Breast Augmentation

Dr Dona emphasises that breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer. Silicone implants have been used safely for around 50 years, and extensive research confirms they do not raise breast cancer risk.

With or without implants, a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is approximately 1 in 8, so regular screening remains essential. Always inform your mammogram or ultrasound provider that you have implants, as this helps ensure accurate imaging.

Breast implants do not reduce the ability to detect cancer, and routine monthly self-examination should continue. Some women even find that implants make self-exams slightly easier.

It is important to note that there is a rare implant-associated cancer called ALCL, which is covered in the “Potential Complications” section of this page.

A common myth is that breast implants must be replaced every 10 years – this is not true. Implants can last a lifetime if they continue to look and feel good.

However, your body naturally changes over time due to factors such as ageing, gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, lifestyle, and genetics. These changes may lead to a desire for revision surgery later.

For women with larger breasts, whether natural or augmented, supportive bras are essential to help maintain shape and reduce strain from gravity. While implants are durable, specific issues may occasionally arise that require surgery, which are covered in the complications section.

Whether breast implants affect chest muscle strength depends on implant placement:

• Above the muscle: No effect on strength. The implants don’t move with muscle contraction.
• Under the muscle (subpectoral): The implants move when you contract your chest muscles. This can widen the cleavage temporarily and may create a ‘dynamic double bubble’, an indentation in the underboob area during contraction.
• Dual Plane Type 1: Common under-muscle technique. Muscle function is preserved, but a dynamic double bubble can occur.
• Dual Plane Type 2: Modified under-muscle technique. Minimises the dynamic double bubble, but a small segment of the pectoral muscle loses some function due to partial detachment.

Dr Dona customises the approach to balance cleavage aesthetics with preservation of muscle function.

Pain after breast augmentation varies from person to person. Most patients feel a sense of tightness or heaviness across the chest, especially in the first two to three days. Implants placed under the muscle, which Dr Dona commonly performs, can be slightly more uncomfortable than over-the-muscle placement but generally provide better long-term results.

Pain is usually manageable with prescribed medications, and light activity, such as gentle walking, is encouraged to aid recovery. Taking slow, deep breaths regularly helps prevent chest stiffness or infection. While everyone’s experience is different, discomfort typically improves quickly over the first few days, allowing a smoother recovery.

After surgery, keep all bandages in place until your first clinic visit. Dr Dona follows a strict post-operative protocol, which includes regular clinic appointments during the first few weeks to monitor healing, manage your wounds and provide treatments such as LED therapy.

You’ll be given a full schedule of follow-up visits before your surgery. This careful approach ensures your wounds heal optimally and supports the best possible results from your Breast Augmentation.

In the early post-operative period, the breasts can sit higher and appear firmer, and this change gradually resolves over time. As a general guide, by around six weeks, most swelling has reduced, and the overall shape is becoming easier to assess. This is also the point when many patients choose to be fitted for new bras.

Breasts usually continue to settle over the following months. It often takes between three and six months for the implants to settle into their long-term position. Some people refer to this process as ‘drop and fluff’, which describes the gradual settling and softening of the breasts.

It is common for nipples to appear more erect in the early stages after Breast Augmentation Surgery. This can be related to factors such as breast skin firmness, underlying breast tissue and the way the nipples sat before surgery. Pressure from the implants and, sometimes, temporary nerve sensitivity may contribute to this.

For most patients, this settles over time. If nipple prominence remains noticeable at around six months, it may continue in the longer term, although this occurs in a small percentage of individuals.

Some patients with mildly inverted nipples may notice that their nipples evert after surgery. This can occur due to changes in breast shape and internal pressure, but it is not guaranteed.

Stretch marks can occur after Breast Augmentation Surgery, although this varies between individuals. While it might seem more likely with larger implants, stretch marks are mostly influenced by a person’s genetic predisposition and how their skin responds to stretching. They may also occur in patients receiving smaller implants, particularly if the skin is already loose before surgery.

Women who naturally have fuller or ‘puffy’ areolas may notice that they appear even puffier after breast augmentation. This happens because the areolar skin is thinner and stretches more easily, especially while the breasts are tight and under tension in the early post-operative period.

As your breasts settle and soften, usually between three and six months after surgery, the areolas typically return to their normal pre-operative appearance.

Patients often ask when they can safely return to sexual activity after Breast Augmentation Surgery. You can resume sexual activity at any time after the procedure, but most people find they are too sore in the first few days to feel comfortable.

As a general rule, activities that involve significant upper-body effort, such as lifting or straining, should be avoided for the first four weeks after surgery. With this in mind, if you choose to engage in sexual activity during this period, it is essential to avoid using your upper body and to take a passive role to prevent strain on the chest area.

From around three weeks after surgery, some patients are advised to begin firmer breast massage as part of their post-operative care. At this point, handling of the breasts is usually acceptable, provided it is comfortable for you. Your own comfort is the best indicator of what is appropriate at each stage of recovery.

After Breast Augmentation Surgery, it is essential to return to exercise gradually to support healing. Gentle walking can begin immediately, and light cardio, such as a stationary bike, is generally suitable from around two weeks. Running and more dynamic cardio can usually be introduced at about four weeks, provided a supportive bra is worn to minimise breast movement.

Gym workouts may also resume at this time, starting with brief, light sessions and gradually increasing intensity based on comfort.

Heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks after surgery, including gym weights and lifting heavy objects at home or work. Higher-intensity training, such as CrossFit, is typically delayed for at least two months, with most patients beginning with gentle sessions and returning to more demanding routines only when their body feels ready.

Light desk-based work can usually be resumed within one to two weeks after surgery, depending on how you feel and the nature of your duties. Driving can generally be considered from at least one week post-surgery, provided you are no longer taking prescription pain medication that may affect alertness, and you feel comfortable and safe performing all necessary driving movements. Always let your body guide you, and avoid any activity that causes discomfort.

Surgical Bra: A surgical bra is placed on you at the end of your operation, so it is already in place when you wake up. This bra is worn for six weeks after surgery. Many patients choose to purchase one or two inexpensive sports bras or crop tops so they have alternatives to wear while washing the surgical bra during this period.

Breast Massage: At around three weeks after surgery, some patients may be advised to begin gentle breast massage. This can help with softening and settling, although not all patients require massage. Your surgeon and nursing team will provide individual guidance based on your assessment. In some cases, a breast strap may be recommended for additional support if one or both breasts require help settling into position.

At around six weeks post-operation, when most swelling has reduced, you can discuss bra options and further post-operative care during your review appointment.

Bruising is a standard part of the recovery process after Breast Augmentation Surgery. The amount of bruising can vary between individuals, ranging from mild to more noticeable. Bruising often appears in the cleavage area, the outer breast region and the lower part of the breasts. It is normal for the bruise’s colours to change as it progresses. If you experience significant or concerning bruising, contact your surgeon or clinic to have your symptoms assessed and ensure everything is progressing as expected.

It is common to experience a range of unusual sensations in the early stages after Breast Augmentation Surgery. Some patients notice a feeling similar to water moving or hear slight squishing sounds around the implants. This can occur as tissues settle and generally improves with time.

A sense of heaviness or tightness is also normal, and it is not unusual for one side to feel more uncomfortable than the other. These feelings may vary from day to day. Many patients also describe brief stabbing or shooting pains, sometimes referred to as electric shock–type sensations. These pains usually occur suddenly and settle quickly, and they tend to become less frequent as healing progresses.

Swelling is expected after Breast Augmentation Surgery and can be quite noticeable in the early stages. A large portion of the swelling usually resolves within the first two to three weeks, although some may persist for longer. It is also common for one breast to swell more than the other. Mild differences are normal, but any significant difference should be reported to your surgeon for review. Swelling often appears more prominent in the upper part of the breasts, which can temporarily create a shape that looks different from what you may anticipate early on.

Your pre-existing anatomy can influence how this swelling appears. For example, if the breasts sat lower before surgery, early upper pole swelling may make this more noticeable for a short period. If the lower breast area was tight or short before surgery, this tightness may appear more pronounced immediately after surgery. These features usually change as swelling settles and tissues relax, though in some cases, tightness may persist depending on individual anatomy.

Swelling between the breasts is common in the early stages after Breast Augmentation surgery, and in some cases, this can make the area appear fuller or create the appearance of a single contour. This varies between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as surgical technique, implant size, and pre-existing anatomy.

At around one week after surgery, you may be shown how to gently massage the area between the breasts to help define the cleavage as swelling settles. When pressing in this area, some patients notice a sensation similar to fine air bubbles or a light popping feeling. This is a normal sensation during the healing process.

Some patients notice temporary weight gain in the early stages after Breast Augmentation Surgery. This can occur because activity levels are reduced during recovery, leading to fewer calories burned. Time spent resting at home may also lead to changes in eating patterns. Being aware of this possibility can help you manage your intake and maintain a stable weight during the recovery period.

Constipation is a possible issue in the first week or two after surgery. This is often related to the pain medication used during and after the procedure, as these medications can slow bowel movements. Reduced mobility in the early recovery phase may also contribute. Drinking plenty of fluids, increasing fibre intake, and using over-the-counter products such as Metamucil can help keep bowel movements regular. If constipation becomes uncomfortable or persistent, contact your clinic for further advice.