Breast Augmentation in South Africa | Dr Deon Weyers
Breast augmentation, often called a boob job, increases breast volume or improves symmetry with an implant chosen for your frame. Dr Deon Weyers performs it at Life Fourways Hospital in Johannesburg for patients from across South Africa.
Most of the decisions in a breast augmentation are made before the operation: the implant’s volume, its profile, its shape and where it sits. Those choices are driven by your chest width, your existing breast tissue and the result you have in mind, not by a cup size on its own.
Dr Deon Weyers sees every patient personally, from the first measurement through surgery and follow-up, at the practice’s single location in Fourways. Patients travel from across South Africa for consultation and surgery.
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Breast Augmentation Surgery in South Africa
A breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) places an implant behind the breast tissue or behind part of the chest muscle to add volume, restore fullness lost after pregnancy or weight change, or balance breasts of different sizes.
The practice uses silicone gel implants, including lightweight options such as B-Lite implants, and plans each augmentation around measurements taken at consultation. Where the breast has dropped as well as lost volume, a breast lift with implants may be the more suitable operation.
- Silicone gel implants
- Round or anatomical shape
- Profile matched to chest width
- Hospital setting
- Single surgeon
Patients from Johannesburg and Sandton are close to the practice. Patients from other provinces usually combine an in-person consultation with a planned stay for surgery and early review; city-specific information is on the pages for Johannesburg and Cape Town patients.
Breast augmentation is also part of reconstructive work. Where an implant is used after cancer treatment or for a congenital difference, the planning sits under breast reconstruction rather than cosmetic surgery.
The Four Implant Decisions
Volume sets how much fuller the breast becomes. Profile sets how far the implant projects forward from the chest for a given width. Shape is either round, which adds fullness to the upper breast, or anatomical (teardrop), which is fuller towards the bottom.
Position is the fourth decision: in front of the chest muscle or partly behind it. Thin tissue cover usually favours placement partly behind the muscle, which helps soften the implant edge. Each choice is explained and agreed with you before a date is set.
The right implant is the one that fits your chest, not the largest one your skin will accept. A size that ignores your measurements tends to age less well.
Round vs Anatomical Breast Implants
Round Implants
Round implants are symmetrical, so their position does not change if they turn inside the pocket. They add fullness to the upper part of the breast.
They suit patients who want visible upper-pole volume or a fuller cleavage line, and are the more commonly chosen shape.
Anatomical (Teardrop) Implants
Anatomical implants are taller than they are wide, with more volume towards the lower half, to mimic the slope of a natural breast.
They can suit slim patients wanting a subtle change, but they must stay correctly oriented, so rotation is a specific consideration.
| Aspect | Round implant | Anatomical implant |
|---|---|---|
| Upper breast | Fuller, more rounded | Gentle slope |
| Lower breast | Even fullness | More volume towards the bottom |
| If it rotates | No change in shape | Shape can look distorted |
| Typical goal | Noticeable volume and cleavage | Subtle, gradual change |
| Surface | Discussed at consultation | Usually textured to limit rotation |
| Planning focus | Volume and profile | Height, width and orientation |
Planning and Performing a Breast Augmentation
The operation itself is relatively short. The planning around it is where most of the time goes, and it is done in person with Dr Deon Weyers.
Measurement and goals
Chest width, breast base width, skin stretch and nipple position are measured, and your goals are discussed in plain terms, including what you do not want.
Choosing the implant
Volume, profile, shape and surface are matched to those measurements. You are shown how the options differ before anything is decided.
Incision and pocket
Most augmentations use an incision in the crease under the breast. The pocket, in front of or partly behind the muscle, follows your tissue thickness.
Surgery in hospital
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia at Life Fourways Hospital, with an anaesthetist present throughout.
Recovery and review
A support bra is worn as instructed, with early review at the practice and longer-term check-ups of the implants in the years that follow.
Who a Breast Augmentation Suits
Candidacy is about health, anatomy and expectations. The commonest reasons patients across South Africa ask about a boob job are:
- Small breasts relative to the frame – naturally small breasts that have never felt in proportion
- Volume loss after pregnancy – breasts that have emptied after breastfeeding but have not dropped much
- Asymmetry – a noticeable size difference between the two breasts
- Stable health and weight – no active breast concerns and a weight you expect to keep
- Realistic expectations – understanding that implants are reviewed and may be replaced over a lifetime
If the nipple sits at or below the breast fold, an implant alone may not give the shape you want, and a lift is discussed instead or as well.
Preparing for Your Consultation
A useful consultation starts with a little preparation. These points help Dr Deon Weyers give you an accurate plan and quote.
- Bring photographs of results you like.and of ones you do not. They help translate words like natural or full into measurements.
- List your medical history.including previous breast surgery, family history of breast disease, medication and smoking.
- Think about timing.around future pregnancies, breastfeeding plans and time off work for recovery.
- Ask about long-term care.including how implants are monitored and what replacement would involve in future.
What a Breast Augmentation Costs
The practice’s published range for breast augmentation in Johannesburg is R58,000 to R68,000, covering the surgeon, hospital, anaesthetist and surgical costs, as set out on the breast augmentation prices page. Your quote is confirmed in writing after consultation.
Implant type and size, combined procedures and the length of the hospital stay can change the total. Items such as pre-operative tests, the support bra and prescription medication may be itemised separately.
Cosmetic augmentation is generally self-funded; medical aids do not usually contribute. Background on implant pricing is in the guide to breast implant pricing in South Africa.
Common Breast Implant Misunderstandings
Some assumptions about breast implants lead to disappointment later. These are worth clearing up early.
Risks and Possible Complications
Recognised Risks of Breast Augmentation
General surgical risks: bleeding or a haematoma, infection, delayed healing at the fold incision, scars that widen or thicken, and asymmetry that may need a further procedure.
Capsular contracture: the natural scar lining around an implant can tighten, so the breast feels hard, looks rounder or higher than planned, or becomes painful. Correction is surgical.
Implant-specific issues: rippling that can be felt or seen where tissue cover is thin, rotation of an anatomical implant, and rupture or the need to exchange an implant in later years.
Sensation and size mismatch: altered nipple or skin sensation, and dissatisfaction with the chosen size, which is the reason sizing is planned carefully before surgery.
BIA-ALCL: a rare lymphoma linked mainly to textured implants, usually showing as swelling around an implant years later. Implant surface choice is discussed at consultation.
Anaesthesia: reviewed with the anaesthetist before your operation date.
Lowering Your Risk
- Stop smoking – well before surgery and throughout healing.
- Follow the medication guidance – on blood thinners and supplements given at your pre-operative visit.
- Protect the incision – and wear the support bra as advised in the first weeks.
- Keep long-term check-ups – so changes around an implant are picked up early.
Contact the practice urgently for: rapid swelling of one breast, pain that is worsening rather than settling, a temperature, redness spreading across the skin, or any discharge from the incision. Late swelling, a new lump or a change in shape around an implant, even years later, should also be reviewed.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general information and does not replace a face-to-face consultation. Surgical decisions require an in-person assessment, a full consent discussion and the individual medical advice of your surgeon and anaesthetist.
Breast Augmentation South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions
What size implant should I choose?
The size is chosen in millilitres against your chest and breast measurements, then matched to the look you describe. Dr Deon Weyers explains what each option would mean for your frame before you decide.
Are round or teardrop implants better?
Neither is better for everyone. Round implants add upper fullness and are not affected by rotation. Anatomical implants give a gentler slope but must stay oriented correctly. The choice follows your goals and anatomy.
Will the implant go over or under the muscle?
It depends on how much natural tissue covers the implant. Thinner cover often favours placement partly behind the muscle to soften the edge. This is decided at consultation.
Where is the surgery done?
At Life Fourways Hospital in Johannesburg, under general anaesthesia. The practice has one location, and patients from other provinces travel there for surgery and early review.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients return to desk work after about one to two weeks, with strenuous upper-body exercise resumed later once cleared. Swelling settles over several weeks and the breast shape continues to soften over months.
Can I breastfeed after a breast augmentation?
Many patients can, particularly with an incision in the breast fold, but this cannot be promised. Discuss future pregnancy and breastfeeding plans at consultation.
How much does a boob job cost in South Africa?
The practice publishes a range of R58,000 to R68,000 for breast augmentation in Johannesburg. Your exact quote follows consultation and is given in writing.
Speak to Dr Deon Weyers About Breast Augmentation
Dr Deon Weyers is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and a member of APRASSA. He performs breast augmentation at Life Fourways Hospital for patients from across South Africa.
Call 011 875 1694
Office hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 17:00, Friday 08:00 – 14:00 · send a message
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