Breast Augmentation Perth
Breast Implant Surgeon in Perth
Augmentation mammaplasty, otherwise known as breast enlargement, breast implants or boob job, is a procedure that involves increasing or restoring the breast size. Breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures for women. As with any type of cosmetic surgery, undergoing this procedure is a major decision.
Our surgeons and staff at Rodin Clinic are here to answer all your questions and can provide more details. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your options concerning your surgery for breast augmentation in Perth.
Are breast implants right for me?
Breast augmentation can result in a dramatic change in how your body looks. Women seek breast enlargement for any number and often a combination of reasons. These include:
- You have small breasts
- Weight loss has changed their size and shape
- Your breasts have lost their firmness after having children
- One side is noticeably smaller than the other
Prior to undergoing a breast enlargement, it is important to fully understand your motives as to why you want it, and you must have realistic expectations. That is why the initial consultation with our surgeons is important. Your Plastic Surgeon can help provide you with the best understanding of what the procedure entails and what you can expect, before undergoing any surgery.
What should I expect from the initial breast augmentation consultation?
If you are considering breast implants, scheduling an initial consultation is the first step. During this meeting, our surgeons will take the time to explain the procedure and answer any of your questions. Your physical and emotional health will also be assessed prior to the surgery.
You should be ready to provide information about the following:
- Previous breast procedures
- Past and present medical conditions
- Medications or supplements you are currently taking
- Mammogram results
- Any history of breast cancer in the family
The information you provide is important for your surgeon to help you understand factors that may affect results. Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight can change your breast size and shape. Pregnancy can also change size in an unpredictable manner.
During the consultation, your breasts will be examined and photographed for your medical record. The size and shape of your breasts in addition to your chest dimensions, quality of your skin, and position of your nipples will also be taken into consideration. For improved results, additional cosmetic procedures may be recommended. If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift procedure can be performed in conjunction with augmentation surgery.
How is the breast surgery performed?
The access incision is preferably under the breast where the breast meets the chest wall. Once the incision is made, a pocket is then created where the implants will be inserted. The pocket is made either behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle. The decision is ultimately determined based on the thickness of the soft tissue of the upper breast and chest wall. Your surgeon will discuss other factors that determine the “above or below muscle” issue with you. Drains are not routinely used for implants.
What size and shape implants are right for me?
Breast implants that are currently available in Australia come in either round or anatomic (teardrop) shapes. The anatomic implant has more of a projection at the base and imparts a more natural appearance. Women with small breasts or those who have not had babies may consider this option. However, anatomic implants are typically more expensive and may occasionally be prone to rotation.
The size of implants tends to cause a lot of confusion. Several factors are taken into consideration when assessing the size. This includes looking at the breast shape and size, the amount of upper breast “padding”, and the height and shape of the body. If the breasts are uneven to begin with then a different implant size may be recommended for each breast.
Using sizing charts allows us to accurately predict the dimensions of the breasts after surgery. To help with your decision regarding the size, you may ask to view photographs of previous augmentations. Sizer implants can also be placed in the bra to give a better idea of what the new size would look like.
We can make a recommendation for implant size, but the choice is ultimately up to the patient. Typically implant size ranges from the low 200’s to 400 cc with the median size in our series being 325 cc. Patients are advised against requesting too large a size as they tend to lead to more problems in the long term.
Saline or silicone gel-filled implants?
All commonly used implants have an inert silicone covering which may be smooth or textured. Silicone gel-filled breast implants are increasingly the preferred choice and are approved for general use by the Therapeutic Goods Advisory service (TGA). The gel is of a cohesive nature and will not disperse if ruptured. The obvious benefit is that the silicone has a much softer feel and form compared to its alternative, saline. This is particularly important for women with small breasts.
Is the procedure safe?
Breast augmentation is a commonly performed procedure. However, as with all types of major procedures there are certain risks that need to be fully understood. One of the most important parts of the initial consultation is the discussion regarding possible complications.
These include:
- Altered nipple sensation
- Implant malposition
- Infection
- Implant failure
- Capsular contracture
- Double bubble
- ALCL
Capsular contracture or breast firmness is much less of a problem now than in the past. The incidence of significant contracture in our series is in the order of 2%. Every implant becomes encapsulated, but it only becomes a problem if very thickened and may be accompanied by pain and hardness. If it is problematic a capsulectomy can be performed and the implant replaced.
Infection is highly unlikely but can be devastating as it means the implant needs to be removed. Sometimes a low-grade infection can be managed by antibiotics but often results in long term capsular contracture.
Implant failure is difficult to quantify although newer ones tend to have a much longer lifespan. Changes in nipple sensation may be affected but are usually only temporary.
ALCL or large cell lymphoma of the breast is a rare and ill understood association with breast implants. It typically presents as a unilateral breast swelling 5-10 years post augmentation. It is diagnosed by aspirating the fluid and sending it off for special tests. It appears to be related to textured implants and is possibly related to a low-grade infection surrounding the implant shell. The incidence is still exceedingly rare with micro textured implants. The treatment is to perform a total capsulectomy with removal of the implant.
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of breast augmentation surgery.
Book a Breast Augmentation Consultation Today
Contact our Perth clinic today to schedule an initial consultation for your breast augmentation surgery in Perth. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide more details.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
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How will I be cared for on the day of surgery?
The procedure is performed in a hospital under general anaesthetic as a day case and typically takes one hour unless it is combined with other procedures. Patients can expect swelling around the area that is operated on. Any discomfort and pain are typically minimal.
Patients can return to normal activities several days after the procedure although we recommend staying away from strenuous activities such as heavy lifting. Wearing a new sports bra or crop top is recommended for comfort. We will give you a complete overview of what to expect prior to the surgery.
Thinking about having surgery overseas?
By carefully reviewing the specialised surgeons who perform breast augmentation you are effectively minimising the chances of post procedure complications. If you have a complication following surgery overseas you are typically not covered by any indemnity and the results can often be disastrous.
Are silicone breast implants safe?
One question we regularly get asked is regarding the safety of our silicone gel-filled implants. These have been one of the most studied medical devices since their first introduction in 1962 with decades of research evaluating their safety. The devices are heavily regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. The FDA in the U.S. has also given its approval and support for these types of implants.
Despite the published research in peer reviewed literature there are a number of women who present some years following augmentation requesting implant removal due to concerns regarding the long-term health effects. They often present with long standing symptoms which include breast pain, rashes, chronic fatigue, joint pains and depression. These patients have often been extensively investigated with minimal positive findings. Their conviction that this is due to their implants is often supported by reams of evidence on the internet. This evidence is not from reputable peer reviewed resources. Having said that, if a patient is convinced that they are the cause of the problem then explantation or removal is recommended. Interestingly, following removal their symptoms often improve.
Can implants cause breast cancer or other diseases?
There is no evidence of increased rates of autoimmune disease or breast cancer in women who have breast implants.
Can implants make it harder to detect breast cancer?
All women are strongly advised to self-examine their breasts for any lumps and to schedule an annual examination by a doctor. The implants can interfere with mammograms and make it difficult to assess any signs of breast cancer. Patients should inform the radiologist of their implants prior to having a mammogram.
Do they feel unnatural?
A common concern for clients undergoing a breast enlargement or reconstruction is how their breast will feel. While implants may not be as supple as real breasts, most women who have undergone the procedure are all very satisfied with their results.
Will I be able to breastfeed?
Having breast implants does not preclude being able to breastfeed successfully. There is also no evidence that breast implants pose any risk to breastfeeding infants.
What is the recovery like after surgery?
Each patient has different pain tolerance levels, but most patients have minimal pain after breast enlargement. Patients can expect swelling for several weeks after the surgery. Recovery time varies for each patient. Most patients are typically able to return to work within one week but are encouraged to minimise any physical activities to limit the swelling. Our nurse will give you instructions to follow during your recovery after surgery.
Will the scars be visibly obvious?
The implants are inserted through a small incision made under the breast in the fold where the breast meets the chest wall. As such, they are rarely visible post-surgery and do fade with time. Incisions around the nipple or in the armpit are discouraged.
Can anyone tell if a woman has breast implants?
A carefully planned and performed breast enlargement procedure can deliver results that look natural. Choosing an experienced surgeon is incredibly important to get the results you want. Prior to the procedure, we take the time to explain the process and answer your questions. We also consider your height, weight, and the natural size and shape of your breasts. This allows us to choose an appropriate implant and position it correctly for natural looking results.
Do breast implants make the breast sag sooner?
Breasts begin to sag and lose their firmness after many years. This can be exacerbated by pregnancy, breast feeding, weight loss and weight gain. The elastin/collagen structure also starts to break down with the aging process.
Natural breasts of the same size and weight will begin to sag the same as an implant would. Even with breast augmentation surgery, it is still important to wear a quality, supportive bra that fits well. One thing to note is that getting excessively large breast implants can result in premature sagging.
Do the implants need to be replaced regularly?
There is a common misconception that implants need to be replaced every 10 years, but this is not true. The CORE study published by Mentor in the US stated an 8% rupture rate at 10 years based on MRI findings. However, implants may last a lifetime. Many manufacturers give a lifetime guarantee on their product. Dr Cooper encourages yearly check-ups for 10 years with regular ultrasounds to exclude a rupture. It is important to note that a rupture is often a silent event in that it is not noticed by the patient.
What is the likelihood of needing another operation?
The commonest reason for needing another breast enhancement operation is a change of size, usually to a bigger size. That is why it is important to choose the right size in the first instance. Other reasons for reoperation include capsular contracture, implant malposition, rupture of the implant and subsequent breast droop.
Tuberous breasts
This is a recognised condition where the breasts are of uneven size with a narrow base, often a tight lower pole and a protuberant areola. Different sized and shaped implants are routinely used. Dr Cooper has expertise in the management of this difficult condition.
Get In Touch with our Surgeons
If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Timothy Cooper or Dr Robert Choa, get in touch with us or fill out the form below and one of our helpful staff will be in touch shortly