Augmentation Mammaplasty

To see Dr Avery, you will need a referral from your GP or another specialist who knows you well. Some people seek a consultation after speaking with family or friends, or following their own research into plastic surgery.

The initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your personal reasons for considering surgery, your expectations, and any questions or concerns you may have. Dr Avery will take time to understand your health history and circumstances so that the information you receive is specific to you.

When you arrive at Avery, you will be welcomed by our Care Team and asked to complete a medical history form if this has not already been done. You are welcome to bring a supportive family member or friend with you to your consultation, should you wish, to help you collect and retain al of the information you need to make an informed decision about surgery.

As part of the consultation, Dr Avery will carry out an examination of the area of concern and provide information about whether surgery may be suitable for you. This discussion will include what the procedure involves, the possible risks and complications, and any limitations that may apply in your situation. The aim is to provide you with clear information about what surgery may or may not achieve, and whether it is an appropriate option for you.

Your consultation will also include discussion of the estimated costs associated with surgery.

After your appointment, our Care Team is available to answer any further questions, including those relating to fees and practical next steps.

At Avery, our focus is to provide you with accurate and personalised information to support your decision-making process before, during, and after surgery.

Breast implants are manufactured in different volumes (measured in millilitres) and weights (grams). An assessment of the chest wall, existing breast tissue, and skin characteristics is required to determine implant size options. Implant selection takes into account proportions of the body, tissue coverage, and surgical planning.

Implants can be round or teardrop-shaped (anatomical). Round implants have equal width and height, while teardrop implants vary in height and width, and are often used when a different contour is planned. Both types are available in varying degrees of projection.

Two main filler materials are available: saline and silicone gel.

• Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with sterile saltwater. These implants are filled at the time of surgery and may require a smaller incision. If rupture occurs, the implant typically deflates and the saline is absorbed by the body.
• Silicone gel implants also have a silicone shell but are pre-filled with silicone gel. Silicone gel implants have been used in breast surgery for decades and are currently the most commonly used worldwide.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Complications such as rupture, capsular contracture, or implant malposition can occur, and the likelihood of complications increases with time. Implant removal or replacement may therefore be required at some stage in the future.

If rupture occurs, this may present as changes in breast shape, firmness, or discomfort. Sometimes rupture is silent and detected only through imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Clinical review is required if rupture is suspected.

At the time of implant removal, surgical options can include removal only, replacement with new implants, or combining removal/replacement with procedures such as a mastopexy (breast lift). The most appropriate option depends on individual circumstances and is discussed during consultation.

As with all surgical procedures, Augmentation mammaplasty (breast augmentation surgery) does have risks, despite the highest standards of practice. It is not common practice for any surgeon to outline in detail every possible side effect or rare complication. However, it is important that you are informed of the more common risks and the less common but potentially very significant complications, so you can carefully weigh the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of surgery. It is usually possible to provide a more comprehensive list of potential risks and complications related to surgery, so that any risks particularly relevant to an individual can be identified and discussed further.

The following possible complications are listed to inform and not to alarm you. There may be other complications that are not listed. Smoking, obesity, and other significant medical problems will cause greater risk of complications.

Some general risks and possible complications of surgery include, but are not limited to the following:

• Heavy bleeding from an operated site. This may require a blood transfusion.
• Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases.
• Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions.
• The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site may require further surgery.
• Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threatening.
• Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s).
• Slow healing.
• Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia.
• Tissue cannot heal without scarring and that how one scars is dependent on individual genetic characteristics. Dr Avery will do his best to minimise scarring but cannot control its ultimate appearance.
• Smoking or using nicotine products during the 3–4-week pre-operative and post-operative periods is prohibited as these could dramatically increase the chances of complications.
• All medications I am currently taking, including prescriptions, over the counter remedies, herbal therapies and supplements, aspirin, and any other recreational drug or alcohol use can affect the safety of my surgery.
• There can be no guarantees about the results of any surgery.

Some specific risks for augmentation mammaplasty (breast augmentation surgery) include, but are not limited to the following:

• Delayed wound healing.
• Chronic pain.
• Ability to feel the implant.
• Infection that may require removal of the implants.
• Asymmetry.
• Pneumothorax (air in the chest).
• Bleeding or hematoma (clot) requiring surgery.
• Uncertain life span of the implant.
• Capsular contracture (firmness).
• Degradation of breast implant.
• Scars.
• Need for more surgery for surgical corrections (revision surgery).
• Further recovery time if further surgery is required.
• Change in nipple and skin sensation, including numbness.
• Possibility of late calcification (capsular contracture).
• Rupture/leakage requiring replacement.
• Malposition of an implant.
• DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – clot in legs or PE (pulmonary embolus) – clot in lungs.
• Disappointment / dissatisfaction with result.
• Possible impact on ability to breast feed.
• ALCL (lymphoma) – textured surface implants.
• Allergic reactions to tape, suture material, topical preparations, medications.

The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) has further information about breast augmentation surgery including the possible risks for this surgery.

Augmentation mammaplasty is often performed as a day procedure, although some individuals may stay overnight. The length of hospital stay depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional surgery is performed.

Time away from work varies between individuals but may be up to two weeks. Patients are generally advised to arrange for someone to drive them home after discharge and to have support available during the first night.

The overall recovery process usually extends over several weeks, although this can differ between people. A supportive surgical bra or compression garment is commonly recommended for four to six weeks to provide support to the surgical area. Swelling and discomfort are expected in the early stages and may gradually improve over time, though the rate of recovery varies.

In general terms:

• First two weeks: Rest and light activity such as walking are encouraged. Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous movement, heavy lifting, or driving until reviewed.
• Two to four weeks: Light daily activities may gradually resume, depending on comfort and healing progress.
• Four to six weeks: Many individuals can return to a wider range of activities, though timing depends on individual recovery and surgical complexity.
• After six weeks: Some people may feel ready to resume their usual exercise routines, though this varies and should be confirmed at follow-up.

Pain management typically involves prescribed medications, which can be adjusted according to individual needs. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, review dressings, and provide guidance about activity levels.

The financial aspects of your surgery are as important as the medical elements when planning for surgery. At Avery, the surgeries we offer fall into three different financial categories: Self-funded – aesthetic surgery; self-funded – plastic and reconstructive surgery; and health insured – plastic and reconstructive surgery.

To make sense of these three financial categories, we have created a detailed price guide to help you understand what may or may not be covered by your health insurer/Medicare and your out of pocket expenses.

To download this guide, please click here.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our team on 02 4002 4150.

Since 1 July 2023, the Medical Board’s Guidelines require that patients seeking cosmetic surgery—including procedures like breast augmentation—obtain a referral from a general practitioner (GP) or another medical specialist. The referral ideally ensures that the patient's general health is assessed and documented, including medical history, current medications, and any comorbidities. It also provides a space to discuss motivations and psychological preparedness for cosmetic surgery with an independent healthcare professional, supporting continuity of care and patient safety.

The referring GP or specialist must be independent from the surgeon or clinic providing the cosmetic surgery—meaning they:

• Must not work in the same clinic or share a financial or familial relationship with the surgeon.
• Must not themselves perform cosmetic or non-surgical cosmetic procedures 
• Patients from overseas must also obtain a referral from an Australian-registered GP or specialist—they are not exempt

What the Referral Should Include

• At minimum, it needs to outline the patient’s reason for seeking surgery and include relevant medical history.
• It does not need to name a specific cosmetic practitioner or recommend surgery. The decision about whether to proceed remains with the surgeon and the patient.

Private health insurance generally does not provide benefits for procedures considered cosmetic in nature, and where there is no associated Medicare item number.

In some circumstances, if surgery is performed to address certain clinical concerns—such as developmental differences or changes following trauma—a Medicare item number may apply. Where this is the case, some private health insurers may contribute to the costs, depending on the individual’s policy.

Eligibility for Medicare item numbers and health fund rebates is determined on a case-by-case basis. Patients are encouraged to check directly with Medicare and their private health insurer for advice about their specific level of cover.

Breastfeeding ability after augmentation mammaplasty (breast augmentation) varies between individuals. Factors that may influence this include the surgical technique used, the location of the incision, and individual healing responses.

Some people are able to breastfeed after augmentation, while others may find it more difficult, and in some cases breastfeeding may not be possible.

These considerations, along with the risks and limitations of the procedure, are discussed during consultation. Further information is also available in the risks section on this page.

Changes in nipple or breast skin sensation can occur after augmentation mammaplasty (breast augmentation). Sensation may be reduced, lost, increased (hypersensitivity), or altered in other ways. These changes may be temporary or permanent.

The likelihood of altered sensation can be influenced by factors such as the surgical technique used, the placement of the implant, and individual healing responses. This is one of the risks of augmentation mammaplasty, and further details are outlined in the risks section of this page and will be discussed at consultation.

Current evidence does not indicate an increased risk of developing breast cancer as a result of breast augmentation with implants.

There is, however, a rare condition called breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is a type of lymphoma (cancer of the immune system) that has been linked to certain types of textured breast implants. The overall risk is considered low, but it is important to be aware of.

Having breast implants does not remove the possibility of developing breast cancer. People with implants should continue to follow routine breast screening recommendations that apply to the general population, and any new breast changes, such as a lump, should be reviewed by a doctor (such as a GP or specialist). Further information is available from the Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Medical Board of Australia.

Sun exposure can affect wound healing and may influence the pigmentation and long-term appearance of scars. Scars are often more sensitive to sunlight during the first year after surgery.

Protecting scars from direct sun exposure is generally recommended for many months after surgery. This may include covering the area with clothing or applying sunscreen once the wounds are fully healed.

Artificial tanning products, such as spray tans, should only be considered after the wounds have completely healed. The timing for this can vary between individuals and is best discussed during follow-up.

Pregnancy can cause changes to breast size, shape, and skin elasticity. These changes occur in people both with and without breast implants.

Current evidence does not suggest that breast implants interfere directly with the ability to become pregnant or with the course of pregnancy. However, the appearance and feel of the breasts after pregnancy may be influenced by factors such as weight changes, hormonal changes, breastfeeding, and skin characteristics.

The extent of change varies between individuals, regardless of whether implants are present.

Implant rupture can occur with all types of breast implants. The likelihood of rupture may increase as the implant ages. In some cases, trauma (such as a significant accident or injury) is identified as the cause, while in other cases no specific cause can be determined.

When a silicone gel implant ruptures, the silicone may remain within the scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around the implant, but in some cases it can spread outside the capsule. This may lead to changes in breast shape, firmness, or sensation.

When saline implants rupture, the implant shell deflates and the saline is absorbed by the body. This may result in a change in breast size or appearance.

If rupture is suspected, clinical review and imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended. Further information about risks is provided in the risks section of this page and can be discussed at consultation.

Breast implant rupture or leakage may present in different ways. In some cases, changes in breast size, shape, firmness, or sensation are noticed. Some people may experience discomfort or tenderness, while others may not observe any obvious symptoms.

Ruptures in silicone implants are sometimes “silent,” meaning they are detected only through imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Saline implant rupture usually results in deflation of the implant.

If there are concerns about a possible rupture, or if a new lump or change in the breast is detected, clinical review and imaging may be required. Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, and ongoing monitoring is important. Further information is available in the risks section of this page and from the Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Silicone is a widely used material in medicine and industry. Silicone gel breast implants have been available for several decades, and current devices are sometimes referred to as fifth-generation implants.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. The likelihood of complications such as rupture, capsular contracture, or implant malposition increases with time, and further surgery may be required.

While many people tolerate silicone implants, some experience problems related to the implants, either soon after insertion or many years later. These may include local complications or, rarely, systemic concerns.

Anyone considering breast augmentation should be aware of the risks and limitations of implants. More information is available in the risks section of this page and from the Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Light walking is usually encouraged in the first two weeks after surgery to support circulation and mobility.

Activity is generally increased gradually between two and six weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and individual recovery. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or high-impact activity is often delayed until healing is further progressed.

From around six weeks, some people may be able to return to a wider range of activities, but the timing varies. In some cases, it can take up to 12 weeks or longer before individuals feel ready to resume their usual exercise routines.

Dr Avery will provide guidance based on your circumstances and review your progress at follow-up appointments.

Breast implants are measured by volume (in millilitres or cubic centimetres), width, height, and projection. These measurements influence how the implant sits in relation to the chest wall and existing breast tissue.

The selection of implant size and shape takes into account physical factors such as chest wall dimensions, breast tissue characteristics, and skin elasticity. The outcome will vary between individuals, and the most appropriate options are discussed during consultation.

It is important to understand that images or sizes a person may have in mind before surgery may not be achievable or appropriate in every case. A consultation is necessary to review individual circumstances, outline risks and limitations, and determine what implant options may be considered.

Cup size is not a precise way to measure or predict breast size. Different bra brands and styles use varying measurements, which means cup sizes are not standardised.

Because of these variations, cup size is not a reliable measure to plan or determine surgical outcomes. Clinical assessment instead focuses on measurements such as chest width, breast tissue characteristics, and implant dimensions, which provide a more accurate basis for surgical planning.

Breast ptosis refers to when breast tissue and/or the nipple sit lower on the chest, often below the inframammary fold (the breast crease). Augmentation mammaplasty (breast augmentation) may alter breast volume and shape, which can influence how ptosis appears.

However, implants alone have limitations in addressing ptosis. In cases of more significant descent, a mastopexy (breast lift) may be considered, either on its own or in combination with augmentation. The decision about whether these procedures are performed at the same time or in separate stages depends on individual anatomy, surgical planning, and the risks involved.

A consultation is required to assess your circumstances, review options, and outline the potential risks and limitations of each approach.

Pain and temporary restriction of movement can occur after breast surgery. The degree of discomfort varies between individuals and may be influenced by the type of surgery and personal healing responses.

Pain in the early period is typically managed with anaesthetic administered during surgery, along with prescribed medications. Supportive dressings and garments are commonly used to protect the surgical area. Patients are often advised to limit certain movements in the first weeks after surgery, and guidance is provided during follow-up appointments.

If pain increases or changes unexpectedly, clinical review may be required to ensure recovery is progressing as expected.

Augmentation mammaplasty (breast augmentation) is most often performed under a general anaesthetic, administered by a specialist anaesthetist, in an accredited hospital setting. The type of anaesthetic used is determined by the surgical plan, individual health factors, and anaesthetic assessment.