To have breast augmentation surgery is a big decision and you should only make the decision once you have considered all of the information available to you. It is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in Australia and is quite low risk when performed by a qualified surgeon. Your choice of surgeon is really important. The best way to ensure you are happy with the results of your breast augmentation is to choose an experienced, qualified surgeon who will help you find the look that feels right for you.

The highly skilled surgeons at NorthEast Plastic Surgery in Melbourne and Brisbane will guide you on how to achieve the results you are looking for and will answer all of your questions during your initial consultation.

Your Top Questions Answered

In this article, we answer our most frequently asked questions regarding breast implants and breast augmentation surgery.

Will I still be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery?

Everyone's experience is different, but there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to breastfeed after an augmentation procedure regardless of where the implant pocket is placed. However, although uncommon, if the nipple loses some sensitivity after the procedure it might affect the let-down reflex that draws milk from the tissue into the nipple. Loss of nipple sensitivity is usually temporary.

How long do breast implants last?

The average lifespan of a breast implant is between 10 and 20 years. It is obvious when a saline implant needs replacing because the saline will leak out if the implant ruptures and your breast will look deflated. If, however, the implant deflates with evaporation of saline over time, then rippling will be visible. Silicone implants usually require ultrasound, CT or MRI scan to determine if the implant should be replaced.

Can breast implants 'burst' or leak?  

Breast implants are very strong and have been tested against bursting in a variety of conditions. Once you have healed completely from your breast augmentation, you should be able to do anything you want - skydive, scuba dive, surfing etc. The one sport that isn't recommended is boxing because of the blows directly to the chest. Breast implants, like any medical device, are not designed to last forever. As they age, they can leak or rupture and will need to be replaced.

What is capsular contracture?

When an implant is inserted into the breast tissue, the body's natural reaction is to grow more tissue around the implant. This is called a capsule. Sometimes the new tissue around the implant shrinks or contracts, causing capsular contracture. Capsular contracture puts excess pressure on the implant and makes the breast feel firm or tight and uncomfortable. Surgery may be needed remove some of the capsule tissue, or to replace the implant. The polyurethane coated silicone implants have a different configuration of the capsule which forms around implant which reduces the risk of capsular contracture.

Will silicone implants give me cancer?

There is no evidence that breast implants will increase your risk of breast cancer, autoimmune disease and any other illness. Detection of breast cancer should not be delayed by having previously undergone breast augmentation surgery. Regardless of the pocket used in your breast augmentation, it is easier to feel or detect breasts lumps when the breast tissue has an implant under it. Also regardless of where the implant pocket has been placed, the breast tissue can be imaged with a combination of ultrasound and mammography with the need for MRI scanning on an occasional basis.

What happens if I decide I don't want the implants anymore?

Some women decide that they don't like the feel of the implants and want them removed. Your breasts won’t return to the way they were before your surgery and you may have some tethering due to scarring or sagging due to loss of breast tissue. You may require a breast lift to address some of these issues.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, removes excess skin around the breast to increase firmness, improve the shape and address breast 'droop'. The nipple and areola are repositioned to the ideal position on the breast. A breast lift is sometimes needed in addition to breast augmentation to improve the overall result of the breast enlargement.

Next Steps

If you have been thinking about changing the shape or size of your breasts, the next step is to book a consultation with one of our surgeons who can talk you through the procedure and discuss your expectations. Simply click on the buttons below to book a consultation or to enquire with any questions you have. Alternatively, you can call our friendly team on (03) 9088 5000 for Melbourne or (07) 3180 3400 for Brisbane.