Breast augmentation is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in Australia which  increases the size of your breasts or corrects loose breasts after weight loss or pregnancy.

If you are thinking about having breast surgery, start by doing your research online. And, when you are ready, find a specialist plastic surgeon you can build a rapport with and trust to do the surgery. You may find there are a lot of options but, keep in mind, a cosmetic surgeon is not the same as a specialist plastic surgeon.

In this article we give you insight into the difference between a cosmetic and specialist plastic surgeon. We also cover some of the risks, different types of implants, and preparing for and recovery from the operation. At your initial consultation, the surgeon will give you all the information you need and be prepared to ask questions.

Choosing a specialist plastic surgeon

It is important to discuss the significance of selecting a board-certified specialist plastic surgeon with whoever you choose to do your breast enlargement procedure. Why? Not all surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery procedures are equal. In Australia, due to a lack of adequate regulations any medical practitioners can perform cosmetic surgery without having specialist training or the same level of assessment.

A doctor can only call themselves a specialist plastic surgeon if they have done 5 years of rigorous extra training to become a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Australia’s Medical Board does not recognise cosmetic surgery as a separate speciality or the title of cosmetic surgeon. Keep this in mind when searching for a specialist to do your surgery. Essentially, when a doctor calls themselves a “cosmetic surgeon”, it is not a recognised medical title. A specialist plastic surgeon earns their title. After completing their medical degree, an internship and at least 2 years of registrar training, they are eligible to apply for plastic surgery training. Specialist Plastic Surgery training program is a full time 5 year specialist program on which only a few trainees are selected each year. It is only after they successfully complete the course can they become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and have the right to call themselves a specialist plastic surgeon.

What does this mean for you? If you want breast surgery, then you want a surgeon who is highly trained so you get the best results.

Potential risks and complications

As always, surgery has the risk of complications. Some of the risks for breast enlargement surgery may include:

• Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or around the implant.
• Capsular contracture: Excessive scar tissue forms around the implant.
• Implant rupture or leakage.
• Wrinkling or rippling of the implant. This may be palpable or visible.
• Changes in breast or nipple sensation, which may be permanent.
• Pain and discomfort. Short term after surgery is common.
• Haematoma (bleeding internally) and seroma (fluid around the implant).
• Excessive Scarring at the insertion site.
• Asymmetry of the breasts.
• Implant Malposition. The implants may move or settle in the wrong place.
• Cosmetic dissatisfaction with size, shape, position or symmetry.
• Long-term maintenance: Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and they need to be replaced or removed eventually, usually after 15 to 20 years.

Bottom of Form

Your specialist plastic surgeon will discuss all the possible complications and risks with you before you make the decision to go ahead with the operation.

Types of breast implants

There are different types of breast implants. The surgeon will listen to what you want to achieve and talk to you about the customisation and personalisation options you have to get the best results. Expert surgeons always focus on achieving natural-looking results.

Here are some things to consider when deciding which breast implants you want:

1. Silicone or saline breast implants. Both silicone and saline implants are available in Australia. But the most often used are silicone implants because they give the most natural result and come in a round or teardrop shape.
2. Teardrop or round breast implants. The shape you choose depends on the results you want to achieve. You can choose either round and teardrop (anatomical). Teardrop-shaped implants have a more natural shape whereas round implants may give your breasts more fullness in the upper part of the breast. Your surgeon will discuss with you which ones will suit you best..

Preparation and recovery from breast implant surgery

For good results from your surgery, you need to prepare for your procedure and understand what is involved in your recovery.

Preparing for surgery

Prepare for your surgery by:

• Stopping smoking, if a smoker, at least two to four weeks beforehand.
• Ensuring you are fit and healthy.
• Eating healthy, nutritious food.
• Avoiding taking blood thinners such as Aspirin.
• Trying not to drink high levels of alcohol.
• Planning for your surgery:
  1. Take the time you need off work.
  2. Organise someone to drive you to the surgery and home again.
  3. Make sure you have a support person who can stay with you for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
  4. Ensure someone can help you around the house, drive you when needed and help with the shopping for at least the first few days.

Post-operative care

After your surgical procedure, you will receive instructions. These will include what you can and cannot do. The purpose of the instructions is to keep you comfortable as you recover so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

The instructions will include the following:

• Rest. For the first 48 hours you will need a lot of rest so take it easy.
• Work. Take at least a week off work or two weeks if your job is physically strenuous.
• Medications. You will receive pain killers and antibiotics. Only take them as directed.
• Restrict arm movements. Moving your arms too much, especially reaching behind your back and over your head, can be uncomfortable Restrict your arm movements for a week or two after the procedure.
• Sleep. Avoid sleeping on your side as it will be uncomfortable. Try to only sleep on your back.
• Follow-up appointments. Make sure you attend your follow-up appointments.

Are you thinking about having breast implants? Contact Pure Aesthetics today to book an initial consultation to find out what we can do for you.