Dr Stradwick believes every patient is different and treats everyone on an individual basis. Some breasts require a more complex procedure to achieve the best aesthetic result. For example if there is breast droop (ptosis) a totally different approach is required than if there is no breast droop. Breast asymmetry and tuberous breast are other examples of more complex cases.

For these reasons the cost of breast augmentation varies and can be up to $11,400 for a tear drop implant..The average price for round implants, smooth, textured cohesive silicone gel is approximately $10,167 all inclusive of theatre, anaesthetist, surgeon’s fees, implants, medications and breast implant register. The Brazilian implants total would be approximately $10,270.00

A straight forward augmentation using smooth or textured implants can cost as little as $7,000 plus GST ($7,700 -add $81.00 for medications and breast implant register).

 The best way of getting an idea of whether your breasts may qualify for this reduced price is to email a photo showing a front and side views from neck to waist to us: lisa@drlukestradwick.com.au

Ultimately a personal examination by Dr Stradwick is essential to determine the implant and technique required.

Provided a natural result is the desired outcome then the size of the implant is really dictated by the dimensions of the existing breast and chest wall. Dr Stradwick will take careful measurements of your breast and chest and recommend an implant based on those measurements.

This will depend on the shape of the existing breast and also the desired result. A teardrop implant may be suitable in a patient with breast droop because when used correctly these implants can correct the appearance of a drooping breast without the need for a surgical breast lift. Conversely when the breast shape is normal and the nipples are in the correct position a round implant will usually be the implant of choice.

In the majority of cases the answer will be a bit of both. In most cases at least the upper part of the implant is placed beneath the pectoralis muscle. This helps disguise the top of the implant. A visible implant in the upper pole of the breast looks very unnatural and obviously “fake”. This is particularly important in people with a low percentage of body fat. In very thin people even with the implant below the muscle round implants can still look too round and a bit unnatural. This is another instance in which teardrop implants would be recommended for achieving the most natural result possible.

The only people in which Dr Stradwick places implants entirely above the muscle are body builders and professional athletes. In such cases Dr Stradwick would again recommend using teardrop implants.

Teardrop implants are always textured. This is because textured implants adhere to the chest and that is exactly what is needed with this type of implant. Because teardrop implants have a top and a bottom no movement is wanted at all. The real choice is with round implants. These come in both smooth and textured varieties. In general, Dr Stradwick will use a smooth round implant in those people suitable for a mega-pocket technique. These women normally have moderate breast tissue already, often have had children and are seeking a natural, soft breast that moves. There is a requirement with this technique to maintain that movement with daily exercises that although not time consuming , need to be done religiously. Conversely, a textured round implant is often appropriate in the perky, youthful breast where little movement is required or wanted. They require no ongoing exercises and are suitable for those people who don’t “do routine”.

Dr Stradwick uses a 4cm scar unless a larger than normal implant is selected. Where possible the peri-areolar incision is used because Dr Stradwick believes this is the best location for concealing a poor scar. Alternatively an incision beneath the breast can be required particularly for teardrop implants and large round implants where the nipple is small. This scar is concealed when standing but may be visible when lying down. For further information on scars, their treatment and Dr Stradwick's special techniques for scar minimization click here.

All cases are different and some breasts are more difficult than others. Women with large pectoralis muscles can take longer than average. Similarly women with significant asymmetry require more time to achieve the best result. Conversely women with existing breast tissue with good shape who are seeking a moderate enlargement can be comparatively straightforward. This is also the reason Dr Stradwick varies the fees for the procedure depending on the complexity of the case.

A drain is a piece of soft tubing that removes blood from around the implant. This is usually removed the day after surgery. Dr Stradwick believes that even in cases when the pocket for the implant appears “dry” ie there is no active bleeding at the end of the operation, there is inevitable leaking from the tissues in the early post-op period. If left around the implant there is evidence that this contributes to the development of capsular contracture.

The answer is usually no. However there are cases in which item numbers can be used for breast augmentation and therefore claims from Medicare and/or health funds are appropriate. Tuberous breast is a common example. Often patients do not realise they have this deformity until it is pointed out to them. However it is in the post-op period where health insurance is of benefit to most women. It is one of the quirks of the system that although primary breast augmentation is not covered by health insurance any complications of surgery are covered. Whether the complication occurs early (like a same day blood clot) or years afterward much of the cost is covered by health insurance. However without health insurance these costs are not covered.

The answer is dependant on the degree of breast droop. If there is significant breast droop an implant alone will only create a bigger droopy breast. In such cases a simultaneous breast lift (mastopexy) will be required. Sometimes and particularly in cases of severe breast droop Dr Stradwick will recommend a staged approach where the breast drooping is corrected first followed by a breast augmentation later. However in cases of mild breast droop only, a teardrop implant alone can be used in one step to both lift the breast and increase the size.

Asymmetry can be corrected using different sized implants in many cases however large discrepancies in size or in nipple position require surgical repositioning and this means extra scars beyond the normal 4cm augmentation scar.

A general anaesthetic is used when the breast implant is placed under the pectoral muscle. Dr Stradwick works with a skilful group of anaesthetists that perform both general and "twilight-sedation" anaesthesia. Dr Stradwick only operates at fully accredited operating facilities where administration of both types of anaesthesia are permitted.

Some surgeons perform breast augmentation surgery in their consulting rooms under so called "twilight-sedation" without having the appropriate license for full general anaesthetic. Beware of clever marketing ploys that promote the use of sedation for breast augmentation surgery. Simply ask your surgeon if the choice of different anaesthesia is available to you.

In addition to general anaesthesia, Dr Stradwick uses plenty of local anaesthetic around the surgical site in order to make the immediate recovery period very comfortable.