Breast Augmentation FAQs

Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)

Breast augmentation at Contura Clinic, Bangalore, uses cohesive silicone gel implants under general anaesthesia. Most women return to work in 3–5 days, and implants don't need replacing on a fixed schedule. Below are answers to the questions women ask most. Full guide: Breast augmentation in Bangalore.

Choosing the right option

Breast augmentation or breast lift?

If you like your size in a bra but your breasts sag, choose a lift. If they look too small in a bra, choose augmentation. Some women need both.

Do implants lift sagging breasts?

Only a little. For a real lift, a breast lift is combined with augmentation.

How do I choose my implant size?

There's no formula. Size depends on your wishes and measurements such as breast width, nipple-to-fold distance and skin stretch. You try sample implants in a bra and can use the rice test at home.

Which implant shape looks most natural?

It depends on your tissue and goals. Teardrop (anatomic) implants look very natural, but studies found little difference from round implants after 6 months.

Silicone or saline?

Both are safe and perform well long term. Silicone feels softer and more natural, and saline feels firmer. Silicone is generally the better choice if cost isn't a concern.

Smooth or textured implants?

Smooth implants are softer and move more in the pocket. Textured implants move less and may form capsules less often, but deflate more often.

How old do I need to be?

At least 18 for both silicone and saline implants.

Surgery and recovery

Can breast implants be done under local anaesthesia?

No. Dr Sreekar does all breast augmentations under general anaesthesia, because the chest muscles need to be fully relaxed.

How long is the downtime?

Most women rest for 2–3 days and return to desk work in 3–5 days. You can shower on the day of surgery. Avoid sex and strenuous activity for 2 weeks. Pain medicine is usually stopped within 2 days.

What are the risks?

Bleeding, infection, scarring, implant rupture and capsular contracture.

Long term

Can I breastfeed with implants?

Most women can, because the milk ducts aren't cut. If you couldn't breastfeed before surgery, implants won't change that.

Can I have children after implants?

Yes. Many women have children after breast augmentation.

Do silicone implants harden?

The implant doesn't, but the scar capsule around it can tighten. This is capsular contracture, which affects 3–5% of patients.

Do implants need replacing?

Not on a schedule. A soft, well-placed implant can stay indefinitely. The shell weakens after about 10 years, so a ruptured implant should be replaced.

What happens if a saline implant breaks?

It usually doesn't hurt. The breast slowly deflates over a couple of days. It should be replaced or removed, but it isn't an emergency.

Are breast implants linked to cancer or other diseases?

Studies show no increased risk of breast cancer or connective tissue disease with silicone or saline implants. Textured implants have been linked to a rare type of lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), and your surgeon will explain this risk.

Choosing a surgeon

How do I choose a breast augmentation surgeon?

Choose a qualified plastic surgeon who does many augmentations, gets good results and makes you feel comfortable. Dr Sreekar has performed over 1,000 breast surgeries.

About the doctor

Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.