Understanding Breast Augmentation

Is breast augmentation right for me?

Women of all ages and from all walks of life often make the very personal decision to enhance the look, shape and size of their breasts by undergoing Breast Augmentation.

Breast augmentation uses implants to help achieve a fuller look and may help create a more aesthetically pleasing breast profile.

If you are just beginning to research the breast augmentation procedure, mentorbreasts.com.au provides information on the transformation ahead of you.

Breast Anatomy

Breasts are made up of a complex network of milk ducts and glands surrounded by fat and connective tissue that helps to hold everything in place. The breast itself does not have any muscle, but the chest muscle (pectoralis major muscle) is located directly beneath the breast.

The amount of fat in your breasts largely determines their size, shape and feel. Breast tissue is sensitive to changes in hormone levels and the size and shape of your breast may change over time, particularly during puberty when the breasts begin to grow, through periods of weight loss or pregnancy, and following menopause when breast tissue volume often decreases.

Breast Conditions

Breasts come in different shapes and sizes and develop at different rates. Your breasts will also change throughout your life; when you get your periods, during pregnancy and as you get older.

Most of these differences and changes are not a problem for many women but for some, a lack of breast development, having noticeably asymmetrical breasts, or breasts which have lost their shape due to pregnancy, breastfeeding or ageing can cause a debilitating drop in confidence and undermine self-esteem. For these women, breast augmentation may offer the opportunity to feel confident and more attractive.

Before deciding to have breast augmentation, it is important that you can identify your goals and discuss them with your surgeon so that you can develop a realistic expectation of what breast augmentation can do for you.

Breast augmentation can be used to:

  • enlarge small breasts
  • restore volume after weight reduction, pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • even up asymmetric breasts (where one breast is much larger than the other, or sits lower or higher than the other).

Breast augmentation does not correct droopy or sagging breasts. A breast lift (Mastopexy), is designed to correct this condition by removing loose,excess skin in and around the breast and tightening the remaining skin to restore the breasts to a more upright position. It also often involves shifting the nipple position.

A breast lift can also be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation to restore a more youthful profile to the breasts while also enhancing their size [Breast Lift with Augmentation].

Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:

  • You are physically healthy
  • You have realistic expectations
  • Your breasts are fully developed
  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
  • You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
  • Your breasts vary in size or shape
  • One or both breasts failed to develop normally.

Before deciding whether Breast Augmentation is right for you, you should be aware of the following:

  • Breast implants may affect your ability to breastfeed.
  • Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
  • Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery. If you are serious about undergoing cosmetic surgery, you should try to quit smoking
  • Cosmetic surgery does not usually qualify for rebates from Medicare or private health insurance. It is important to understand the financial cost before committing to surgery.
  • Weight gain or loss after your surgery may change the way your new breasts look, possibly requiring further surgery
  • Mammograms might be more complicated, possibly requiring additional, specialised x-rays or views
  • You may need routine MRI scans every few years if you have silicone breast implants.

It is also important to find a suitably trained and reputable surgeon who has experience in this type of procedure and who can advise on the options available to you. You should never feel pressured into having surgery, and as with all cosmetic procedures, a cooling off period should be offered to give you time to consider if breast augmentation is right for you.

You can ask your GP for advice on finding a suitable surgeon or contact the Australasian Foundation for Plastic Surgery - www.plasticsurgery.org.au

The above links are not part of the mentorbreasts.com.au website, which is published by Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd. These links are provided for your convenience only. If you follow on these links please note we do not review or control the content of website you are trying to view. No endorsement of any third party products, services or information is expressed or implied by any information, material or content of any third party contained in, referred to, included on, or linked from or to this Website. Any information, data, opinions, recommendations, products or services provided by such third parties through links to other websites or otherwise made available through their websites are solely those of such third parties and not of Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd. Your use of such third party websites is subject to the terms of use and the privacy policies of such websites.

You Have Options

Did you know that there are 3 incisions sites and 2 options for implant placement? Learn about your choices.

Incision Site Options
Implant Placements

Which MENTOR® Product
is right for you?

EXPLORE BREAST IMPLANTS

Doctor/healthcare professional advice is required. Your doctor/healthcare professional will advise you whether this product is suitable for you/your condition. Always read product label/Instructions For Use before purchase. Follow the Instructions For Use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the breast augmentation surgery performed?

Breast augmentation is most frequently performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital operating room, surgery centre or surgical suite. In certain cases, your plastic surgeon may recommend an approach that involves an overnight stay at the hospital.

How long does the breast implant procedure take?

Cases may differ, but on average breast augmentation surgery lasts one to two hours.

What anesthesia will be used?

General anesthesia is commonly used. Discuss the most appropriate choice of anesthesia with your doctor.

When can I resume my normal life?

Many women are able to return to work within just a few days. But it’s best to avoid any strenuous activities that could raise your pulse and blood pressure for a couple of weeks.