Breast Augmentation
Fortunately, for cosmetic surgery, the era of making breasts larger without consideration for correct form and symmetry is behind us. With form-stable cohesive gel implants being the norm rather than the exception in Australia, choosing an implant becomes key in planning for the perfect augmentation and optimal results.
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Desired Results: | Women in Sydney generally undergo breast augmentation surgery because they would like a bigger, fuller and perhaps perkier breast shape. |
What does a consultation involve?
Traditionally, before and after photographs of past patients have been used to predict outcomes. However, using before and after photos alone is not only outdated, but also inaccurate as each patient is different. Today, attention should be placed on understanding the patient's surgical goals and planning the procedure together.
This is why I use 3D Breast Simulation software to help plan the operation, and attempt to predict the likely post-operative result.
During the consultation, we will go through your 3D image, and you will wear external sizers. Using my simulation software, we will then carefully plan your breast implant surgery and render a likely post-operative result based on implant size, shape and position.
To achieve a predictable and wanted outcome, each woman needs a customised approach with a few key considerations.
3D technology is not only a fantastic tool in helping select the perfect implant, but also in visualising the before/afters from all angles.
Where are the incisions placed?
I prefer to place the incision below the breast (inframammary) which, when mathematically calculated using the dimensions of the implant and existing breast tissue characteristics, should be well concealed in the breast crease.
Except when also performing a combined augmentation mastopexy, I rarely use access incisions such as axillary, peri-areolar or umbilical. The reason for this is simple; breast augmentation is more than adding volume to the breast — it is about shaping the breast in a reproducible manner. Every woman's chest wall is different, especially the anatomy of the pectoralis major muscle. The inframammary incision is the only incision which allows complete exposure of all the key anatomical landmarks, thus allowing for the most predictable and reproducible long-term results.
Where are the implants placed?
The breast implant can be placed below or above the pectoralis major muscle, depending on the woman's current shape and size. My preference if you have a very thin breast envelope, is a dual plane pocket for its diversity and the ability to control the breast projection and shape. Dual plane refers to the position of the implant in relation to the pectoralis major muscle and the breast gland; the upper half of the implant being behind the muscle and the lower half of the implant being directly behind breast tissue.
Should your upper breast envelope be a little thicker, I prefer placing the implants above the muscle as this gives the quickest recovery and most appealing appearance.
What types of implants are used?
The aim of breast augmentation should be exactly that — augmenting the form of a natural breast, not solely enlarging it. We are fortunate in Australia to have extremely high standards when it comes to implant quality, and with the latest generation of form-stable cohesive implants, our results are more predictable and precise than ever. A discussion on which implant is suitable for which patient is beyond the scope of any website, so please feel free to send any questions you may have through my contact page, or even better, come in for a consultation.
How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, usually as a day case. Time off work to recover is usually around one week and vigorous exercise can usually be resumed after six weeks.
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What are the potential risks and complications of breast augmentation?
Some possible complications and risks associated with breast augmentation may include:
- Risks involved with any surgery such as bleeding or infection
- Fluid accumulation, which is called a seroma, around the implant after surgery
- Changes in nipple sensitivity
- Temporary or permanent areas of numbness around the scars
- Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
- Keloid or hypertrophic scarring, especially if you have a history of poor scarring
- Capsular contracture, where firm scar tissue forms around the implant causing it to lose shape and softness. Occasionally a capsule contracture around an implant can be painful.
- Inappropriate implant size
- Implant rupture
- All breasts are uneven; after an augmentation this slight difference will be more noticeable. If there is a significant difference pre-operatively then I might need to put different sized implants in. A formal assessment of breast volume is performed when I take your 3D image.
- Lumps in local lymph node tissue formed by leaking silicone. This does not pose a health risk to you.
- Small reduction in the effectiveness of breast cancer screening as the implant could hide breast tissue and tumours. Modern imaging has made this far less of a concern.
- Implants moving from their original position
- Revisional surgery to treat complications
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Augmentation
Do I need to replace my implants every couple of years?
One of the most common misconceptions about breast implants is that they need to be lifted or replaced every few years, which in turn is a major deterrent for many women considering the implant option. Their concern about the need for future surgeries as well as the costs involved prevents them from choosing augmentation. In reality, you should only require one to two follow up surgeries as the average lifespan of implants is 20 years (some have been known to last up to 40 years!) On average, only about 20% of women who have undergone breast augmentation opt to have their implants replaced or repaired within the first 10 years of their initial surgery.
How does creating cleavage work?
Creating cleavage is similar to building a house. If the chest wall is 400cc and the patient opts for 200cc implants, there will be a gap between the breasts because the volumes aren't as important as the width of the implant compared to your body. The gap between the tops of the breasts is not as important as the gap at the bottom which requires that the breasts be as close together as possible. If the patient's breasts sit perfectly on their chest wall, then the implants of the correct size will create the ideal cleavage they are looking for. The more complex cases are those where women have a wide gap to start with as they will need the implants to be placed closer together to create the ideal aesthetic. For women who have angulated chest walls, a hybrid augmentation where back is injected into the cleavage area along with the implant is the right solution.
Where will the breast augmentation incision be placed?
Dr Moradi prefers to place the incision below the breast (inframammary). Using mathematical calculations combining the dimensions of the implant and the current breast tissue, the incision should be well concealed within the breast crease.
The inframammary incision is also the only incision which allows complete exposure of all the important anatomical landmarks, allowing for the most predictable long-term results. This is because breast augmentation is more complicated than just inserting the implant. It requires the careful shaping of the breast in a reproducible manner, making inframammary incisions the most ideal for the best results.
What is the recovery time after a breast augmentation?
The recovery time after a breast augmentation varies, but generally, the immediate recovery takes 1-2 weeks, during which you may experience soreness and swelling. After 2-4 weeks, you can gradually return to light activities, and by 6 weeks, most normal activities, including exercise, may be resumed. Full recovery can take several months, and personalised guidance from Dr Moradi is crucial for a successful recovery.
Who is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation?
A suitable candidate for breast augmentation is typically a physically and mentally healthy individual with realistic expectations. They should be at least 18 years old for saline implants (or 22 for silicone implants), emotionally stable, and have fully developed breasts. Candidates suitable are also not pregnant or breastfeeding and must understand the procedure's potential risks and complications. It's essential to consult with a Dr Moradi for a personalised assessment and discussion of individual goals and suitability for breast augmentation.
Who should not have a breast augmentation?
If you are considering getting a breast augmentation in order to please a partner or significant other rather than seeking the surgery for yourself, we ask that you take some time to thoroughly question the reasons behind getting this procedure done. If you are truly unhappy with your breasts, we would love to assist you in obtaining your ideal breast size and shape as long as the decision is yours. We also advise that women who are still planning on giving birth wait until after the breastfeeding period. Although the implants will not hinder your ability to breastfeed, breasts often lose volume and fall after childbirth and breastfeeding. It is ideal to wait until after these changes have potentially occurred before undergoing surgery.
Will my implants interfere with a mammogram?
Unfortunately, breast implants do have the potential to interfere with mammography readings in certain patients. More often than not it is in those whose implants have been placed above the muscle (sub-glandular). Those who have implants placed behind the muscle (sub-muscular) are less likely to encounter problems with mammogram readings. This is a particularly important consideration for women who have a family history of breast cancer as they will want to ensure that any potential mammogram readings are as clear and hassle-free as possible.
Are there any risks involved in breast augmentation?
Unfortunately, as with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved. Dr Moradi is a highly qualified and renowned doctor who takes every precaution to avoid any sort of complications. He will also consult with you to ensure that you are fully educated on the whole process as well as to make sure that he can work towards giving you the results that are attainable for your body. As long as you stick by any post-operative care most of the complications can be avoided. If you do notice anything unusual we suggest contacting us immediately and if in the off chance there are complication, we do also offer any revisional surgery that may be required.
What is the cost of a breast augmentation?
Above all else, we warn all patients against cheap breast augmentations that are found online or from not so reputable sources. For an augmentation to be cheap, whoever is offering it, will have to cut some sort of costs whether it be the quality of the implant, the viability of the anaesthetic or even the state of the operating facilities. Worse still is that most people are unhappy with their results from these cheaper options either because of botched surgeries or poor execution, requiring extensive and costly surgeries to get the breasts back to normal. Our breast augmentation costs include the anaesthetist's fee, general anaesthetic, post-operative garments, the surgical assistant's fee and finally unlimited follow ups. Choose great care with Dr Moradi.
What should I consider before having a breast augmentation?
The main thing to take into consideration when you are having a breast augmentation or breast lift and augmentation, is your goals. Everyone is different and has different ideas and desires when it comes to their ideal breasts. Often, women who have had children come in wanting their breasts to look how they did when their breastfeeding milk came in, others want their breasts to look exactly as they appear in a push-up bra, some want them to appear natural and then there are some women who want their breasts to look fake. Each set of goals helps Dr Moradi get an idea of what each patient is after. Once those precise desires have been discussed, Dr Moradi can move on to choosing between the type of implant to use. The choices are generally between anatomical and round implants. Round implants have the benefit that if they rotate, there will be no issues with the appearance. However, if a teardrop rotates, they can look a little odd. Each patient is different and will require different things in order to achieve their dream breasts.
What are implant profiles?
The choice between round and teardrop implants is not as important as the choice between profiles. Dr Moradi will help to build your breast according to your body type and personality. The process begins with measurements of the patient. The exact height and width will determine the ideal implant to use is. From there, volume can be created with projections. Projections and profiles are the same thing. The way to imagine profiles, is in terms of a structure like a house. The moderate profile is like a one story house, moderate plus is like a two story house and a high profile is like a three story house. The bigger the profile, the more fake you are going to look. A high profile round also has the tendency to look fake no matter how it is inserted.
Should I get my implant above or below the muscle?
Whether you go above or below the muscle with your implant is dependent on your anatomy and your goals. Below the muscle looks more natural than above, because the pec major camouflages the top of the implant. Above tend to look faker because the pec major is not there to disguise the implant. The same stands for if you are extremely lean and have no breast tissue and decide to go above the muscle, it will look super fake because you are going to see the outline of the implant. The majority of the implants that Dr Moradi and his team put in are below the muscle because it offers a more natural aesthetic along with the ability to cover the top half of the implant. It is interesting to note that in the moderate profile range, round and teardrop implants look very similar. So, if you are getting the moderate profile, the round implant underneath the muscle can look like a teardrop implant, making them almost interchanging within that moderate profile range.
Can round implants look natural?
Patients can choose to have a very natural look or an unnatural look. Rounded implants can appear more natural than teardrop implants, as round implants are filled with saline or silicone that allows for natural breast movements.
What are anatomical implants?
Anatomical implants are also known as teardrop implants as they take on the shape of a teardrop. Anatomical implants offer great lower pole fullness and a natural contour. They also remain in the teardrop shape as they are made from a firmer cohesive gel.
Are round or teardrop implants better?
Round implants, such as Motiva use either saline or silicone, which gives them a smooth, natural appearance and a soft touch. These implants offer good upper pole fullness.
Whereas teardrop implants provide a firmer gel consistency, as they usually use cohesive silicone gel that mimics the natural breast. This implant has a thinner upper area which slopes downwards into a full and rounded base. They generally remain in shape in all positions due to the non-fluid filler.