Breast Augmentation – Breast Implants in Sydney by Dr Kernohan
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty or breast implant surgery, is a breast procedure that may use implants, fat transfer, or both to change breast volume, shape, or symmetry. Some patients consider it for breast asymmetry, changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change, previous surgery, trauma, or cancer-related treatment. It may be discussed as part of breast surgery, breast reconstruction, breast lift, breast lift with implants, implant removal, implant replacement, or fat transfer to breast.
Dr Michael Kernohan is a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon consulting in South West Sydney, including Gledswood Hills. He operates in accredited hospital settings and will assess your anatomy, health history, concerns, suitability, risks, recovery, and surgical options before any decision about breast augmentation is made.
Breast Augmentation at a Glance
Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital or surgical facility. The procedure may involve implants, fat transfer, or both, depending on the patient’s anatomy, health, breast tissue, skin quality, and surgical plan.
Dr Michael Kernohan, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in South West Sydney, will explain what may be suitable, what the limitations are, and what risks apply to your situation. A consultation is required before personalised advice can be provided.
Key points to understand:
- Procedure options may include implants, fat transfer, or both
- Surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia
- Incision placement depends on the surgical plan
- All surgery leaves scars
- Recovery varies between patients
- Time away from work and exercise depends on your procedure and healing
- Breast implants are not lifetime devices
- Future implant surgery may be needed
- Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, sensation changes, implant-related complications, and revision surgery
- Suitability can only be assessed during consultation
Download Dr Michael Kernohan’s Breast Augmentation Guide
What Is Breast Augmentation, and How Is It Different From Breast Implants?
Breast augmentation is the name of the breast surgery procedure. Breast implants are medical devices that may be used during the procedure to change breast volume or shape.
Some patients may also be suitable for fat transfer, which uses fat taken from another area of the body. Dr Kernohan will discuss whether implants, fat transfer, a breast lift, or another option may be suitable after assessing your anatomy and medical history.
Important differences:
- Breast augmentation refers to the operation
- Breast implants are one possible method used during the operation
- Fat transfer may be suitable for selected patients
- A breast lift may be needed if breast position or nipple position is a concern
- The surgical plan depends on anatomy, skin quality, breast tissue, and health history
Why Should I Consider Breast Augmentation?
People consider breast augmentation for different reasons. Some patients want to understand options for breast volume, while others are concerned about asymmetry, changes after pregnancy or weight change, or changes after previous breast surgery.
It is important that the decision is made after receiving clear medical information. Breast augmentation can change breast volume and shape, but it has limits and involves scars, recovery, and possible complications.
Patients may ask about breast augmentation because of:
- Breast asymmetry
- Changes after pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Changes after weight loss
- Previous breast implant surgery
- Breast reconstruction after cancer treatment or trauma
- A long-standing concern about breast volume
- A wish to understand implant or fat transfer options
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Am I Suitable For Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Suitability for breast augmentation depends on your health, anatomy, breast tissue, skin quality, medications, smoking or vaping status, previous surgery, and expectations. Suitability cannot be confirmed from photos or general information alone.
Some patients may not be suitable for surgery. Others may be advised to delay surgery or consider a different procedure, such as breast lift, breast reduction, implant removal, implant replacement, or breast reconstruction.
Suitability may depend on:
- General health
- Breast anatomy and breast development
- Skin and tissue quality
- Smoking or vaping status
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding plans
- Previous breast surgery
- Breast screening history
- Understanding of risks, scars, recovery, and long-term care
What Breast Implant Options Would I Need To Understand?
Breast implants vary in size, shape, projection, surface, and filling. These choices are not made by cup size alone. They need to be considered in relation to your chest width, breast tissue, skin quality, lifestyle, and surgical plan.
During consultation, Dr Michael Kernohan will explain which options may be suitable and why. He will also discuss the limitations and risks of each option.
Breast implant planning may include:
- Implant size
- Implant shape
- Implant projection
- Silicone or saline filling
- Implant surface
- Placement above or below the chest muscle
- Incision position
- Chest wall shape
- Breast width and existing breast tissue
- Long-term implant monitoring
Can I Have Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer Instead Of Implants?
Fat transfer breast augmentation uses fat taken from another area of the body and transferred to the breast. It may be suitable for selected patients who are seeking a modest change in breast volume.
Fat transfer is not suitable for everyone. It depends on available donor fat, breast anatomy, skin quality, medical history, and the amount of volume change being considered.
Fat transfer may involve:
- Liposuction from a donor area
- Preparation of the collected fat
- Transfer of fat into the breast tissue
- Swelling and bruising in the breast and donor areas
- A more limited volume change than implants
- Discussion of imaging, monitoring, and possible further procedures
- Consideration of risks and limitations
Will I Need A Breast Lift As Well As Implants?
Some patients need more than breast implants to address their concerns. If breast skin, breast tissue, or nipple position has changed, implants alone may not address the situation.
A breast lift with implants may be discussed if both breast volume and breast position need to be considered. Dr Kernohan will assess this during consultation and explain whether augmentation alone or a combined procedure may be suitable.
A breast lift may be discussed if there is:
- Lower nipple position
- Loose breast skin
- Breast tissue sitting lower on the chest
- Asymmetry in breast or nipple position
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Tissue changes after previous implant surgery
What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital or surgical facility. The surgical plan is confirmed before surgery, including incision position, implant choice, implant pocket, and dressing plan.
Dr Kernohan makes the planned incision, creates the space for the implant where required, places the implant, checks positioning, and closes the incision. If fat transfer is part of the plan, fat is collected, prepared, and transferred according to the surgical plan.
The operation may involve:
- Pre-operative markings
- General anaesthesia
- Incision placement
- Creation of an implant pocket
- Implant placement or fat transfer
- Wound closure
- Dressings
- Support bra or garment
- Recovery monitoring before discharge
Where Will My Breast Augmentation Scars Be?
All surgery leaves scars. Breast augmentation scars are usually placed in planned positions, often in or near the breast fold, although the incision site depends on the surgical plan.
Scars change over time. They may appear pink, raised, firm, darker, or more noticeable in the early healing period. Scar quality varies between patients and can be affected by genetics, wound healing, smoking, infection, tension, and aftercare.
Scar planning may consider:
- Breast fold position
- Implant size and type
- Whether a breast lift is also required
- Skin quality
- Previous scars
- Risk of raised or thickened scars
- Bra and clothing position
- Post-operative scar care instructions
Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos
Disclaimer: All surgical or invasive procedures come with inherent risks, and results can vary widely between individuals due to factors like lifestyle, anatomy, overall health, weight, and nutrition. We encourage you to conduct thorough research and consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified healthcare provider.
Visit Breast Augmentation Before and After Gallery
Breast Augmentation Consultations With Dr Michael Kernohan
Recovery varies between patients. Pain, swelling, bruising, tightness, and changes in breast or nipple sensation can occur after surgery. These symptoms usually change over time, but the recovery experience is different for each patient.
Dr Michael Kernohan and his team will provide post-operative instructions before you leave hospital. These instructions may cover wound care, support garments, medication, sleeping position, activity limits, and follow-up appointments.
Recovery may involve:
- Wearing a surgical bra or support garment
- Taking medication as directed
- Sleeping on your back for a period of time
- Avoiding heavy lifting
- Limiting upper body exercise
- Attending follow-up appointments
- Watching for signs of infection or wound concerns
- Contacting the clinic if you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, fever, discharge, or other concerns
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Some patients may need further surgery in the future due to implant rupture, capsular contracture, implant movement, breast tissue changes, symptoms, or personal preference.
Long-term follow-up is important. Patients with breast implants should remain aware of changes in their breasts and follow breast screening advice based on their age, risk factors, and health history.
Future implant surgery may be needed because of:
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture
- Implant position change
- Breast tissue changes over time
- Pregnancy or weight change
- Discomfort
- Implant visibility or rippling
- Investigation of new symptoms
- Implant removal or replacement decisions
What Are The Risks And Complications Of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is surgery and has risks. These should be discussed before any decision is made. Some risks are general surgical risks, while others relate specifically to breast implants or breast surgery.
Dr Michael Kernohan will explain risks during consultation and discuss how they may apply to your health, anatomy, and surgical plan. Understanding risks is part of informed consent and decision-making.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Anaesthetic risks
- Delayed wound healing
- Scarring
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Asymmetry
- Seroma or fluid collection
- Haematoma
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Implant movement or malposition
- Implant visibility or rippling
- Breast pain
- Need for revision surgery
- Breast implant-associated conditions
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost In Sydney?
The cost of breast augmentation in Sydney varies because each surgical plan is different. Fees may depend on the complexity of the procedure, hospital fees, anaesthetist fees, implant or surgical material costs, and whether additional procedures are required.
A personalised quote can only be provided after consultation. This helps ensure the quote reflects the recommended surgical plan rather than a general estimate.
Fee factors may include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anaesthetist fee
- Hospital or surgical facility fee
- Implant or surgical material costs
- Procedure complexity
- Whether fat transfer is included
- Whether breast lift or revision surgery is required
- Post-operative appointments included in the quote
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Breast Augmentation Consultations With Dr Michael Kernohan
Dr Michael Kernohan is a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon consulting in South West Sydney. Patients considering breast augmentation may see Dr Kernohan to discuss their anatomy, health history, surgical options, risks, recovery, and whether the procedure is suitable.
During consultation, he will explain implant options, fat transfer, whether a breast lift may be needed, scar placement, and long-term implant considerations. Surgery is performed in accredited hospital settings, with follow-up care discussed as part of the treatment plan.
How Do I Book a Consultation With Dr Michael Kernohan in Sydney?
To book a consultation with Dr Michael Kernohan, you can contact the clinic by phone or submit an enquiry through the contact page. The team can provide information about clinic locations, appointment availability, referral requirements, and what to bring to your consultation.
Before your appointment, it may help to write down your questions, medical history, previous breast surgery details if relevant, and any concerns about recovery, scarring, risks, or long-term implant care.
Further Reading
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure Page about Breast Surgery
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure Page about Breast Reconstruction Sydney
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure Page about Breast Asymmetry Correction NSW
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure Page about Small-Volume Breast Augmentation Sydney
