MOST COMMON ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Why do women request breast enlargements?

 

This is usually because of feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment or shyness due to breast size - difficulty in buying clothing due to imbalance in body proportions. Although some request quite a large implant, most women are wanting to not be too big but have "something".

 

These are the complaints most commonly expressed by women requiring breast augmentation.

 

Breast augmentation or as it may be called "breast enlargement" is the enhancement of breast size by the placement of an implant. The operation continues to be refined and is now a common procedure offering choices in implant size, shape, composition and placement. All modern implants have a silicone outer shell but have various surface textures, fillings, sizes and shapes.

 

Many women have benefited from this procedure. The most common request is from women who either never really developed what they considered enough breast or women who have had children then especially after breast-feeding, found their breasts whilst breast-feeding and "wanted them back again."

 

Changing your breasts will not by itself change you. If it gives you a higher self-esteem or more self-confidence or makes you just feel better about yourself then it will have achieved its aim.

Women of all ages are considering and undergoing breast augmentation. However before considering any form of surgery there are a number of things you need to know. From experience, we have found that women, who are well informed and realistic, are the most likely to e extremely pleased with the procedure.

 

 

How big will I be?

 

The size of the augmentation is dependent on your wishes, your breast shape and size and what is safe. At the consultation you will be given sizing implants to put in your bra to determine approximately what you would like. Your chest measurements and breast envelope are measured and from this we can determine a range of appropriate sizes. The final decision on size naturally rests with the patient and this process with guidance usually results in an appropriate outcome.

 

What sort of scarring can I expect?

 

Depending on your choice an incision is made either around the lower part of the nipple, beneath the breast (usually in a skin crease) or under the arm. There are advantages and disadvantages with all these options and these need to be discussed properly beforehand. Scarring varies considerably between individuals and ranges from almost invisible to being raised and more noticeable. Most women are between these two extremes and scars will continue to improve for up to 12 - 18 months To minimize scarring we use buried and dissolving sutures and where necessary special supportive garments and taping of the suture lines.

 

What do you do in a first visit?

 

Your individual concerns are discussed, so that your surgical choices can be fully explained including the risks, limitations and potential complications. Pre-operative photos are taken and the proposed surgery is explained. After you have been fully informed of all aspects of the procedure including all expenses, you are encouraged, after having assimilated a large amount of information too re-present, if appropriate with your partner, an any aspect can be re-discussed, until you feel fully informed and comfortable to proceed.

 

What should I tell my partner?

 

We strongly recommend your partner to be part of the consultation, and whilst it is totally your choice we believe it important they know what is going on. It must however be strongly emphasized that no surgery is ever performed at the request of the partner, as this is purely your personal decision. However we have found that invariably the partner has been highly supportive and encouraging, as they too have concerns and a supportive home environment makes the process a little easier.

 

How long does it take to recover?

 

Breast augmentation is usually performed as a day procedure though if you wish an overnight stay can be organized. You will be encouraged to walk a little from day one. Gentle every day activities can usually be resumed after a few days, as long as they don't cause discomfort. Driving a car can usually be resumed after the first week. Any sporting activities that could stretch the incisions and cause a wider scar are to be avoided for six weeks. All sutures used are buried and dissolving but to minimize scarring, the suture lines are supported with tape and a bra or supportive garment is best worn for the following six weeks. The intention is from day one to start commencing a healthier active lifestyle, but to get the best healing you do need to look after yourself and not rush into anything.

 

What should I do if I want to have more children?

 

If you definitely intend having more children soon, we would certainly advise you defer surgery until you have completed your family. It is not that the surgery would be dangerous but that everything would stretch and you could lose the benefits of the procedure. Breast augmentation should not affect breast-feeding.

 

Does it hurt?

 

You are likely to be uncomfortable for several days. Any post-operative pain is usually easily controlled with medication and this is also organized for when you go home.

 

Are there any risks?

 

As with any surgical procedure there are risks, limitations and potential complications. Any surgery carries risks, which include infection and post-operative blood clots. One downside to breast augmentation is capsular contraction which affects around five to seven per cent of patients. If any foreign implant is placed in the body, such as a pacemaker or artificial hip, the body reacts by forming a scar around the foreign matter. All scars contract and in some patients, the scar will contract to the point that the breast implant becomes noticeable and firmer. A very important part of your consultation is a very detailed full explanation of these. As with any procedure you need to be as fully informed as possible so that you can make an informed decision.

 

Will I have to wear special garments?

 

Usually a supportive bra without under wire is recommended. You will need to wear it for 6 weeks to encourage a nice shape to the breasts. The suture lines are supported with tape usually for 6 weeks but these are water resistant and early bathing and showering encouraged.

 

How is the procedure performed?

 

Once the important decisions have been made, surgery is booked. The procedure usually takes about 1 ½ hours. An antibiotic is given to even further reduce the possibility of capsular contraction, which may be associated with infection. The average scar is around 5cm and pain lasts a few days after surgery. You will experience some post-operative pain naturally but this is managed with oral painkillers. Placing the implant under the muscle may have a slightly more difficult recovery due to the reaction of the muscle which may spasm and cramp from time to time. An anti-spasmodic medication is usually given in this case. There are times when placement either in front or behind the muscle is appropriate and this needs to be discussed before the procedure.

 

Silicone or Saline?

 

There are advantages and disadvantages of both. The earlier silicone implants which had a liquid type of silicone were not the best design. Modern silicone implants are made of a gel consistency silicone rather like Turkish Delight and are firmer, hold their shape better and will not 'run' if the implant ruptures such as in a motor vehicle accident.

 

Anatomical or Round?

This will depend on the type of 'look' you are trying to achieve and this needs to be discussed with Dr. Flynn during the consultation. Anatomical or 'Tear drop' implants do cost more and there is a small that they may rotate and finish up with a different appearance which will need to be corrected.