If you’re not pleased with your breast size or shape, you might be thinking about getting a breast augmentation. If you understand the cost implications of breast augmentation surgery in Australia, you can make more educated decisions and be better prepared overall.

This article will discuss breast implants, the factors affecting their cost, and more.

 

What are breast implants?

Breast implants are medical devices that change the appearance, size, and shape of breasts. They can be used to enhance your appearance or correct a physical disproportion. Breast implants are beneficial for patients who want to enlarge their breasts and for those who have undergone a mastectomy and need breast reconstruction.

 

What are the types of breast implants?

Breast implants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. 

 

Saline breast implants

These implants are filled with a sterile saline solution. In the event that the implant shell leaks, the saline will be absorbed and naturally flushed out of your body. Saline breast implants give your breasts a natural, even shape and feel.

 

Structured saline breast implants

Structured implants are designed to feel more natural and are filled with sterile salt water. They contain an inner structure that helps support their shape. 

 

Silicone breast implants

These implants are filled with silicone gel, which gives them a more natural feel. If the implant leaks, the gel may stay inside the implant shell or get out into the breast pocket. A leaking silicone-gel-filled implant will not collapse. If you opt for silicone implants, you will have to visit your cosmetic surgeon more frequently than usual to ensure the implants are working correctly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can help show the condition of breast implants.

 

Textured breast implants

Textured breast implants’ outer surface is grainy to better attach to the surrounding tissues, making it less likely for the implant to shift and become repositioned. Texturing offers the advantage of reducing the risk of a tight scar capsule.

 

Smooth breast implants

Smooth breast implants are able to move with the surrounding breast tissue, which may give a more natural result. Some rippling under the skin may be noticeable with smooth implants. 

 

Round breast implants

Round breast implants are more likely to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants. Higher profile options can achieve even greater projections. Round implants are less likely to rotate out of place because their shape is uniform.

 

What happens during breast augmentation surgery?

There are multiple steps involved in breast augmentation surgery. Here is an in-depth explanation of the process.

 

Anaesthesia or IV sedation

You and your surgeon will determine together whether you should be put under general anaesthesia or given IV sedation for the surgery.

 

The incision

There are several ways to perform breast augmentation surgery. Your surgeon can perform the procedure:

• Through an incision in your armpit (known as the transaxillary approach)
• Along the edge of your areola (the coloured area surrounding your nipple)
• Via the crease under your breast

Before your surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will go over the different possible methods with you to decide which approach would work best for you.

 

Breast implant insertion

Your surgeon will insert your implant either under your breast tissue and in front of your muscle, or behind your breast muscle. The position of your implants will be based on several elements, such as the type of implant you select and how much volume you want to add to your chest. After discussing the benefits of each option with your surgeon, you can decide which method works best for you.

 

Closing the incision

Once your surgeon has placed the implants, they will sew the incisions, and they may place drainage tubes before stitching the incisions to hasten the healing. A gauze bandage will be placed over your breasts. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to take care of your incision site.

 

What happens after breast augmentation surgery?

Once your breast augmentation surgery is complete, your doctor will take you to a room to observe you as you wake up from the anaesthesia. You’ll be discharged once it’s safe for you to leave, which generally takes around an hour.

Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to recover from your breast augmentation surgery before you leave, as well as schedule a follow-up appointment. If you experience any pain, your surgeon will give you a prescription for medication to control it. Your surgeon will provide you with a timeline for when to return to have your drainage tubes removed. They will also provide instructions on when it is time to take off the gauze bandages.

After approximately one week, your surgeon will remove your stitches. For the next four weeks, avoid any heavy lifting; however, if you’re active in sports, it may take up to six weeks before resuming those activities.

 

 

What are the factors that affect the cost of breast implants?

Below are some of the factors that can influence the price of dental implants. Let’s take a look at them. 

 

Initial consultation fees

The first time you visit a surgeon for breast augmentation, you will have to pay a consultation fee. 

 

Surgeon’s fees

In most cases, the surgeon’s fee for breast augmentation surgery covers not only the operation itself but also post-operative care and follow-up visits. The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies depending on the surgeon you select. The significant variation in fees between surgeons primarily reflects the disparities in their expertise, including qualifications, experience and recognition.

During your first meeting, your surgeon will go over the cost of the procedure with you in detail. 

 

Hospital fees

The cost of hospital care can differ significantly among facilities, so it’s crucial that you do your research before making a decision.

Make sure to pick an accredited institution with qualified staff and high standards. Your health and safety should always be a priority. The initial hospital fee for a breast augmentation procedure may not include an overnight stay. If you have to stay overnight, it will cost extra. 

 

Anaesthetist’s fee

The fee is based on the qualifications and experience of the anaesthetist who will be looking after you. A qualified anaesthetist or GP can perform this duty. Now the question is, why would you want a qualified anaesthetist? It is of utmost importance that you choose a reputable and capable anaesthetist to administer your general anaesthesia during your breast enhancement procedure, as they will be effectively in charge of your life during the surgery. When you go under general anaesthesia, you want a qualified medical professional nearby who is knowledgeable about anaesthesia and capable of troubleshooting any potential problems or risks. In addition to safety, your anaesthetist will also help ensure you feel comfortable during and after surgery. 

 

Cost of breast implants

Your surgeon will usually go over the various types of breast implants with you. There is a wide range in price between implant manufacturers and their marketers. When you are getting breast implants, the first step is to decide what type of implant you want. The most common types are silicone and saline implants, but most surgeons in Australia recommend silicone for the majority of patients.

Next, you must decide on the shape, texture, and brand of the breast implants. These factors can affect the price. Your surgeon will help you choose the best shape and texture for your needs and recommend a brand that they know and trust.

The next step is choosing your size. This essentially means deciding on a cup size you’d like to have post-operation. Obviously, the bigger the size, the more expensive your implant costs will be. 

 

Other costs

• Cost of revision surgery – If your cosmetic surgeon feels that revision surgery is necessary, additional costs will be involved. Be sure to inquire about the cost of potential revision surgeries with your doctor before your surgery. Also, ask how revision procedures work and what could cause the need for them.
• Specific garments – You’ll require specific clothing to support your breasts as you heal. Although these items will require an investment, it will be a much smaller sum than what you’ve already spent.
• Cost of medical tests – If you want to or are advised to have surgery, there are certain medical tests that must be carried out first, which vary depending on your health and any existing medical conditions. You will have to pay for them independently.

 

How much does a breast implant cost?

Many factors contribute to the cost of breast augmentation, making it difficult to give an accurate price estimate without a consultation. In Australia, the cost of a breast augmentation procedure can start from $7,000. The best way to see how much you’ll need to spend to get your desired results is by scheduling a consultation with Refine Clinic.

The pricing for breast augmentation surgery varies depending on many factors. After careful consultation with you, our professional cosmetic surgeon will help you decide which options are right for you and best fit your breast augmentation goals. These choices will affect the final cost.

 

Does insurance cover the cost of breast augmentation?

As breast augmentation is considered a cosmetic procedure, Medicare does not cover the costs. Medicare may cover some of the costs if you require the surgery for medical reasons, such as breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. The type of insurance policy you have will determine whether or not your private insurance will cover breast augmentation. Some of your hospital fees and other associated costs may be reimbursed by insurance, depending on the policy you have.

The expenses that are not covered by private insurance will come out of your pocket. Before you book your surgery, make sure to speak with your insurance agency so that you’re clear on what exactly is and isn’t covered.

 

What are the benefits of breast implants?

Here are some of the reasons to consider breast enhancement surgery.

 

1. You can recover what you’ve lost

Many times, breast implants aren’t just to improve your appearance but also to restore something you once had. If you’ve lost weight recently, it’s common to lose size and volume in your breasts. Breast augmentation with lift helps give you breasts that are fuller and symmetrical while still allowing you to have a trim waistline. 

 

2. You can achieve balance in your breasts and nipples

Having asymmetrical breasts, meaning one breast is smaller than the other, can make you self-conscious and make it hard to shop for bras that fit right. Breast implants even out your breasts, resulting in symmetry. This is done by placing the implant perfectly so that both breasts look exactly the same. While performing breast implant surgery, your cosmetic surgeon can also improve nipple symmetry and fix any aesthetic imperfections. 

 

3. You can achieve a more natural look

Many women are self-conscious about getting breast augmentation surgery because they don’t want to stand out too much.

They fear the results will look fake or be noticeable for the wrong reasons. With a good surgeon’s guidance, you won’t have to worry about raised eyebrows or stares. A doctor with experience can tell you the ideal size and shape to improve your figure without going overboard.

The changes you experience will be natural and unnoticeable to others. Breast implants won’t just turn heads; they will make you the centre of attention. And if you’re not ready to share your secret, don’t worry – nobody has to know unless you want them to.

 

4. Breast implants give you a whole new set of clothing options

Many women feel restricted in the type of clothing they can purchase and wear due to having smaller breasts. Many women have experienced going into a store, finding a shirt that fit their hips perfectly but then realising the chest area was much too large and loose. It can feel like you are swimming in the shirt if it is not correctly tailored to your body. Breast implants can give you a whole new world of wardrobe options if you have always been limited in your clothing choices due to the size of your breasts.

 

5. Breast implants increase your confidence and self-esteem 

After getting breast implants, many patients feel a newfound sense of self-confidence. Many women who seek breast implants are self-conscious about the shape and size of their breasts. A single surgery can improve self-esteem and provide the confidence to live life more fully.

 

Who gets breast implants?

Getting breast implants is a personal decision. You should feel confident and comfortable with whatever you choose to do with your body.

The requirements to be able to get breast implants are as follows:

• You should have realistic expectations
• You should be in good physical health
• Your body should be done developing

 

How long do breast implants last?

Your breast implants may not technically expire, but they aren’t guaranteed to last forever. Silicone or saline implants usually last for 10-20 years. Older breast implants are more susceptible to rupture. Although it is not always apparent, breast implant rupture may be indicated by changes in the shape and size of your breast, as well as swelling or firmness.

 

Rejuvenate your look with breast implants

Are you looking for breast implant surgery? Refine Clinic is here to help. At our centre, you will always receive a detailed and bespoke consultation for any of the cosmetic surgery procedures that we offer. We pride ourselves on our transparency and open communication with patients to help ensure that they understand all of their treatment options! Contact us at (02) 8599 7161 for your appointment.

 

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

 

 

 

References

Breast Augmentation: What You Should Know
https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-augmentation 

Breast Implants
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-augmentation