There are many factors to consider when contemplating breast augmentation. Body shape, existing breast tissue, family planning and exercise goals are just a few of the factors that need to be taken into account.
It is important that you take some time to consider your situation and goals regarding breast augmentation and then discuss these with a qualified plastic surgeon.
During your breast augmentation consultation, you will have the opportunity to see a 3D simulation of what the implants we have selected might look like following surgery. We can simulate a number of the different implants available to ensure that you are as informed as possible before committing to surgery. Generally, this service incurs an additional cost to your consultation, however, it will be deducted from the cost of surgery should you decide to proceed.
Pre-op planning looks at your reasons for wanting breast augmentation and ultimately helps to establish the goals for your surgery. It ensures that my vision of what you are looking to achieve matches yours. While size is often the first feature discussed, there are many aspects to you as a patient that need to be considered in order to plan the right operation for you.
Matching the correct implant to your body dimensions and desired outcome is where the real challenge lies. Silicon implants are the most common type used and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and softnesses. Saline implants are used from time to time, and there are pros and cons attached to each device.
Careful pre-op analysis, measurements and photos are used to pan the right operation for you. This is done over two visits to one of our Mornington Peninsula offices, prior to having your surgery. On at least one occasion, sizing will be done as well.
The surgery is performed in an accredited hospital operating theatre under general anaesthesia. There are a number of techniques and approaches, but my preferred technique is the infra-mammary approach. This means an incision is made in the fold below the breast allowing safe access for placement of the implant and ensures that the scar is hidden. Intraoperative sizers or test implants are used in all cases to ensure accuracy. Whilst still asleep, you will be sat up to check size, shape and implant position before the definitive implant is installed. You will be woken up and taken to the recovery room only once the desired result is achieved.
Patients generally stay in hospital overnight to ensure complete recovery from anaesthesia and adequate pain relief. Local anaesthetic given at the time of surgery helps during the first 12 – 24 hours. In most cases, pain is then easily controlled with simple analgesia such as panadol.
Once at home, you really need to take it easy for a couple of weeks. This means no gym, no running and no heavy lifting. I get patients to wear a comfortable post-operative bra with no underwire to help support the breasts and control swelling. Avoid driving for 2 weeks. Generally, showering and getting the wounds wet is permitted from day one through the use of a waterproof dressing. Follow-up is planned for 1 week and 6 weeks following your surgery at my rooms.
Visits to our Mornington Peninsula offices between these scheduled times are encouraged should you have any concerns.
There are many potential complications from surgery and thankfully, the majority of these are extremely rare.
Capsule contracture, or, hardening of the implant is the most talked about problems with silicon implants. A great deal of work on the surgical technique has been dedicated to reducing the risk of capsule contracture. The body naturally creates a layer of tissue around an implant to separate it from the surrounding structures. This tissue is known as a capsule.
Unfortunately, the capsule can become thick and contract, which causes distortion of the implant and results in poor cosmetic outcomes as well as pain and discomfort for patients. This is a capsule contracture. Minimal handling of implants using introducing devices, use of antibiotic solutions, improved choice of implant and plane of insertion below or above the pectorals muscle have led to more reliable, reproducible results and less capsule contracture.
Other potential complications include asymmetries, infections, scar and alterations in nipple sensation. These and other potential risks will be discussed with you during your consultation.
There is a lot of media attention relating to overseas and interstate surgery. In the age of online forums, advertising and misinformation, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. The simplest response to this is that you get what you pay for. Cheap surgery is offered by taking shortcuts which equates to increased risk for patients. Some people are willing to take this risk and may get away with it. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, the complications can be devastating and potentially life-threatening. There are too many unknown factors involved in these cosmetic clinics both here and overseas for anyone to safely recommend visiting them.
We encourage all patients to do further research prior to committing to any procedure. The more you understand it, the more likely you are to find the right breast augmentation surgeon for you and get the results you desire. The Foundation for Plastic Surgery has a wealth of information available on their website for patients to access. We also welcome you to speak with us at one of our Mornington Peninsula locations to obtain specific information about our processes.