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BREAST BREAST

IMPLANTS IMPLANTS

Breast augmentation surgery (colloquially referred to as a ‘boob job’) uses breast implants to enhance the size and shape of breasts.

We aim to balance proportions, tailoring the approach for your unique anatomy and goals.  By taking the time to listen, we believe we can better understand you. Get to know us as we support you through your breast implant journey.

Let’s talk.

Breast augmentation surgery (colloquially referred to as a ‘boob job’) uses breast implants to enhance the size and shape of breasts.

We aim to balance proportions, tailoring the approach for your unique anatomy and goals.  By taking the time to listen, we believe we can better understand you. Get to know us as we support you through your breast implant journey.

Let’s talk.

Request a consultation Request a consultation

BREAST BREAST

IMPLANTS IMPLANTS

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Understanding
Implants
Understanding
Implants

There are many different breast implant types – round or teardrop, smooth or textured, low profile and high profile.

During your consultation we will explore options and discuss which combination of implant type and surgical technique is most likely to achieve your aesthetic goals.

There are many different breast implant types – round or teardrop, smooth or textured, low profile and high profile.

During your consultation we will explore options and discuss which combination of implant type and surgical technique is most likely to achieve your aesthetic goals.

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breast lift illustration

01

Size Size

We have a range of sizes available to enhance breast volume and shape. One of the most important aspects of choosing an implant size is understanding how this will work with your breast tissue, proportions and individual anatomy. The same implant size will look very different on different people. This is why we take the time in our consultations to allow you to try different implant sizes and work out what proportions you like.

Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimetres (cc), which measures the volume of the implant (and is the same as volume in millilitres and weight in grams.) Implant size numbers do not correlate with bra cup sizes (e.g. A-G).

The smallest breast implant size we work with is around 120cc, and the largest is over 900cc.

We have a range of sizes available to enhance breast volume and shape. One of the most important aspects of choosing an implant size is understanding how this will work with your breast tissue, proportions and individual anatomy. The same implant size will look very different on different people. This is why we take the time in our consultations to allow you to try different implant sizes and work out what proportions you like.

Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimetres (cc), which measures the volume of the implant (and is the same as volume in millilitres and weight in grams.) Implant size numbers do not correlate with bra cup sizes (e.g. A-G).

The smallest breast implant size we work with is around 120cc, and the largest is over 900cc.

02

Profile & Projection Profile & Projection

Breast implants have different levels of projection from the chest; sometimes referred to as low or high profile implants. The variation in profile helps us to achieve different levels of enhancement for different people.

When you attend your consultation we can assess your anatomy and explore your aesthetic goals, then recommend what may be most suitable.

Breast implants have different levels of projection from the chest; sometimes referred to as low or high profile implants. The variation in profile helps us to achieve different levels of enhancement for different people.

When you attend your consultation we can assess your anatomy and explore your aesthetic goals, then recommend what may be most suitable.

03

Silicone vs Saline Silicone vs Saline

There are two materials used to fill breast implants: silicone and saline. Both have a silicone shell or envelope.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are now uncommonly used since the development of silicone implants. Saline is a type of salt water, which doesn’t look or feel as natural as silicone. These implants are more prone to visible rippling and deflate rapidly if the outer shell splits, as they are filled with fluid. They look, feel and move like a hot water bottle.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are the most popular type of implant. They are a soft, solid gel which looks and feels more natural compared to a fluid such as saline. As cohesive silicone gel maintains its shape, a disruption to the outer shell of the implant produces less leakage and deflation compared to saline implants.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
‘Gummy Bear Implants’ are the colloquial name for firm (highly cohesive) silicone implants, as firm silicone has been likened to the firmness of a gummy bear.

There are two materials used to fill breast implants: silicone and saline. Both have a silicone shell or envelope.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are now uncommonly used since the development of silicone implants. Saline is a type of salt water, which doesn’t look or feel as natural as silicone. These implants are more prone to visible rippling and deflate rapidly if the outer shell splits, as they are filled with fluid. They look, feel and move like a hot water bottle.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are the most popular type of implant. They are a soft, solid gel which looks and feels more natural compared to a fluid such as saline. As cohesive silicone gel maintains its shape, a disruption to the outer shell of the implant produces less leakage and deflation compared to saline implants.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
‘Gummy Bear Implants’ are the colloquial name for firm (highly cohesive) silicone implants, as firm silicone has been likened to the firmness of a gummy bear.

04

Shape Shape

Silicone implants come in two shapes: round and teardrop. The selection between round and teardrop depends on a variety of factors, particularly the desired shape as well as your anatomy and breast tissue. We will explore which shape may be more likely to help you achieve your desired contour during your consultation.
Round Breast Implants
Round implants have a round base with projection maximal at the centre of the implant. When placed in the body they provide more fullness at the upper pole of the breast (compared to teardrop implants) and can be used to achieve a more augmented appearance. Round implants can also be used to achieve a ‘natural’ breast contour. Because round implants are symmetrical, they can rotate within the body without causing any visual asymmetry.
Teardrop Breast Implants
Teardrop implants (also known as anatomical implants, or colloquially as a ‘teardrop boob job’) are smaller at the top, with more width and projection in the lower part of the implant. They are better at achieving a ‘lifted’ look. However, because teardrop implants are fuller at the bottom of the implant, if the implants rotate this can cause a change in shape of the breast. To reduce the risk of rotation, these implants have a textured shell to enhance grip and keep them in the optimal orientation.

Silicone implants come in two shapes: round and teardrop. The selection between round and teardrop depends on a variety of factors, particularly the desired shape as well as your anatomy and breast tissue. We will explore which shape may be more likely to help you achieve your desired contour during your consultation.
Round Breast Implants
Round implants have a round base with projection maximal at the centre of the implant. When placed in the body they provide more fullness at the upper pole of the breast (compared to teardrop implants) and can be used to achieve a more augmented appearance. Round implants can also be used to achieve a ‘natural’ breast contour. Because round implants are symmetrical, they can rotate within the body without causing any visual asymmetry.
Teardrop Breast Implants
Teardrop implants (also known as anatomical implants, or colloquially as a ‘teardrop boob job’) are smaller at the top, with more width and projection in the lower part of the implant. They are better at achieving a ‘lifted’ look. However, because teardrop implants are fuller at the bottom of the implant, if the implants rotate this can cause a change in shape of the breast. To reduce the risk of rotation, these implants have a textured shell to enhance grip and keep them in the optimal orientation.

05

Texture Texture

Teardrop implants have a textured shell to enhance grip within the body and reduce the risk of the implant rotating.

Round implants can have either a smooth or textured shell. A textured covering is sometimes recommended to improve placement within the body, depending on your anatomy and your aesthetic goals.

Textured implants have a risk of BIA-ALCL: Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. This is a rare form of cancer of the immune system where abnormal white blood cells occur in the fluid around a textured implant. We use Mentor implants, where the risk of BIA-ALCL is 1 in 50 000. ALCL does not occur with smooth implants. If a textured implant may be of benefit for your situation, we will discuss ALCL with you in greater detail so that you can decide whether a smooth or textured implant is right for you.

Teardrop implants have a textured shell to enhance grip within the body and reduce the risk of the implant rotating.

Round implants can have either a smooth or textured shell. A textured covering is sometimes recommended to improve placement within the body, depending on your anatomy and your aesthetic goals.

Textured implants have a risk of BIA-ALCL: Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. This is a rare form of cancer of the immune system where abnormal white blood cells occur in the fluid around a textured implant. We use Mentor implants, where the risk of BIA-ALCL is 1 in 50 000. ALCL does not occur with smooth implants. If a textured implant may be of benefit for your situation, we will discuss ALCL with you in greater detail so that you can decide whether a smooth or textured implant is right for you.

Understanding Surgery Understanding Surgery

There are different techniques when it comes to breast augmentation. We draw on over 25 years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery to guide you.

There are different techniques when it comes to breast augmentation. We draw on over 25 years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery to guide you.

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Private client consultation at The Doctors' Studio

01

Incisions & Scars Incisions & Scars

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There are three types of incisions that can be used to insert breast implants: inframammary (a line at the base of the breast), axillary (in the armpit) and periareolar (around the nipple).

At The Doctors’ Studio, we prefer the inframammary incision. This scar usually heals extremely well and is difficult to see. It is the safest technique.

It can be more difficult to accurately place a breast implant using an axillary incision with risks of the implant sitting too high, and if prominent scarring occurs it can also be difficult to disguise. We do not recommend a periareolar incision due to the increased risk of infection, reduced nipple sensation, and interference with breastfeeding compared to other techniques.

There are three types of incisions that can be used to insert breast implants: inframammary (a line at the base of the breast), axillary (in the armpit) and periareolar (around the nipple).

At The Doctors’ Studio, we prefer the inframammary incision. This scar usually heals extremely well and is difficult to see. It is the safest technique.

It can be more difficult to accurately place a breast implant using an axillary incision with risks of the implant sitting too high, and if prominent scarring occurs it can also be difficult to disguise. We do not recommend a periareolar incision due to the increased risk of infection, reduced nipple sensation, and interference with breastfeeding compared to other techniques.

02

Placement Placement

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There are three possible placements for breast implants.

Subglandular Breast Implants

Subglandular placement (also called ‘over muscle’) is where the implant is placed under the glandular breast tissue and over the pectoral muscle. The benefit of this placement is that use of the pectoral muscles (movement of the arms closer to and in front of the body) does not affect the implant, as the muscles are able to move smoothly underneath the implant.

Partial Submuscular Breast Implants

Partial submuscular placement (also known as ‘dual-plane’) is where the pectoral muscle covers the upper portion of the breast implant. This can be useful for people with minimal tissue coverage in the upper chest (e.g. if upper ribs are visible), as placing the implant partially under the pectoral muscle can help reduce the visibility of the upper border of the implant.

The downsides of placing the implants under the muscle are:

1. wider cleavage

2. animation effect (implant moving with pectoral muscle contraction)

3. weakening of the pectoral muscle

Submuscular Breast Implants

The third type of placement is submuscular (also known as an ‘under muscle boob job’) where the muscle totally covers the implant. This technique is less often used but may be optimal for some women.

There are three possible placements for breast implants.

Subglandular Breast Implants

Subglandular placement (also called ‘over muscle’) is where the implant is placed under the glandular breast tissue and over the pectoral muscle. The benefit of this placement is that use of the pectoral muscles (movement of the arms closer to and in front of the body) does not affect the implant, as the muscles are able to move smoothly underneath the implant.

Partial Submuscular Breast Implants

Partial submuscular placement (also known as ‘dual-plane’) is where the pectoral muscle covers the upper portion of the breast implant. This can be useful for people with minimal tissue coverage in the upper chest (e.g. if upper ribs are visible), as placing the implant partially under the pectoral muscle can help reduce the visibility of the upper border of the implant.

The downsides of placing the implants under the muscle are:

1. wider cleavage

2. animation effect (implant moving with pectoral muscle contraction)

3. weakening of the pectoral muscle

Submuscular Breast Implants

The third type of placement is submuscular (also known as an ‘under muscle boob job’) where the muscle totally covers the implant. This technique is less often used but may be optimal for some women.

03

Internal Bra Internal Bra

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We use an ‘internal bra’ surgical technique to support the implants and reduce the risk of downward displacement.

We use an ‘internal bra’ surgical technique to support the implants and reduce the risk of downward displacement.

04

Keller Funnel Keller Funnel

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We use a Keller Funnel for all breast implant insertions to reduce incision length (and therefore scarring), as well as to reduce the risk of implant encapsulation.

We use a Keller Funnel for all breast implant insertions to reduce incision length (and therefore scarring), as well as to reduce the risk of implant encapsulation.

Recovery Recovery

We perform breast augmentations under a general anaesthetic in a day hospital. You will be able to rest and recover in your own bed on the night of surgery, and most people return to work after one week.

We like to make sure you are well supported in your recovery journey. We therefore include all reviews with our nurse or doctor in the cost of surgery for the first 12 months to ensure we can help you with any questions that arise.

We perform breast augmentations under a general anaesthetic in a day hospital. You will be able to rest and recover in your own bed on the night of surgery, and most people return to work after one week.

We like to make sure you are well supported in your recovery journey. We therefore include all reviews with our nurse or doctor in the cost of surgery for the first 12 months to ensure we can help you with any questions that arise.

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01

The Recovery Journey The Recovery Journey

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic in a day hospital. You can leave hospital if you are feeling well after a couple of hours of post-operative observation.

The chest is most sore in the first few days after surgery and managed with pain relief tablets. While some manage at home without any trouble, others find it more comfortable to have help from family or friends for a few days.

Our surgical nurse will review you 5 to 7 days after your surgery to see how you are recovering. They will check on your incisions and healing, provide tape and scar gel, and provide information on how to take care of your incisions and minimise scarring. All stitches used in the surgery are dissolvable.

Most people return to work 1 week after surgery. However, if high levels of physical activity or lifting are involved, you may not be able to resume these activities for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

We recommend avoiding underwire bras, activities that bounce the breasts (such as jogging and aerobics), as well as pools and spas for the first month to ensure optimal healing. We will provide you with two post-operative bras and our nurse will provide tailored advice about how to resume your normal level of exercise and activity.

There is swelling in the first few weeks as the tissues heal; this settles gradually and is usually minimal by about 1 month after surgery. The size of the breasts at 1 month after surgery is what they will be long term. The breasts continue to soften in the first 2 to 3 months after surgery.

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic in a day hospital. You can leave hospital if you are feeling well after a couple of hours of post-operative observation.

The chest is most sore in the first few days after surgery and managed with pain relief tablets. While some manage at home without any trouble, others find it more comfortable to have help from family or friends for a few days.

Our surgical nurse will review you 5 to 7 days after your surgery to see how you are recovering. They will check on your incisions and healing, provide tape and scar gel, and provide information on how to take care of your incisions and minimise scarring. All stitches used in the surgery are dissolvable.

Most people return to work 1 week after surgery. However, if high levels of physical activity or lifting are involved, you may not be able to resume these activities for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

We recommend avoiding underwire bras, activities that bounce the breasts (such as jogging and aerobics), as well as pools and spas for the first month to ensure optimal healing. We will provide you with two post-operative bras and our nurse will provide tailored advice about how to resume your normal level of exercise and activity.

There is swelling in the first few weeks as the tissues heal; this settles gradually and is usually minimal by about 1 month after surgery. The size of the breasts at 1 month after surgery is what they will be long term. The breasts continue to soften in the first 2 to 3 months after surgery.

Before & Afters

*Please note, all after photos are three months post-procedure. Outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not guarantee similar results for other patients and will vary according to genetics, diet and exercise.

Click to view more

01

Do I need to change my implants? Do I need to change my implants?

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Implants do not routinely need to be removed or replaced after a certain time period if they are not causing any issues.

Some people have their implants removed or replaced for cosmetic or medical reasons.

Implants do not routinely need to be removed or replaced after a certain time period if they are not causing any issues.

Some people have their implants removed or replaced for cosmetic or medical reasons.

02

Does a breast augmentation affect breastfeeding? Does a breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?

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Breast implants using an inframammary incision should not affect breastfeeding, regardless of whether they are placed above or below the muscle (subglandular and partial submuscular / dual-plane placements).

Implants using a periareolar incision can affect breastfeeding; however, we do not recommend a periareolar incision at The Doctors’ Studio.

Breast implants using an inframammary incision should not affect breastfeeding, regardless of whether they are placed above or below the muscle (subglandular and partial submuscular / dual-plane placements).

Implants using a periareolar incision can affect breastfeeding; however, we do not recommend a periareolar incision at The Doctors’ Studio.

03

Does a breast augmentation affect breast screens? Does a breast augmentation affect breast screens?

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Breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer. Routine breast screening should continue, and mammography, ultrasounds and MRIs can all be performed.

Breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer. Routine breast screening should continue, and mammography, ultrasounds and MRIs can all be performed.

04

What are the risks of cosmetic surgery? What are the risks of cosmetic surgery?

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Making the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a serious one, and patients considering a procedure should also keep in mind that they need time to recover, they will need support, and possibly time off work. They may also need other therapies such as massage and compression garments.
During your consultation we will discuss the range of options available to you and recommend treatments that have the best chance of achieving your desired goals. Part of this conversation will cover, in more detail, the types of complications and risks that apply to your specific circumstances. In general, the risks and complications of surgery are:

  • disappointing aesthetic outcome
  • infection
  • bleeding
  • scarring
  • significant asymmetry (a large difference between sides)
  • pain
  • change in skin sensation (eg. numbness)
  • allergic reaction
  • anaesthetic complications
  • prolonged recovery and wound healing
  • collections of fluid

All of these may result in the need for further treatment or surgery.

Making the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a serious one, and patients considering a procedure should also keep in mind that they need time to recover, they will need support, and possibly time off work. They may also need other therapies such as massage and compression garments.
During your consultation we will discuss the range of options available to you and recommend treatments that have the best chance of achieving your desired goals. Part of this conversation will cover, in more detail, the types of complications and risks that apply to your specific circumstances. In general, the risks and complications of surgery are:

  • disappointing aesthetic outcome
  • infection
  • bleeding
  • scarring
  • significant asymmetry (a large difference between sides)
  • pain
  • change in skin sensation (eg. numbness)
  • allergic reaction
  • anaesthetic complications
  • prolonged recovery and wound healing
  • collections of fluid

All of these may result in the need for further treatment or surgery.

05

What are the risks specific to breast augmentation surgery? What are the risks specific to breast augmentation surgery?

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Malposition of breast implants includes movement of the implant from the original optimal placement, as well as rotation for teardrop shaped implants.

Encapsulation, also known as capsular contracture, is where the body rejects the implant as a foreign material. The normally soft membrane around the implant hardens, which can result in the breast feeling firmer and sometimes distorting the shape of the breast. It is not known exactly why this occurs for some and not others.

Breast implant rupture can occur with trauma to the breast or stress to the implant. If this occurs it is recommended to have the implant removed and replaced within 12 months. For this reason, it is recommended to have a breast scan if you notice pain or change in shape to the breast or after trauma to the breast.

If these complications occur, it is recommended to have the implant removed and replaced.

Malposition of breast implants includes movement of the implant from the original optimal placement, as well as rotation for teardrop shaped implants.

Encapsulation, also known as capsular contracture, is where the body rejects the implant as a foreign material. The normally soft membrane around the implant hardens, which can result in the breast feeling firmer and sometimes distorting the shape of the breast. It is not known exactly why this occurs for some and not others.

Breast implant rupture can occur with trauma to the breast or stress to the implant. If this occurs it is recommended to have the implant removed and replaced within 12 months. For this reason, it is recommended to have a breast scan if you notice pain or change in shape to the breast or after trauma to the breast.

If these complications occur, it is recommended to have the implant removed and replaced.

Start your journey with us.

A consultation is a chance for both you and Dr David Topchian to get to know each other. Dr Topchian has performed cosmetic surgery for thousands of women over the past 25 years. He can explore your aesthetic goals and options and answer your questions. You can learn about how we can support you on your journey.

You can learn about how we can support you on your journey.

Start your journey with us.

A consultation is a chance for both you and Dr David Topchian to get to know each other. Dr Topchian has performed cosmetic surgery for thousands of women over the past 25 years. He can explore your aesthetic goals and options and answer your questions. You can learn about how we can support you on your journey.

You can learn about how we can support you on your journey.

Request a consultation Request a consultation