Breast augmentation surgery
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Plastic Surgery Queensland
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Mater Private Clinic
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South Brisbane QLD 4101
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Gold Coast
109 W. Burleigh Road
Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
Breast augmentation surgery is an option for individuals who wish to enhance the volume and shape of their breasts. Various factors, such as changes after pregnancy or aging, may influence a person’s decision to explore this procedure. A consultation with a qualified surgeon can provide information about the options available.
Breast augmentation Brisbane
What is breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is designed to increase the volume and fullness of breasts in women. During the procedure, we restore and reshape your breasts to ensure a natural and balanced appearance.
Breast augmentation surgery is commonly performed to enhance breast volume. Other considerations for the procedure may include changes due to aging or adjustments following previous breast surgery. A thorough consultation with a medical professional is necessary to assess individual suitability and expectations.
During your consultation, we will discuss your reasons for breast augmentation surgery, and also your past medical history, past surgical history, medications and allergies. We’ll also talk about your goals and expectations, the risk of surgery, potential complications and expected recovery after surgery.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
Breast augmentation surgery may involve the use of breast implants to achieve the desired enhancement. In some cases, alternative techniques, such as fat transfer, may be considered depending on individual circumstances and goals.
Women who prefer a relatively small increase in breast size, may want to know that there is a technique called ‘autologous breast augmentation’. It’s an alternative that uses your own fat cells to enhance breast tissue. We take fat from other parts of your body, using liposuction, and with this fat, we create the enlargement. This technique is also called fat transfer breast augmentation.
You are a candidate for breast augmentation when you are fit, healthy and capable of undergoing a general anaesthetic. This surgery is designed for patients who have realistic and clear goals that are defined with your plastic surgeon at the planning stages of cosmetic surgery.
Some patients require combined surgery or staged surgeries and this will depend upon discussions we have together.
Where do you operate?
Breast implants Brisbane
Breast implant size, shape and profile?
Breast implants used in Australia undergo regulatory review and compliance with safety standards. While implants are generally well tolerated, it is important for patients to discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified surgeon.
During your consultation, we discuss the desired implant size, shape and profile. We look at your personal preferences and then make decisions based on suitability, your skin type, chest wall, height and weight.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
Breast implant placement
The placement is either above your chest muscle (subglandular placement) or below your chest muscle (submuscular placement). There are benefits and risks associated with both types.
- Breast implants can be placed either above or below the chest muscle. Each option has associated benefits and considerations, which should be discussed with a qualified surgeon to determine the most suitable approach for the individual.
- Above the muscle does provide good shape and support, however, this approach has a high risk of migration and capsule-formation (scar formation).
Scar placement
The most common incision placement is within the IMF or inframammary fold (the breast to chest fold line). It is 5cm in length and allows the implant to be securely placed. An IMF incision scar is quite hard to see because it is hidden in the crease of the breast fold.
Less common are incisions made via the nipple or armpit.
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Breast augmentation surgeon Brisbane
Breast augmentation procedure: step by step
Anaesthetic
You will meet the theatre team and anaesthetist prior to surgery. You will be given a general anaesthetic and once you’re asleep we’ll start by making an incision.
Incision
In most cases, we make an inframammary incision (the fold under the breast). The chest muscle is only partially elevated to create space.
Inserting the breast implant
Once the pocket is established, sizing is undertaken with temporary breast implants to establish the best profile and size match. Once the area is cleaned, we use an antibiotic/betadine solution to coat the implant and the pocket to ensure sterility. A particular funnel is used to introduce the implant to minimise handling and to exact placement. Occasionally a drain is used but not in all cases.
Closing the incision
The skin is closed and soon afterwards, you will wake up in the recovery room.
Result
Initial changes in breast size and shape will be noticeable post-surgery, though final results will take time to fully develop as swelling subsides and tissues settle.
The ideal preparation is to stay fit and healthy by maintaining a good diet, with good sleep, minimising alcohol intake and not smoking.
Previously it was estimated implants need replacement after 10 years however we are seeing greater longevity in implants over time.
Breastfeeding is possible after breast augmentation for submuscular implantation. Subglandular implantation has small risks of impacting breastfeeding.
Yes, this is safe and easily managed.
Breast augmentation recovery
Recovery after breast enlargement surgery
Most patients require 1 week off work. A compression bra is most comfortable post-surgery and will be on once you’re awake. We recommend using the bra for 4 weeks after surgery. Most surgery is day surgery however some patients require 1 night in hospital.
One day after breast surgery some swelling will be present and some chest discomfort is common. This is easily settled with regular over-the-counter analgesia. You will have stronger pain medication if needed but this is not common.
By the end of day 7 most bruising will have migrated to the chest wall and you will be quite comfortable. You will have your first post-op appointment with the clinic nurse on day 7.
Working, bathing, exercising and driving?
- Working is usually fine after 1 week however some patients require more time off and this is easily accommodated.
- Bathing and showering are fine after 36 hours.
- Driving is usually avoided for 1 week given the chest wall discomfort.
- Exercise: walking is fine in the first week. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4 weeks.
Breast augmentation risks
Risks and complications
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries potential risks, including but not limited to bleeding and infection. Patients should discuss these risks in detail with their surgeon during consultation.
- Serious bleeding would require a return to the operating theatre for repair.
- An infection in the implant would require the implant to be removed for a period of 4 months before a second procedure would be suitable.
A few more things we want you to know:
- You will see a scar however this will fade over time.
- The implant will develop a capsule over time which may require correction. This is usually over 5-10 years in patients however can be quite variable.
- ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) is a rare complication that has been recognised with textured implant usage both in Australia and globally. The risk is seen over 8-10 years. This is not breast cancer but an immune cancer related to capsule formation around the implant. The risk of this is estimated to be 1:10,000-1:50,000. This condition will be discussed during consultation.
Breast augmentation Brisbane cost
What does the procedure cost?
The decision to undergo breast augmentation is personal, and individuals should consider all factors, including costs and potential benefits. Patients are encouraged to consult with a qualified surgeon to understand their options and make an informed decision.
There are many low-cost options both in Australia and overseas and great care should be taken when dealing with a surgeon who is not an ASPS / AHPRA / FRACS recognised Plastic Surgeon.
It is important for individuals considering breast augmentation to verify the qualifications and experience of their chosen surgeon. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) provides guidelines on specialist registration and training pathways for different surgical disciplines.
Always ask your surgeon about his or her experience. Reassurance that a plastic surgeon has undertaken over 12 years of post-medical specialist training is an important determination.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
It’s also recommended to always seek second opinions if you have concerns. Ultimately you should feel comfortable with the surgeon you are seeing.
About Dr Andrew Hadj, Plastic surgeon Brisbane
Plastic surgery is the ultimate expression of art and science
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