Surgical
Breast Asymmetry
A surgical procedure to address uneven breast shape or size to restore symmetry and balance.
About Augmentation Mammoplasty
Augmentation mammoplasty is a surgical procedure used to increase breast volume and change breast contour. People may consider this procedure for various reasons, such as:
- Increasing breast size
- Addressing noticeable asymmetry between the breasts
- Restoring breast volume that may have changed due to weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing
The procedure involves placing breast implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle. Implants are available in different sizes, shapes, and materials, and your specialist plastic surgeon will discuss the most suitable options for your individual anatomy and goals. Various incision techniques may be used, and your surgeon will explain the approach that best suits your circumstances.
Consultation and Planning
A consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon is essential to determine suitability for the procedure. During this consultation, factors such as anatomy, implant options, potential risks, and recovery will be reviewed in detail to support informed decision-making.
Disclaimer
Breast augmentation procedures are only suitable for people aged 18 years and over. All surgical procedures at Shape Clinic are performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeons, Dr Steven Liew (MED0001151298 FRACS), Dr Ania Smialkowski (MED0001668109 FRACS) and Dr Henry Shepherd (FRACS MED0001860545). Individual results, healing responses, and recovery times vary. All surgical procedures carry risks, which may include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve injury, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the results. A consultation with a qualified practitioner is required to determine suitability. A second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding with surgery.
Results
Augmentation mammoplasty is an individualised procedure, and outcomes vary from person to person. You may be considered for this surgery if:
- You are in good general health
- Your breasts are fully developed
- You have realistic expectations about potential outcomes
- You are seeking to increase breast volume, address noticeable asymmetry, or restore changes in breast shape following factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or ageing
Disclaimer
Breast augmentation procedures are only suitable for people aged 18 years and over. Individual results, healing experiences, and recovery times vary. A consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon is required to assess suitability, discuss potential risks, and develop a treatment plan. A second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding.
Implant Selection and Placement
When considering augmentation mammoplasty, individuals may choose from a range of implant options, including saline and silicone. Each type has different characteristics, and the choice will depend on personal preferences, anatomy, and clinical recommendations.
Breast implants are available in various shapes and surface textures:
- Round implants: These can provide more fullness, particularly in the upper breast area.
- Anatomical (teardrop) implants: These are shaped to follow the natural slope of the breast and may be considered by those seeking a subtler contour.
The placement of implants is determined based on the individual’s anatomy and surgical plan:
- Subglandular placement: The implant is positioned beneath the breast tissue but above the chest muscle.
- Submuscular placement: The implant is positioned beneath the chest muscle, which may offer certain benefits in terms of soft tissue coverage or implant support.
A consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon is required to determine the most appropriate implant type and placement for your individual needs. Your surgeon will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain the options, risks, and recovery considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Disclaimer
Breast augmentation procedures are only suitable for people aged 18 years and over. All surgical procedures are performed by specialist plastic surgeons Dr Steven Liew (FRACS MED0001151298) and Dr Ania Smialkowski (FRACS MED0001668109). Individual outcomes, healing times, and recovery experiences vary. All surgical procedures carry risks, which may include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in sensation, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the outcome. This information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. A thorough in-person assessment is required to determine suitability, and a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding.
Asian Augmentation Mammoplasty Sydney
Augmentation mammoplasty procedures are tailored to the unique anatomical characteristics and skin qualities of each individual. For people of Asian descent, certain factors may influence surgical planning, such as:
- Chest anatomy: A narrower chest wall or less breast tissue volume may affect implant selection and placement.
- Skin characteristics: Increased tightness or elasticity of the skin may influence surgical technique and recovery.
- Scarring potential: Individuals with darker skin tones may have a higher likelihood of developing hyperpigmentation or hypertrophic scarring.
Following the surgeon’s postoperative care instructions is essential to support healing and reduce the likelihood of complications. This includes guidance around activity restrictions, scar management, and attending scheduled follow-up appointments.
A consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon is required to assess your individual anatomy and discuss your goals. This assessment will help guide the development of a personalised surgical plan, along with a thorough discussion of the potential risks, recovery process, and expected variations in outcomes.
Disclaimer
Breast augmentation procedures are only suitable for people aged 18 years and over. All surgical procedures are performed by specialist plastic surgeons Dr Steven Liew (FRACS MED0001151298) and Dr Ania Smialkowski (FRACS MED0001668109). Individual outcomes, recovery times, and healing responses vary. All surgical procedures carry risks, which may include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in sensation, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the outcome. This information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. A thorough in-person assessment is required to determine suitability. A second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding.
Post-Pregnancy Augmentation Mammoplasty
Following pregnancy and breastfeeding, changes to breast volume and skin elasticity are common. These may include a reduction in breast size, changes in firmness, increased skin laxity, or a decrease in volume in the upper portion of the breasts.
It is generally recommended to wait at least six months after completing breastfeeding before considering augmentation mammoplasty. This timeframe allows for:
- Hormonal levels to stabilise
- Breast size and shape to settle
- Physical recovery from pregnancy and lactation
A return to a stable body weight and lifestyle routine
A consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon is required to assess your individual circumstances and develop a tailored treatment plan. During this consultation, your surgeon will consider factors such as:
- Current breast shape and volume
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Whether augmentation alone or a combination procedure (such as augmentation with mastopexy) may be appropriate
Disclaimer
Breast augmentation procedures are only suitable for people aged 18 years and over. All surgical procedures are performed by specialist plastic surgeons Dr Steven Liew (FRACS MED0001151298) and Dr Ania Smialkowski (FRACS MED0001668109). Individual outcomes, recovery experiences, and healing responses vary. All surgical procedures carry risks, which may include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in sensation, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the outcome. This information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. A thorough in-person assessment is required to determine suitability. A second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding.
What to expect from Augmentation Mammoplasty
The recovery experience following augmentation mammoplasty varies between individuals. Factors such as implant size, shape, placement (above or below the muscle), and individual anatomy can all influence recovery and outcomes.
- Surgery duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Estimated downtime: Most people require between 3 to 7 days off work, depending on their occupation, the specifics of the procedure, and individual healing responses.
- Follow-up: Post-operative appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and support recovery.
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is an important part of recovery. These may include:
- Wearing a supportive garment as directed
- Limiting physical activity during the initial recovery period
- Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
Recovery timelines and experiences vary, and your specialist plastic surgeon will provide individualised guidance to support your healing process.
Disclaimer
Breast augmentation procedures are only suitable for people aged 18 years and over. All surgical procedures are performed by specialist plastic surgeons Dr Steven Liew (FRACS MED0001151298) and Dr Ania Smialkowski (FRACS MED0001668109). Individual outcomes, healing times, and recovery experiences vary. All surgical procedures carry risks, which may include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in sensation, nerve injury, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the outcome. This information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. A thorough in-person assessment is required to determine suitability, and a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding with surgery.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Augmentation Mammoplasty
As with all surgical procedures, augmentation mammoplasty carries inherent risks. While generally considered safe when performed by a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, potential complications may include:
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
- Capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant)
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): a term used by some patients to describe a variety of systemic symptoms they attribute to their implants. Currently, there is no definitive diagnostic test for BII, and its cause remains under investigation.
These risks, along with your individual medical history, goals, and concerns, will be discussed in detail during your consultation to support informed decision-making.
Augmentation Mammoplasty Recovery
Recovery after augmentation mammoplasty varies depending on the surgical approach, implant type and placement, and your individual healing response. Generally:
- Most patients return to light daily activities within 3–7 days
- Swelling and discomfort may persist for several weeks
- Full recovery may take 2–6 weeks, although final results can take longer to settle
A personalised recovery plan will be discussed with you, including post-operative care instructions, follow-up appointments, and activity restrictions.
Please speak to your treating Specialist Plastic Surgeon if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.
Disclaimer
All surgical procedures carry risks. Results and recovery times vary between individuals. This information is general in nature and does not substitute for medical advice. A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is required to assess suitability and provide individualised guidance. All breast augmentation procedures at Shape Clinic are performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeons Dr Steven Liew (MED0001151298 FRACS) and Dr Ania Smialkowski (MED0001668109 FRACS). A second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While many patients have implants that last for 10 to 15 years, this varies between individuals. Some implants may last longer, while others may require removal or replacement earlier due to factors such as:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Changes in breast appearance over time
- Patient preference
Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will monitor the condition of your implants during follow-up appointments and advise if revision surgery becomes necessary.
Augmentation Mammoplasty is considered an elective cosmetic procedure when performed for aesthetic enhancement and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance in these cases. However, Medicare may offer a rebate in limited circumstances where the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
