When you start looking for a breast augmentation surgeon, there are a few details that are worth paying closer attention to.
It’s not just about finding someone who performs the procedure, it’s about understanding exactly what their process involves, how they approach the surgery, and what kind of care they provide.
The way the procedure is performed can vary quite a bit between surgeons, so even small differences in approach can affect your recovery time, incision placement, implant type, and how your body feels afterwards.
Here’s what to consider when you’re researching a breast augmentation surgeon in Sydney, with a closer look at the details that aren’t always obvious until you’re further into the process.
Your surgeon’s qualifications and background
Not all surgeons offering breast augmentation in Sydney will have the same training or experience, so it’s worth checking what their background actually includes.
You’ll want to find out whether they’ve completed specialist surgical training and how long they’ve been performing breast augmentation procedures. It can help to ask about the path they took to become a surgeon and what proportion of their work involves breast augmentation.
For example, Dr Norris is a qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, meaning that he had to complete years of surgical training before specialising in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Not all surgeons will have the same level of experience, as in Australia, surgeons with less experience are currently allowed to perform cosmetic surgery.
We recommend selecting a surgeon who is registered as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon for this reason – surgeon’s who are able to hold this title have undergone much more extensive training.
You may also like to ask if your surgeon stays up to date with the latest advanced techniques in performing breast augmentation procedures, as this can be a good sign that they want to continue to ensure that their patient’s have access to optimised procedures with sustainable results.
Their preferred technique and approach
Not every surgeon performs the procedure the same way, and this can influence how the results look and feel – as well as how recovery may feel.
For example, one surgeon may place implants under the muscle, while another may suggest over-the-muscle placement, depending on how they assess your chest wall and tissue coverage.
Incision placement is another area where techniques differ. While the inframammary fold (under the breast) is one of the most commonly used incision sites, some surgeons also offer periareolar (around the nipple) or transaxillary (through the armpit) incisions. It’s worth asking why they prefer a particular incision point and how they believe it will work for your anatomy.
While some surgeons may prefer to use certain techniques and approaches in general, experienced surgeons will still make sure that your procedure is highly tailored to your needs. After discussing your goals, you can then ask your surgeon how they would plan to approach your procedure, including where the incisions will be placed.
The quality of their consultation process and pre-operative planning
A good consultation should cover all of the physical aspects that will affect your procedure process. This means measuring your chest dimensions, assessing your skin quality and thickness, and talking through your medical history in detail.
The consultation should also include a discussion around implant sizing and placement, but ideally with physical assessment guiding the recommendations, not just photos or vague size goals. You should feel like your surgeon is making the effort to gain a clear understanding of the kind of results you want to achieve, as well as your personal preferences.
You should also be told what you’ll need to do in the lead-up to surgery. This might include fasting instructions, medications to pause, or guidelines around alcohol and supplements. These steps are all part of the physical preparation, and your surgeon should make it clear why each step matters.
The facility that your surgeon uses
Before deciding to undergo the procedure with your chosen surgeon, you should ask where the surgery will actually take place.
Some surgeons operate only in accredited hospitals with anaesthetists present, while others might perform surgery in day clinics. It’s worth knowing that your procedure will be performed in a licensed facility, and other details like who will be administering your anaesthetic.
It’s also useful to ask about what kind of immediate monitoring is done before you’re discharged. While a breast augmentation is often done as day surgery, your body still needs time to come out of anaesthesia and adjust, so you should be monitored for long enough afterwards.
How they will handle follow-up care and longer-term reviews
Another point to ask about is how your surgeon handles follow-up care. Most will schedule an initial post-op appointment within a few days to check on how your incisions are healing and to assess swelling and implant positioning. After this, follow-ups are often spaced out over a few weeks or months.
You should also ask whether your surgeon offers long-term review options, especially if you’re thinking ahead to implant monitoring or potential replacement down the line. While implants don’t necessarily need to be replaced every ten years, they aren’t considered lifetime devices, and it helps to know how your surgeon manages things if complications arise years later.
Their transparency about the procedure’s costs
Another detail that shouldn’t be overlooked is how transparent your surgeon or their team is about the costs of your procedure.
Breast augmentation costs in Sydney can vary significantly, so it’s important that you get a detailed quote that professionally outlines your procedure costs.
Your quote should include aspects of the procedure, such as surgeon’s fee, anaesthetic fees, hospital or facility costs, and the price of the implants themselves.
Some quotes also include follow-up appointments, post-op bras, or support garments, while others don’t. It’s important that you’re clear on what’s included so you can avoid any unexpected costs after your surgery.
Whether or not you feel happy with your surgeon’s approach
Last, but not least, it’s important to take note of how you feel during the consultation process with your surgeon.
While it may be a little daunting to undergo any type of surgery, ideally you will feel comfortable with your surgeon and feel assured about the procedure process.
You should feel that your surgeon and their team will offer a high quality and supportive surgical experience, and that you are able to ask any and all of your questions.
Your surgeon and their team will also be a point of contact during recovery, so it’s important to feel assured that you are able to reach out should you have any questions or concerns after your procedure.
Choose a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon: Book a consultation with Dr Norris at Form & Face in Sydney (Bondi Junction) and Bella Vista
As a qualified and experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Norris will be able to answer all of your questions and go over each detail about the breast augmentation procedure.
From what you can expect throughout the procedure’s journey to the finer details about Dr Norris’s experience, your consultation process is designed to provide you with all of the information that you will need.
When you are ready, you are welcome to enquire with our team to book in your consultation at our Sydney (Bondi Junction) or Bella Vista locations.