WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE?

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for change, not perfection, in the way that they look. It is important to be realistic in your expectations and that you realise that you should be emotionally stable and have a full understanding of the procedure and anticipated results prior to proceeding. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

You will be required to get a referral from your General Practitioner in order to proceed.

You will have two consultations at our Practice. At the initial consultation, you will undertake an assessment for Body Dysmorphia, a condition causing intense focus, shame and anxiety over perceived body defects.  At this appointment you will also be given the paperwork for your possible surgery and go through this with our practitioner, discussing the procedure and associated risks and recovery requirements. Be frank in your discussions and remember to mention any medications that you are taking and whether or not you are a smoker.

At your second consultation, we will assess your current breast size, shape and symmetry. You will be checked for breast masses and questioned as to the presence of a family or personal history of breast cancer. If you have a breast size in mind, it is often useful to bring photographs or pictures from magazines with you to your consultation, so that your Surgeon and you have an understanding into your expectations with regard to breast size and shape. Following this consultation, you can consult further with our Cosmetic Consultants who are very experienced in the cosmetic field and discuss any issues with them.

SURGERY

Breast Augmentation is performed under a General Anaesthetic of approximately one hour in duration. This surgery can be performed as Day Surgery. The technique depends on the individual person and the type of implant that you need. Placement of the implant depends on personal choice as well as surgical preference. Your Surgeon will assess your needs at the time of your consultation so that you are prepared for the approach to surgery.
This also applies to the placement of the incision line. Incisions can be made underneath the nipple, immediately under the breast in the inframammary fold, or underneath the armpit or axilla. The incision is typically two to three centimeters long when using saline implants and four to five centimeters long when using a silicone implant. This is because the silicone implant comes pre-filled, whereas the saline implant can be inflated when inside the chest wall.
At the time of surgery, an incision is made in the appropriate area and a ‘pocket’ is made underneath the muscle or skin where the implant can be fitted. The implant is then inserted and centred beneath your nipple. For saline implantation, the implant is filled with saline solution through a port until the desired size, shape and symmetry is achieved. The incision is then sutured with dissolving sutures underneath the skin. A drain is inserted into the area to drain away any fluid that may collect. These drains are usually removed 24 – 48 hours after your surgery. Your chest will be bandaged tightly and this bandage will be left in place for 24 hours.

RISK

All surgery carries some risk and uncertainty. It is impossible to predict every outcome because everyone is different.  Complications in the short term include infection, which is treated with dressings and antibiotics; and haematoma, a collection of fluid which may need to be drained. Some deficit in sensation of the breast and nipple may persist for up to six months or longer. Longer term risks include asymmetry, capsular contracture (firming of the implant and surrounding capsule), skin rippling, scarring, fat necrosis, tissue atrophy, implant rupture, and other issues associated with implant movement such as extrusion (movement and extrusion from the skin). There is also a possible association between breast implants and an exceptionally rare cancer called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). The Food Drug Administration believes that women with breast implants may have a small but “increased risk”; this risk appears to be one case per million breast implants. 

Implants are likely to requirement replacement, which we recommend at 10-years due to the risk of rupture. This will require further surgicery.

AFTER SURGERY – recovery

Breast Augmentation is invasive surgery and has a significant recovery timeframe and limitations and aftercare requirements. You will have an opportunity to discuss recovery expectations with your Surgeon at your Consultation and will receive detailed information prior to surgery in your Informed Consent paperwork.

You will have bandages around your chest and may have drains on each side.

Pain, discomfort and nausea will be managed by your Surgeon with pain relief. Swelling, bruising and nausea is also likely. These will subside as the days go by. Swelling and bruising can also occur and sleeping with your head and shoulders elevated for at least seven days will help resolve this. 

Post-operative garments will be important for your recovery and surgical outcomes. These will include a supportive bra which will be fitted at your first nursing visit and will be required to wear this bra for day and night for the first two weeks following your surgery and then day only for the following two weeks. Pressure stockings or pressure cuff boots are also important to maintain circulation. 

You may be required to massage your implants to reduce the risk of capsular contracture. You will be shown how to do this by our nurses. You will also need to maintain tape over your wounds for three months. 

After several days of rest, you should be up and about, however you should take it easy for about two to three weeks. Avoid lifting with the arms in the first few weeks and heavy lifting for approximately six weeks. Also avoid lifting your arms above your head for a week or so after your Surgery, but do move your arms about freely as this helps keep the muscles mobile and indirectly helps prevent contracture.
Return to exercise is gradual. There is no restriction on walking and it is advisable to commence this several days postoperatively to assist in a speedy recovery. Strenuous exercise or contact sports should be avoided for about six weeks. In all impact sports, wear a supportive sports bra, especially in the first few months.