Breast Augmentations

Dr Cheng recommends a minimum of 3 months, but somewhere between 3 and 6 months is ideal for a couple of reasons. Firstly we need to make sure the breast size is stable so that we can be sure to select the appropriate size breast implant for your preferred look. Secondly there can be an increased chance of dormant bacteria within the milk ducts which may increase the risk of infection if surgery is performed when the breasts are still productive of milk.

Aim to be at your ideal weight prior to surgery as significant changes after breast implant surgery can change the overall result.

Bra padding and prosthetics may be an option for people who do not wish to have breast augmentation surgery.

Dr Cheng prefers women to wait 4-6 weeks before wearing underwire bras after breast implant surgery.

Breast implants don’t last a lifetime, however, it varies form person to person. Implants will need to be replaced at some stage, however, the reasons for replacement varies and may include complications such as capsular contracture, gel rupture or more often than not a change in size.

You must be in good health to be considered for any kind of cosmetic surgery. If you have a heart condition, lung condition, or a neurological disorder, you may not be a suitable candidate.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are:
at their ideal weight with a body mass index of 30 or less
A non-smoker or plan to cease smoking at least 6 weeks prior to surgery
If you smoke, you’ll need to give up smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery due to the effect on wound healing.

The cost of an initial consultation with Dr Cheng is $200. Subsequent ​ consults are complimentary in the lead up to your surgery.

As a general guide, ​breast ​augmentation with Dr Cheng, a board certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon starts from $10,500.
When comparing costs it is important to do your homework and make sure your surgeon has the highest qualifications to keep you safe.
This fee includes:
Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon’s Fee (Dr Eddie Cheng MBBS FRACS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Cheng’s Specialist Anaesthetist
Your breast implants Implants (Mentor Smooth or Textured Round Implants), Motiva Breast Implants and Teardrop shaped/ anatomical breast implants are additional.
Your Day surgery/hospital fees at Pacific Day Surgery or Canossa Private (Dr Cheng only operates in fully licensed facilities)

This fee is also inclusive of your post op recovery pack including:
- Recovery bra
- Scar gel to care for your incision lines
- Access to Dr Cheng’s personal mobile phone to answer any questions you may have during your recovery as -
Dr Cheng understands that this can be an anxious time.
- All scheduled review appointments with Dr Cheng and his Aesthetic Nurse for the first 12 months following your surgery as we believe you should have direct access to your surgeon at all times during your recovery and aftercare.

In most cases, breast augmentation is considered a cosmetic procedure and not a medically necessary treatment. For this reason, augmentation is typically not covered by insurance unless it’s performed as part of reconstruction after breast cancer or due to a developmental deformity such as significant breast asymmetry.

When considering your surgeon - remember to do your homework. Be confident you are in the care of a highly trained specialist plastic surgeon. Look for the highest standard of qualification by checking if your surgeon is:
A Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons specialising in Plastic Surgery
A member of the Aust society of plastic surgeons
A member of thes australian society of aesthetic plastic surgeons


As with any elective procedure, the most important factor in choosing a plastic surgeon is experience and training or qualifications. In Australia any doctor—not just plastic surgeons—can legally perform breast augmentations. Cosmetic Surgeons are not qualified plastic surgeons. Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Australia will have the following qualifications: MBBS FRACS (Plastic Surgery). FRACS stands for Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, specialising in Plastic Surgery. It’s so important for you to DO YOUR HOMEWORK and look for a certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

So step 1: Check qualifications, be sure your surgeon is a specialist plastic surgeon
Step 2. Ask where your surgeon operates, make sure your hospital is an accredited, licensed facility as this ensures appropriate sterile processing procedures and other important safety concerns.
3. Look at before-and-after photos in clinic or online and ask family and friends for recommendations
4. Make sure you have direct access to your surgeon during your recovery period. This is an important factor in making your decision as you may need to ask your surgeon questions. Dr Cheng strongly believes that recovery is just as important as the surgery itself and great aftercare is vital to the outcome of your surgery. Your can be reassured as a patient of Dr Cheng’s you will direct access to his personal mobile for urgent medical concerns 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

In preparation for your initial consultation we recommend that you:
Have a recent (less than 12 months old) mammogram and breast ultrasound before your appointment with Dr Cheng if you are 40 years or older or have a significant family history of breast cancer.
Consider the kind of aesthetic outcome you would like to achieve and bring photographic references that you have saved on your phone and or email in advance of your appointment, for you to discuss with Dr Cheng.
We also recommend that you wear form-fitting clothing, such as a fitted t-shirt and fitted pants, to your initial consultation. This is very helpful when you are trying on implants for size, as you can clearly see the overall proportions of your figure in relation to your trial breast implant sizers.
Our Patient coordinator will ask that you email your own breast photos to allow for planning and advice prior to your appointment.
Depending on your photos you may also be asked to obtain a referral if there is a chance that you may need to consider a breast lift procedure in addition to breast augmentation.

For some people Dr Cheng may recommend a breast lift or mastopexy procedure in addition to a breast augmentation. Typically, women who have had children and breast fed in the past may need to have a breast lift either at the same time as your breast augmentation or as a second procedure performed some time after the breast augmentation.
As a guide, take a good look at your breasts in front of a mirror without a bra on. Pay close attention to the where your breast and nipple position sits in relation to the natural breast fold. If the nipple and areolar and breast tissue is sagging below the natural fold or crease, it is likely that you may need to consider a breast lift to give your breasts a more youthful, perkier shape. Dr Cheng can advise you at the time of your consultation, however if you’re uncertain we would suggest talking to your GP about a referral just in case.

Breast implants come in saline and silicone varieties, as well as many sizes, shapes, and textures. Dr Cheng primarily uses silicone gel breast implants, which contain medical grade silicone and feel more like natural breast tissue.

Implants can be placed above or below the pectoral muscle, through a number of incision locations. Dr Cheng’s preference is a dual plane or subpectoral (under the muscle) breast implant placement due to the more natural look that it provides when the breast tissue and muscle drapes over the breast implant. (Refer to Breast implant glossary)

Capsular contracture: A tightening of the tissue or capsule that normally forms around the implant. It is more common following infection, haematoma, and seroma. It is also more common with subglandular breast implant placement. The symptoms can range from firmness and mild discomfort, to pain, distortion of the breasts, palpability of the implant, and/or displacement of the implant.

Saline implants will deflate immediately and you will subsequently notice a change in breast size immediately thereafter. The saline is then absorbed by your body.

A ruptured silicone implant on the other hand, may not be evident immediately and you will need to have an ultrasound or mammogram to confirm rupture. If a rupture is confirmed you will need to have the implant surgically removed and replaced.

This is not common but it can occur. A smaller size implant may reduce this risk.

Nipple sensation can be altered after implant surgery in a small number of patients. Although uncommon, surgery can result in increased or decreased sensation, which can be a temporary or permanent change.

The simple answer is yes. Dr Cheng uses an infra-mammary incision or an incision in the breast fold to access the breast implant pocket instead of a peri-areolar incision. This reduces the chance of interfering with milk ducts and breast tissue. Dr Cheng will discuss this in more detail during your consultation.

This will vary, however, most women return to exercise acitivites within 4 to 6 weeks of surgery. Prior to this make sure you consult with Dr Cheng before re-commencing more strenuous activities involving arms and chest muscles.

It is still possible to have a mammogram, however, you will need to inform the radiographer that you have breast implants.