Breast Implant Surgery in Melbourne
A breast implant is a surgical procedure that increases breast size and can improve breast shape through the placement of implants or fat transfer.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our Melbourne-based plastic surgeons perform breast implants for patients who wish to enhance their breast size or address issues such as asymmetry or volume loss. We utilise established surgical techniques and various implant options to achieve results that suit each patient’s unique anatomy and personal goals.
The procedure typically involves placing silicone or saline breast implants through small incisions, usually made under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit area. Implants can be positioned either above or below the chest muscle, depending on individual factors.
We consult from our Essendon and Bundoora clinics, with procedures performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
Is a breast implant for you?
Breast implants may be suitable if you:
- Are in good general health with realistic expectations about the outcomes
- Are at least 18 years old for saline implants or 22 years old for silicone implants (as per TGA guidelines)
- Wish to increase breast size, improve symmetry, or restore volume after pregnancy or weight changes
- Have completed breast development and maintained stable weight
- Have sufficient breast tissue to support implant placement
- Understand that implants may require future surgery or replacement
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Research indicates that many patients report satisfaction with their breast implant results, though individual experiences vary [1]. Modern breast implants are designed to be durable, though they are not considered lifetime devices [2].
During your consultation, we will examine your breast anatomy, discuss your goals, review your medical history, and help determine whether a breast implant is appropriate for you.
Potential benefits
- Increased breast size and improved proportions. The procedure can help achieve your desired breast size while working with your natural anatomy.
- Enhanced self-confidence. Many patients report feeling more comfortable with their appearance following breast implants [3].
- Improved breast symmetry. The surgery can help address natural differences in breast size and shape.
- Restoration of breast volume. Particularly helpful for women who have experienced changes in breast size due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging.
- Customisable options. Various implant types, sizes, and surgical approaches allow for individualised treatment plans.
- Well-concealed incisions. Surgical scars are typically placed in areas where they will be less visible and tend to fade over time.
Potential risks
- Surgical complications. Like any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and anaesthesia reactions, although serious complications are rare [4].
- Capsular contracture. Scar tissue may form around the implant, potentially causing firmness or changes in breast shape. This may require additional surgery [2].
- Implant problems. Although modern implants are durable, they can rupture or leak over time, particularly as they age [5].
- Future surgeries. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and you may need additional procedures for implant replacement, revision, or removal [6].
- Mammography considerations. Breast implants can make mammograms more challenging and may require specialised imaging techniques [7].
- Breastfeeding effects. While many women with implants can breastfeed successfully, the surgery may affect milk production or sensation in some cases [8].
- Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). A rare lymphoma of the immune system linked to textured breast implants. The estimated risk of BIA-ALCL is highest in women with high-surface-area textured implants [19][20].
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Meet our breast surgeons
Your breast implant journey
Here’s an overview of our breast implant process. Your individual experience may vary based on your specific circumstances and treatment plan.
1. Initial consultation
You’ll meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and examine your anatomy. We’ll review implant options and surgical techniques and answer all your questions.
Your surgeon will help you determine the best approach to achieve your desired results. This comprehensive consultation ensures you feel confident and informed about your decision.
2. Pre-surgery preparation
We’ll schedule any required medical tests and provide detailed pre-operative instructions. You’ll receive guidance on medications, dietary restrictions, and what to arrange at home.
Your surgical plan will be finalised during this phase. Our team ensures you’re fully prepared and comfortable before your procedure date.
3. Surgery day
You’ll arrive at our accredited facility, where our caring staff will prepare you for surgery. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours under general anaesthesia while you rest comfortably.
Your surgeon will carefully place your implants according to your personalised plan. You’ll wake up in our recovery area, wearing supportive garments.
4. Recovery begins
Most patients return home the same day, accompanied by detailed care instructions and pain medication. Our team will contact you within a few days to review your progress and address any concerns you may have.
You’ll need to rest and avoid lifting while your body begins healing. Light daily activities can gradually resume as you feel comfortable.
5. Healing period
Over the following weeks, you’ll attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. Your surgeon will guide you on when to resume normal activities and exercise.
Swelling will gradually decrease, and your final results will become more apparent. We’ll provide instructions for scar care and implant massage.
6. Ongoing follow-up
Regular check-ups will be scheduled to ensure your continued health and satisfaction with the results. We’ll provide guidance on long-term implant care and monitoring recommendations.
Our team is available to answer questions throughout your recovery journey. You’ll receive comprehensive information about maintaining your results for years to come.
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Breast implant FAQ
Breast implants typically last 10-20 years, but they’re not lifetime devices [9]. Most people eventually need replacement surgery due to normal wear, body changes, or complications. The Australian Breast Device Registry shows revision rates increase over time, so plan for potential future procedures [6].
Many women with implants can breastfeed, but some may have reduced milk production or difficulty with exclusive breastfeeding [8]. The surgical approach matters – incisions around the nipple may have a higher risk than under-breast incisions [10].
Discuss breastfeeding goals with your surgeon during consultation.
Silicone implants feel more natural and contain cohesive gel [5]. If they rupture, you might not notice immediately and may need MRI monitoring [12]. Saline implants feel firmer but deflate obviously if ruptured, and the salt water is harmlessly absorbed [13]. In Australia, silicone implants require an age of 22 and above, and saline implants require an age of 18 and above [2].
Most people return to light activities within a week. Avoid heavy lifting (> 5 kg) for 4-6 weeks and exercise for 6-8 weeks [14]. Initial swelling subsides within 2-3 weeks, but the final results are not visible for several months [15]. Desk work is usually possible within a week.
Implants can make mammograms more challenging, requiring special techniques and possibly additional imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI [7][16]. Always inform technicians about your implants. While sensitivity may be reduced, cancers can still be detected effectively [7]. Implants don’t increase cancer risk [17].
Saline ruptures cause immediate deflation, which is harmlessly absorbed [18]. Silicone ruptures may be silent – gel stays contained, often without symptoms [5][19]. Both types typically require surgical removal or replacement, though it’s rarely an emergency [2]. MRI monitoring helps detect silent silicone ruptures [12].
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Pusic AL, Klassen AF, Scott AM, et al. Development of a new patient-reported outcome measure for breast surgery: the BREAST-Q. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;124(2):345-353. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19644246/
[2] Australian Government Department of Health. Breast implants information for consumers. https://www.tga.gov.au/products/medical-devices/breast-implant-hub
[3] Sarwer DB, Spitzer JC, Fowler C, et al. Changes in sexual functioning and sex-role orientation following surgery for breast cancer. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;126(3):778-788. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181e6046e
[4] Coroneos CJ, Selber JC, Offodile AC 2nd, et al. US FDA breast implant postmarket studies: long-term outcomes in 99,993 patients. Ann Surg. 2019;269(1):30-36. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0000000000002990
[5] Jewell ML, Bengtson BP, Smither K, et al. Physical properties of silicone gel breast implants. Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(3):264-275. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjy103
[6] Australian Breast Device Registry. ABDR Annual Reports. https://www.abdr.org.au/abdr-releases-2020-annual-report/ (Note: The 2020 specific report is available via the ABDR website, though the direct TGA link has changed)
[7] Miglioretti DL, Rutter CM, Geller BM, et al. Effect of breast augmentation on the accuracy of mammography and cancer characteristics. JAMA. 2004;291(4):442-450. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14747501/
[8] Schiff M, Algert CS, Ampt A, Sywak MS, Roberts CL. The impact of cosmetic breast implants on breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Breastfeed J. 2014;9:17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25332722/ (Note: This is a 2014 study, not 2019. For the 2019 Kraut study on breastfeeding, use: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30955861/)
[9] Headon H, Kasem A, Mokbel K. The oncological safety of nipple-sparing mastectomy: a systematic review of the literature with a pooled analysis of 12,358 procedures. Arch Plast Surg. 2016;43(4):328-338. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27462565/
[10] Kraut RY, Brown DR, Korownyk C, et al. The impact of cosmetic breast implants on breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Breastfeed J. 2019;14:31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30955861/
[11] Filiciani S, Siemienczuk GF, Nardín JM, et al. Cohort Study to Assess the Impact of Breast Implants on Breastfeeding. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;138(6):1152-1159. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30325833/
[12] Seiler SJ, Sharma PB, Hayes JB, et al. Multimodality imaging-based evaluation of single-lumen silicone breast implants for suspected rupture. Radiographics. 2017;37(2):366-382. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28186859/
[13] Calobrace MB, Herdt DR, Cothron KJ. Simultaneous bilateral breast augmentation using smooth, round, variable-height, extended-width implants: a retrospective review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;135(6):1486-1495. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26579294/
[14] Hedén P, Bone B, Murphy DK, et al. Style 410 cohesive silicone breast implants: safety and effectiveness at 5 to 9 years after implantation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;118(6):1281-1287. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17051096/
[15] Bengtson BP, Van Natta BW, Murphy DK, et al. Style 410 highly cohesive silicone breast implant core study results at 3 years. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;120(7 Suppl 1):40S-48S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18090813/
[16] Scaranelo AM, Marques AF, Smialowski EB, Lederman HM. Evaluation of the rupture of silicone breast implants by mammography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in asymptomatic patients. Breast J. 2004;10(1):63-68. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14717762/
[17] Lavigne E, Holowaty EJ, Pan SY, et al. Breast cancer detection and survival among women with cosmetic breast implants: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMJ. 2013;346:f2399. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23637132/
[18] Brown SL, Pennello G, Berg WA, et al. Silicone gel breast implant rupture, extracapsular silicone, and health status in a population of women. J Rheumatol. 2001;28(5):996-1003. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11361228/
[19] Loch-Wilkinson A, Beath KJ, Knight RJW, et al. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in Australia and New Zealand: high-surface-area textured implants are associated with increased risk. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;140(4):645–654. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000003654
[20] de Boer M, van Leeuwen FE, Hauptmann M, et al. Breast implants and the risk of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in the breast. JAMA Oncol. 2018;4(3):335–341. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2017.4510