Breast Augmentation - Breast Implants
A more harmonious balance
There are nearly as many reasons to consider breast augmentation as there are women. This is a highly personal choice and each woman’s goals and desires are her own.
Breast augmentation can have substantial benefits, including:
- enhanced self-esteem
- a more satisfying body image
- a renewed sense of enthusiasm.
Breast augmentation is not simply about achieving bigger breasts. It can enhance the breast contour as well as size, and may give your body a more harmonious balance, making it more proportional.
It can also correct and dramatically improve your breast balance if you have breasts of different sizes or shapes – a very common problem – or if you have lost breast shape due to breastfeeding or simply getting older.
Types of implants
Breast implants come in many shapes and sizes, and are made with a range of materials. The outer, pliable shell of an implant is thin, solid silicone, and the surface may be either smooth or textured. A textured surface lessens the formation of scar tissue around the implant, while smooth-surface implants have a slightly softer shell and are less likely to be felt through the skin and tissue.
Breast implant shells are filled with either saline or silicon. Saline naturally comprises most of the human body, so if the implant should leak (<5% of implants) its fluid can be easily and safely absorbed. Silicone is one of the most intensively researched materials used in medicine and has been subjected to extensive safety testing. It has been scientifically proven that silicone gel implants carry no increased risk of:
- breast cancer
- autoimmune diseases
- risks when breast-feeding.
Considering Breast Augmentation?
There are some common questions that many people who are contemplating breast surgery ask, such as:
Breast augmentation can achieve many different goals; your desires are a very personal matter, and ultimately only you can decide if it is right for you. Dr Hunt is a very experienced surgeon and he can provide you with relevant advice that can assist your decision.
What happens at the first consultation?
On your first visit to Dr Hunt he will evaluate where you are starting from with regard to your breast size, shape, nipple position, skin elasticity, and chest width, and, what you want the end result to be. He can explain which surgical techniques and implants are appropriate, based on the condition of your breast and skin tone.
During this consultation, Dr Hunt will evaluate your general health and take measurements of your breasts. He will describe alternatives and the potential risks and limitations of each procedure, as well as review the recommended pre- and post-operative course with you.
Dr Hunt, will discuss in detail what size and shape you would like your breasts to be, and do volumetric implant sizing to help select the best implant for you. At the end of the consultation, you will have pictures taken for your medical record to assist Dr Hunt to give you an optimal result.
After the consultation, Dr Hunt's assistant will prepare a quote that will include your surgical, anaesthetic, and hospital fees.
A follow up appointment will be necessary if you wish to proceed with surgery.
Breast surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, given by an anaesthetist, in an accredited hospital, so you are assured of the highest standard of care.
The method used to insert and position your implant will depend on your chest size and shape, as well as Dr Hunt's recommendations and your desires. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as small as possible.
There are three common incision sites for the insertion of breast implants:
- under or in the breast fold – inframammary
- around the nipple – periareolar
- through the armpit – transaxillary.
Some sites are better suited to some patients than others, and together, you and Dr Hunt will choose the best option for you.
Breast implants may be placed between the chest muscle and the breast tissue (sub-glandular), or below the chest muscle (sub-muscular). Dr Hunt usually places the implants below the muscle for 2 reasons:
- It provides a more natural look.
- The constant massaging of the implant by the muscle may help prevent build-up of thick scar tissue.
After the incision is made, Dr Hunt lifts your breast tissue and makes a pocket for the implant, either directly behind your breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle. The implants are then centered beneath your nipples. All sutures used are absorbable, and so will not require removal.
No drains will be used.
Breast augmentation surgery takes between 1 and 2 hours.
Most patients go home on the day of surgery, although you may elect to stay in overnight. When you are discharged you will be given prescriptions for antibiotics and for pain medication to minimise your discomfort.
You will wear a surgical bra with small pieces of gauze over the incisions for 2 to 3 days after surgery.
At home you will need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours.
If you experience any problems after surgery contact Dr Hunt immediately. This is especially important if your temperature is elevated, or one of your breasts is noticeably more swollen and tender to the touch, painful, red or inflamed.
Will I have to return for post-operative care?
You will return to see Dr Hunt 3 to 4 days after surgery.
You will learn how to massage and exercise your breasts and have your post-operative breast care reinforced.
You should plan on taking 1 week off work.
When can I resume my normal activities?
You will experience the most discomfort in the 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Your breasts will be swollen and tender, although this will settle quickly. Mild bruising will fade over 5 or 6 days. A small amount of swelling may remain for 3 to 5 weeks. The gauze dressings over your incisions can be removed after 3 days and then you may shower.
You can resume light activities within 48 hours.
You can resume regular activities within a week.
Do not undertake any strenuous activities for 4 weeks.
Do not undertake chest or weights exercises for 6 weeks.
You may experience a burning sensation in your nipples for 1 to 2 weeks, but this will gradually subside.
Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for 2 to 3 weeks, so avoid too much physical contact.
Your scars will be firm and pink for at least 6 weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.
Take the Next Step
If you're ready to learn more about breast implants, or take that step toward an improved quality of life click here to make an appointment to see Dr Jeremy Hunt
