution, and labelling of breast implant products. New labelling for breast implants includes:
A boxed warning
Patient decision checklist that should be signed by both the patient and physician. The checklist ensures that the patient understands the risks, benefits, and other information regarding the breast implant.
Updated screening recommendations for ruptured implants
Description of the implant device with a list of the specific materials used
Patient device card
The FDA also expects implant manufacturers to have these updates posted on their websites.
These FDA guidelines aim to raise awareness of the risk of breast implants and help patients make an informed decision before their breast surgery.
Should I Still Get Textured Implants?
Although breast implant-associated lymphoma occurs mainly with textured implants, the risk of that happening is less than 0.1%.
In addition, certain brands of textured implants have a lower risk for BIA-ALCL than other brands. For example, macro textured and polyurethane implants have a higher risk and are banned in certain countries like France.
On the other hand, it’s still okay to use other types of textured implants because they still haven’t been associated with breast lymphoma.
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (ATGA)’s efforts have also limited the availability of problematic textured implants. Any breast implants with safety concerns or reported cases of BIA-ALCL is withdrawn until thorough investigations are done.
Benefits of using Textured Breast Implants
Using textured breast implants is sometimes preferred over smooth implants because they offer the following benefits:
A rough surface that adheres to the tissue around the implant. This prevents breast implants from moving around in the pocket
They reduce the chance of getting a misshapen chest caused by teardrop-shaped implants that could move around
Scar tissue sticks to the textured implant during the healing process. This reduces the risk of capsular contracture (a tight capsule of scar tissue that becomes hard and contacts around the implant)
It is very important to consider the risks and benefits of textured implants with your plastic surgeon before your surgery. This will help you make an informed decision on whether you should get a textured implant or not.
Should I Have My Breast Implants Removed?
If you have breast implants, even if they are textured, you don’t need to do anything except get regular check-ups and watch out for symptoms of lymphoma, contracture, or rupture.
Even if your breast implant brand has been recalled or suspended, you don’t have to remove it unless you have symptoms of BIA-ALCL or other complications. Especially since the risk of removal surgery is more significant than the risk of implant breast lymphoma; a very rare type of cancer.
Patients are advised to become familiar with the regular features of their breasts to spot any irregular changes. Regular self-examination similar to routine breast cancer awareness is also highly recommended for early detection of lymphoma.
Surgery after the early diagnosis of breast lymphoma can treat the condition. If the diagnosis is delayed, cancer may spread through the breast capsule or to local lymph nodes making the condition more dangerous and harder to treat.
What does this mean for our patients?
As over 90% of breast implants used by Dr Hunt have been micro-textured implants, it is important to highlight the difference between macro and micro-textured implants. The risk of ALCL with micro-textured implants is 1: 56,000 to 1:86,000, compared to macro textured implants which currently stand at 1: 1,000 to 1: 10,000. Therefore, the grouping of all textured implants into one category does NOT accurately reflect the risk of ALCL.
It is important to note that the TGA announcement does not suggest that those patients who have textured breast implants require any immediate medical attention. The TGA states that “because BIA-ALCL is rare, experts do not recommend removal of breast implants where there are no problems with the implant.”
We recommend that patients should monitor their implants with regular ultrasounds – something we have always encouraged patients to do. There is no suggestion that these implants need to be removed at present. If you are concerned about your breast implants, particularly swelling or hardening, then you should seek medical advice from your GP, or if you had your surgery with Dr Hunt you can contact us.
Further Reading about Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Surgery
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
The waterfall breast, sometimes called “snoopy nose” deformity is essentially a complication that can occur post breast augmentation surgery. It is when your breast tissue appears to be falling off the front of the implant. Your breast tissue will spill over the breast implant, resembling a waterfall, and that is why it is also known as a waterfall deformity.
Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt routinely performs breast procedures and may recommend revision surgery for those experiencing complications from a past breast surgery.
What Does Waterfall Deformity Look Like?
With your breast tissue spilling over the breast implant, the deformity can make the breasts appear less proportionate or downturned (ptosis). Contrary to the popular belief, it is very different from a capsular contracture that makes your breasts look distorted, missahpen and tight. However, it can be caused by a capsular contracture when the implant is placed or contracted into a higher position
What Causes the Breast Deformity?
A waterfall breast deformity primarily occurs in the cases where breast implants are placed underneath the muscle. This placement is known as a submuscular or subpectoral placement. The placement alone isn’t responsible for the deformity. However, it can occur if the implant is placed very high.
In most cases, the deformity occurs when patients already have a healthy amount of breast tissue that sits over the implant. Over time, this tissue slides off and over the implant, giving your breasts the appearance of ptosis.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Breast Deformity?
You can find plenty of reference images online that will help you determine whether you have a breast deformity. However, there is only one way to be completely sure of it. That is to visit a specialist plastic surgeon. After carefully analysing your breasts, the plastic surgeon will be able to give the final verdict and possible solutions to help your condition. So, the first step is to book an appointment with Dr Hunt or Dr Maryam as soon as possible.
1. Waterfall deformity
This deformity can occur after getting a breast implant. It will have the distinct appearance of laxity or ptosis of the breast tissue that falls below the breast implant. It is more common than most people think and can occur well after long-term breast augmentation mammoplasty.
2. Deformity known as “double bubble”
The double-bubble deformity occurs when a breast implant sits lower than the old inframammary crease. It happens when a breast implant is positioned below the old crease at the surgery or when an implant falls below the crease with the passage of time creating a contour deformity.
How to Avoid These Deformities
Believe it or not, there are things you can do to prevent these deformities from happening in the first place. Here are our tips:
1. Always Choose an Experienced Plastic Surgeon
The first and most important thing that you should do prior to getting your breast augmentation mammoplasty is to choose the right plastic surgeon. Invest your time in research, pay close attention to the experience of the surgeon, look at before and after photographs, and only after this make your choice.
2. Plan for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you plan to get pregnant in future or breastfeed, it is good to put the breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery on hold. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch your skin and can put you at a higher risk of deformities.
3. Avoid Extreme Weight Changes
Try to maintain a steady and stable weight post-surgery. Excessive weight gain and weight loss will impact your skin laxity and can cause problems with your implants.
4. Wear a Bra to Add Breast Support
Post-surgery, it is important to wear a good supportive bra and avoid doing things that can affect your breasts. Invest in a good sports bra for working out and choose good-quality materials to give your breasts the much needed support.
5. Choose a Suitable Procedure
If you already have healthy breast tissue and are just hoping to alter the appearance of your breasts a little bit, you can skip breast augmentation mammoplasty altogether. In some cases, a combination of breast lift mastopexty and autologous fat transfer is all you need. In other cases, Dr Hunt can simply place the implant differently and it can save you the trouble.
6. Avoid Choosing the Cheapest Implant Surgery Option you can find
Most people make the mistake of choosing the cheapest surgeon available to them instead of truly investigating the profile of the surgeon. You can either choose a highly experienced surgeon even when you have to pay a bit more or end up paying twice as much money with someone who barely has any experience. Read our blog on How to Avoid Botched Breasts.
Do All Breast Implants Do This?
The answer is no. Although deformities can occur in the case of sub-pectoral implant placement, not all patients will experience them. With age, your tissue and skin quality changes (mainly when you hit menopause) and that can lead to deformity. Other factors that can exacerbate the problem include weight changes, breastfeeding and pregnancy.
How To Correct a Breast Deformity
Needless to say, waterfall deformity breast implant calls for breast implant revision surgery. There are many ways to go about it depending on the unique needs of the patient and deformities. In most cases, the breast implant has to be replaced and repositioned.
In some cases, Dr Hunt might opt for a breast lift mastopexy to reposition the breast tissue. On the other hand, an autologous fat transfer is also a great option make the breasts fuller. If you are planning to increase the size of your breasts and have enough breast tissue, a combination of breast lift mastopexy and fat transfer can achieve an increased breast size without worrying about the problems with breast implants under the muscle.
Dr Hunt might also perform the internal bra technique. Depending on the extent of ptosis, a mastopexy or a redo of the previous surgery is all you need. Dr Hunt will figure out a way to merge the breast tissue and implant mound into a singular shape. Sometimes, support such an internal bra works wonders. In other cases, surgeons might opt for a mesh. It is a naturally derived material that absorbs slowly and is known to provide adequate support for maintaining your breast shape and upper pole fullness in the breast lift mastopexy. It is placed under the skin as an internal bra to wrap the implant and breast together.
Points to Consider Before Getting a Revision Surgery
Now that you are faced with a breast deformity, you will be most likely looking into revision surgery. It might include breast implant removal and replacement, breast lift mastopexy along with autologous fat transfer, liposuction along with an internal bra surgery. The options are endless here and you and Dr Hunt have to choose what will work best for your particular case. Once you have settled on the procedure, make sure to follow all the pre and post-op instructions to avoid any complications.
FAQs about Waterfall Deformity & Other Breast Implant Deformities
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding this deformity:
What causes waterfall breast deformity?
This breast deformity generally occurs in women who already have healthy breast tissue. It mostly happens when the breast implant is placed beneath the pectoralis muscle and positioned too high in the chest.
What causes a “double bubble”?
When an implant is placed under the muscles and has been lowered in a plane deep to the attachment of the pectoral fascia to the skin, it may create the appearance of a double bubble.
What causes animation deformity?
Animation deformity is caused by contraction of the pectoralis muscle against the breast implant, causing it and the overlying breast shape to unnaturally shift with muscle contraction.
Capsular contracture ●is a local complication that occurs due to an excessive body reaction to the implant. It is thought to be an inflammatory reaction that causes fibrosis through the production of collagen, leading to excessively firm and painful breasts. Other causes might include Low-Grade Bacterial Infection. Capsular contracture can develop due to the formation of a biofilm within the breast pocket, hematoma and seroma, breast cancer treatment, and genetic predisposition.
Can pregnancy and breastfeeding after breast augmentation mammoplasty cause waterfall deformity?
While it isn’t the case for most people, pregnancy and breastfeeding can truly impact the results of your breast augmentation mammoplasty and may lead to a waterfall deformity.
Can waterfall deformity be fixed naturally?
No, unfortunately, the waterfall deformity cannot be corrected without surgery. Revision surgery is the only solution for this issue.
Further Reading about Surgery for Waterfall Deformity
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
There is a big difference between anatomical and round implants. In this article, we will discuss the difference between them, as well as pros and cons of each one to give you a better idea. For many patients, choosing the type of implant that will work for them is a complex decision, and the key is to work with your surgeon and trust their experience to tailor the choice to meet your specific needs and goals. The right patient, with the right surgeon and the right implant, is often a recipe for success.
These implants are round in shape and have a very smooth texture on the outside. Round Implants are recommended for women who want a fuller upper pole look. The gel found inside round implants is very soft as compared to the anatomical implants which reduces their ability to shape the breast as compared to the alternative.
About Teardrop or Anatomical Implants
These implants are usually micro-textured and have a teardrop look. They are also known as teardrop implants. The gel inside the implants is quite firm and able to shape the breast tissue to a larger extent. The combination of shape and feel not only increases the size of your breasts but can also address the shape issues and skin laxity. The results will depend on individual factors, so you should discuss the potential benefits and downsides with Dr Hunt before making your decision.
Comparing Round Vs Anatomical Implants
Let’s compare these shapes and look at the benefits of both the round and anatomical implant.
Benefits of Anatomical Implants
It should be noted that the benefits will depend on the individual patient’s circumstances, goals, and the surgical plan. Patients should understand that the benefits are not guaranteed, and they should always be considered along wit the potential risks.
With this being said, generally speaking, patients may choose anatomical implants due to:
1. Shape
The anatomical implants are designed to imitate a natural shape. They are thinner on top and have more fullness towards the bottom area. These implants can be an option for people who don’t want an overly dramatic look.
2. Slightly Textured Surface
The outer shells of the implants are micro-textured which is very important if you don’t want your implant to shift and move around. The texture on the outer shells offers a better grip that will help keep your implants in place. The slightly rougher surface also can minimise the risk of developing a hard shell capsule around the implant also known as capsular contracture.
3. Reduced Risk
The risk of rippling and implant visibility is reduced with this type of implant. If you want to be quite risk-averse, it is recommended to choose these implants.
4. Surgical options
As the anatomical breast implant is quite firm, a skilled surgeon will be able to create many types of breast shape with them. If you want to shape your breasts along with increasing their size, anatomical implants can help.
Benefits of Round Breast Implants
Again, the benefits will vary with each patient, and what works for one person may not be a good option for another. But in general, people may choose round implants due to a desire for:
1. More Dramatic Results
If you are not a fan of natural shape and wish to add more fullness to your breasts, round implants can help. They add fullness to both the top and bottom parts of your breasts, providing a shape that isn’t possible with teardrops or anatomical implants.
2. Lower Risk of Implant Rotation
With round implants, there is a very low risk of rotation involved after implantation. As the shape is the basically same, the rotation won’t have any impact on the look of your breasts. That is a major plus if you don’t want to consider breast revision surgery needed if your implant flips
3. A More cost-effective option
Round implants generally cost less than teardrop implants, so you might be saving some money
Pros and Cons of Round vs Anatomical Implants
While both types of implants can bring about great results when used correctly by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, there are some pros and cons to each of them. Let’s have a look:
Pros of Round implants
As the shape of the implant is round, they don’t carry the risk of rotation. Your breasts won’t be affected even if the implant rotates
Round Implants are less expensive as compared to anatomical implants
With round implants, the risk of BIA-ALCL is much lower
Cons of Round Implants
They carry a higher risk of capsular contracture
Round Implants can bottom out
Round Implants are not recommended for people looking to address laxity
Round implants are not firm enough to address shape-related issues in breasts
Pros of Anatomical Implants
Anatomical Implants are firmer than round implants and have better reshaping capabilities
Teardrop implants are quite versatile and your surgeon can help you achieve your desired look based on your preferences and your body type
These implants have a lower risk of capsular contracture
Cons of Anatomical Breast Implants
These are more expensive than round implants. Expect to pay extra on top of your Breast surgical procedure fee
They carry a risk of rotation when not inserted properly
These implants have a slightly textured surface. NOTE – the macro textured implants (heavy textured) have been associated with BIA-ALCL and are currently not in use. A Micro-textured surface that is currently the surface of Anatomic or shaped implants, has a much lower risk of BIA-ALCL, though it is marginally higher than that of smooth implants. In the eyes of the Australian TGA (Therapeutic Goods Authority), the benefits of this micro-textured surface on anatomic implants does outweigh the slightly higher risk of BIA-ALCL.
The Right Fit for the different Breast Implant Shapes – Ideal Round Vs Anatomical Patients
Let’s discuss the suitability of round and anatomical (NOTE – this is general information only, the right options for your particular case can only be decided after a consultation with your surgeon):
Round breast implants are better suited for women:
Who are in their early twenties with a firm breast tissue
Who want to achieve a rounded breast shape with equal fullness on the top and bottom
Anatomical breast implants are better suited for women:
Who desire proportionate and more subtle augmentation
Who are dealing with constricted breast base deformities
Either type will suit women:
Who have enough glandular breast tissue and want to achieve more breast volume
Is One Implant Better Than the Other?
No, we simply cannot say that one is better than the other, because certain implants may work better for some patients than others. It all depends on what works for you. We have discussed the pros and cons, suitability and benefits of each implant shape in detail. There is a lot more that goes into breast surgery than just shape. The implant texture, type (silicone or saline), and size are equally responsible for the final outcome.
To find out what is a suitable implant for you, book a consultation with Dr Hunt now and discuss your goals, desires and expectations are.
After looking at your breasts, learning about your desired aesthetic, Dr Hunt will be able to tell you what can and cannot be achieved realistically along with recommending an implant shape.
What will suit you might not suit your friend and vice versa. So, listen to your surgeon before you listen to anyone else.
Breast Implant Shape – FAQS about Round VS Anatomical Implants
Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get regarding teardrop and round implants:
Are round implants or teardrop implants better?
Both implants can be useful in different cases depending on the patient’s goals. The choice of implant eventually comes down to the type of results you want. It is essentially a matter of personal preference and desires, with input and recommendations from your qualified surgeon.
Do round implants look bigger than teardrop?
Round implants do look slightly bigger when compared to the anatomical implants with the same volume. It is due to the wider diameter and circular shape that round implants offer.
Can round implants look natural?
Round implants can provide a natural look as long as your surgeon places them correctly and uses the right size and profile for the patient. If the implant is too large or too high of a profile for the patient, the result will be a very full, rounded upper pole. It’s important to be realistic about your expectations and discuss them with Dr Hunt thoroughly before surgery.
Is 50 too old to have breast implants?
There is no age limit for getting breast surgery. People can get breast implant surgery (augmentation mammoplasty) or surgery to lift breasts (mastopexy) at any age, provided that they are in a good health, have breasts that are fully developed, and do not suffer from any chronic illnesses.
What is the safest breast implant?
Both saline and silicone implants can provide successful results, but both also come with risks. There is always a slight risk of BII, BIA-ALCL or other Breast Implant Complications. A Breast Implant is NOT a lifetime device. You may need to remove or replace your implant in the future or after 10 – 20 years.
What is the safest breast implant?
Both saline and silicone implants are considered safe. The implant shape has nothing to do with safety. It essentially comes down to the experience and expertise of the surgeon and how well you follow pre and post-care instructions. There is always a slight risk of BII, BIA-ALCL or other Breast Implant Complications. A Breast Implant is NOT a lifetime device. You may need to remove or replace your implant in the future or after 10 – 20 years.
What’s the most popular breast implant size?
The most popular size for breast implants is between 325 to 375 cc which may result in a small to a large C cup.
What do anatomical implants look like when lying down?
Unlike round breast implants which fall to the side, a tear-drop implant will usually maintain the same shape lying down.
What are Motiva implants?
Motiva Breast Implants are popular medical-grade silicone implant with a specially designed form and texture. The product has been extensively tested in three major areas: chemically, physically and biologically. Another popular choice is Mentor Implants.
Further Reading about Breast Implant Surgery (Augmentation Mammoplasty) to help choose Round VS Anatomical Implants
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
Breast implant surgery, properly known as breast augmentation mammoplasty, is designed to add volume to the breats. They can fix breast asymmetry and give patients their desired shape and volume. Nevertheless, the day might come when you’ll need or want to bid your implants farewell. There are a variety of reasons to undergo Breast implant removal. Capsular contracture, implant leak, or malposition can all happen years after you get your breast augmentation mammoplasty. You can either replace your implants or remove them without replacing them.
Either way, a good recovery after breast implant removal is essential to reduce risks and encourage a pleasing outcome. Like it is the case with other Breast procedures, you can expect some level of breast discomfort, bruising, and swelling. After 3-4 weeks, you should be able to return to your normal daily routine.
After your breast implant explantation, you will need to spend a few days at home resting. You will need to limit your physical activity. In fact, you won’t have much energy to pursue many activities.
This is why it is important to plan and prepare your recovery period before you have your breast implants taken out. Here are a few things you can do to prepare:
Take up to two weeks off from work
Organise some entertainment. You will likely be spending 2-3 days in bed and won’t have much to do. Get some movies, a new series, or an interesting book to help the time pass
Make sure everything you need will be within easy reach, you shouldn’t have to stretch to get things
It’s also important that you get a friend or family member to be your caretaker and driver. You will need someone to get you to the hospital, help you out when you’re there, and then take you back home. Make sure they are aware of your needs after the surgery
Stock up on healthy foods and snacks. Good nutrition can help speed up recovery
Prepare a comfy and supportive bed, maybe even a recliner
If you have kids, make plans for them. Either get someone to take care of them for a couple of days as you recover, or plan a 2-3 day family visit for them
What to Expect During Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
So, what will recovery be like after you have your breast implants removed? Will it be painful? How long will it last? Removing breast implants is not a procedure as invasive as breast augmentation mammoplasty, for example. Sure, it does include tissue dissection, however, most of the cut tissue is fibrous (scar) tissue and contains no blood vessels. Nevertheless, an explant procedure is still a complex surgery that causes tissue injury. Therefore, it is normal to have some side effects after.
Normal symptoms that you should expect after your implants are taken out include:
1. Pain and Discomfort
Breast and underarm pain usually lasts 1-2 weeks
You can manage it with routine painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
2. Breast Swelling
Fluid normally accumulates around surgical wounds
Expect your breasts to be swollen for up to 2 weeks after your implant removal
Wearing a surgical compression bra and sleeping on your back can help reduce swelling
3. Bruising
Bruising should be expected after any surgery
It might involve the breasts, upper belly, and underarm regions
Bruising usually lasts 2 weeks before it fades away completely
4. Numbness or Tingling
This is a possible side effect of surgery
When small sensory nerve endings are damaged by tissue dissection, you might temporarily experience changes in sensitivity in the area
Tips for the Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
We’ve put together a list of tips and advice to help you recover faster after the removal of your breast implants. These aftercare tips will help speed up recovery and help minimise (but not eliminate) the changes of complications:
1. Wear your surgical compression bra as instructed
This is one of the tips for recovery after breast implant removal. There’s a risk that fluid will accumulate after the implants are taken out (seroma). Wearing a compressive bra, day and night, for at least 4 weeks can help reduce this risk.
2. Sleep on your back
Like it is the case with other breast procedures, you’ll need to sleep on your back during the first 3-4 weeks of recovery. Avoid sleeping on your sides or stomach, as this can lead to more swelling and can stretch the incisions.
3. Get a recliner
It’s recommended that you sleep with the upper body elevated during recovery after implant removal. It helps reduce swelling. Sleeping in a recliner is an excellent alternative to using multiple pillows under your upper back.
4. Avoid smoking and vaping
Smoking is forbidden during recovery. It can ruin your results and lead to complications. It interferes with healing and reduces blood supply to your wounds.
5. Be prepared
Do your research, make sure you get all the information and facts. Check our website to learn more about breast implant removal, recovery after cosmetic surgery, and potential risks and complications of surgery. Check out the tips above on how you can effectively prepare for your recovery period after breast implant removal.
Dos and Don’ts for Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
Below is a list of DOs and DON’Ts after breast implant removal:
DON’T: Things to avoid
Don’t sleep face down. It can alter your results
Avoid sleeping on your side. It can cause swelling on a single side and can interfere with healing and cause complications
Don’t sleep braless until at least 4 weeks have passed
Avoid participating in intense sports for at least 4 weeks
Don’t hesitate to visit your surgeon if you have any concerns
DO: Things to Do
Sleep on your back, preferably with pillows under the upper body
Wear your compression bra, day and night, for at least a month
Use ice packs and cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising
Follow all of your surgeon’s aftercare instructions
A Timeline for Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
So, what will the weeks after your explant be like? To answer this question, here’s a detailed week-by-week recovery timeline with all the info you need to know:
Early Days – Right after the Explant Surgery
After you wake up, it is normal to feel tired and a bit dizzy after surgery. You might have a couple of thin plastic drains coming out of your breasts. These are to prevent fluid and blood collection and Dr Hunt will remove them after a few days.
You might spend the night at the hospital or leave home on the same day after getting your breast implants removed. Either way, your medical team will give you post-op care instructions that you should adhere to strictly. This will include things like:
Return in 3-4 days for drain removal
Return in 7-10 days for suture removal
Take your antibiotics as prescribed
Take your painkillers only when needed
Wear your compression bra for at least 4 weeks
Sleep on your back for at least 4 weeks
Avoid sports for at least 3-4 weeks
Rest at home for 1-2 weeks
Week 1
After you go home, you should spend the first few days resting. Don’t go around cleaning the house, cooking or doing chores. Rest is rest. Just sleep and try to relax
As mentioned above, on day 3 you will need to visit your surgeon to have your drains taken out and again on day 7, for suture removal
The pain will peak during the first few days after removing your implants. Take your antibiotics and painkillers to manage the discomfort. Swelling and bruising might keep increasing till the end of the first week
You can walk around the house and outside during this time, but no running or jogging yet
Week 2
By week 2 most of the pain will be gone. The bruises will be turning blue and on their way to fading. The swelling will also start to decrease, but this will be a slow process
Most women usually feel well enough to go back to work 1-2 weeks after breast implant removal. However, if your job, requires heavy lifting and excessive upper-body activity, then you should wait longer
Weeks 3 – 4
By the third week, the pain and bruising should be mostly gone. Swelling, on the other hand, takes more time to go away
Nevertheless, most of the swelling will be gone by the 4th week. Some minor degree of swelling might linger for up to 6 months before being completely reabsorbed by your body
After 4 weeks
After 4 weeks of breast implant extraction, you can start going back to the gym and exercising. We recommend that you start gradually and slowly, especially when it comes to weight lifting
After a full month has passed on your explant, the final shape of your breasts should settle in. Keep in mind, though, that your scars will keep developing for up to 12 months after your surgery. They will change shape, size, and colour intensity
How to Care for Your Body After Removing Your Breast Implants
Consider a breast lift mastopexy or fat transfer after breast implant removal
Consider getting new implants to replace your old ones – Implants are often removed and then replaced with new implants
Talk to Dr Hunt about the available scar reducing therapies – Our clinic can offer scar reducing therapies that you can commence after a few months of removing your implants
Don’t smoke – Smoking is toxic for the body and can influence the results of plastic surgery. It can delay wound healing and ruin your results
Maintain a healthy diet – Eat your greens, fruit, lean meats, beans – A diverse and rich diet can boost immunity and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal
Seroma: This is particularly a concern in breast implant removal, since removing your implants will leave a small pocket behind, which might fill with fluid (seroma). Your surgeon will try to prevent this by closing the pocket with sutures and putting in a temporary drain after your surgery
Hematoma: Sometimes, a loose tiny blood vessel might cause some blood to accumulate at the level of the surgical site
Wound infection: Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam follow surgical sterility techniques to prevent infections. If you develop fever, start feeling pain, notice redness or oozing pus, you might have a breast infection – contact us!
FAQS about Recovery after Breast Implant Removal Surgery
How long does it take to heal after breast implant removal?
It usually takes 4-6 weeks to completely heal from breast implant removal. You can resume work 1-2 weeks after your implant removal. However, keep in mind that scar healing can take up to a year before reaching the final shape and skin colour.
What happens to your breasts when you remove implants?
You can either have new implants inserted, or your surgeon will pull the natural tissue together (an internal bra lift mastopexy).
Will I feel better after breast implant removal?
If your breast implants had been causing you discomfort or pain (e.g. with severe capsular contracture), then removing them can improve your symptoms. Patients suffering from BII are most likely to have some relief from breast implant and partial capsule removal. That being said, the way you feel after surgery will depend on your personal circumstances.
How long after breast implant removal can I exercise?
You can walk the next day after your implant removal. You can generally start light jogging approximately 3-4 weeks post-surgery. However, when it comes to more intense exercise you will have to wait approximately 4 weeks.
Is breast implant removal painful?
Breast implant removal involves the use of anaesthesia. Patients can experience a certain level of pain and discomfort after surgery. However, the pain is usually well handled with routine pain medications.
When can I shower after explant surgery?
You can shower 2 days after your breast implant removal surgery. By then, your wound will have sealed enough to be protected from water. Make sure you gently dry your wounds and keep them clean all the time.
How long do you wear a compression bra after implant removal?
It is recommended that you wear your surgical bra for at least 4 weeks after your breast implant removal.
How do I sleep after explant?
After having your implants removed, it is recommended that you sleep on your back with an upward inclination of your upper body. This sleeping position is recommended for at least 4 weeks after breast implant removal.
Medical References – Breast Implant Removal Recovery
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
If you have breast ptosis or laxity, then you might be considering getting a breast lift, also called mastopexy surgery. An internal bra lift is a fairly new type of breast lift mastopexy that you should consider when doing your research. It can be done alone or combined with breast augmentation or reduction mammoplasty.
The internal bra lift is a mastopexy option for women who are seeking a particularly durable and significant breast surgery option. Your inner breast tissue is tightened, lifted, and supported with strong sutures. The deep tissue is reshaped in a hammock-like shape to hold the breasts up and keep them up. It’s like a breast lift mastopexy with extra support.
The term ‘internal bra’ is used commonly in breast surgery and involves multiple techniques to provide internal suspension much like a bra would to the breast. This will help ensure that in the longer term the effects of gravity are minimised and the result that was achieved immediately after surgery is more likely to be maintained over the years.
Dr Hunt prefers to avoid using foreign materials in an Internal bra lift mastopexy
Different techniques can be used that involved the use of your own tissue, potentially sutures or stitches as well as the use of a number of mesh-typed materials that include mesh made from dissolving suture material, mesh that is made from silk as well as using what is known as a dermal substitute.
The challenges of using foreign material are that delayed infection and rejection rate are high so Dr Hunt’s preferred technique is to use the patients’ native tissue to provide internal support in combination with a series of sutures. When patients are researching the internal bra technique, it is imperative that people understand what is being used to achieve the result and be comfortable with the use of that method or material.
Some surgeons use a silk mesh or a cellular dermal matrix (ADM) to create an inner hammock for support. However, Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam avoid these to reduce the risk of infection and breast deformity. Synthetic mesh is reserved for more complicated cases or breast revision cases.
What Is an Internal Bra Lift?
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Internal bra surgery is a technique used to provide internal suspension to the breast tissue to maintain the results that are achieved in the short term into the longer term. It can be used in breast reduction mammoplasty, breast lift mastopexy, as well as breast augmentation mammoplasty and can involve manipulation of the breast tissue as well as internal sutures or the use of internal sling material.
An internal bra lift is a fairly new and innovative type of breast lifting technique (mastopexy). It can be done alone, through a periareolar incision, or as an add-on to other breast surgeries. It can be added to a traditional breast lift mastopexy, breast augmentation mammoplasty, or breast reduction mammoplasty. The internal breast fat and tissue are lifted, fixed high up with sutures, and held up with hammock-like support created from your own connective tissue.
The key feature of an internal bra lift is the hammock-like support. It is thought to delay breast ptosis and provide more durable results, as the tightened tissue holds the breasts up against gravity. As the name implies, it’s like having your breasts supported with a bra on the inside. The internal bra lift provides more long-lasting generally comparted to traditional mastopexy techniques.
An internal bra mastopexy can be done with any type of cosmetic breast surgery, with or without implants. If you get implants, then internal bra lifting helps reduce the risk of implants bottoming out. The suturing technique tightens the breast pocket around the implant, and the hammock holds it from below.
There are several advantages of internal bra lift mastopexy that make it a popular surgery among our breast surgery patients in Sydney, New South Wales.
It is important to note that not every patient is suitable for this procedure, and the benefits might not be the same for you as they are for someone else. But generally speaking, the benefits can include:
A breast lift that lasts longer
Less risk of implants bottoming out
More support at the inframammary fold to hold your breast shape and implants
Internal Bra Lift Mastopexy vs Traditional Breast Lift Mastopexy
An internal bra and traditional breast lift mastopexy are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The internal bra support can be added to a traditional breast mastopexy technique to maximise durability.
The internal bra lift mastopexy is considered to be more durable than traditional procedure. The inner tissue hammock provides extra support to the lower part of the breasts. It holds them up, counteracting the effect of gravity. This extra support at the inframammary line also helps prevent breast implants from bottoming out.
What is used for the Internal Bra?
The patients’ own breast tissue can be used to form an internal sling or internal bra and this is Dr Hunt’s preferred technique. This is then reinforced with dissolving sutures which will dissolve over 3 to 6 months by which stage the body’s own collagen has created its own internal bra support structures.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Who Needs an Internal Bra Lift Mastopexy?
Regardless of the type of breast surgery you’re planning to get, an additional internal bra lift is worth consideration.
You’d be a good candidate for an internal bra lift if:
You want to make your breast lift mastopexy last longer
You want more inframammary fold support
You want to achieve maximal lifting and support when having an inverted T incision
An internal bra lift mastopexy is a great add-on to any cosmetic breast procedure. It can be good for women who don’t have severe breast ptosis, yet still need significant lifting and breast support.
A good candidate for mastopexy, of course, needs to be in good general health. You will also have to quit smoking at least 4 weeks before your surgery to avoid any complications.
How Is an Internal Bra Lift Mastopexy Performed
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Patient Case Study – Breast reduction mammoplasty with internal bra – F cup to D cup result 5 yrs post-surgery with maintenance of shape and elevation of the breast as it is supported internally by an internal bra of breast tissue
An internal bra lift mastopexy is done at the hospital, usually under general anaesthesia. This means that you will be put to sleep before the procedure and won’t feel anything during. The steps of the procedure depend on whether you are getting an internal bra lift alone or with another cosmetic breast procedure. Nevertheless, regardless of the combination, the surgical technique usually goes like this:
Through the breast incision, your plastic surgeon will release the breast skin from the underlying tissue. He or she will then manipulate the deeper layers, which include muscle, fat, and connective tissue. They will cut any excess tissue and tighten the rest. The connective tissue will be used to create hammock-like support that holds the breasts up in a high position. Your surgeon will then use strong sutures to fix everything to the chest wall.
After the breast is lifted to satisfaction, your surgeon will have to remove the excess breast skin. The skin is then tightened and the incision is closed with thin sutures.
Internal Bra Lift Mastopexy with Implants (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
If you’re getting implants with your internal bra lift (augmentation mammoplasty with mastopexy), then the implants will be inserted before the inner breast tissue is tightened. The breast tissue will be tightened around the bra to fix it in its place. An internal bra lift allows maximal support at the bottom pole of the breast implant.
Risks and Complications of Internal Bra Lift Mastopexy
Internal bra lift comes with the unlikely risk of complications. Some of the rare post-op complications that might occur with an internal bra lift include:
Wound infection (increased risk with synthetic mesh)
Loss of sensation around the nipples
Inability to breastfeed
Bleeding
Haematoma formation (blood collection)
Seroma formation (fluid collection)
Excessive scarring
Some of the long-term complications of internal bra lift and breast implants include:
Deformity due to fibrosis (especially with synthetic mesh)
Capsular contracture
Implant bottoming out (risk is less than with traditional bra lift)
Implant rupture
Implant malposition
Loss of sensation in part of the breast
To reduce the risks of internal bra lift mastopexy, even more, you should have a surgeon that is experienced in cosmetic breast surgery. Our surgeons, Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam have developed techniques to lift the breasts internally without a mesh. This is proven to reduce the risk of infection and breast deformity due to internal scarring.
Costs and Prices of Internal Bra Lift Mastopexy – How much is an Internal Bra Surgery?
In all his breast surgery Dr Hunt provides this internal bra technique at no extra charge. Dr Hunt considers it a part of his surgical technique in all of his breast surgery cases.
Preparing for Your Surgeon Consultation
Your consultation will start with a few questions about your general health and your desired cosmetic goals. Expect Dr Hunt to ask you questions like:
What exactly is bothering you about your breasts?
What shape of breasts do you wish to have?
What size of breasts do you wish to have?
How important is a significant cleavage to you?
Do you have a problem with getting breast implants with your lift?
Do you have a problem with having a scar along the lower pole of your breast?
Then, Dr Hunt will examine your breasts to know exactly what can and cannot be done. He will then give you your options and you can discuss and choose a suitable surgical option together.
Internal Bra Lift Mastopexy FAQs – Questions about an Internal Bra
Can you breastfeed after an internal bra lift (mastopexy)?
It is still very possible that you will still be able to breastfeed after an internal bra lift. Even though some of the milk ducts will be damaged, enough of them will stay intact so that you’ll be able to nurse your baby. Make sure you discuss this thoroughly with Dr Hunt before deciding on getting cosmetic breast surgery.
How long does an internal bra lift mastopexy last?
An internal bra lift is very durable. It can last up to 10 years or even more. Naturally, the breasts will still feel the effects of gravity as the years pass and you might choose to get breast revision surgery after a decade beyond your original procedure.
Can you get an internal bra lift mastopexy without implants?
You can get an internal bra lift with or without implants (augmentation mammoplasty surgery). In some cases, an implant will restore the lost breast volume. That’s why most women who choose to get an internal bra lift combine it with breast augmentation mammoplasty.
Is an internal bra lift better than a traditional mastopexy?
Each procedure has its strong points. An internal bra lift mastopexy can suit women who need moderate lifting but want to avoid a visible scar. A traditional “inverted-T” breast lift mastopexy, however, is more extensive. It allows more lifting and is hence a better option for women with severe breast ptosis.
How long does internal bra mastopexy surgery take?
The time for the procedure varies depending on your individual anatomy and the specific procedure that is being done. If you are getting breast augmentation mammoplasty with your breast lift mastopexy, then expect the procedure time to be longer – maybe 2 to 3 hours.
How do I keep my breast implants elevated?
The effect of gravity cannot be turned off after surgery and to support the breast tissue the surgeon will use the internal bra technique. The added support offered by external bra as appropriate size and fit in the longer term will aid the longevity of your breast surgery results. If you don’t wear a bra and offer support to the breast on a regular basis then the effects of gravity will be more extensive and the implant and breast tissue will tend to drop.
What is an inframammary incision?
Surgeons will call the fold underneath the breast the inframammary fold (IMF). When we placed a breast implant via an incision in this fold we term that incision location as an inframammary incision.
What does breast implant bottoming-out look like?
The challenge with breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery is that the skin envelope that contains the breast tissue now needs to carry the volume of the breast tissue and the breast implants. At times, the implant can slip from behind the breast tissue and descend below the fold underneath the breast and this creates the deformity known as a ‘double-bubble’. In other cases, the breast implant weight can create too much stretch on the lower pole of the breast with the appearance of the breast tissue descending below the nipple and the nipple appearing too high on the breast mound. The appearance is described as ‘bottoming-out’.
How do you fix bottom-out breast implant?
There are multiple techniques to address the bottoming-out of a breast implant and it certainly will require revisional surgery. The primary objective of the revisional surgery though will be to achieve the desired breast cup size for the patient and this may involve increasing the size of implant potentially decreasing the size of implant or using internal suspension techniques to support the implant. Revisional breast surgery is far more complicated than the initial implant insertion and needs to be specifically tailored to the patients’ needs as well as their tissue volume.
Will bottoming out get worse?
Once the process of bottoming out has begun it is a slow but steady descent of the implant. The only solution is to provide long-term external support to minimise the progression of bottoming out and the only way to correct the problem is through a surgical revision.
How do I keep my breast implants from dropping?
Support is the key to avoiding descent and dropping breast implants as well as natural breast tissue. Dr Hunt’s advice to his patients is that they continue to wear an appropriate size and fitted bra to offer external support to the breast in the longer term.
Are there internal stitches with breast augmentation mammoplasty?
Following a breast augmentation mammoplasty, a pocket has been created to place the implant. The lower portion of this pocket needs to be supported in the longer term by re-establishing an internal bra. The internal bra would involve sutures and stitches that will re-attach the ligaments and breast tissue to the chest wall to minimise the chance of bottoming out and double-bubble deformity.
Is an internal bra lift mastopexy painful?
The use of an internal bra technique does not increase the postoperative pain from my patients and this worthwhile procedure does not increase the length of recovery. Like any other surgery, an internal breast bra lift can be associated with a certain level of pain. In most cases, the pain is very well tolerated. Regular painkillers, like paracetamol, are usually enough to help you through a painless recovery.
Is breast mastopexy safer than implants?
Both breast implants (augmentation mammoplasty and a breast lift mastopexy have a similar risk profile. However, implants tend to bring along more long-term complications. This includes implant malposition, bottoming out, capsular contracture, and implant rupture.
When can you stop wearing a sports bra after breast augmentation mammoplasty?
In the short term after breast augmentation mammoplasty for approximately 6 weeks, Dr Hunt encourages his patients to wear a soft, non-structured no-wire bra. The sports bra allows freedom of movement as well as the resolution of swelling in the first six weeks. After the six-week period when swelling has resolved patients can purchase bras and at that stage, Dr Hunt would encourage them to use any form of bra that suits their lifestyle, needs and requirements.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
A mini breast implant surgery or mini breast augmentation mammoplasty can suit women with a small, athletic physique. The breasts can be subtly enlarged with smaller implants and maybe some extra fat grafting.
When you think about a breast augmentation mammoplasty, you might think of large implants. But that’s not what many women want. Women with a smaller frame may seek smaller implants that are more suited to their proportions.
Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt is one of the specialist plastic surgeons in Sydney. He routinely performs a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty.
What Is a Mini Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty?
A mini breast implant surgery is a type of breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery that has been trending more and more in the last decade. It involves any breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure that minimally enlarges the breasts with implants. That goal of surgery is to create a breast shape and size that fits the patient’s desires for a subtle breast enlargement.
It is thus a preferred surgery for women with a small and lean body, who want to make their breasts a little larger. The difference between a regular and mini reast augmentation mammoplasty is the size and shape of the implant. For regular breast augmentation mammoplasties, Dr Hunt usually uses breast implants with a larger size (275 cc to 400 cc or more).
In a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty, Dr Hunt augments the breasts with smaller size implants, usually between 150 cc to 275 cc. These are sometimes called “micro breast implants” or “slimplants”.
The final breast size in cups is determined by the size of the implant and amount of natural tissue you have but will generally lead to full A cup or B cup projecting breasts.
Dr Hunt can also complement small breast implants with autologous fat injections or fat transfer to breasts. This is called hybrid breast augmentation mammoplasty. He uses your own excess fat from your lower body to strategically enlarge specific areas of the breast.
Who Is A Mini Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty For?
Mini breast augmentation mammoplasty is a common choice for women with a petite lean body. It might suit people who are wanting a breast size that is larger but still suits their natural body proportions.
Mini breast augmentation mammoplasty is, thus, not for everyone. You might choose to consider getting a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty if:
You have a small and lean build
You have smaller breasts
You have a petite physique
You are short-waisted – a shorter distance from hip to breasts
You want small, not large, implants
In petite women, a 150 cc breast implant, for example, is the desired size.
What Are The Benefits of a Mini Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty?
Choosing smaller breast implants over larger ones may not be for everyone. But for those who are good candidates, the benefits of a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty include:
Designed to prioritise body proportions over large breast size
Subtle augmentation for those seeking a non-dramatic change
Less downtime compared to the usual breast surgery
Less downward tension on the breasts from heavy implants
Can be complemented with fat grafting
Benefits will vary according to what each patient wants to achieve with their surgery. This means you should ensure to discuss your goals with your surgeon to make sure you understand both the benefits and risks in your case.
How is a Mini Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Performed?
Mini breast augmentation mammoplasty is performed the same way as traditional breast augmentation mammoplasty. The procedure is usually an outpatient one, which means that you usually won’t have to sleep overnight at the hospital.
The surgical steps include:
Mini breast augmentation mammoplasty is usually done under general anaesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the operation. It can take about 1 to 2 hours to perform (depending if a fat transfer is wanted)
Dr Hunt starts with a small 2.5 to 4 cm incision along the inframammary fold (the crease just under your breast). He then creates a pocket, usually between the chest muscles and breast tissue, to make space for the new implants
Once the surgical pocket is ready, Dr Hunt inserts a small implant, usually 150 cc to 275 cc. Silicone implants come pre-filled, however, saline implants are filled after they’re inserted into the breasts
Once the implant is in place, Dr Hunt closes the deep breast tissue layers and muscles and tightens the pocket to keep the implants in place
After that, Dr Hunt closes the skin wounds with very thin sutures
If you’ve opted for a hybrid breast augmentation mammoplasty, Dr Hunt will then perform fat grafting after the implants are inserted. Fat is first harvested from your buttocks or abdomen and purified using a special machine. The pure fat is then injected into the breasts.
Finally, the incisions under your breasts are covered with gauze. You will then be woken and sent to your room to recover.
Recovery After Mini Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
Recovery after mini breast augmentation mammoplasty is usually the same as with the usual breast augmentation mammoplasty. Nevertheless, since less tissue trauma is involved, you should experience less intense symptoms and a slightly shorter recovery time.
Slight bruising, pain, and swelling are normal, even with small breast implants. Those usually peak during the first week and will resolve almost completely by 4-6 weeks. You can usually go back to work 5-7 days after your mini breast surgery. Walking is perfectly fine during the first week. Jogging is okay as of the second week. However, you should avoid intense sports and weight lifting till after 4 weeks have passed.
You should sleep on your back and wear a compression bra for 4-6 weeks after your mini breast augmentation mammoplasty. Warm compresses and ice packs can help get rid of swelling and bruising faster after breast surgery.
Risks and Complications of Mini Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
Like any other surgery, mini breast augmentation mammoplasty involves some risks. Complications very rarely occur with cosmetic breast surgery, and they can include:
Loss of sensation around the nipples
Wound infection
Bleeding
Uneven breasts
Unsatisfactory results
Moreover, long term complications of breast implants might include:
Skin wrinkling on the edge of the implant
Capsular contracture
Implant rupture
Implant malrotation
Implant drop
Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
To reduce the risk of complications with a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty, you should choose a surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery. Dr Hunt has performed hundreds of mini breast augmentation mammoplasties in his career, with patients all around Sydney and New South Wales. Find out how you can reduce your risks of plastic surgery complications
Mini Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Costs and Prices
You might think that Mini breast augmentation mammoplasty Sydney cost less than big ones. However, this is not true. This size of breast implants does not affect their price. That being said, determining the price of mini breast augmentation mammoplasty is a little complicated. Many factors are taken into consideration: the surgical hospital, anaesthetist fees, surgeon fees, implant type and brand, and any additional procedures wanted (e.g. fat grafting or breast mastopexy).
Dr Hunt’s team will provide an estimate of mini breast implant costs after your first consultation. In general, insurance and Medicare do not cover the costs of breast implant (augmentation mammoplasty) surgery unless there is a congenital defect such as a tuberous breast or asymmetry and you meet the strict Medicare criteria.
Your Consultation with Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt will start by asking you a few questions about your general health and your desired cosmetic outcomes. Expect to answer questions like:
Together, you will agree on a surgical plan that fits your needs, and set up a date for surgery.
FAQs about smaller breast augmentation mammoplasty
What is the size of implants used in a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty?
In a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty, the volume of the implants used is usually between 150 cc and 275 cc. In the traditional breast augmentation mammoplasty, 275 cc to 400 cc breast implants are usually used.
Are small breast implants enough to alter breasts?
Small breast implants (150 cc to 275 cc) can be enough for a woman with a slender, lean, and petite physique.
What cup size do you get with a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty?
A mini breast augmentation mammoplasty usually leads to full A cup or B cup breast size. The final size of your breasts in cups after mini breast augmentation mammoplasty depends on the size of the implants and the amount of breast fat you already have.
What is better round or teardrop implants?
Round implants give you more fullness in the upper pole. However, teardrop implants are shaped to mimic a natural breast appearance. Neither is better than the other, and it all depends on your own cosmetic goals.
How long does a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty last?
A mini breast augmentation mammoplasty lasts around 10-15 years. After that, most implants will need to be exchanged due to long-term risks of implant failure or the effects or time or pregnancy. Breast Implant Revision surgery may be necessary at some stage.
What size is a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty?
Implants for mini breast augmentation mammoplasty are sized between 150 cc and 275 cc. The corresponding cup size is between A and B cups.
Is a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty painful?
Mini breast augmentation mammoplasty is not usually painful. However, any breast surgery will involve some pain and analgesia. Routine painkillers are usually enough to deal with the pain after a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty.
Is recovery hard after a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty?
Recovery is usually not very challenging after a mini breast augmentation mammoplasty. Swelling, pain, and slight bruising are usually well tolerated by patients, and generally improve within a few days after surgery.
Should you get small implants?
If you have small body proportions, then getting small breast implants might be an option for you. It depends on your health, goals, and the recommendations of your surgeon.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
There are many different types of breast implants available on the Australian market which can be used for al breast augmentation mammoplasty. Mentor implants is one of the premier brands of breast implants, and it is the one that Dr Jeremy Hunt prefers to use. Mentor implants are made by Johnson & Johnson Medical, a highly reputable medical device company.
When choosing the right breast implant, there are many implant options including Brand, Size, Profile, Shape and Filling including Cohesivity ( or firmness ) of the silicone gel
Why Does Dr Hunt prefer Mentor Implants over other Implant Brands?
Dr Hunt chooses to use Mentor implants as well as Motiva implants as he believes these both offer the better short-term and long-term results for patients and have good product support. Other implant brands are available but Dr Hunt’s selection of Mentor and Motiva implants for his patients is based on his experience and their excellent clinical record.
In some cases, the Motiva ergonomic gel implant is preferred if the patient is seeking a softer teardrop-shaped result. If a firmer gel is needed in a teardrop-shaped implant, a Mentor CPG will be preferred as it will “drive” the breast shape.
For round breast implants, if patients are seeking a particularly high-volume upper pole, then a progressive gel plus Motiva implant will offer more fullness in the upper pole than a Mentor implant.
Some patients may desire a blend between the two and, as with all of Dr Hunt’s patients, it is a case of tailoring the patient’s needs to the specific device used to ensure they achieve good results.
Mentor Implants
Mentor implants are widely used in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery due to their high safety and efficacy record.
1. Mentor Implant Feel
There are quite a few reasons for using mentor implants, the most important of which is the feel of the implant. As Mentor implants contain three options for Cohesivity of the silicone gel, different results can be achieved, and the specific patient desires can be met. All of the Mentor implants mimic natural breast tissue very well.
2. Mentor Implant Shape, Size & Profile
Apart from the content of the implant, the shape, size, and profiles of the Mentor implants also help mimic the natural appearance of the breast tissue. If you opt for a teardrop shop breast implant with low profiles, they are designed to look and feel like real breast tissue.
3. Mentor Implant Gel
Moreover, the use of MemoryGel technology is an innovative approach that has not been applied by anyone but Mentor Worldwide. It has helped replicate the firmness and natural aspect of the breast tissue while also ensuring the safety of the patient.
The Mentor Implant Range
The Mentor Implant range includes three main implant types, based on the contents of the implant. And a special fourth type of breast implant is used for breast reconstruction, mostly for cancer patients.
1. Mentor (Round) MemoryGel Breast Implants
Mentor MemoryGel Breast Implants are a type of Mentor Gel Implants that are filled with a cohesive gel that aims to replicate the feel and texture of the natural breast. The custom gel in these implants is a type of silicone gel that is highly viscous so that it mimics natural tissue.
The MemoryGel and Gel implants by Mentor are covered by a shell of cross-linked silicone elastomer layers. The use of this specific shell ingredient is what is responsible for the elasticity and integrity of the breast implant. Moreover, these breast implants are more uniform and firm when it comes to their shape. The MemoryGel and Gel breast implants are more often used than the saline and Spectrum Adjustable saline breast implants due to the natural look and feel of this implant type.
Similar to Saline breast implants, Dr Hunt performs a test to assess the stability and integrity of the implant right before they are used. He applies pressure to the implant slightly and manipulates it to ensure that there aren’t any leaks or weak spots in the elastomer shell.
These round implants come with two forms of silicone gel fill, and each will have its uses in different patients. The key to a good outcome is to tailor the implant choice to the patient’s needs and desired outcome to achieve good results.
Cohesivity I – with a softer gel, also known as less form stable, will create a softer feel to the implant.
Cohesivity II – is a firmer, more form stable gel that will create a firmer result but offers less rippling and more upper pole fullness.
Mentor MemoryGel breast implants are safe and effective breast implants that have been approved for use by the TGA and by the FDA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2006.
2. Mentor Contour Profile Shaped – Mentor Teardrop or Anatomic Breast Implants
The Mentor Contour Profile Breast Implants are also filled with the proprietary silicone gel that holds its own and remains uniform in shape. The gel is Cohesivity III that offers more firmness and shape maintenance than the Cohesivity I or II implants. The implant is manufactured such that it does not rotate once in the chest cavity and stays the same as when it was implanted. The advantage to the shape and stability of the gel shape within the implant is that it can be used to more effectively alter the breast shape and thus drive the final shape of the augmented breast to the desired result.
The projection choices for the Mentor CPG implants are impressive. Also, Contour Profile breast implants are only available in the Siltex textured shells, unlike MemoryGel, which is available in both smooth and textured shells. The textured shell, however, is made of the same silicone elastomer as the MemoryGel Implants.
The Mentor Contour Profile or CPG breast implants are also safe and effective, just like other Mentor implants. The efficacy and safety of these implants were studied in a multicenter clinical study. The study was performed over a period of 10 years, and in the end, it was concluded that the implant could be safely used in women over the age of 22 years for breast augmentation procedures.
3. Mentor Saline Breast Implants and Mentor Spectrum Adjustable Saline Breast Implants
Two different types of implants are mentioned here, and they are grouped as they are both saline implants. The features of both types of implants are quite different, but they are placed in the same category due to their contents.
Mentor Saline Breast Implants have a shell made of room temperature vulcanized silicone elastomer, which is made of polydimethylsiloxane. This shell is then filled with sterile saline fluid before the implant is placed into the breast pocket.
The Mentor brand studied the effectiveness of Mentor Saline implants using two open-label clinical studies. The first study, LST, was a 1-year study that was performed mainly to assess four specific safety outcomes in a large group of patients. The size of the study means that the results are more likely to be accurate and can be depended on. The second study that was done for the effectiveness and safety of the saline breast implants was the SPS study, which was performed over a period of 3 years, with a yearly 3-year follow-up. Based on these studies, the Mentor Saline Breast Implants can be safely used for the purpose of breast augmentation and breast reconstruction.
The Mentor Spectrum Adjustable Saline implants also have a shell that is made of room temperature vulcanized silicone elastomer (polydimethylsiloxane). The main difference between the two saline breast implants, as the name implies, is that the Spectrum implants are filled both pre-implantation and post-implantation. This allows for more flexibility in the placement of the implant. The safety and efficacy of both implants were studied in the clinical studies above.
Moreover, both Mentor Saline and Mentor Spectrum Adjustable Saline implants are tested for the integrity of the implant before they are inserted under the glandular tissue or the pectoral muscles. Dr Hunt performs a test in the operating room right before the implant is used during the procedures. The implants are half-filled with air and then submerged into water or saline to see if there are any punctures or leaks in your implant. This way, only the optimal implant is placed during your breast augmentation or reconstruction procedure.
The saline breast implants by Mentor have a self-sealing valve to ensure no leaks once placed and allow the surgeon to fill the implant accordingly. They are available in different sizes and projections, which you can choose from, based on your preferences.
4. Mentor Tissue Expanders
Tissue expanders are temporary placeholders that are used for less than six months to help with the placement of the breast implants during the breast reconstruction procedure. The tissue expanders are placed during the reconstruction procedure. The surgeon fills saline into the expander slowly so that the breast tissue expands. This is done over a period of a maximum of six months, and by then, your tissue has expanded enough that it can accommodate the new breast implant.
Mentor has two different types of tissue expanders/implants, namely, Mentor Becker Expander/Implants and Mentor CPX4 Tissue Expander. The Mentor Becker expander and implant allow the surgeon to increase the size or decrease it as desired by you. It is filled with saline and has a port hanging out.
The Mentor CPX4 Tissue expander has a shell made of cross-linked silicone elastomer to support the stretching of the skin. The shell is textured to allow for collagen interface building. The CPX4 expanders are equipped with a Bufferzone area along with a self-sealing zone. This allows the silicone gel to stay within the expander and reduces the need for a port. The self-sealing zone also prevents any gel leakage in case of an accidental needle puncture. Furthermore, the seal of the expander is assessed by Dr Hunt right before they are implanted.
Moreover, this device can be attached to the surrounding breast tissue, so the expander has stability and does not move or rotate. It is important to note that there is a magnetic seal on the Mentor CPX4 tissue expander implants, which means that if you have them, you cannot use the MRI machine.
Different Types of Mentor Implant Surfaces
Mentor Breast Implants are available with a full range of shell surfaces, from smooth to textured.
Smoother implants are now the more popular type after recent fears of an increased risk of a rare form of lymphoma or cancer (BIA ALCL) associated specifically with textured implants.
Highly Textured Implant shells can allow the easier building of the collagen interface on the surface of the implant (The capsule) and were previously popular to prevent capsular contracture but are now rarely used after fears of increased risks of BIA ALCL.
Apart from Mentor Profile Contour breast implants, all Mentor breast implants are available in both types of surfaces.
Dr Hunt prefers to use a lightly textured implant that takes advantage of the decrease in risk of capsular contracture and allowing stability of position when using a shaped implant while not carrying a high risk of ALCL.
Dr Hunt has never used heavily textured polyurethane implants and continues to follow the guidelines of the TGA, which has now given an undertaking that they should not be placed in patients. The risk of ALCL versus the texture on the implant needs to be balanced against the advantages of a textured device. It is well accepted that the benefits of a textured implant used appropriately are not outweighed by the risks of ALCL in appropriate patient choice and where patients are allowed to make an educated and informed decision.
Different Mentor Implant Profiles
An implant profile refers to the projection of the implant from your chest. It basically means how much the implant will stand out. A low implant profile means the implant will be wider at the base and not far off from the chest. A high implant profile, at the same time, means narrower implants that have an appropriate ratio of volume to cleavage.
Mentor round and shaped breast implants are available in a range of implant profiles, such as
Moderate Classic, Moderate Plus, Moderate High, High Profile, Ultra High Profile, Moderate Plus Xtra, and High Profile Xtra.
In the consultation process, Dr Hunt will determine the dimensions of your chest wall onto which the implant will be placed. You will also have the opportunity to then select the volume of the implant that you desire using an implant sizing system.
With the combination of the dimensions of your chest and your desired volume, Dr Hunt will make a decision on how to spread that volume over your chest to achieve the result you desire. This largely will then determine if the implant needs to be low, medium, or high profile if a round implant is chosen. If you want more fullness in the upper pole of the breast, it is likely a round implant that will be a preferable choice. If the result you desire favours more the shape of a natural breast with fullness in the lower pole, it is more likely that a shaped Mentor implant will be selected.
The advantage of the shaped devices is that the firmer gel will also drive the final result and will add to further expansion of particularly tight skin envelopes, which is often the case in very small-breasted women. If an anatomical shaped implant is chosen, there are multiple options for adjusting the width and the height of the implants to accommodate your chosen volume to fit onto your chest dimension. It is this specific tailoring process that allows to achieve optimal results and Dr Hunt to deliver the results that meet his standard and expectations.
About the Manufacturer of Mentor Implants
Mentor Worldwide is a leading supplier of breast implants for the improvement of breast aesthetics in the world. The brand has a patent-first approach they use when designing and manufacturing breast implants. They aim to make their implants feel and look as natural as they can so that you can enjoy them to the fullest. Each implant comes with safety instructions and guidelines on when the implant should be used and when it should be avoided.
Mentor breast implants also come with a general guide on how the placement procedure should be performed and how surgeons can avoid risks and complications associated with the procedure. The manufacturer performs safety testing even after the implants are manufactured and sent out to the market to ensure that they are safe. It is also to assess the implants against the current research and standards.
The ingredients used in the manufacturing process of the Mentor breast implants have been reviewed by the FDA, including the proprietary cohesive gel that fills the MemoryGel breast implants. Moreover, the shells that are composed of cross-linked silicone elastomers have also been tested, and the toxicology report of those shells confirms they are safe to use.
2019 Textured Implant Recall by TGA – Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration
In 2019 Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recalled any unused stock of 8 specific types of breast implants from different brands, including Mentor breast implants. See TGA Breast Implant information
The TGA initially suspended the use of these implants over the risks of BIA ALCL, a type of cancer associated with the implants. Mentor’s Siltex textured shell implants were one of the implants recalled and suspended because textured shell implants are associated with increased growth of Ralstonia bacteria. This bacteria enters the body during the placement of the implant and grows a biofilm on the surface, causing chronic irritation of the breast tissue.
Textured implants are generally placed into two categories; micro-textured implants such as Mentor Siltex implants and macro-textured implants such as those manufactured by Allergen. It was found that macro-textured implants had a higher incidence of BIA ALCL and hence, have been banned from ever being used by the TGA. Micro-textured implants, on the other hand, have a 1 in 86,000 risk of developing BIA ALCL, which is why the use of Siltex implants use has not been banned by TGA.
TGA and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeon (ASPS) has recommended implant sterilising by washing the implant with half-strength betadine to reduce the risk of Ralstonia infection, which can lead to further complications such as BIA ALCL.
Furthermore, surgeons were asked by TGA to follow up with patients who had undergone a breast augmentation procedure or breast reconstruction procedure with Mentor Siltex implants. The removal of these implants was NOT recommended as they do not pose a higher risk. Moreover, the use of half-strength betadine reduces the risk of BIA ALCL significantly, further proving that the removal of the implants is not required.
Risks of BIA ALCL & BII with Breast Implants
Breast implants can have a silicone shell that is smooth or textured, with the latter providing a surface for collagen interlinking. The textured implants have been found to increase the risk of developing an important and serious implant-related condition, namely, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Breast implant illness (BII) is yet another condition caused by having breast implants, but the risk factors for it are not yet clearly known.
Australia, America, and 37 other countries have banned the use of Allergan Biocell textured implants as a measure of safety. This unanimous decision was made after they were found to have the highest risk of resulting in BIA ALCL amongst all textured implant manufacturing brands.
Mentor Implant FAQs – Questions about Mentor Implants
Is Mentor a good implant?
Mentor breast implants are known for their safety and efficacy, along with high customer satisfaction rates. They are one of the premium brands for breast implants in Australia. They last for a long time and are approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What is a good brand of breast implant?
The right implant brand for you depends on what type of implant you are looking for and what profile and size you want. Based on this, you can decide which breast implant brand is optimal for you. The Mentor breast implants provide you with a large range of implant types, contours, sizes, and profiles. Apart from the multiple options, Mentor breast implants can be considered to be of good quality because of their proven safety, longevity, and efficacy.
What is the difference between Mentor and Motiva implants?
Both Mentor and Motiva are premium quality breast implants. Both implants are available in different shapes and sizes. The implants differ in terms of content and implant surfaces as they use different manufacturing processes. Dr Hunt strives to achieve good results in all of his patients, and in some cases, a Mentor implant will be the optimal device to achieve this. In other patients, a Motiva implant may be the preferred option. It is the experience with thousands of patients and the process of tailoring the procedure to meet the patient’s needs and expectations that will drive the decision as to which implant suits your needs. It really depends on your existing tissue and desired new breasts.
What company makes Mentor implants?
Mentor implants are manufactured in Santa Barbara, California, in the United States by the company Mentor Worldwide LLC. This company is owned by two other companies, Johnson & Johnson, and Sientra Inc., of Santa Barbara, California.
How long do Mentor implants last?
We recommend seeking a medical review if you notice any change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast after a breast augmentation and having the implants reviewed after ten years, even if there is no concern, just so a medical professional can assure you that the implants are fine. Implants only need to be changed if there is a concern or issue or if patients desire a breast implant revision of the size of the implant
Are textured implants banned in Australia?
As of 2020, heavily textured breast implants have been banned in Australia over the risk of developing a specific and rare, breast implant-associated cancer, namely, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA ALCL). Initially, there was a recall of eight different heavy-textured breast implants, but that soon resulted in a complete ban of all heavily textured breast implants. Micro or nanotextured implants such as those produced by Mentor and Motiva are still used in Australia as approved by the TGA. Some so-called cosmetic surgeons are still using textured implants.
Does Mentor make “gummy bear” implants?
Mentor is one of the three brands that manufacture gummy bear implants. The gummy bear implants by Mentor are called MemoryShape Gummy Bear Breast Implants, and they are widely popular for their firm yet natural feel and appearance.
Are Mentor breast implants and Allergan breast implants the same?
Mentor and Allergan are two completely different companies and implant brands. They are both made by premier manufacturers known for their quality breast implants. They both produce high-quality implants that can be used for breast augmentation procedures and breast reconstruction procedures.
Are Mentor implants textured?
Mentor breast implants are available with a textured shell, such as Mentor Siltex Implants. The texture is “micro-texture,” not the heavy texture that has been heavily linked to ALCL. The choice between a smooth and more textured shell is yours to make, and you can consult with your surgeon prior to the surgery to help you make this decision.
Are Mentor textured implants safe?
Mentor’s textured implants have been studied in many clinical studies before their approval and were studied post-approval as well to ensure the safety of the implants. Despite there being a risk of BIA ALCL with the use of textured implants, this risk was found to be mostly associated with Allergan textured implants as opposed to Mentor or Sientra textured implants. Moreover, doctors were notified of the potential risk of cancer and asked to follow up with patients with a textured implant rather than removing the implant. Overall, Mentor’s textured implants are regarded as safe for use and quite effective in producing a natural feel in the breast.
Are Mentor breast implants smooth?
Mentor breast implants are available as smooth and micro-textured breast implants. They have different types of breast implants, and almost all of these implant types are available in both forms. The choice between these implants is yours to make.
Is Mentor Memory gel saline or silicone?
Mentor memory gel breast implants are filled with a cohesive gel that is a form of silicone. The features of this gel gives the breast a natural-looking appearance and texture.
Does Medicare cover breast implant replacement?
Generally speaking, the national insurance provider covers any procedure that is deemed to be medically necessary. The removal of a breast implant that is causing issues or concerns is deemed a medical problem and is covered under Medicare. Breast implant replacement, though, is not regarded as medically necessary and is not covered unless the implant was placed in the setting of breast reconstruction after breast cancer or the treatment of medical disease of the breast such as Tuberous breast disease. In cases where people who have undergone cosmetic breast augmentation procedures which were not medically necessary, Medicare rules state that breast implant replacement is considered as a cosmetic procedure that isn’t covered by Medicare.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
The Breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for years due to reliability and results of the procedure. Since breast implants were first performed, there have been significant advances made in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Although there are considerations about risks before any surgery, breast implant technology also has come a long way. Motiva Implants are designed to imitate the feel of natural breasts while being more rupture resistant and durable over time.
Motiva breast implants are the latest example of the advances made in the field of breast implants as they are one of the leading suppliers of breast implants.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is Specialist Plastic Surgeons and uses both brands of implants in Australia – Mentor and Motiva implants – for his patients depending on their specific needs. In this article, we will discuss why he chooses to use Motiva Implants.
The Motiva Implants range
Motiva breast implants offer a range of products in different sizes and profiles. There are three different types of Motiva breast implants, based on shape and the viscosity of the silicone gel that they are filled with:
Motiva Ergonomix Breast Implant
Motiva Round Breast Implant
Motiva Anatomical TrueFixation Breast Implant
There are many implants to choose from and the different types of implants offer variation based on projection, which comes with a different range of sizes that increase the options for you to choose from.
Motiva Mini Ergonomic breast implants are available in a size range of 105cc to 525cc, and Demi implants are available in a range of 135cc to 625cc. While the size difference is not that significant, there is a marked difference in the projection of both types of Ergonomic Implants. Full projection Ergonomic breast implants are available in a size range of 145cc to 775c, while Corse comes with the largest size range, ranging between 118-cc to 1050cc. This size range is only that of Motiva Ergonomic breast implants and their subtypes.
Motiva Round breast implants also come with different subtypes based on the projections of the implant. These subtypes are similar to those of the Ergonomix breast implants, namely, Demi, Mini, Corse, and Full. The size range is also the same as Ergonomix’s sizes. Generally, the implant size range for the Motiva brand is between 105cc to 1050cc.
Why Dr Hunt chooses Motiva for some patients
The Motiva implant range offers some very specific advantages that Dr Hunt uses for patients. The Motiva Ergonomix range offers a very soft gel in a thin shell that will drop into a ‘teardrop’ shape when the patient is upright. This is often desired by patients. This teardrop-shaped implant does not have the firmness of the Mentor implant, which offers some advantages, though, given its softness, but it will not “drive” the tissue envelope as successfully as a Mentor-shaped implant.
Matching the patient’s tissue dynamics to the implant is important. In cases where patients want fullness in the upper pole, the Motiva Round progressive gel range offers more firmness than the Mentor range. This can create more fullness in the upper pole than the Mentor round implant, and if the patient desires this particular aesthetic result, then the Motiva progressive gel round implant would likely be the implant of choice.
Motiva implants are one of the leading implants in Australia that have approval from TGA and the FDA. Your safety is of utmost priority during the manufacturing process. They are made of a silicone shell that has two layers and is quite resistant to ruptures. The main ingredient used in the making of the shell is the silicone elastomer which helps give it a soft feel. It’s designed so that the shell isn’t visible through the skin and isn’t so hard in texture that your breasts look firm like a rock.
Seven Features of Motiva Implants
The most important features of Motiva implants include:
TrueMonobloc ®: This feature is responsible for the implant acting as one unit. The shell of the implant has elastic properties due to the silicone elastomer used for production, and the cohesive gel has the strength to stay together even in case of a rupture. The blending of this strength and elasticity.
SmoothSilk Surface: Motiva breast implants are smooth surfaces with minimal texture. This is especially important as textured implants are associated with an increased risk of breast implant-associated Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA ALCL) and breast implant illness (BII). Textured breast implants are associated with this risk due to the overgrowth of Ralsatonia bacteria, and the smooth surface doesn’t support the growth of the bacteria. Moreover, this technological feature of Motiva implants is responsible for the high biocompatibility of the implants resulting in reduced interaction and irritation of the breast by the surface of the implant.
Blue Seal: This is one of the features that are unique to Motiva implants only. It is a barrier layer that ensures minimal diffusion of the silicone gel into the tissues surrounding the implant and the rest of the body. This safety feature is responsible for the blue colour of the Motiva implants, hence, the name. The blue colour is also for the surgeon to be sure that the implant is equipped with this feature. The BlueSeal indicator is present in every Mtoiva implant, and they have met through all rigorous quality and safety standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials and ISO.
ProgressiveGel Plus: This feature basically refers to the type of gel in the round breast implants by Motiva. The gel used allows the implant to stay full, specifically in the upper pole, giving it its characteristic round shape.
ProgressiveGel Ultima: This feature is quite similar to the ProgressiveGel Plus in that it refers to the gel used in the manufacture of the implant. This feature is specific to Motiva Ergonomic breast implants, and the consistency of this gel allows the implant to adapt to the surrounding tissue. The implant can develop the most anatomically natural shape after placement in the breast due to ProgressiveGel Ultima.
TrueTissue Technology: This feature of the Motiva breast implants is responsible for the compression resistance of the implant. This resistance is specifically important for the safety and success of the implant. The natural feel of the implants is part of this feature, along with that of the elastic elastomer shell and the ProgressiveGel Ultima and Plus. Moreover, thanks to this feature of the implants, the effects of gravity are projected to the lower pole when you are standing, giving your breasts a natural drop without making them appear lax. Similarly, when you lie down, the effects of gravity are projected such that the force is towards the middle of the breast.
Q Inside Safety Technology: This feature is not only unique to Motiva breast implants, but Motiva is also the first-ever brand to implement such a feature in their implants. It is a radio-frequency micro transponder that is implanted into breast implants. Your surgeon can check all details of the implant by just waving a reader on the outside of your body. The transponder is FDA-approved for use in humans and has a CE-mark as well. The main purpose of this device is to make it easier for surgeons and other healthcare personnel to gain information about the implant in the most non-invasive manner.
Benefits of Motiva Implants
For many people who are good candidates, the way these implants are manufactured results in several benefits.
Motiva breast implants have a smooth surface which potentially offers a better option than other implants on the market. The lack of textured surfaces of Motiva implants means that they are hopefully less likely to cause BIA ALCL and BII. Also, the micro transponder of the implant helps with tracking your implant in a non-invasive manner if there was ever an issue with the implants that required follow-up or recall.
Motiva implants are firm in appearance yet soft to touch. The implants are designed with the aim to give you the projection you choose while blending with the surrounding tissue.
Apart from the texture and feel of the implants, research suggests that they are associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture. While the research is still ongoing, it is believed that the manufacturing process is conducive to a lower risk of this post-surgery complication. This benefit is useful as capsular contracture is a complication of the breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure that often requires operation and surgery for treatment, hence resulting in scarring and impaired results.
Motiva implants are also made of a double-layered shell with a cohesive gel filling. This manufacturing design of the implant is responsible for the decreased rates of ruptures seen with this brand of implants. Furthermore, the implant rupture risk is also reduced by decreased handling of the implant. The implant is made in one step and is then sent to surgeons with a minimal handling guide to avoid excessive handling of the product, which makes the implant vulnerable to rupture.
This all being the case, patients should still understand that any breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery has risks attached. You should discuss the risks with your surgeon before choosing the breast implants you want.
Different Types of Motiva Implants
The Motiva implants are filled with different types of silicone gels, with the only difference being the viscosity of the gel. Each implant type comes with a wide variety of options in sizes, projection, profiles, and overall appearance.
There are three main types of Motiva Breast implants. The three different types of breast implants include:
1. Motiva Ergonomix Breast Implant
Motiva Ergonomix Breast Implant is designed with the anatomy of the natural breasts in mind. The lack of rippling is a feature that can be credited to the use of silicone gel rather than saline.
This breast implant by Motiva is a problem-solver as it has solved quite a few problems that arise with having breast implants. Rotation of an implant in the breasts is a phenomenon that can ruin the results of your procedure. Motiva Ergonomix breast implants guard against this issue. Along with that, this implant produces a reduced risk of developing implant-associated lymphoma, which is a definite plus in favor of the implants.
The technology used in Motiva Ergonomix breast implant includes Long-term Implantable Silicone, TrueMonobloc®, Progressive Gel Ultima®, BluSeal®, and SmoothSilk®/SilkSurface®.
2. Motiva Round Breast Implant
Motiva Round Breast Implants are a mix of firm implants and soft implants. They feel soft but will hold their own and appear firm. The main difference between Round and Ergonomix is the higher projection of the former along with increased fullness of the upper pole of the Round breast implant. This implant type is preferred for those who want larger and fuller breast implants.
The implant appears firm, and that should not be mistaken for lack of movement or fitting of the implants with the rest of the chest. The implant fits with your body and adapts to it, meaning that it will move with you when you are walking or exercising, or performing any physical activity.
The technology used in the Motiva Round breast implant is the same as Motiva Ergonommix, namely, Long-term Implantable Silicone, TrueMonobloc®, BluSeal®, and SmoothSilk®/SilkSurface®. The main difference is the gel consistency as Round implants use Progressive Gel PLUS®, which is responsible for giving the implant its characteristic shape.
3. Motiva Anatomical TrueFixation Breast Implant
Motiva Anatomical TrueFixation breast implants are teardrop-shaped and have a firm exterior that is soft on touch. As the name implies, this implant aims to maintain the anatomic characteristic of the breast, hence, the teardrop shape of the implants.
Motiva Anatomical TrueFication Breast Implants are equipped with the same technology as Motiva Round, including the gel type. These include Long-term Implantable Silicone, TrueMonobloc®, BluSeal®, Progressive Gel PLUS®, and SmoothSilk®/SilkSurface®.
Motiva Implant Surfaces – Smooth and Nano Surface
Motiva Implants have a very smooth surface. Due to the increased risks of breast implants with textured surfaces, Motiva does not offer them. Motiva breast implants are NOT textured but are smooth and nanosurface.
Your safety and wellbeing is the topmost concern for Motiva. Furthermore, Motiva breast implants do not have any foreign substances embedded in their shell, unlike other brands that use salts or sugars to give their implants a textured appearance. Motiva also ensures that the manufacturing process of the implant only takes a single step to avoid over-processing the shell. Increased manipulation during manufacturing could make the shell prone to damage resulting in an increased risk of implant rupture.
Motiva Implant Profiles
The profile of a breast implant is the measure of its projection. Projection of a breast implant basically refers to the distance of the nipple, due to the presence of the implant, from your chest. It can impact the shape of your breasts after the breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure.
The Motiva implant profile range of Motiva breast implants has four different types:
Mini: The breast implant is the flattest and doesn’t add much volume. The diameter of the implant is generally 100mm, and the implant is less than 25mm in height.
Demi– This profile is quite similar to the Mini profile. However, the implant is narrower than the Mini, giving it a bit more body than the Mini.
Full- This profile is taller and narrower than the Mini and the Demi, making them an appropriate choice for those interested in implants with greater projection.
Corse– This profile has the maximum projection and is recommended for those who would like to have slightly bigger implants that stand upright.
The profiles of other breast implants are called – low, moderate profile, high profile, and extra high profile, which in terms of Motiva implants would be Motiva mini, Motiva demi, Motiva full, and Motiva corse, respectively.
Many people don’t consider implant profile selection to be as important as implant size. However, both are equally important in determining how well your implants will fit your body. The projection and profile of the implants should be considered before you decide in the favour of a specific size. For example, if you want a breast implant that is large but you have a narrow ribcage, you need to consider changing the profile. If you don’t, you may end up with an implant that looks like it spills out on the side. This is going to impair the results of the procedure.
Motiva Implant Sizes
Motiva Implants come in a range of sizes – with different Volumes (V), Base width (A) Projection (B) and Arc Length (C). Choosing an appropriate size and shape implant is vital for achieving the desired breast implant results. Dr Hunt will guide you through the sizing and selection process.
About Establishment Labs – the manufacturer of Motiva implants
Establishment Labs makes Motiva Implants. Motiva focuses on providing women with a variety of options when it comes to breast implants while also putting the health of their patients first. Motiva uses which are put through a series of tests before they are approved by the company for use. They are approved by both the TGA and FDA for use in breast augmentation mammoplasty and breast reconstruction procedures.
Apart from the quality of implants, Motiva also takes sustainability quite seriously. They believe in the motto, “Putting Women First: in health and wellbeing, science and technology, and our communities.” Motiva has participated in several sustainability pledges and has become, as of 2019, a carbon-neutral office space. The carbon-neutral certification of Motiva headquarters takes into consideration the solar panels, energy-saving lighting systems, and storage systems that they have implemented in the offices. This has helped reduce the carbon footprint of the brand and landed them this certification. That’s not all; they are also committed to cleaning the environment, as made apparent by their drive to clean the beach.
Additionally, Motiva created a global campaign by the name, Beauty Boss, to help empower women who had undergone plastic surgery. The session aimed to help women overcome their fears and discuss the strengths and the challenges they faced.
Your Motiva Breast Implant Warranty
Motiva implants are covered by the warranty plan, Always Confident, which offers a free implant replacement in case of an implant rupture at any point after you have had your implant placed. This warranty plan also offers you implant replacement if you develop capsular contracture within ten years of having undergone a breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure. Motiva has additional warranty plans available on their website – a 2 year and 5 year extended warranty plan. Please note that warranties only apply if ALL the directions and guidelines by the brand were followed during your breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure.
Motiva Implants FAQs – Questions about Breast Implants
What’s the right type of breast implant?
The right type of breast implants is those that feel comfortable and give your breasts the projection you are looking for. The general consensus is that silicone gel breast implants are a good choice of breast implants as the gel in the implant most mimics the natural breast tissue in both feel and appearance. Moreover, silicone gel implants are also less likely to cause ripples of the skin, meaning that they are less likely to be visible underneath the skin. Mentor and Motiva brands are currently regarded as a good choice of silicone implant in Australia.
Which implant is better – Mentor or Motiva?
Mentor breast implants and Motiva breast implants are both amongst the most widely used breast implants. Both implant types have their own set of benefits and unique features that help them stand out. Depending on what you are looking for, in terms of projection, implant profile, size, and contents, you may benefit from either Mentor breast implants or Motiva breast implants. Motiva breast implants have a teardrop shape and can be filled according to your preferences, which gives the brand an edge over the other. The teardrop shape is also desired by some people. The different implant surfaces can also create a variety in the formation of the capsule and stability of the implant.
What are Motiva Ergonomix implants?
Motiva Ergonomix implants are filled with ProgressiveGel Ultima and can blend with the surrounding tissue.
What is inside Motiva implants?
Motiva implants are filled with a custom silicone gel that has strong, cohesive properties, making it easier for the implant to mimic natural breasts. The gel is enclosed by a two-layered shell that is made with a special kind of silicone elastomer. This elastomer’s elasticity and stretchability help these implants adapt to the surrounding tissue rather than standing out on their own. The medical-grade breast implants also have a barrier layer between the shell and the cohesive silicone gel with blue pigment as a result of their implementation of BlueSeal technology.
Do Motiva implants feel natural?
Since Motiva implants are made of silicone gel and a double-layered shell, many people find the feel and appearance to be quite natural. But implants will never feel exactly like normal breast tissue.
What kind of breast implant feels the most natural?
Silicone breast implants are generally considered to look and feel the most natural. Amongst the various options provided by Motiva breast implants, the Ergonomix is widely known for its ability to most closely mimic natural tissue. However, keep in mind that breast implants will never feel 100% natural, and you should discuss your expecations about results with your surgeon.
Are Motiva implants approved in Australia?
Motiva breast implants were approved by the TGA for use in 2016 in Australia, and as of 2020, they have also been approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) for use in the United States of America.
Are Motiva implants safe?
Motiva implants are manufactured with several safety features. Motiva implants are double-layered and made in one step to prevent the destruction of the integrity of the implant. The implants are less likely to rupture, and on the off-chance that they do, Motiva’s warranty plan guarantees you a free replacement implant. Furthermore, the implants carry a reduced risk of developing capsular contracture. This safety feature of the implant is so trusted by the brand that they guarantee a free implant replacement if you develop capsular contracture within ten years of your initial procedure. Some women have developed symptoms of BII – Breast Implant Illness and there is a very small risk of a type of cancer associated with implants – BIA-ALCL. All augmentation mammoplasties come with risks, which you should be aware of prior to making your decision about surgery.
Are textured implants banned in Australia?
There was a wide recall by TGA of heavily textured implants, and the use of these implants was suspended, then banned. However, not all textured implants were banned, but rather those belonging to the brand Allergan.
Is Motiva textured or smooth?
Motiva breast implants are smooth-surfaced with nano surface technology to allow increased contact surface. The health risks associated with textured implants have resulted in Motiva not manufacturing them. In fact, they take great pride in the lack of foreign substances embedded in their implant shell surface.
Where are Motiva implants made?
Motiva implants are manufactured by Establishment Labs in a facility located in Costa Rica, with regulation offices in the United States and a distribution office in Belgium.
What breast implants are used in Australia?
Mentor and Motiva breast implants are the leading suppliers of breast implants used in Australia. Other brands you may find in Australia include Nagor, Polytech, Allergan, Eurosilicone, Sebbin and Silimed. (and old McGann & PIP implants)
Who makes Motiva implants?
Motiva implants are made by Establishment Labs and distributed in Australia by Lifecare Health
Do you need to replace Motiva implants?
Motiva breast implants are produced to a standard to last a lifetime. However, they are medical devices, and each medical device in the body should be replaced eventually. We recommend undergoing an implant replacement procedure approximately 15-20 years after your initial surgery.
Can breast implants last 30 years?
Breast implants do have a lifespan and should be changed within two decades of their placement. Having a breast implant for 30 – 40 years is not recommended. Have a regular implant check for rupture and contact your surgeon if you have any pain, lumps or hardening of the breast.
Is there an alternative to breast implants?
Breast implants can increase the volume of your breasts. The volume of your breasts can be also be increased using a breast fat transfer instead of an implant. Fat is removed from one part of your body using liposuction and injected into your breasts to increase their size. This procedure is also known as Autologous Fat Grafting to the Breasts. It can have some issues with survival of the transferred fat.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
This article aims to help you determine the most suitable implant size for your breasts. The final decision can only be made after a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon like Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt.
Five Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Implant Size
Your personal preference and aesthetic goals are not the only things that come into play while choosing the implant size. Following factors should be considered when choosing the implant size for surgery:
1. Your Anatomy
First and foremost, your body & chest anatomy will play a huge role in selecting the right-sized implants. Dr Hunt might recommend a high projection implant if you are short and petite. If you are tall and wide, he may recommend wider implants. The size will be determined based on the rest of your body proportions like your torso to hip ratio – long or short waisted. Large implants will look very different on someone who is tall with broad shoulders compared to someone who is short, slim and petite.
2. Your Age
Believe it or not, your age plays a role in determining the type of implants. When you are young, your skin is more elastic and adjust quickly to the new breast profile. It prevents problems like the tightness of the chest and other complications. Generally, women who get implants later in life might require additional procedures such as a breast lift mastopexy to achieve desired results.
3. Occupation and Lifestyle
Are you athletic and like to run ? Are you an office worker who spends most of their time sitting on a computer desk? If your lifestyle demands you to be physically active, you should really think about whether you want to get bigger implants. Running with large breasts is not so much fun. It will be less of a problem for someone who doesn’t have to do a lot of physical activity.
4. Your Health
Your overall health also plays an important role in the choice of implant and whether you can undergo surgery in the first place. Suppose you deal with breast infections, silicone sensitivity, any autoimmune disease, psychological instability, or any other medical condition that can negatively impact the surgery. Hence, it is crucial to book a consultation with Dr Hunt to discuss all the aspects of the surgery.
5. Aesthetic Goals
Last but not least, your aesthetic goals and vision matter. Some individuals seek breast implants to achieve a proportionate body, some want an over-the-top perky & enhanced look while others want an hourglass shape. Based on your desired aesthetics, you can choose the look for yourself. Discuss your ideal look with Dr Hunt, and he will tell you what can be realistically achieved with the surgery.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
The Problem with a Specific Bra Cup Size
When you first think about getting a breast augmentation mammoplasty, the first thing that comes to mind is a particular cup size. However, it is not the right way to determine your implant size. Here is how:
Bra sizes are inconsistent with each brand
Using a cup size to measure your implant size is not reliable
Bra cup sizes vary significantly from brand to brand. A C-cup in one brand would be a B or D in another brand
Moreover, a D cup would look very different on someone who is short compared to someone who is tall
Breast Implants Are NOT Measured by Cup Size
Surprise! Surprise! Breast implants are not measured by cup size.
Rather they are measured in cubic centimetres referred to as ccs. “But isn’t using cup size as a measure simpler?” you might ask. First of all, there is no standard bra size measurement followed by all the manufacturers. Different bra brands have different sizes. A D-cup in one size will be a C-cup in another and wise versa. Hence, by using a standard system, all of us have a clear standard that is used worldwide.
There are many implant sizes available in different profiles and projections from a range of implant manufacturers. You can go as small as 100 ccs or as large as 800 ccs.
Dr Hunt will recommend you an implant size based on the points mentioned in this article.
Most Common Breast Implant Sizes
Silicone implants are available in sizes 100ml to 800ml. Saline implants can be overfilled up to about 1000ml but are rarely used in Australia. It is important to choose an implant with a base width diameter that isn’t wider than your breasts. The most commonly used implant size range is between 300 to 400ml.
With that being said, 80% of the implant patients say that they wish they had gone slightly bigger about a year after surgery. A recent patient survey suggests that while replacing implants, most patients should go larger by 30-50ml.
If you are considering implants above 450ml, caution is needed. Bigger implants can generally mean bigger problems.
Problems with choosing an Overly Large Implant Size
Some individuals are insistent on getting a larger implant size despite their surgeon advising otherwise. Some of the complications of large implants can include:
Your implants will look unnatural and disproportionate as compared to the rest of your body
Your lifestyle might be impacted negatively; walking, gym activities, stretching can become very less comfortable
You will require very specific bras to support your new boobs. Moreover, you might not find clothes that fit you. You might find a top that will fit on your boobs but will be loose elsewhere
You may look heavier and bigger than you are. The numbers on the scale will also increase
Heavy prosthetics can damage your breast tissue over time. You might need an implant replacement earlier
Your breasts will be more prone to sagging and drooping. Most patients who get overly large implants may need a breast lift mastopexy in time to keep their boobs perky
Larger size implants can sometimes stretch your skin beyond measure, which can lead to wrinkling and sagging
Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size for You
Every individual has different problems, body anatomy, and aesthetic goals. There is the no-one-size-fits-all approach. The following strategies will help you select the right size:
1. Try on Different Breast Implant Sizers
Your surgeon might ask you to wear one or two breast sizes for multiple days in a row. It will also allow you to see your new breasts with different outfits and engage in different daily activities. This is a practical approach to seeing how your new breasts fit your lifestyle. You don’t have to do it for months. Doing it for a week would be enough.
2. 3D Imaging Technology can Help
You will get a glimpse of future potential results with 3D imaging techniques. These virtual imaging technologies like crisolix or vectra can allow you to see how your breasts will look on your own body.
Other Factors that Influence Breast Implant Surgery Results
The size of the implant is not the only thing you need to consider when it comes to how the results will look like. There are plenty of other factors such as shape, texture, incisions, and placement that will determine the outcome.
1. The Shape of the Implant
Women’s breasts come in all shapes and sizes. It makes sense to have implants of various shapes as well. During the consultation, the surgeon will show you different shapes. The most commonly used shapes are round and teardrop implants. The shape will impact a different look.
Round Breast Implants
Round implants are the most widely used implants worldwide. A common misconception is that round implants lead to an unnatural and fake look. When placed correctly, the results are fairly natural-looking. Some of the reasons that patients choose round implants include fuller cleavage, natural breast shape, avoidance of high textured surfaces, and lower revision rate.
Anatomical Breast Implants
Anatomical, aka teardrop breast implants, are a good idea for those who wish to achieve a natural-looking teardrop shape. They can address a minor breast ptosis, tuberous breast lower pole deficiency and give you the most natural-looking results along with a subtle cleavage.
2. Implant Surface Texture
Breast implants are mainly divided into two types; silicone and saline implants. The outer shell of both these implants is made of silicone. Generally, the implants can be classified into three types based on the texture: smooth implants, textured implants, and polyurethane breast implants. Usually, nano-textured and micro-textured implants that have a low surface roughness are known as the safest implants.
3. Incision
The incision will impact the overall results of the surgery. There are three main types of incisions: inframammary fold, periareolar, and transaxillary.
Inframammary Fold (IMF) – The incision is generally well-hidden in the fold under the breasts;
Periareolar – The incision will be made around the areola and is typically concealed by the shape/colour of the areola;
Transaxillary – The incision will be created in the armpit, and you won’t experience any visible scarring on the breast area.
4. Placement
The breast implant can be placed in different positions: subglandular, submuscular and the Dual Plane.
Subglandular Placement – It is also known as over the muscle implant placement. It is generally recommended for those who have enough tissue on the breasts;
Submuscular Placement – As the name suggests, the breasts implants are inserted in a pocket created under the chest muscles. This is a good option when if the patient lacks breast tissue;
Dual Plane Placement – This is an in-between placement of the implant – the upper part of the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscles while the lower part is under the mammary gland tissue. The dual plane placement is popular nowadays as it delivers natural results.
FAQs about Breast Implant Size
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about breast implant sizes:
How do I know what breast implant size is right for me?
The right way to determine the right breast implant size for you is to book a consultation with a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will take into account your lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine the right size for you. Surgeons typically use 3D imaging to help you understand how you will look post-surgery.
What is the most common breast implant size?
The most popular implant size in Australia is in the range 300 to 400 ccs. On most patients, it will look like a small to large C-cup. It doesn’t mean that you have to get this size. Implant size is a very personal choice.
How do I choose the right breast implant size?
You will have to book a consultation with a surgeon. The surgeon will take into account your lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine the right size for you. Moreover, surgeons use 3D imaging and breast implant sizers to determine the look and ensure it works with your lifestyle.
How many ccs is a breast cup size?
Generally speaking, one breast cup size is about 175cc, but the results can vary based on the type of implant, texture, placement, and body anatomy.
What is cup size C?
Generally, 350 to 400 cc make a C cup size. This is just a general idea. The sizes can vary based on the type of implant, body anatomy, incisions, and texture.
What size is a B cup?
Generally, 250 to 350 cc make a B cup size. This is just a general idea. The sizes can vary based on the type of implant, body anatomy, incisions, and texture.
Can I go larger after the first breast implant surgery?
Yes, you may go larger once your implants settle in and you are fully healed from the first surgery. You will need to be assessed for your suitability to undergo a second surgery by your surgeon beforehand.
When do I need to replace my implants?
Breast implants are not for life. Ideally, you should get them replaced every ten to fifteen years.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
Selecting Your Breast Implant Filling, Shape and Texture
When I discuss implant surgery options for a patient I will always bear in mind that everyone is an individual with specific needs and desires, but they all want the most suitable breast implant to achieve the breast augmentation result they desire. What you need to consider is a good result will depend on where you are starting from, what you want to achieve, the implant type, material, shape, size and location, as well as the plastic surgeon you choose.
Everyone is an individual with specific needs and desires and the result for you will need a combination of implant type and location as well as size to create your desired breast augmentation mammoplasty result. Let’s start with the material and shape and in subsequent weeks we will consider other factors such as location and incision type.
1. Implant Filling Material – Silicone or Saline
Breast implant shells are filled with either saline or silicone. Saline naturally comprises most of the human body, so if the implant should leak (this occurs in less than 5% of implants) its fluid can be easily and safely absorbed. Silicone is one of the most intensively researched materials used in medicine and has been subjected to extensive safety testing. It has been scientifically proven that silicone gel implants carry no increased risk of:
breast cancer
autoimmune diseases
risks when breast-feeding
Silicone implants tend to create a more natural feel and look to the breast and most implants being used in breast augmentation mammoplasty today are silicone.
2. Implant Shape – Round vs. Anatomical or Tear Drop Shaped
Round breast implants are shaped as their name suggests. Round implants are able to shift and move while in position without distorting the shape of the breast. Round implants are generally less expensive than anatomical implants. Available in both smooth and textured styles, round implants classically will give more upper pole fullness.
Some people claim that round implants produce a less-natural looking result than anatomical implants. This is because anatomical implants were designed to more closely resemble the shape of a natural breast. Critics of this claim state that round implants take the natural shape of the breast when held vertically into position in the body.
Anatomical Implants
Anatomical implants, also known as teardrop implants are bottom-heavy and designed to create a more natural look. Anatomical implants, also known as contour implants, were originally developed for reconstructive breast surgery patients. Anatomical implants have also become very popular for cosmetic breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery. The tear-shaped, or bottom-heavy, design of the anatomical implant was designed to create a more natural look.
Anatomical implants must be placed precisely into their pocket by an experienced surgeon to prevent the risk of malpositioning or other complications. Due to the shape of anatomical implants, it is very important they are positioned appropriately in the body. The shifting or flipping of anatomical implants is much more likely to distort the shape of the breast. To mitigate this risk, manufacturers of anatomical implants have made them with textured surfaces only. Textured implants will adhere to the capsule where they are placed to reduce the risk of movement.
3. Implant texture – Smooth vs. Textured Implant Surface
The breast implant shell can be smooth or textured and there are pros and cons to both. Smooth breast implants move freely in their pocket and usually have thinner shells than textured implants, while textured implants have a reported lower rate of capsular contracture
Breast implants can be smooth or textured. Smooth breast implants have the feel of a balloon while their textured counterparts feel more like fine sandpaper. There are pros and cons to both surface types that a prospective patient may wish to discuss in detail with her breast augmentation surgeon.
Smooth Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants move freely in their pocket and usually have thinner shells than textured implants. Lower patient cost and less risk of rippling.
Textured Implants
Textured implants were originally designed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar around the breast implant grows and squeezes on the implant, causing the breast to harden. The claim that textured implants do, in fact, reduce the risk of capsular contracture has not been conclusively proven in medical studies. Textured implants have been found to have a higher rate of leaking and rippling of the breast after surgery.
Deciding On Your Implant Surgery Incision Site, Position, Location and Implant Size
When I discuss the implant choice for a patient, I will always bear in mind that everyone is an individual with specific needs and desires, but they all want the most suitable breast implant to achieve the breast augmentation mammoplasty result they desire.
What you need to consider is the result will depend on where you are starting from, what you want to achieve, the implant type, material, shape, size and location, as well as the surgeon you choose.
Let’s discuss the incision location and choices, the location of the implant, and the size of the implant.
4. Incision Site and Final Scar
There are three common choices for incisions:
Under the fold of the breast (the inframammary fold)
Around the nipple – Periareolar
Through the armpit – Transaxillary
Each of these incision sites have advantages and disadvantages in terms of how well the scar is hidden. A scar not on the breast that is offered by the armpit incision may seem appealing, but it will be visible in a singlet top or bikini top. Incisions around the nipple may be well hidden but scars can fade and become paler than the nipple pigmentation and be visible, and can also alter and decrease nipple sensitivity
The commonest location is under the fold of the breast or the IMF position; the scar is hidden on a day-to-day basis and offers reliable surgical access with no alteration in sensation to the nipple.
Since everyone is different, you will likely prefer one incision site over the other. It is your choice where the incision is placed. I will explain the pros and cons of each site and answer any questions you may have.
Incisions in the tummy button known as transumbilical incision do exist but can be fraught with difficulty and are only used if a saline implant is being used.
5. Implant Location – Prepectoral, Retropectoral, In Front or Behind the Muscle
An implant can be placed in front of or behind the muscle and each location will achieve a different result.
The common locations are:
Retropectoral/ Submuscular – behind the muscle
Prepectoral/ Subglandular – in front of the muscle
Generally speaking, in front of the muscle will create a more mobile breast and will give you more upper pole fullness. This may sound appealing but with little coverage at the upper pole the appearance of stepping onto the implant and the roundness of the implant can be visible. For some, this is an appealing appearance and is more obvious that an implant is in place.
Placing the implant behind the muscle in the subpectoral plane will create a smoother transition from the chest onto the upper pole of the breast with a more natural ramp leading down to the nipple. This limitation of this location though is that when the pec muscle is flexed it will distort the shape of the breast. This is usually acceptable though depending on how physical your lifestyle is.
6. Implant Size & Volume – ‘Bigger Is Better – But Not Too Much’
It seems obvious that the larger the implant the bigger the result it will achieve and for some people this is their objective with breast augmentation mammoplasty – “big is better” For others though, a natural proportioned enhancement is the key and “bigger is better – but not too much” often applies.
I use a sizing system preoperatively to allow you to add volume to a bra to achieve the desired result. This will then tell me what volume I need to add to the volume you already have to help achieve the result you desire. It is what you see in the mirror that counts and what you call a full C cup others may call a large B or D cup. The result you want is the ”look” you want and it is vital the volume is right to achieve this. After all, what an implant looks like on a desk is irrelevant; it is what that volume achieves when you are upright and wearing a bra that counts.
Six big decisions for the Patient Before Undergoing Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
Having a breast augmentation mammoplasty is a big decision and most patients spend up to 18 months researching the procedure before seeking a surgical opinion. Patients are often very well-informed before they even get to their first consultation. This can be very helpful for their chosen surgeon when it comes to planning the implant surgical procedure, as the patient is already aware of what they want from the surgery.
There are usually 6 big decisions that need to be made before a patient has a breast augmentation mammoplasty and each has its own pros and cons.
Decision #1: The final cup size – How big?
Patients will have an idea of what cup size they would like to achieve and it is often helpful to bring photographs to the consultation to convey this idea to the surgeon.
Decision #2: Silicone versus saline implants
There will be advantages to silicone and advantages to saline implants in different patients, and this discussion needs to be had on an individual basis so patients achieve optimal results.
Decision #3: Round versus teardrop-shaped implants
Breast implants come in a series of different shapes, ranging from round to teardrop, and each variation will achieve slightly different results. Different patients’ tissue will respond differently to the shape of the implant and it is helpful to have a specialist opinion to guide you as to which implant shape will achieve the result you desire.
Decision #4: Implant surgery in front of the muscle or behind the muscle
The breast implant can be placed in front of, or behind, the pectoralis muscle and it will achieve a slightly different result in each case. During the consultation, it is helpful to review a series of before and after images to understand which location will achieve what result to ensure you achieve the look you desire.
Decision #5: Implant surgery incision
To insert the breast implant an incision of approximately 5 cm will be needed and it can be placed through the armpit, in the fold under the breast or around the nipple. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and this decision needs to be made with the patient and the surgeon performing the procedure.
Decision #6: Implant volume
Deciding whether a 300 cc implant or a 350 cc implant meets your needs is often challenging and different surgeons will use different techniques to estimate the final results of breast augmentation mammoplasty in a particular patient. Dr Hunt prefers to get patients to try different implant sizes inserted into a bra worn under a T-shirt. This gives the patient an idea of what result each size implant will achieve if a particular volume is added to a particular bra cup.
For the right implant Surgery options & results…
Everyone is an individual with specific needs and desires and the result for you will need a combination of implant type and location as well as size to create your desired breast augmentation mammoplasty result.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
This patient was a 29-year-old mother with three children; twins aged four and a 14-month-old baby. She was happy and followed a healthy lifestyle. The breast augmentation mammoplasty with implants was the recommended procedure for her – Case Study Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
Patient Consultation – Concerns after Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding
Following the births of her children and subsequent breastfeeding, Dr Hunt’s patient found that the size and shape of her breasts had changed, a concern that is common in women following childbirth.
The patient had a desire to increase her breast size so consulted with Dr Hunt regarding a breast augmentation mammoplasty with implants to increase her preoperative A cup to her desired C/D cup. On examination, Dr Hunt found BT to be a valid candidate for a bilateral breast augmentation mammoplasty. During the consultation process, we discussed her options and decided on teardrop-shaped, implants that would be inserted underneath the pectoralis muscle. The incision site would be in the inframammary fold at the bottom of each breast.
Dr Jeremy Hunt performs Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Surgery
BT’s surgery was performed as a day procedure. Dr Hunt used cohesive silicone gel anatomic, or teardrop-shaped implants under the muscle.
Most patients can return to their daily activities 6 weeks after the surgery.
The Results after Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty – before and after photos
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Further Reading – breast surgery Patient Case Study
He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Sydney based specialist Dr Jeremy Hunt has years of expertise in the field of breast reduction surgery. For all your breast reduction needs in Sydney contact Dr Jeremy Hunt.
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
If breast augmentation mammoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Consultation – Patient History, Issues and Concerns
The patient was a 29-year-old mother of three children with twins aged four and a 14-month-old baby. She lived a healthy life but had experienced changes in the volume and shape of her breasts following breastfeeding that were causing her concerns. She consulted with Dr Hunt with a view to increasing her preoperative A-cup to the C/D-cup she desired via bilateral breast augmentation mammoplasty – Case Study of Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty.
Dr Jeremy Hunt performs Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Procedure
On examination, the patient was a valid candidate for a bilateral breast augmentation mammoplasty. During the consultation process, Dr Hunt and the patient chose to use a cohesive silicone gel anatomic or tear drop shaped implant inserted underneath the pectoralis muscle via an incision in the infra-mammary fold so as to hide the scar. Her surgery was performed as a day only procedure.
Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Case Study: The Results
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Customising Your Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty
Patients consider a breast augmentation mammoplasty to increase the volume or cup size of their breasts.
The procedure needs to be tailored to each individual patient’s needs and in the decision-making process, decisions will be made with regard to:
Location of the incision, be it in the fold under the breast, around the nipple or in the armpit.
Location of the implant, be it in front of the pec muscle, behind the pec muscle or in a dual plane position combining part of the implant under the muscle and part of the implant under the breast tissue.
The implant shape will need to be determined to be a round implant or a teardrop or an anatomic-shaped implant, and this will be decided by patient preference.
The implant fill will either be a silicone-filled implant or a saline-filled implant, which will offer different properties and again is discussed with the patient, so the patient can make an informed decision.
Implant volume. During the consultation process, we use an implant sizing system, so that patients can understand what particular volume of implant will achieve what type of appearance when placed into a bra on their body and frame. We find this is the most helpful for patients and they will often try on different sized implants a number of times as well as bring a family member or take photographs in their favourite items of clothing.
This process then ensures that each patient who undergoes a breast augmentation mammoplasty has a tailored operation to suit their needs and expectations.
Case Study of Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty – Dr Jeremy Hunt
Further Reading – breast surgery Patient Case Study
He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
If breast augmentation mammoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
