FAQ’s about Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement in Sydney & Port Macquarie.
If you are considering pursuing breast augmentation surgery, you are not alone. Each year across Australia (Sydney, Adelaide & Port Macquarie clinics), thousands of women undergo surgery. Thanks to advances in technology and the surgical techniques, breast augmentation patients have more choices than ever before. Here are some frequently asked questions by women considering breast implants:
Q: What is Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement?
A: Breast augmentation is the enhancement of size and shape of breasts through the surgical insertion of breast implants.
Q: Who are good candidates for Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement?
A: Women who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts who are generally healthy and well. It is important to discuss your medical history with your Cosmetic Surgeon, including any medical condition that may impact your recovery and healing. You should also disclose any medications, prescription or over the counter, vitamins or natural supplements you take as sometimes these may affect the outcome. The surgeon will also ask about lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking as these too can have an impact on your recovery and results.
Q: What type of Breast Implants should I get?
A: Your Cosmetic Surgeon will provide you with information regarding the variations in implants (including type, size, shape, texture, projection and profile) and discuss with you the best options in light of the outcome you desire.
Q: What are the risks involved with Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement?
A: As with any form of surgery, patient undergoing breast augmentation face risks such as infection, bleeding and a reaction to anaesthesia. After surgery, risks associated with breast augmentation include hardening of the breasts due to capsular contracture, rippling or distortion and implant rupture. Your Cosmetic Surgeon should provide thorough information on the potential risks and complications prior to surgery and advice on ways in which you can minimise your risks (such as stopping smoking).
Q: How long is the Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement surgery?
A: Breast augmentation surgery typically takes between 1½ and 2 hours depending on the type of breast implant and the technique used. It is performed in a hospital under sedation or general anaesthetic, typically as a day procedure.
Q: How long is the recovery period?
A: Most women are returning to their normal routine and work within 1 to 2 weeks, though there may be some residual soreness and swelling. Some activities such as lifting and upper body exercise are to be avoided for 6 weeks.
Q: What is the cost of Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement surgery?
A: This information is usually provided in your consultation with the Cosmetic Surgeon. The costs involved include the surgical fee, theatre fees, anaesthetist fees and implant costs. Other additional costs to remember are medications, such as antibiotics prior to surgery and pain relief medication after surgery, and supportive bras.
Q: Is there a payment plan available?
A: The Department of Health has instructed medical practices to remain at arms length from financial arrangements in order that they are not seen in any way to induce patients to undergo surgery. Reputable medical practices advise seeking financial advice from your personal banking institution or financial organisations. Payments are required in full prior to surgery.
Q: Can I have a consult over the phone or internet?
A: In these days of technology and people’s time constraints, some medical practitioners are offering consultation via the phone or internet. This is inadvisable and an inappropriate way to prepare for surgery. A face to face consultation is the only way a surgeon can perform the necessary medical examinations and take measurements, discuss the advantages and risks of surgery and answer all your questions. A consultation also provides you with the opportunity to see and trial breast implants in order to make a decision about the best breast implants for you.
If you are serious about proceeding with breast augmentation surgery you need to make the necessary time for appropriate pre surgery consultations in order to facilitate the best outcome. Also bear in mind you will be required to attend post operative checkups to enable the Cosmetic Surgeon to monitor your recovery and outcome.
Q: Can I travel after Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement surgery?
A: You need to allow time to recover from surgery. Immediately after surgery, driving is not recommended for 2 weeks due to the strain it places on the chest area. Air travel should be avoided for a minimum of 6 weeks, usually 12 weeks after chest surgery to avoid risks such as a Pneumothorax.
Q: How do I choose a Cosmetic Surgeon?
A: Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon that has undergone training and is specifically qualified in the area of Cosmetic Surgery. In Australia, this requires attaining a Fellowship in Cosmetic Surgery through the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery, demanding and thorough two year training and mentoring programme. You can check a Surgeon’s qualifications and registration with the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery on their website. In your consultation, you can also ask the Cosmetic Surgeon about their experience and see examples of their work. It is recommended that you seek several opinions before deciding on a surgeon, as this choice is crucial in the success of your eventual surgical outcome.