Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants Adelaide

Breast augmentation can restore lost volume and enhance breast size

Breast augmentation refers to increasing the volume of and changing the shape of breasts by the surgical placement of breast prostheses.

Breast augmentation has become the poster child of plastic surgery – it has meshed into our complex and colourful popular culture. Most of us will know someone who has had the procedure and we have all seen examples of both good and bad results

Women seek breast augmentation for a variety of reasons, not just to increase their bust size. Most commonly, women want a more balanced body shape. They seek breasts that complement their height, shoulders, waist and hips.

Some women have very little breast tissue and are just aiming for a modest increase to feel more feminine, while others seek a more dramatic change to their proportions. For some, an increase in volume is just as important as a change in the shape of their breasts. Whatever the reason, breast augmentation is a powerful tool for transforming the body form.

The Breast Augmentation Consultation

Your initial consultation will focus on your goals while exploring your general health, body shape, chest shape, breast size, shape and symmetry. Your breast augmentation is unique to you and your lifestyle – no one else can have the result that you will have.

Our surgeons will help you understand what it might be like to have larger augmented breasts and what the implications are in the context of your lifestyle, age and childbearing intentions.

Based on careful measurements taken during your consultation by our surgeon and a chaperone, you will be guided through the multiple decisions that allow the simple concept of breast augmentation to become a highly personalised procedure.

This initial consultation is the right time to ask questions about breast implants costs, and all other costs involved in breast augmentation surgery performed at Waverley House clinic in Adelaide

Our surgeon will also outline the risks involved in breast augmentation and what the implications are for the rest of your life. As a general rule, we like to see our breast augmentation patients at two consultations. This allows for a cooling-off period of 10 – 14 days. During this time, you will also be sent all the necessary financial details.

Dr Rodney Cooter has a special interest in breast aesthetic surgery and is well equipped to help you achieve your goals.

What to Consider Before Breast Augmentation Surgery

Before you schedule a consultation and go ahead with this procedure, keep the following in mind:

• Breast implants won’t always be able to correct sagging breasts. If there is excess sagging skin present, you will also require a Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
• You will need to replace your breast implants 10 – 15 years later
• Depending on the type of incision and how your body reacts to the implants, there is always a small chance that you won’t be able to breastfeed again
• Smokers are more prone to complications during and after surgery
• As with any type of surgery, it’s important to enter this process with realistic expectations, something we will help you with during your consultations

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast surgery requires an anaesthetic to ensure that the process is pain-free and as comfortable as possible.

During your procedure, incisions will be made along the insertion area to create a pocket for the breast implants. The incisions are generally made underneath the breast but can be in the armpit or at the areola too – this will depend on several factors, including your tendency to scar. Once the implant has been inserted, the skin is stitched back up. Breast enhancement normally takes about one to two hours to complete. If the augmentation is combined with a Mastopexy (Breast Life), the procedure will take longer.

After your surgery, you will be moved into a recovery room until you are ready to be discharged. You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure.

Breast Augmentation FAQs – What You Should Know

What are the side effects of breast implants?

You can expect your breasts to be tender and sensitive after surgery. There will also very likely be some swelling and discolouration, which is caused by the change to the chest’s shape as well as the insertion of the breast implants.

Every effort is made to make sure that any scars from the incisions are not visible. Usually, the incisions will follow the natural creases of the skin.

Read more about associated risks.

Is there downtime associated with breast enhancement?

Breast augmentation does require some downtime in order to fully recover from this surgery. It is recommended that patients take around one or two weeks off work to ensure that some of the side effects have eased. In addition, you will have to wear a support bra after the stitches are removed to encourage the correct shape and to reduce swelling. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for around six weeks. If implants are placed on top of the pectoral muscle, patients will need to wait longer to exercise. If implants are placed behind the chest muscle, exercise will need to be avoided for up to 12 weeks. Thereafter, you can gradually start increasing the intensity of your workouts. Overall the recovery process and the visibility of your results will be a gradual process.

What costs are involved in breast augmentation?

In Australia, breast augmentation has a range of costs but there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account to determine the final cost. The size and type of your implants, as well as anaesthetist and hospital costs, will all need to be added to the total. Whether or not you pair the augmentation with a second procedure will also make a difference to the final cost. The best way to get a more accurate cost is to consult with a qualified surgeon at Waverley House. In terms of Medicare rebates, unfortunately, cosmetic procedures such as this will not be covered. However, if there is evidence of asymmetry or the procedure is required following a mastectomy, the costs may be covered.

What type of implant should I choose?

Saline and silicone are the two main types of breast implants and each has different pros and cons. One of the main differences between these implants is that silicone looks and feels more natural. The surface texture rating is also a very important choice because deeply textured surfaces are now banned due to their association with lymphoma. During your consultation, we will take you through all of these differences and help you make the best decision based on your budget and your needs.

Are breast implant scars permanent and visible?

As your breasts start to heal, your scars will have a red or pink appearance and be slightly raised. Over time, scars do become less noticeable and depending on where they were placed, they won’t be very visible because they can be hidden underneath clothing and undergarments. Factors such as age, skin tone, genetics and aftercare can all make a difference to how much you scar. We will provide you with very specific aftercare instructions that will ensure you can keep any scarring to a minimum – reducing sun exposure being one of them.

What happens to implants as they age?

Breast implants usually have a life of at least 10 years but in many cases, they can last much longer. As the implants get older, the outer shell becomes weaker, which means there is an increased chance of leakage and rupture. It’s for this reason that it’s essential to schedule regular check-ups with your surgeon. Know that breast implants will never prevent you from being able to have a mammogram after the age of 40 but it’s essential that you let the medical staff know that you do have implants.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

The healthier you are, the better your surgical experience will be. This includes being at a healthy weight and adjusting habits such as smoking. We will also provide you with specific instructions that need to be followed in the days leading up to your procedure that will help reduce the chances of side effects. Over and above this, ensuring that your home is prepared for your return will make your recovery process much easier. This includes setting up a place for you to rest where you can also sleep in an elevated position on your back and filling the necessary prescriptions so that it’s ready for you after your surgery.

How long will it take to see the final results of my surgery?

Most of the swelling will have subsided after three months, so you should be able to see the final results of your surgery at this time. However, this differs between patients because everyone heals differently. Once your breasts have settled, they will move into the proper place and look more natural. How long it will take to your results usually depends on several different factors, including whether your implant was placed above or below your chest muscle, what type of implant you decided on and how strong your pectoral muscles are. The recovery process does require patience but your surgeon will monitor your progress and be able to give you a better idea of when your final results will be visible.