BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most established procedures in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. It uses silicone gel or saline breast implants to increase breast volume, refine breast shape and improve symmetry between the breasts.

Women consider breast augmentation for many reasons. Some wish to restore fullness lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight change. Others want to correct a natural difference in size or shape between the breasts, or to achieve a silhouette that feels more in proportion with the rest of their body. Every procedure is planned around your individual anatomy, tissue quality and goals, and whether surgery is appropriate for you is decided together with Dr George at consultation.

Your surgeon: Dr Robert George, MBBS MS FRACS

Breast augmentation at our clinic is performed by Dr Robert George, a Specialist Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Fellowship of the College is the highest surgical qualification in Australia and New Zealand, awarded only after a medical degree, years of supervised hospital training and rigorous examination in surgical practice. It means your surgeon has been trained and assessed to the standard required to operate in Australian public and private hospitals, not simply to perform cosmetic procedures.

Dr George holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and a Master of Surgery (MS), and has spent his career in soft tissue surgery, with a particular focus on the breast. Over that time he has performed hundreds of breast augmentation procedures, along with breast lifts, reductions, implant exchanges and revision surgery. This breadth matters. A surgeon who only performs first-time augmentations sees a narrow range of anatomy. Dr George regularly manages complex cases, including patients with asymmetry, tuberous or constricted breasts, significant volume loss after pregnancy or weight change, and revisions of previous surgery where implants have shifted, rippled or developed capsular contracture. That experience shapes how he plans every case, including the straightforward ones.

His approach combines careful surgical technique with a detailed understanding of breast anatomy. Rather than a one-size-fits-all method, implant type, size, projection and placement are chosen to suit your chest width, existing breast tissue, skin quality and the result you are hoping for. He is candid about what is achievable and what is not, and will tell you if a different procedure, or no procedure, is the better option.

As Medical Director of the clinic, Dr George oversees your care from the first consultation through to your final review. You will meet him personally before surgery, he will perform your procedure himself, and he will see you at each stage of your recovery.

Implant options:

Dr George uses MOTIVA implants exclusively because they represent the most advanced generation of breast implant technology available today. Their SmoothSilk surface is engineered at a nano level to reduce inflammation and bacterial adhesion, which is associated with lower rates of capsular contracture, seroma and other complications compared with traditional smooth and textured implants. The TrueMonobloc shell design gives the implant exceptional strength and elasticity, allowing it to be inserted through smaller incisions while maintaining its integrity over time. Every implant carries a BluSeal barrier layer for added protection against silicone bleed, and the Motiva warranty program gives patients long-term reassurance.

Implant options

MOTIVA offers a range of shapes and projections, which allows Dr George to tailor your result rather than work around a limited set of sizes.

MOTIVA Round implants hold a consistent round shape in any position and are often chosen by patients wanting more fullness in the upper breast. MOTIVA Ergonomix implants contain a softer, more dynamic gel that moves with your body, sitting round when you lie down and settling into a natural teardrop shape when you stand, for a result that looks and feels closer to natural breast tissue.

Both shapes are available in a full spectrum of projections, from low profile (Mini) through moderate (Demi) and full (Full) to extra full (Corsé). Projection determines how far the implant sits forward from the chest wall, so two implants of the same volume can produce quite different results depending on the profile chosen. A lower profile suits a wider chest and a subtle, natural enhancement, while a higher profile creates more forward projection on a narrower frame.

At your consultation, Dr George will assess your chest width, existing breast tissue, skin quality and the look you are hoping to achieve, then recommend the combination of shape, projection, volume and placement (above or below the muscle) that best suits your anatomy and goals.

Common reasons patients consider breast augmentation:

Restoring breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss
Improving symmetry where one breast is noticeably smaller than the other
Enhancing proportion and balance with the rest of the body
Addressing underdeveloped breast tissue

A personalised, supported journey:

No two bodies are the same, which is why every breast augmentation with Dr George begins with a comprehensive consultation rather than a fixed plan. You will also be introduced to Renee, our Patient Care Coordinator, who is your point of contact from your first enquiry through to your final review. Renee helps you prepare for your consultation, answers practical questions between appointments and coordinates your pre-operative and post-operative care so that nothing is left to chance.

The consultation process

Enquiry and GP referral. Under current Medical Board of Australia guidelines, a referral from your GP is required before a consultation for cosmetic surgery. Renee can guide you on what to ask your GP.
Initial consultation with Dr George. Dr George takes a full medical history, examines your breast tissue and chest wall, discusses your goals and explains the options, benefits, limitations and risks that apply to you. Consultation fees are payable at the time of booking.
Pre-surgical assessment. As required by the Medical Board's cosmetic surgery guidelines, a screening assessment for body dysmorphic disorder is completed, and a second consultation is arranged so that you have time to consider the information and ask further questions.
Cooling-off period. A minimum seven-day cooling-off period applies between your final consultation and the day of surgery for patients aged 18 and over. Patients under 18 are not treated.
Surgery and recovery. Your procedure is scheduled once you have completed informed consent, with Renee and Dr George's team supporting you through preparation, surgery day and recovery.

Important information:

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure and, like all surgery, carries risks. These may include bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, capsular contracture, implant rupture or displacement, asymmetry, scarring, and the need for further surgery. Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices and may need to be replaced or removed in the future. Results vary from person to person and no specific outcome can be guaranteed. A consultation with Dr George is necessary to determine whether this procedure is suitable for you.

Before and After Sample Image

This is a sample image of before and after face wrinkles treatment.

Before and After Sample Image

This is a sample image of before and after face wrinkles treatment.

Breast augmentation is a day surgery or overnight procedure performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited facility. The details below are a general guide; your own surgical plan will be confirmed with Dr George.
Where is the surgery performed?
Surgery is performed in a licensed and accredited surgical facility with a specialist anaesthetist present throughout the procedure. Most patients go home the same day, although an overnight stay may be recommended in some cases.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will be admitted, reviewed by the anaesthetist and seen by Dr George, who will confirm the plan and complete surgical markings. The procedure usually takes one to two hours. Afterwards you are monitored in recovery until you are ready to be discharged into the care of a responsible adult.
Incision options :
Dr George will discuss the incision approach that best suits your anatomy and implant choice. The most common approaches are:
Inframammary: in the natural fold beneath the breast. This is the most widely used approach and gives the surgeon the most direct access. Periareolar: around the lower edge of the areola.
Transaxillary: through the armpit. This is less commonly used and is only suitable in selected cases. Each approach leaves a scar that fades over time but does not disappear completely. The likely appearance of your scar will be discussed with you.

Implant placement Submuscular (under the muscle): the implant sits partly or fully beneath the pectoral muscle. This is often recommended for patients with thinner breast tissue, as it provides more soft tissue coverage over the implant.
Subglandular (over the muscle): the implant sits beneath the breast tissue but above the muscle. This may be considered for patients with adequate natural tissue.
Dual plane: a combination technique in which the upper portion of the implant is under the muscle and the lower portion is under the breast tissue. Dr George will explain the advantages and trade-offs of each option for your body.
Choosing your implant Implant selection is based on measurements of your chest width, existing breast tissue and skin quality, combined with your goals. Round and anatomical implants, and different profiles (low, moderate, high), produce different results, and Dr George will show you the differences at consultation. Implant sizers may be used to help you visualise potential outcomes, keeping in mind that these are a guide only.
Will I have drains or dressings?
Most patients do not require drains, although this is decided on a case-by-case basis. You will leave the facility with dressings in place and a post-surgical support garment or bra, which should be worn as directed.

Following Dr George's instructions before and after surgery is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of complications and support a smooth recovery. You will receive written instructions specific to you, and Renee is available to answer questions along the way.
Before surgery Stop smoking and vaping for the period Dr George advises before surgery, as nicotine impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications Tell Dr George about all medications and supplements you take. Certain medications and supplements that thin the blood may need to be paused, but only on medical advice Avoid alcohol in the days leading up to surgery Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours Prepare your home: stock up on easy meals, arrange loose front-opening clothing and have your prescribed medications ready Follow the fasting instructions provided by the facility Complete any requested blood tests or imaging before your surgery date.

The first week after surgery Expect swelling, bruising, tightness and some discomfort, which is managed with prescribed pain relief Wear your support garment or surgical bra as directed Keep dressings clean and dry until your first review Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated Avoid lifting, pushing, pulling or raising your arms above shoulder height Do not drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medication and can move comfortably.
Returning to work and exercise:
Most patients return to desk-based work within one to two weeks. Physically demanding work may require more time off. Light walking is encouraged from the first days, while upper-body exercise and high-impact activity are usually avoided for around six weeks, or as advised by Dr George. Recovery times vary between individuals.
Scar care :
Once incisions have healed, Dr George may recommend silicone-based scar therapy and strict sun protection for at least twelve months. Scars typically continue to soften and fade for up to two years. Renee Will also see you post procedure to monitor scars and provide treatments if necessary.

Follow-up appointments:
Your post-operative care is coordinated by Renee and includes reviews with Dr George at the intervals set out in your care plan. It is important to attend every scheduled review even if you feel well, as this allows any early concerns to be identified.
Long-term care of breast implants:
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Dr George recommends regular self-checks and ongoing review, and may advise periodic imaging to monitor the condition of your implants. If you notice any change in breast shape, size, firmness or comfort at any time after surgery, contact the practice.
When to contact us :
Contact the practice immediately, or attend your nearest emergency department, if you experience: Increasing pain, redness or swelling in one breast Fever or chills Discharge, bleeding or opening of the wound Sudden change in breast size or shape Chest pain, shortness of breath or calf pain.

The cost of breast augmentation depends on the implant type, surgical approach, facility and anaesthetic requirements, and the complexity of your case. A personalised written quote is provided after your consultation with Dr George.

What is included in the quote?
Your quote will itemise: Dr George's surgical fee Anaesthetist fee, Facility or hospital fee, Implant cost Post-surgical garments, Scheduled post-operative reviews with Dr George and your Patient Care Coordinator.
Any items not included, such as pre-operative imaging, pathology or prescribed medications, will be clearly identified so there are no surprises.
Is a consultation fee payable? Yes.

A consultation fee is payable when you book your initial consultation with Dr George which is $300. Your Preliminary Consultation with Renee is complimentary and we advise making an appointment with her first if you are not quite sure if you are suitable for surgery. Any consecutive consultations with our Patient Care Coordinator to support your journey are also free.

Does Medicare or private health insurance cover breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation performed for cosmetic reasons is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. In limited circumstances, such as significant breast asymmetry, congenital absence of breast tissue or reconstruction after surgery, a Medicare item number may apply. Dr George will advise at consultation whether your circumstances meet the relevant criteria. Even where an item number applies, out-of-pocket costs remain.

Payment and cooling-off: Payment terms will be set out in your quote. Consistent with Medical Board of Australia guidelines, a minimum seven-day cooling-off period applies between your final consultation and surgery, and a deposit is not requested until this has been completed..

Revision or future surgery Because implants may need to be replaced or removed in the future, patients should budget for possible further surgery over their lifetime. Costs for revision surgery are quoted separately following a revision consultation.