While healthy women of any age can have a breast augmentation procedure, Dr Breidahl generally recommends waiting until breast development, childbirth and breast feeding have finished.

To increase breast volume and change breast in a woman whos contours have changed due due to inadequate development or subsequent shrinkage, for example, after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

To correct asymmetry of the breast if they are unequal, although it is important to appreciate that both breasts, nipples and areola are never exactly the same size and shape.

All implants currently used in Australia consist of a silicone bag containing:

• Silicone gel or
• Saline (a weak salt solution similar to body fluids)

The implants have a thick, outer silicone-rubber shell with either a smooth or textured surface. Silicones are a type of plastic, which can be liquid, gel or solid. Silicones have been successfully used in many types of medical devices implanted into the body for many decades. Breast implants are manufactured under strict quality controls to reduce the risk of rupture, gel leakage, capsule formation and other problems. However, manufactures and surgeons cannot guarantee that the use of implants will not lead to side effects or complications.

The procedure can be done under general anaesthesia (where the patient is asleep). Modern anaesthesia does have risks. Rarely, side effects from an anaesthetic can be life-threatening.

The preferred locations of the incision to insert a breast implant are:

• In the fold of skin under the breast (“inframammary” approach). Or
• Across or around the bottom or outer edge of the areola (“areolar/periareolar” approach), or
• The lower portion of the armpit, next to the chest (“transaxillary” approach).

Implants are placed behind the breast not within breast tissue. Dr. Breidahl inserts the implant either:

• Between the breast tissue and the chest muscle, or
• Behind the large chest muscle called the pectoralis.

Each position has its advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Breidahl can provide further details and will recommend which position is likely to be most suitable for you.

Pain relief will be required for two or three days. Do not drive while you are taking a prescription pain reliever or sedative. Take it easy on the first day, and get a lot of rest. Drink plenty of fluids, and eat nourishing foods when you feel able.All surgery results in some swelling and bruising, so you should expect this for one or two weeks.Strenuous athletic activities should be restricted for at least three weeks after surgery. Sex can usually be resumed after the first week or when comfortable.If you smoke, quit. Smoking interferes markedly with healing and is a risk factor in breast cancer.

Outcome in the long term: Breast size and shape will change due to pregnancy, weight loss and weight gain, and as a normal process of ageing. Breast implants will not stop the effects on breast size and shape caused by these situations. Recommended further reading: The Therapeutic Goods Administration of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Service s in Canberra has published a pamphlet entitled Breast Implant Information Booklet, which is recommended. It is available from Dr. Breidahl’s office or may be viewed and downloaded from http://www.health.gov.au/tga/docs/html/breasti.htm.