What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation involves increasing the size or improving the shape of the breasts using implants or fat transfer. The procedure can:
Enhance breast volume
Restore shape after pregnancy or weight loss
Correct asymmetry between breasts
Improve confidence in your body and appearance
The goal of breast augmentation surgery is to create natural-looking results that complement your body while ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main ways to perform breast augmentation:
Implant-Based Augmentation
The most common option using silicone or saline implants. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, and profiles to achieve your desired look.
Fat Transfer Augmentation
Uses your own body fat to subtly enhance breast volume. This option is suitable for women seeking smaller, natural-looking improvements.
Choose the right Breast Implants
Choosing breast implants is an individual decision based on your breast anatomy, existing breast tissue, chest dimensions, desired size and shape, and the type of result you are hoping to achieve.
There is no single implant that is right for every patient. Dr Ali Rizvi assesses these factors during your consultation and discusses the options that are appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
Implant Fill
Breast implants may be filled with silicone gel or saline.
Silicone implants are commonly used for breast augmentation and are available in different sizes and profiles. The characteristics of modern silicone gel implants can provide a more natural feel and allow different options for achieving the desired breast shape.
Saline implants are filled with sterile saline solution. They are used less commonly in some settings but may be appropriate for selected patients.
Implant Shape
Implants are available in different shapes, including round and anatomical (teardrop) designs.
The choice depends on factors such as your existing breast shape, breast tissue, implant position and the appearance you want to achieve. Implant shape alone does not determine whether a result will look natural.
Implant Profile and Size
Implant size is not simply about choosing a cup size. Dr Ali Rizvi considers the width of your chest and breast base, the amount of natural breast tissue available to cover the implant, skin and soft-tissue characteristics, and the amount of projection required.
Choosing an implant that is too large for the available tissue may increase the risk of problems such as visible or palpable implant edges, rippling or stretching of the breast tissues.
The goal is to select an implant that is appropriate for your individual anatomy rather than simply choosing the largest possible size.
Implant Surface
Breast implants have different surface characteristics. Implant surface is one of the factors considered when selecting an implant, alongside implant shape, size, profile and placement.
The choice of implant should take into account current Australian regulatory and safety information, as well as the individual patient’s circumstances.
Implant Placement
Depending on your anatomy and the desired result, an implant may be positioned above the chest muscle or partially beneath the muscle using a dual-plane technique.
The appropriate position depends on factors such as the amount of natural breast tissue, breast shape, implant characteristics and the desired outcome. Implant placement can also influence the appearance, recovery and potential complications of surgery.
Breast Implants Require Long-Term Consideration
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While many patients have implants for many years without problems, implants can develop complications or require further surgery over time.
Your consultation should include discussion of the expected benefits of augmentation as well as the potential need for future monitoring, investigation or revision surgery.
What Size and Shape Should You Choose?
Breast augmentation isn’t about “big”—it’s about balanced, natural enhancement.
During consultation you will discuss:
✔ The look you want (natural, fuller, enhanced)
✔ Lifestyle factors (sport, fitness, weightlifting)
✔ Chest width and existing breast tissue
✔ Implant profile and projection
✔ Body proportions and frame
Many women request natural-looking breast augmentation, and this is achievable through careful planning.
Who Is Breast Augmentation Suitable For?
Breast augmentation may be an option for women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts and would like to increase breast volume or improve breast proportions.
Whether breast augmentation is appropriate depends on your individual anatomy, health, expectations and goals. During a consultation, Dr Ali Rizvi will assess your breasts and discuss the available options to determine whether implant-based augmentation is suitable for you.
Breast augmentation may be considered if you:
- Have naturally small breasts and would like increased breast volume
- Have experienced a loss of breast volume following pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight loss
- Would like to improve differences in breast size or shape
- Feel your breasts are disproportionate to your overall body shape
- Are looking for an increase in breast volume while maintaining a balanced, natural-looking appearance
- Have realistic expectations about what breast augmentation can and cannot achieve
Breast Implants With Breast Lift
Breast implants can also be combined with a breast lift to enhance shape, volume, and breast position in a single procedure. This option is ideal for women who want fuller breasts while also correcting sagging or loss of firmness due to ageing, weight changes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
A combined augmentation–lift creates a more youthful and lifted contour than implants alone, with each surgical plan tailored to your anatomy, goals, and desired aesthetic result.
Your Brest Implant Journey
The Breast Augmentation Procedure – Step by Step
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, usually as a day procedure. During surgery:
A discreet incision is made (commonly in the breast crease)
The implant is placed under or over the muscle depending on your body and desired look
The incision is closed, and a supportive bra is applied
Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery
Most women return to light activities within a few days, with full recovery across several weeks.
After breast augmentation, most patients notice swelling and mild discomfort for the first few days. A supportive bra helps with healing and positioning. Key points about recovery:
Light activities can usually resume within 5–7 days
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should wait until 6 weeks
Follow-up appointments monitor healing and implant positioning
Following post-op instructions carefully ensures the best possible results and reduces the risk of complications.
Risks and Safety
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure and, like any operation, carries potential risks and complications. During your consultation, Dr Ali Rizvi will assess your breast anatomy, medical history, goals and implant options to help you understand the potential benefits and risks before deciding whether breast augmentation is appropriate for you.
Potential complications of breast augmentation may include:
- Pain, swelling and bruising – These are common during the early recovery period and generally improve as healing progresses.
- Bleeding or haematoma – Bleeding can occur after surgery and, in some cases, may require further treatment or an additional procedure.
- Infection – Although uncommon, an infection around an implant may require antibiotics and, in more significant cases, removal of the implant.
- Changes in breast or nipple sensation – Temporary or permanent changes in sensitivity can occur following breast surgery.
- Scarring – Incisions leave scars. Their appearance varies between individuals and depends on factors including skin type, healing and the surgical approach.
- Breast asymmetry – Breast augmentation can improve differences in breast size or shape, but it cannot always create perfect symmetry.
- Implant displacement or malposition – An implant may move from its intended position or heal in an undesirable position, potentially requiring corrective surgery.
- Capsular contracture – Scar tissue naturally forms around an implant. In some patients, this capsule can become unusually firm or tight, causing hardness, discomfort or changes in breast shape.
- Implant rupture or leakage – Breast implants can rupture or develop other problems over time. The likelihood and consequences depend on the type of implant and other individual factors.
- Rippling or visible implant edges – Particularly in patients with thinner breast tissue, the implant may be visible or palpable.
- Changes over time – Breast shape can change because of ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and changes in the breast tissue. These changes can occur even when the implant itself remains intact.
- Need for further surgery – Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Some patients may require revision or replacement surgery in the future because of complications, implant problems or changes in their breasts.
Implant-Specific Considerations
Choosing an implant involves more than selecting a size. Implant dimensions, profile, shape, placement and the amount of existing breast tissue all influence the final result and the potential for complications.
Dr Ali Rizvi considers these factors when developing an individualised surgical plan rather than using a single implant choice for every patient. The aim is to achieve an appropriate balance between the patient’s desired breast size and shape, their anatomy and the long-term considerations associated with breast implants.
Patients should also understand that breast augmentation is not a one-time decision for life. Implants can require monitoring and, in some circumstances, further surgery may become necessary.
Your Safety and Surgical Planning
A thorough consultation is an important part of reducing avoidable risks. Dr Ali Rizvi will discuss your medical history, breast anatomy, expectations and available surgical options with you. This includes discussing implant selection, incision and placement options, expected recovery and potential complications.
The decision to proceed with breast augmentation should be made after you have had the opportunity to understand both the potential benefits and risks of surgery and to ask questions about your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my implants last?
Most implants last 10–20 years, but future revision may be needed. Regular check-ups are recommended.
Can I breastfeed after implants?
Yes, most women can breastfeed depending on the surgical approach.
How painful is recovery?
Discomfort is mild and managed with medication. Swelling and tightness reduce over several weeks.
How do I choose the right size?
Dr Ali Rizvi will guide you based on your body frame, chest width, and goals for a natural result.
When can I exercise?
Light activity can resume within a week; full exercise resumes gradually after 6 weeks, based on your healing.
Will my results look natural?
Yes. Implants are carefully chosen for shape, size, and placement to complement your body.
