If you are undergoing a breast augmentation or a breast lift with implants (augmentation mastopexy), then you will likely be wondering what breast implant types are out there, and what the best choice is for you. A wide variety of high-quality breast implant choices in Australia allows your specialist plastic surgeon to help you achieve the results you desire.
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Options for Implant Fill, Size, Texture, Shape, Projection, Placement and Incision
One of the BIGGEST decisions you’ll make about Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Surgery is the type of breast implant you choose.
- In Australia, the most popular breast implants used by specialist plastic surgeons are MENTOR Implants and MOTIVA implants.
- The most popular breast implant choice for patients and surgeons is high-grade SILICONE implants.
- Most surgeons are using round, smooth or micro-textured implants. Furthermore, the most popular breast implant sizes are around 300ml to 400ml
Dr Craig Rubinstein will help you understand which factors are important to consider when making the choices for your breast implant surgery.
Your Breast Implant Types and Surgery Options
1. Breast Implant Brands in Australia
There are several high-quality, reputable and consistent brands used by plastic surgeons in Australia, including Allergan, Mentor and Motiva.
Dr Rubinstein uses predominantly Motiva implants since he believes they offer most patients the desired results. Furthermore, during the procedure, Dr Rubinstein can insert these implants using a Kellar Funnel (see image below). Using this instrument minimises handling and damage, whilst also helping prevent future implant rupture.
2. Breast Implant Types – Saline and Silicone
There are two breast implant types available in Australia: Saline and Silicone. Dr Rubinstein prefers using silicone implants.
Implants with a Saline filling can also create a rippling look and be more difficult to insert. They can even create a “sloshing” noise during exercise. While some patients might be nervous about silicone implants, they tend to produce the desired result and have the same silicone shell as saline.
3. Breast Implant Shapes – Round or Teardrop (Anatomical)
Implants come in a few different shapes. Currently, these are round and teardrop/anatomical. The choice of shape depends on what you require to get the results you want.
Round implants can move in the breast pocket, generally without affecting the shape of the breast. Anatomical implants, while giving you a more subtle shape, may look deformed if they move/flip within the pocket.
4. Breast Implant Textures – Smooth to Highly Textured
Implants can also come in a variety of different textures from smooth to highly textured. Smooth surface implants have a softer feel and are generally easier to place in the breast pocket. The much less popular, textured implants, however, reduce the risk of implant movement and allow the breast tissue to adhere to the implant surface.
5. Breast Implant Sizes – From Small to Large Implants and Beyond
A small-sized implant might be around 150 to 200 cc, while a large implant is considered to be anything above 400 CC.
How large or small an implant is on your body, however, is determined by your physique and torso dimensions. A 400 cc implant might be far too large on a smaller patient, but may look subtle on a taller one. As a result, it is essential that you work with your surgeon to find the correct implant size for your individual body type. Dr Craig is known for conservatively sized, subtle-looking breasts. He aims to avoid future problems that are associated with very large implants.
6. Breast Implant Placement Options: The Placement Pocket
There are three common approaches for breast implant placement:
- In front of the pectoral muscle
- Behind the pectoral muscle
- Dual plane (partially behind the muscle).
Each of these methods offers a different type of result, and Dr Craig will be able to suggest the breast implant placement that will suit you, depending on your skin, body composition, existing breast tissues, lifestyle and desired outcomes.
Remember, getting the desired results depends on a variety of aspects of your surgery. It’s important to plan the surgery carefully but it’s just as important to follow pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions, not to smoke, eat well, rest, hydrate, do not do too much too early, and to understand the healing and recovery processes and time frames. These can ALL vary and all surgery has risks.
A. Submuscular (Implant Placement)
- Submuscular implant placement involves positioning the breast implant beneath the pectoral muscle.
- Placing the implant behind the muscle allows the surrounding soft tissue to cover and camouflage the implant, resulting in a more subtle appearance.
- Although the recovery in the initial days may be slightly more uncomfortable when the implant is positioned behind the muscle, the long-term results typically yield a more subtle-looking outcome.
- This can vary from patient to patient, however, and may depend on what you’re starting with.
B. Subglandular (Implant Placement in FRONT of the muscle)
- If there is already an acceptable volume of breast tissue present (as determined by pinching up a fold of breast tissue) to hide the defined implant edges, your surgeon may recommend placing the implant in front of the pectoral muscle.
- This technique typically offers a more comfortable recovery period and shorter procedure time since the muscles are not disturbed during surgery.
C. Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation placement options
- In a dual-plane breast augmentation, the implant is placed partially behind the muscle and partially behind the breast tissue.
- This technique offers a balance between both submuscular and subglandular placement.
- The dual-plane approach can result in a more comfortable recovery period and shorter procedure time compared to a complete submuscular placement.
- By partially covering the implant with muscle, the risk of visible implant edges is reduced, providing a more subtle-looking outcome.
- The specific placement of the implant will depend on individual factors such as existing breast tissue and desired results.
- Your surgeon will assess your unique situation and discuss the most suitable option during a confidential consultation in Hawthorn.
7. Breast Augmentation Incisions and Scars:
There are three types of breast implant incisions commonly used: periareolar, transaxillary, and inframammary incisions.
A. Periareolar Incision (around the nipple).
- Less commonly used due to higher risks associated with breast function.
- It involves making an incision around the areola to minimize scar visibility between the dark area of the areola and the surrounding skin.
- This incision has a higher risk of complications such as lost nipple sensation or difficulty breastfeeding compared to other incision methods.
B. Transaxillary Incision – Armpit Incision to reduce Keloid Scarring.
- This incision is made in the armpit fold and creates a channel from the armpit to the breast, allowing the implant to be placed behind the nipple.
- This incision offers a virtually invisible scar as it rests within the natural skin folds in the armpit area.
- It is suitable for patients with darker skin prone to keloid scarring or those who plan to breastfeed after breast augmentation.
- This incision can only be used once for primary surgery and may have added risks that should be discussed with your surgeon. Ask your Surgeon about the PROS and CONS of armpit-area incisions for breast implant placement.
- Secondary Breast Augmentation or size changes will require an inframammary fold incision.
C. Inframammary Incision – in the breast crease under the breast (inframammary fold or IMF)
- The most common incision site location for breast augmentation, the incision is made in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary).
- This approach provides direct access to the implant pocket site and offers a reliable method for achieving a symmetrical result.
- The scar from this incision is usually short, ranging from approximately 2.5-3.5 cm to 4 cm or more in length.
- Motiva and Mentor brand implants may impact the potential length of your scar, as will existing tissues, prior surgery and insertion preferences/implant sizes.
A periareolar approach can be used if there are concerns about a scar in the inframammary fold or if the fold isn’t developed and the scar is likely to be visible.
It’s important to note that all incisions will leave a scar, but with proper healing, they tend to fade over time and become inconspicuous when wearing clothing. Dr. Craig Rubinstein can provide more information about the level of scarring visibility for each incision approach and recommend the best option for your procedure. If you have concerns about scars after breast surgery, you can refer to the breast augmentation scar treatment page for additional information.
Your Breast Implant Consultation with Dr Rubinstein
During your personal consultation, Dr Rubinstein will assess your existing anatomy and physique. This includes:
- Are you short or long-waisted?
- Is your chest narrow or broad?
- How much space is there between the breasts or nipples?
- Do you have a concave chest?
During your consultation, Dr Rubinstein also uses a range of size selection and planning tools, including bra cup sizers to assess your needs. He also takes extensive measurements of each patient’s torso and chest area to help him anticipate what the end result of your procedure will be.
Dr Rubinstein uses these tools to keep results subtle-looking while altering size, fullness, proportions, and cleavage. He also uses a “laser level” to help identify the level of existing asymmetry of the breasts and/or nipples as well as other factors that may impact your surgical results.
Further Reading – Medical References on Breast Implant Types, Options and Choices
About Dr Craig Rubinstein
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Dr Craig Rubinstein FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is an experienced Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon for breast and abdominoplasty surgery.
Dr Rubinstein offers women personalised abdominoplasty surgery and all forms of cosmetic breast surgery.
BOOK A CONSULTATION (03) 8849 1400
Next Steps in Your Surgical Journey
Want more information about your Procedure?
- Download a Free Procedure Guide on your chosen surgery.
- Visit the FAQs and read patient reviews to learn more about your intended procedure.
- For more information about pricing visit our cost page.
- You can also talk to our Patient Care Team from 9 to 5 pm Monday to Friday on (03) 8849 1400
About Your First Consultation
- Dr Rubinstein’s Consultation fee is $300.
- A referral from your GP or specialist is essential.
- A referral helps when claiming Medicare or Private Health Insurance coverage.
- Please contact the Patient Care Team at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery to book your consultation.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- You are more than welcome to bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
- Ensure you also take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents provided.
- Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important to consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the information provided in this article. The author and publisher of this article do not guarantee the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the content. The information presented in this article is at your own risk.
Read further information about surgical outcome variability on our Disclaimer page.