What Is Breast Augmentation? Your Procedure Guide

Summary: 

• Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry using implants tailored to your body and goals.
• During surgery, implants are placed either under your breast tissue or chest muscle under general anaesthesia, with the approach chosen based on your anatomy and desired outcome.
• Recovery involves swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort in the first few days, with a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks.

Breast augmentation isn’t just about size — for many people, it’s about restoring balance and improving proportions.

However, before deciding on breast augmentation, it helps to understand what the procedure is all about, from implant selection to recovery after surgery.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances breast volume, shape, and symmetry while keeping the overall result balanced with your body proportions.

What the Procedure Involves

During breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon places implants either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy, tissue coverage, and the look you’re aiming for.

This positioning is carefully planned to help the implant sit in a way that suits your natural frame and movement. To minimise visible scarring, the incision is usually made in discreet areas such as the breast fold, around the areola, or in the underarm area, depending on the surgical plan discussed during consultation.

Different Types of Implants

If you’re exploring this procedure, you’ll typically be offered different implant options, including:

• Silicone implants, which feel closer to natural breast tissue
• Saline implants, which are filled with sterile salt water
• Different shapes, such as round or anatomical (teardrop)
• Various sizes to match your body proportions and goals

Surgical vs Non-Surgical Options

Non-surgical treatments may improve skin quality or mild volume changes, but they cannot meaningfully increase breast size or reshape the breast. If you want a noticeable and long-lasting change in volume or contour, surgical augmentation is generally required.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Your suitability depends on your body, goals, and overall health.

Ideal Body Types and Goals

You may be a suitable candidate if you:

• Want to increase breast size or restore lost volume
• Have naturally smaller breasts and want more proportion
• Notice the asymmetry between your breasts
• Have realistic expectations about results

When Breast Augmentation May Not Be Suitable

This procedure may not be suitable if you:

• Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have untreated breast conditions
• Have unrealistic expectations about size or outcome
• Are not ready for surgery or recovery downtime

Thinking about breast augmentation? Book a consultation at Polaris Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to understand if it’s right for you.

The Procedure: Step by Step

The process involves a planned consultation, implant placement surgery, and a recovery period where your body heals.

Consultation and Assessment

Your consultation involves a detailed discussion of your goals, body proportions, and medical history.

Your plastic surgeon will assess your chest shape and help you choose the implant type, size, and placement based on what suits your body and desired outcome.

Implant Placement and Technique

On the day of surgery, your surgeon makes a small incision and places the implant either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The technique is chosen based on your anatomy and goals to help achieve a balanced, natural-looking result.

Anaesthesia and Comfort Measures

Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep throughout the procedure. Your surgical team monitors you closely to ensure comfort and safety at all times.

Recovery, Aftercare, and Results

Recovery varies from person to person, but there are common stages you can expect.

First Days After Surgery

In the first few days, you may experience swelling, tightness, and mild to moderate discomfort. Your breasts may feel firm initially, which is a normal part of early healing.

Resuming Daily Activities

Most people can return to light activities within a few days, but you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks. Your surgeon will guide you on when it is safe to resume normal routines.

Managing Swelling, Pain, and Scarring

Swelling and discomfort are expected in the early recovery phase and will gradually ease as your body heals. You may also notice tightness in the chest area, which typically improves over time.

Preventing Complications

Your surgeon will plan your procedure carefully based on your anatomy and health profile. You should also be open about your medical history and any medications you are taking so your surgery can be planned safely.

You can reduce risks by:

• Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon
• Following all pre- and post-operative instructions
• Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
• Avoiding smoking during recovery

Maintaining Long-Term Results

While breast implants are long-lasting, your body will continue to change over time. Maintaining a stable weight, wearing appropriate support, and attending regular reviews can help preserve your results.

Book Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Breast augmentation can be a good option if you’re looking to enhance volume or improve breast shape — but you should first understand how different implant options and surgical techniques would work with your body proportions.

At Polaris Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, our plastic surgeon will review your concerns, assess your anatomy, and ensure you understand what breast augmentation is all about, before proceeding with treatment. We want you to always make an informed decision.

Book an appointment today.