Augmentation Mastopexy

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.

The surgery for an augmentation mastopexy (breast lift combined with breast implants) involves removing excess skin, inserting a silicone implant, reshaping the breast tissue and tightening the remaining skin. Large areolae may also be reduced during a breast lift.

The procedure followed in each breast lift and breast augmentation surgery depends on several variables including:

• The amount and shape of existing breast tissue
• The size and type of implant
• The incision area
• Where the breast implant is being placed

There are three techniques for breast implant placement during the procedure:

• Subglandular Placement (overs)

The implant is placed directly behind the glandular tissue but in front of the muscle.

• Partial Submuscular Placement (partial unders)

The implant is placed partially behind the pectoralis muscle, with the lower part of the implant not covered by the muscle. Partial submuscular placement is performed using a ‘dual-plane’ technique to optimise the interaction between the breast tissue, chest muscle and implant.

• Complete Submuscular Placement (full unders)

The implant is placed completely behind the pectoralis muscle and connective tissue. Complete submuscular coverage is generally used in reconstructive cases only.

Taking the other variables into account, Dr Avery will help you determine the best implant placement technique that is right for you.

Breast lift combined with breast augmentation can be performed as day surgery or may involve an overnight stay in hospital. The procedure can take anywhere between 1–3 hours if performed as day surgery, and another 2-3 hours for recovery is usually required before being taken home by another responsible adult.

As with all surgical procedures, augmentation mastopexy 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 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

Some specific risks for breast lift surgery include, but are not limited to the following:

• Bleeding/haematoma requiring surgery
• Discoloration/swelling
• Asymmetry of breasts and/or nipples
• Sores or numbness around nipples
• Change in nipple and skin sensation
• Discomfort (pain/sensitivity)
• Delayed healing
• Excessive firmness of breast
• Permanent and noticeable scarring
• Wound separation
• Infection
• Disappointment/unsatisfactory result
• Recurrence of ptosis, stretching/loosening of skin
• Further surgery required (revision surgery)
• Skin or nipple/areola loss requiring further treatment
• Further recovery time if further surgery is required
• DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – clot in legs or PE (pulmonary embolus) – clot in lungs
• Allergic reactions to tape, suture material, topical preparations
• Nipple retraction/poor contour
• Different size than expected

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

• Depending on the procedure and your health, you may go home the same day or spend one or more nights in hospital.
• If augmentation mastopexy is performed together with other breast procedures, a longer hospital stay may be recommended.
• You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and ideally have another adult stay with you for the first night after discharge.
• Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected in the early days after surgery.
• You will be provided with a personalised pain relief plan before discharge. Pain and swelling usually improve gradually but can persist for several weeks.
• Light walking is often encouraged to support circulation.
• Dressings and bandages will be applied to the incisions. Some patients may have small surgical drains, which are usually removed within a few days if used.
• Follow-up appointments are generally scheduled weekly for the first 4 weeks.
• You will be fitted with a supportive surgical bra or compression garment, which should be worn for around 4–6 weeksor as advised by your surgeon. This helps to support the breasts during healing and assists in managing swelling.

• Most people require at least 1–2 weeks away from work, depending on the nature of their role. Sedentary jobs may allow an earlier return; physically demanding jobs may require a longer break.
• Strenuous activity, lifting, and upper-body exercise are generally restricted for at least 4–6 weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your recovery.
• Full recovery to pre-surgery activity levels may take 6–12 weeks, but this varies between individuals.
• Residual swelling and changes in breast sensation may take several months to settle.
• Incision lines are permanent but usually fade over time. Scar care instructions may be provided.
• Regular follow-up visits will be arranged to monitor progress, check implant position, and review your overall healing.
• If you have undergone another surgery in addition to the breast lift combined with breast implants, a longer stay in hospital might also be necessary for recovery. As with any operation, you will need to organise somebody to drive you home. We also encourage our patients to have another adult stay with them during the first night after surgery.

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.

Changes in nipple sensation can occur after breast surgery. Sensation may be reduced, increased (hypersensitivity), or absent. These changes can be temporary or permanent, and the likelihood may be influenced by the extent of surgery and individual healing responses.

A consultation is required to discuss how these risks may apply in your circumstances.

The extent and pattern of scars after a breast lift depend on the technique used. The surgical component of a lift usually requires at least an incision around the areola, and often a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease. In some cases, an additional horizontal incision along the breast crease may also be used. These incision patterns are often described as “lollipop” or “anchor” scars.

The appearance of scars varies between individuals and is influenced by factors such as surgical technique, skin type, and genetic tendency to scar. Some people may develop scars that are raised, pigmented, hypertrophic, or keloid.

All scars are permanent, although their appearance may change over time. A consultation will include discussion of incision placement and the associated risks, including scarring.

Private health insurance does not usually cover surgery that is considered cosmetic in nature and does not have an associated Medicare item number. In some cases, if surgery is being performed to address specific clinical concerns — such as developmental differences, changes following trauma, or functional issues — a Medicare item number may apply. Where a Medicare item number is applicable, there may be some contribution from private health insurance, depending on the level of cover.

Eligibility for Medicare item numbers and private health insurance rebates depends on individual circumstances and meeting the required clinical criteria. These factors will be discussed at your consultation. You should also check directly with your health fund regarding your policy and level of cover.

Breastfeeding may or may not be possible after breast lift surgery with implants. Any surgery to the breast has the potential to affect milk ducts or glandular tissue, which can reduce the ability to breastfeed in the future.

The effect on breastfeeding varies between individuals and depends on factors such as the surgical technique used and healing responses. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.

After breast surgery, scars are sensitive to sun exposure for a prolonged period. Ultraviolet (UV) light can cause scars to darken, thicken, or become more noticeable. For this reason, patients are generally advised to protect surgical scars from direct sun exposure for at least 12 months after surgery. This may include covering the area with clothing or using a high-SPF sunscreen once the incisions have fully healed.

There is no fixed time at which breast implants must be replaced. Breast implants are not considered lifelong devices, and the likelihood of requiring removal or replacement increases the longer an implant has been in place.

Reasons for removal or replacement may include implant-related issues (such as rupture or capsular contracture) or changes in the breast tissue, size, position, or appearance. The need for implant replacement varies between individuals and is assessed through consultation and clinical review.

For further risks associated with breast implant replacement, visit the risks section on this service page. Please also visit the Australia Government TGA website for further information.

All breast implants carry a risk of rupture. This can occur due to factors such as trauma (for example, a motor vehicle accident), implant ageing, or other causes.

If a silicone gel implant ruptures, the silicone may remain within the capsule of tissue around the implant or spread into surrounding tissue. This can lead to changes in breast appearance, firmness, or cause inflammation, and sometimes pain.

If a saline implant ruptures, the implant will usually deflate and the saltwater solution is absorbed by the body. This generally results in a noticeable change in breast size or shape.

Any suspected rupture requires clinical assessment, which may include imaging, and discussion about whether implant removal or replacement is appropriate.

There is a chance of implant rupture with all types of implants, the chance of rupture increases as the implants ages. At times it may be significant trauma that causes implant rupture but most often no particular cause for this can be identified. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, the silicone gel stays in the breast, mostly contained by the scar tissue known as the capsule. The body tries to contain this rupture, which may cause inflammation, potential pain or change in the breast appearance. When saline implants rupture, the saltwater leaks out into the surrounding tissue, which is harmlessly absorbed into the body.

If your implant has failed or leaked, you might notice a change in the size or shape of your breast. You might also feel tenderness or pain in the breast. However, some women do not notice any signs or symptoms. An examination and possible ultrasound or MRI is advisable if you are concerned about a potential implant rupture, or if you have detected a new lump in the breast. It is also recommended to have a routine check and ultrasound of the breast approximately 10 years after breast implant surgery even without any change in the breast appearance.

For further risks associated with breast augmentation, please visit the risks section on this service page. Please also visit the Australian Government TGA website for further information.

Silicone is an extremely common substance that has a number of various uses, including the silicone gel used in breast implants for augmentation or reconstruction. Silicone has been used in breast implants for over 50 years. We are currently using 5th generation implants with silicone gel that has a consistency much like turkish delight or jelly that generally holds its form and sticks to itself. Medical grade silicone used in breast implants is safe. However, there are risks associated with its use and some women either do not tolerate the breast implants or may have problems related to the implants several years after insertion. Breast implants should not be considered as lifetime devices. Anyone undergoing breast augmentation with an implant of any sort will require further surgery at some stage in their life. For further risks associated with this surgery, please visit the risks section on this service page. More information can also be found on the Australian Government TGA website.

Simply walking is advised and is recommended during the first 2 weeks after surgery. An increase in activity is encouraged between 2-6 weeks, limiting this increase based on how your body feels and responds. From 6 weeks you can be mostly unrestricted with exercise but it may not be until 12 weeks following surgery that you feel you are back to pre-surgery fitness, or even improved from your pre-surgery fitness if physical symptoms and restrictions have been addressed with surgery.

Pain following surgery will vary depending on the extent of surgery. Pain immediately after surgery may be reduced by the use of local anaesthetic at the surgical site given during the surgery. The pain will also be managed with tablets or injections as required. Physical measures such as the dressings and supportive garments as well as limited movement and possibly ice packs will all help minimise any pain. Pain is usually well tolerated within a few days after surgery with all these measures. If your pain is increasing following surgery this is usually a sign that you may need a review to ensure your recovery is proceeding as expected.

Dressings and supportive garments will offer support to the wounds and the areas of your body that are still recovering. You will be also be advised to restrict excessive movement of the surgical area in the first two weeks after surgery. A good general rule throughout your recovery is if an increase in movement or activity does not increase any discomfort or swelling, then it is probably safe and this gradual progression back to ‘normal’ will be encouraged.