For women who are unhappy with the size and shape of their breasts, breast augmentation can improve the appearance of their bustline and provide a boost in self-esteem and body confidence.
Just remember that surgery is a big decision and if you’re considering undergoing breast augmentation in Adelaide, it’s important to thoroughly research what is involved and seek advice from a qualified and experienced surgeon.
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation, or enlargement, is a procedure in which breast implants are used to add volume and shape to the bust line. It can provide women with a more youthful, contoured appearance.
Some of the common reasons for a breast augmentation include:
- Improvement of breast size
- Flat chest with underdeveloped breasts
- Breast size disproportionate to body frame
- Desire for a firmer, fuller bust line
- Decrease in breast size following pregnancy, weight loss or ageing
- Breast drooping or sagging
- One breast smaller than the other
Before undergoing a breast augmentation, you will have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals and the potential results of your procedure.
Your consultation will include an assessment of your chest frame and breast tissue characteristics, and an exploration of the various implant options.
Breast implants
Breast implants come in a range of sizes, from smaller implants for subtle augmentation to larger implants for more dramatic results.
Breast implants come in a variety of shapes, including round and teardrop. During your consultation your surgeon will show you the options that will most likely provide the results you’re after and suit your body shape.
There are also different types of breast implants available, made from different materials.
Two of the most commonly used breast implants are silicone gel and saline implants. Silicone gel implants are made from a soft cohesive medical grade material confined within a shaped silicone rubber shell. Saline breast implants are made from a salt-water solution contained within an outer silicone rubber shell. Both silicone and saline breast implants are considered safe, with the latest technological advances in breast surgery further increasing their effectiveness and durability.
Each case is unique, so your surgeon may recommend a specific type of implant depending on your desired outcome. Usually, soft silicone gel implants are used when tissue coverage is thin, while saline filled implants are often used when there is more breast tissue cover.
Your surgeon will also discuss the best options for the placement of the implants. This may vary for each case, either behind the chest muscles or directly underneath the breast tissue.
The procedure
Breast augmentation procedures are performed as a day procedure, generally taking up to two hours.
An incision is usually made in the fold under the breast and the implant is carefully inserted under the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscles. The implant is inserted with the aid of a Keller Funnel to avoid contact between the implant and the skin where contamination could otherwise occur.
Once the implant is correctly in place, the incision is carefully closed in layers with a concealed absorbable stitch.
The procedure is performed under intravenous sedation or general anaesthetic by a specialist anaesthetist.
Recovery
Patients may experience breast sensitivity, soreness and swelling during recovery following breast augmentation. Some patients may also experience a temporary decrease in nipple sensation. Most side effects generally go away within two days.
Your surgeon will likely check you the day after the procedure, and then frequently during the following two weeks to monitor your recovery.
You will be able to shower on the second post-operative day. It is recommended that patients wear a compression or sports bra for at least four weeks following the procedure. This can help ensure your incisions heal well and your implants stay in place while the surrounding tissue heals. Wearing underwire bras during recovery is not recommended as this may cause irritation to the incision site.
The recovery period will often involve around two weeks of rest and light activity. Most people will be able to resume their normal routine, including work, after two weeks, though for some this may be sooner.
The post-op management can vary depending on the type of breast implants you have inserted. This will be discussed with you before the procedure.
Risks
As with any surgery there are potential risks to consider. These will be discussed with you during your consultation.
There are some instances when an implant may become encapsulated, a condition in which scar tissue forms around the implant and makes it feel hardened.
While rare, another potential risk is the implant leaking or deflating. This will require replacement or removal of the implant.
Some scarring may occur following the surgery, but this often fades over time.
Costs
The cost of breast augmentation will differ for each case, depending on the complexity and duration of your specific procedure.
Once your surgeon has fully assessed your requirements and the scope of the procedure during the initial consultation, they will be able to give you more information about the costs involved for your individual procedure.
The costs involved with breast augmentation include surgical fees, day surgery theatre fees, cost of the implants and the fee for the specialist anesthetist.
Breast Augmentation in Adelaide
Every patient will have a different desired result, and the potential outcome can depend on what is most suited for your body. Your surgeon will go over your goals and decide with you on the way to get the best results.
For women who suffer poor body confidence due to the size or shape of their bust line, breast augmentation can significantly improve their self confidence.
Dr Richard Hamilton is highly experienced in breast augmentation and breast reduction surgery in Adelaide and provides expert care. Contact the team at Hamilton House to book your consultation.