breast augmentation surgery
The best breast augmentation should look balanced, natural, and proportionate to the individual. My goal is not simply to increase breast size, but to create a result that complements your natural proportions and remains stable over the long term.
Introduction
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase breast volume and alter breast shape using implants. Patients seek breast augmentation for a range of reasons, including naturally small breast volume, changes following pregnancy or weight loss, or asymmetry between the breasts.
Dr Raymond approaches breast augmentation with an emphasis on careful assessment, proportion, and long-term outcomes. Each procedure is individually planned, taking into account a patient's body shape, tissue characteristics, and personal goals.
THE PROCEDURE
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthetic with Dr Raymond's experienced team at Hunter Valley Private Hospital.
For implant-only augmentation, operative time is typically one to two hours. Where fat transfer is combined with implants to enhance cleavage, contour, or soft-tissue coverage, operative time may extend to approximately two and a half hours.
An incision is made in the inframammary fold, the natural crease beneath the breast. This location allows safe implant placement while keeping the scar well concealed and avoids incision through breast tissue.
Implants may be placed either:
- Under the breast tissue (subglandular), or
- Partly or fully beneath the chest muscle (submuscular or dual-plane)
The most appropriate implant position is determined during consultation based on your body shape and desired outcome.
THE PROCESS
Breast augmentation begins with a detailed consultation process.
All patients undergo two consultations with Dr Raymond, supported by the nursing team. These consultations focus on assessment, education, and planning, allowing time to consider options and expected outcomes.
IMPLANT SELECTION
Modern breast implants vary in their:
Sizing
Implant size is often the aspect patients focus on most; however, it is usually one of the final decisions made once other critical factors have been considered.
The most important determinants of suitable implant size include:
- Chest width and breast base dimensions
- Thickness and quality of breast tissues
- Skin elasticity and support
Dr Raymond provides guidance on a safe and appropriate range of enhancement for each patient's frame, balancing the desired change with long-term tissue support.
Sizing is performed using a combination of:
- In-clinic assessment
- Wearable implant sizers
- Electronic simulation
Sizing discussions occur throughout the consultation process, and patients are welcome to return to the clinic to see the nursing team as many times as required to try sizers and discuss options, ensuring they have adequate time and confidence to make the right decision for themselves.
Implant Position and Support
In most patients, Dr Raymond employs a customised dual-plane technique, where the upper portion of the implant is positioned beneath the muscle and the lower portion is allowed to expand naturally into the breast tissue.
This approach allows implant position to be tailored to each patient's needs, helping optimise upper pole fullness, implant support, and overall breast shape.
In selected patients with adequate soft-tissue coverage seeking a more moderate implant size, placement above the muscle may be suitable. This approach can offer a simpler recovery but provides less long-term support, which is taken into account during planning.
Where appropriate, Dr Raymond incorporates an internal bra technique, using internal sutures to help define the breast crease and support implant position over time.
Fat Transfer as an Adjunct
Fat transfer is frequently used in conjunction with breast implants to:
- Enhance cleavage
- Soften implant edges
- Improve contour in selected areas
In carefully selected patients, fat transfer alone may provide modest breast augmentation, although more than one procedure is often required. For most patients, combining fat transfer with implants provides the most reliable and balanced result.
THE RECOVERY
Following surgery, patients can expect swelling, tightness, and discomfort in the early post-operative period. This typically improves steadily over the first few weeks.
Most patients:
- Return to non-physical work within one to two weeks
- Resume light exercise after three to four weeks
- Gradually return to full activity over six weeks
Support garments are provided, and patients receive scheduled LED light therapy, scar care guidance, and direct nursing support throughout recovery. Follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor healing and implant position.
Breast shape continues to evolve over several months as swelling resolves and the implants settle.
Treatment Risks
All surgery carries risk. Risks specific to breast augmentation may include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Implant malposition or asymmetry
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Dissatisfaction with size or shape
- Need for future surgery
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. There is no fixed timeframe at which implants must be replaced, and the commonly referenced "ten-year rule" reflects earlier implant generations rather than modern devices. However, implants may require replacement or revision if complications arise.
A rare but recognised risk associated with some breast implants is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is discussed during consultation, along with current understanding, implant selection considerations, and recommended monitoring.
Further information is available on our dedicated Treatment Risks page.
Pricing
Breast augmentation is cosmetic surgery and no Medicare or private health fund rebates apply.
Pricing is provided as an all-inclusive estimate incorporating surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital admission, implants, post-operative garments, routine follow-up, scar care products, LED light therapy, and ongoing nursing support.
As a guide:
- Breast augmentation (round implants): $13,000–15,000
- Anatomical implants: add approximately $2,000
- Fat transfer (adjunct to implants): add approximately $3,000–5,000, depending on the extent of treatment
A personalised written quotation is provided following consultation. All treatment options, implant choices, and associated costs will be discussed before proceeding.
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