Breast Enlargement ( Breast Augmentation )

Breast enlargement, or breast augmentation, is a procedure which increases the size of one or both breasts using specially designed implants.

A very popular form of cosmetic surgery, women choose to undergo breast augmentation procedures for many different reasons. It can help to enlarge or enhance underdeveloped breasts; correct uneven size or shape; improve sagging or loss of fullness following child birth and breast feeding; or provide a larger, firmer and more shapely bust.

Whatever your reasons for considering breast enlargement, many women find their new breasts can help to boost their confidence and improve their self-esteem. However, it is important that you are realistic about what you expect from this surgery and understand that results can vary significantly from patient to patient for a number of reasons.

Implants come in a number of different sizes and shapes, and with your surgeon, you can choose which implants will best suit your body, depending on what kind of result you are trying to achieve.

Your Procedure

Breast implants are inserted either behind the natural breast tissue or behind the chest (pectoral) muscle. A small incision is made either under the crease of the breast, around the nipple or in the armpit, through which the implant is put in place.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and normally takes 1 to 2 hours. Your total stay in hospital should be one day.

After your operation

• You may have drains from your breasts to help remove any excess fluid and aid the healing process. These are removed prior to your discharge from hospital.
• Some pain or discomfort at your wound site and/or drain site can be expected. This will eventually settle and can be managed with oral pain medication.
• You will have been measured for TED stockings and compression sleeves (SCDs) prior to your operation. These are worn to the operating theatre and post-operatively. You are able to stop wearing the SCDs once you are comfortably mobile. The TED stockings are to be worn until you are discharged from hospital.
• The garment for which you were measured at your initial consultation will be put on you in theatre once your operation is complete. This must be worn continuously for six weeks to help keep the breasts supported. You may also need to wear a breast stabiliser to prevent your implants from moving while the area is healing. This may need to be worn for six or more weeks.
• An appointment to see your surgeon in three weeks time for a review will be made before you leave the hospital.

At home

• You may notice some redness, swelling and bruising around the wound, which is normal.
• You may have some pain around the wound sites, which is normal and will eventually settle. This can be managed with oral pain medication.
• A small amount of discharge from the wounds is normal.
• You will have dressings over your wound site. These should be left on until the two to three week post-op review. These dressings are waterproof, so there is no need to cover them to have a shower. However, if the dressings lift before the post-op review, please contact one of the clinic nurses.
• You must continue to wear your garment and breast stabiliser for six weeks.
• This garment can be removed for showering.
• Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and unnecessary strain on your wound for six weeks after surgery.
• Make sure you remain mobile at home, going for short walks, etc.
• Avoid driving for two weeks after surgery, and if necessary, only drive short distances until six weeks after surgery.
• Post-operative lethargy is often experienced and can last for a month or more after your operation.
• You should eat a nutritious diet high in vitamin C and drink plenty of water to help promote wound healing.
• A post-op review will generally be carried out three weeks after your surgery.

Problem signs

Please contact the clinic, your GP or your closest emergency department if:

• You have any signs of infection, such as a high temperature, heavy discharge from your wound site, an increase in redness or heat around your wound site, or a dramatic increase in pain that is not relieved by oral pain medication.
• You have increased swelling around your wound.
• If you have nausea or vomiting which does not settle.

PIP Implant Information

Form and Function Clinic's Plastic & Reconstructive surgeons, Dr Ingram and Dr Goh have never used or endorsed PIP implants in any way. We have however had a number of patients approach us to enquire about their removal and replacement.

For any patients concerned who would like more information or would like to discuss with Dr Ingram or Dr Goh, please email us for more information or for an appointment at info@ffclinic.com.au or call on 07 3010 3300.