Procedures:
Breast

Breast Augmentation

With several techniques available, Dr Rohan analyses your overall body proportions and lifestyle before tailoring an approach to complement your frame and needs. The decision is very individual and determined by the natural shape of your breasts and chest wall muscles. Commonly, C-D cup size is suitable for most patients.

Breast augmentation takes between 1 – 2 hours,  and is performed in a fully accredited hospital under a general anaesthetic with overnight observation.   Small incisions are made under the breast or around the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple). Safe silicone gel implants are inserted and placed either behind the breast tissue or behind the pectoral muscle.  In some cases, a combination of implant and fat transfer is necessary for the desired appearance.

Your implants will be registered with the Australian Breast Device Registry  – a nationwide Australian Government initiative established to monitor the safety and quality of procedures involving breast implants. Participation in the Registry is at no cost to you.

Following surgery a drain is temporarily placed under the skin to prevent excess fluid or blood from accumulating, and some bruising and swelling occurs that can last for up to three weeks. Breast implants do not usually interfere with breastfeeding, however Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) can occur in rare cases; please click here for more information.  Dr Page will discuss all risks of breast augmentation surgery with you during your initial consultation.

Results are visible immediately, although your breasts will be heavy and swollen for several weeks following the operation. A surgical, non-underwired compression bra should be worn  24 hours a day for six weeks for comfort and to secure implants. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise should be avoided for the first three weeks. As Dr Page monitors your recovery, he will advise you when it is safe to resume specific activities.

Although scars are an expected result of any surgery, in this case, they are barely visible given their size and discreet location under the breasts within the crease. In time, they should fade and be barely visible.

Risks and Complications

At Dr Rohan Page’s practice, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We want to ensure you are well informed about breast augmentation surgery’s risks and potential complications. While we take all necessary precautions to minimise these risks, it’s essential to acknowledge that some risks may be unavoidable.

Please note that the information provided here is of a general nature. During your consultation with Dr Rohan Page, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, he will discuss your surgical procedure’s specific risks and complications.

However, we have outlined some general risks associated with breast augmentation surgery below:

  1. Fluid Accumulation: After the surgery, fluid can accumulate around the breast implant, a condition known as seroma. In some cases, additional procedures may be required to drain the accumulated fluid. To prevent fluid or blood accumulation, thin tubes called drains may be temporarily placed under the skin during your hospital stay.
  2. Fat Necrosis: Although rare, fat necrosis can occur when fatty tissue dies, resulting in hard lumps under the skin. While it’s usually not a serious problem, Dr Page will monitor and address any concerns related to fat necrosis.
  3. Changes in Breast and Nipple Sensation: Breast augmentation may lead to temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation. Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity, while others may notice reduced sensation.
  4. Numbness: Temporary or permanent numbness in the breasts and surrounding areas can occur due to nerve damage during the surgery. Dr Page will discuss this possibility with you before the procedure.
  5. Skin Wrinkling: In some cases, skin wrinkling over the breast implant may occur. This is more common in individuals with thin skin or those who have chosen larger implants.
  6. Capsular Contracture: Capsular contracture is a complication where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to become firm and lose shape and softness. This can result in discomfort and may require additional surgery for correction.
  7. Implant-Related Issues: Various implant-related risks include wrong implant size, implant rupture, and deflation. In such cases, revision surgery may be necessary to replace or remove the implant.
  8. Breast Asymmetry: Breast augmentation can sometimes result in unevenness or asymmetry of the breasts. This can occur due to variations in healing, tissue response, or implant placement.
  9. Calcium Deposits: In rare cases, calcium deposits may develop in the scar capsule around the breast implant. While usually harmless, these deposits may require monitoring or treatment.
  10. Granulomas: Granulomas are lumps that can form in the local lymph node tissue due to leaking silicone. Although rare, they can occur and may require medical attention.
  11. Breastfeeding Difficulties: Breast augmentation may affect breastfeeding, reducing milk supply. Discussing this concern with Dr Page is essential, especially if you plan to have children in the future.
  12. Breast Cancer Screening Challenges: Breast implants may interfere with the effectiveness of mammograms in detecting breast tissue abnormalities, including tumours. It is crucial to inform healthcare providers about the presence of implants to ensure proper screening techniques are used.
  13. Implant Movement: In some cases, breast implants may shift from their original position over time, resulting in asymmetry or discomfort. Corrective surgery may be required in such situations.
  14. Additional Surgeries: In cases of complications or unsatisfactory outcomes, further surgeries may be necessary to address any issues. It’s important to note that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced after approximately 10 to 15 years.

It’s worth mentioning that while some studies have suggested a slight increase in the risk of developing connective-tissue diseases and autoimmune conditions, many medical investigations have not established a definitive connection between implants and these health issues.

Please remember that the risks and complications mentioned here are not exhaustive. Dr Rohan Page will provide personalised information based on your unique circumstances and address any concerns during your consultation.