Breast Augmentation, also known as Breast Implant surgery, is performed to increase the size of the breasts, improve their shape or correct asymmetry.
There are many factors that make women consider breast augmentation surgery apart from it being purely about size. Some women lose volume in their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding and wish to regain a more youthful breast appearance. Insufficient development of the breasts can leave some women unsatisfied with their breast size and shape. Significant weight loss can also change the look of the breasts.
Breast Augmentation Technique
During the breast enhancement procedure, an incision is placed under the breast (Infra-mammary fold), which is Dr Safvat’s preferred incision site as it is the safest, yet less conspicuous option. The breast implant can be positioned most accurately into its pocket with this method. Also, any form of breast implant (round-shaped or tear-drop) can be used. It will generally leave an unnoticeable scar, hidden in the breast fold. The scar involved usually heals to an almost imperceptible line.
There are many decisions to make when considering breast implants for breast augmentation, including the implant type and size, the pocket where it is put and the incision placement.
There are two broad categories of implant pocket. Implants are placed either under the pectoralis/chest wall muscle (sub-pectoral) or over (sub-glandular) the pectoralis. A combination of both can also be used which is referred to as the dual-plane technique.
With breast augmentation, the breast implants are either tear drop (anatomical) or round shaped. The implant type and pocket position depend partly on your build, the volume and position of your breasts, and the thickness of your skin. These are thoroughly discussed with you in the decision-making process and the best option is reached in consultation with Dr Safvat.
Dr Safvat uses newer 5th generation textured breast implants from well-established and reputable companies. This is because we believe there is no room for compromise here as patient safety and quality is paramount.
The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital.
Recovery
Upon discharge, the breast augmentation surgery patient is required to wear a medical garment (bras) for 4-6 weeks and should have about 1 week off work to rest at home. Walking is actively encouraged post-operatively but avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 3-4 weeks.
Initially after the breast augmentation surgery, the breasts will be swollen and slightly bruised. This will settle over the next few weeks and Dr Safvat will guide you through the scar management after your operation. It will take few weeks before the breasts settle into their final shape, during which time you may contact Ethique Plastic Surgery in Sydney if you have concerns.
Complications
While all care and diligence is taken by Dr Safvat to minimise or avoid complications, any surgical procedure can be associated with some general complications and/or specific complications related to the surgery you are having. Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon such as Dr Safvat and having your procedure done in an accredited hospital minimises risks as does using an accredited Anaesthesist. Some general surgical potential complications are:
- Infection that may require antibiotics (Dr Safvat prescribes all patients antibiotics after surgery to minimise this risk).
- Fluid build up under the skin (seroma).
- Allergic reaction to dressings and other items used during the procedure.
- The formation of blood collection (haematoma) which could require additional surgery.
- Scars heal differently in different people. Some people are genetically prone to develop keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars develop when there is a complication in the healing process. Whilst not ideal, there is no threat to your health if you develop these.
- Although rare, heavy bleeding may occur at the operation site and even more rarely a blood transfusion may be required.
- Anyone can have a heart attack or stroke from a clot. This risk is slightly increased with anaesthetics.
Most patients undergoing Breast Augmentation will not experience complications, however it is important that all patients have enough information to weigh up the benefits and risks of surgery. The following are some possible complications of this particular surgery.
- Blood and body fluid can build up around the implant causing pain. A further operation may be needed to remove the blood and fluid.
- It is common to have changes in the sensation around the nipple and areola, however normal sensation usually returns after a month or so. It is uncommon, but not impossible for this to be permanent.
- Breast implants can leak or rupture due to injury, during mammography, with capsular contracture or for no known reason.
- Capsular Contracture – There is scar tissue (a capsule) around any implant. This scar tissue can become thickened and become pathological. In its severest form it can even make the implant hard, distorted and painful. This can occur at any time and in severe cases the implants will need to be removed and/or replaced.
- An implant can potentially move from its original position or rotate (in the case of tear drop implants) which can distort the breast shape and cause discomfort.
- Most women do not have completely symmetrical breasts even before breast augmentation surgery. If the asymmetry is significant, this can be improved with different size breast implants but it is not usually possible to make them 100% symmetrical.
- All implants (breast implants, artificial joints, pacemakers etc.) are foreign material and therefore more likely to get infected. You will be discharged on antibiotics to minimise this risk. There is accumulating evidence that “bacteria” are associated with complications of Breast implant surgery such as the risk of capsular contracture and BIA- ALCL (explained below). Dr Safvat follows the 14-point plan which is evidence-based steps developed to minimise “bacterial” load around the implants at the time of Surgery therefore reducing risks of infection, Capsular Contracture & BIA-ALCL. Dr Safvat does not take shortcuts or rush the Surgery as infection control standards are extremely important in Breast Implant Surgery to ensure safe and best outcomes.
- Textured breast implants have been associated with Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) which is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Implants must be monitored annually for BIA-ALCL. This will present as a lump or fluid around the implant which manifests as increase in size of the affected breast. You need to contact Dr Safvat as soon as possible if these happen. But bear in mind that in most cases these are benign and from other causes.
Dr Safvat will go through the specific risks associated with Breast Augmentation surgery with his patients, at their consultation in his Sydney and Bowral rooms.
Breast Augmentation Cost
It’s difficult to calculate a final breast augmentation cost without a consultation. Surgeon, hospital, anaesthetist fees and implant costs are just some of what needs to be considered. Some patients also choose to combine their augmentation surgery with a breast lift, which can also affect the total cost.
Breast augmentation is considered a cosmetic procedure and it is not covered by Medicare or your Health Fund. Dr Safvat will provide you with an estimation of fees after your consultation in his Miranda, Bowral, or Concord rooms.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
What do you need to do before this procedure?
Smoking and being overweight have been shown to cause more complications after surgery. We will insist that you stop smoking 3–4 weeks before your breast augmentation surgery and have a healthy and stable weight.
Breast augmentation surgery is one the most common procedures done in cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, because of the high demands, there are a lot of doctors who are not properly trained as plastic surgeons who perform this procedure. Make sure that your surgeon is a properly trained specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney and has the ability to look after you in the event that a complication arises. We will continue to see you on a yearly basis to monitor the health of your breasts and implants.
How do I know if breast augmentation surgery is the right fit for me?
Breast augmentation is a personal procedure – everyone chooses to undergo surgery for different reasons. To begin with, you should always consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon before making any final decisions about breast implants. There are a number of factors that need to be considered, including your medical history, the health of your breasts and your expectations being some of them.
Breast augmentation surgery could be right for you if you’re in good physical health, have fully developed breasts, and want to enhance the shape and size of one or both breasts. The procedure is very popular amongst those who have lost weight, recently had a child or are experiencing some of the common signs of ageing.
Before you consider this procedure, keep the following in mind:
- While there’s no way to determine this, augmentation may affect your ability to breastfeed.
- Breast implants won’t last a lifetime, so you may require a second surgery later on in life to replace or remove your implants.
- If you’re a smoker, your healing could be delayed and you have a higher risk of developing complications. Dr Safvat will insist that you stop smoking before this type of surgery.
- You should only undergo this surgery for yourself, not because someone else has convinced you to. Your personal reasons for wanting to receive implants should also be considered.
Do implants make it more difficult to detect breast cancer?
If you have a history of breast cancer, it’s important to bring this up during your consultation. There is no evidence that breast implants increase your risk of cancer but they can make it slightly more difficult to detect cancer during a mammogram. Telling your x-ray technician about the implants will ensure the right techniques are used during testing. We will also show you how to correctly check for lumps and abnormalities in between your check-ups.
Is scarring something I should be worried about after augmentation surgery?
Scarring is par for the course after undergoing any type of surgery, including breast implant surgery. However, steps can be taken to minimise scarring. Incisions are made in areas that will hide scarring under clothing or in the natural folds of the body and skin. We will also provide you with a list of scar management techniques that will ensure they fade as much as possible over time.
Should I pair augmentation with a breast lift?
It’s very common for women to pair breast augmentation with a lift. You should consider both procedures in the following situations:
- You want to increase the size of your breasts and achieve a more elevated position
- The level of droopiness that’s present can’t be corrected with implants alone
- You want more upper pole fullness, something that can only be achieved with a lift
- Moderate to significant volume loss and excess skin is present due to weight loss or breastfeeding
The best way to determine whether you would benefit from both procedures is to schedule a consultation with Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Andre Safvat.
When will I see the final results of my augmentation procedure?
It can take up to 3 months to see the final results of your surgery, so patience is required. Directly after your surgery, your breasts will appear larger than they are due to swelling. Your implants also need time to settle in order for the results to look more natural. How long it takes to see your final results will depend on the type of implant that was used, where the implant was placed and your body type. The stronger your pectoral muscles are, the faster you will heal. It’s natural to want to see your results as soon as possible, but giving your body time to heal from a breast augmentation is well worth it.
Breast Augmentation – Sydney
Breast implant plastic surgeons in Sydney locations:
- Dr Andre Safvat – Miranda NSW
- Dr Andre Safvat – Concord NSW
Breast Implant – NSW Locations
Book a breast implant initial consultation locations in NSW:
- Dr Andre Safvat – Bowral