To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.

To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.

To balance a difference in breast size.

As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.

Will I be a good candidate for breast enlargement?

Breast enlargement can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently.

Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with our surgeon.

The best candidates for breast enlargement are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look.

If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you might be a good candidate.

What are the types of Implants?

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline.

Because of concerns that there is insufficient information demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that new gel-filled implants, at the present time, should be available only to women participating in approved studies. Some women requiring replacement of the implants may also be eligible to participate in the study.

Saline-filled implants continue to be available to breast enlargement patients on an unrestricted basis, pending further FDA review.

You should ask our surgeon more about the specifics of the FDA decisions.

Are there any risks?

What should I consider when planning my surgery?

In your initial consultation, our qualified and experienced surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, your doctor may also recommend a breast lift.

Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon and be assured that our qualified and experienced surgeon will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. You may want to ask our surgeon for a copy of the manufacturer's insert that comes with the implant he or she will use -- just so you are fully informed about it. And, be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Our qualified and experienced surgeon will also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. Because most insurance companies do not consider breast enlargement to be medically necessary, carriers generally do not cover the cost of this procedure.

What should I do when preparing for my surgery?

Our qualified and experienced surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

What types of anesthesia will be used?

Breast enlargement can be performed with a general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. Sometimes depending on the patient our surgeon might use a local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy, so you'll be relaxed but awake, and may feel some discomfort.

What happens in the surgery?

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and our qualified and experienced surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision, our surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.

Sometimes depending on the patient our qualified and experienced surgeon might put the implants behind your chest muscle as this may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. Drainage tubes may be used for several days following the surgery. This placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for a few days after surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue.

You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with our surgeon before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure our surgeon recommends for you.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing.

What happens after my surgery?

You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.

Within several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra. You should wear it as directed by your surgeon. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades.

Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.

How long before I get back to feeling normal?

You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.

Follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Routine mammograms should be continued after breast enlargement for women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammographic technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a reliable reading, as discussed earlier.).

What will my new look be?

For many women, the result of breast enlargement can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance.

Regular examination by your plastic surgeon and routine mammograms for those in the appropriate age groups at prescribed intervals will help assure that any complications, if they occur, can be detected early and treated.

Your decision to have breast enlargement is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.

• Surgeon's Fee
• Kingsgrove Day Hospital Theatre and Bed Fee (based on 1.5 hour estimate surgical duration)
• Anesthetist based on 1.5 hour theatre duration
• Breast Implants x 2 (Round Cohesive Gel Implants, please add $1500 should Anatomical Breast Implants and $1920 if Silimed furry brazillian implants are selected)
• 4 Post Surgery Consultations

Brisbane: $9500
Fee includes:

• Surgeon's Fee
• Monstserrat Day Hospital Theatre and Bed Fee (based on 1.5 hour estimate surgical duration)
• Anesthetist based on 1.5 hour theatre duration
• Breast Implants x 2 (Round Cohesive Gel Implants, please add $1500 should Anatomical Breast Implants and $1920 if Silimed furry brazillian implants are selected)
• 4 Post Surgery Consultations