Breast enhancement / breast augmentation can be performed for the following reasons:
To improve breast volume and contour due to inadequate development. Some women feel their breasts are out of proportion to the rest of their figures
To improve or regain breast volume and contour due to loss of breast tissue after pregnancy, breast feeding, trauma, breast resection or weight loss
To balance significant breast size and shape asymmetry where one side is different from the other
Breast augmentation / breast enhancement is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Breast augmentation is popular, relatively safe and has a high satisfaction rate.
It is important that you and Dr Pham know about your motivation, the size and shape of the breasts you desire and any concerns you have regarding your breasts. The final size, shape, projection, cleavage and movement of your enhanced breasts will depend on what type of implant and how it is inserted.
The aim of augmentation is to create natural appearing breasts.
Most common implants are silicon gel. Occasionally they are saline filled.
If you wish to learn more about breast augmentation, cosmetic surgery and facial plastic surgery please contact us to schedule a consultation with our Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon or Nurse Coordinator. You can view the range of cosmetic surgery and non surgical cosmetic procedures available, see the Gallery / Before & After Photos / and find answers to your most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Dr Pham usually aims to create natural appearing breasts. This can be achieved by avoiding the obvious visible outlines or margins of the implant, implant that is too high or perky or implant that is too large. The size and shape of the implant and position of the implant on the chest wall is planned to create natural enhanced breasts that is in balance with the body. In Australia, the trend is to have a "C" to small "D" cup for a more natural result.
Depending on a patient?s anatomy and preferences an implant is inserted into an incision through the armpit (the transaxillary approach), around the areolar (the areola/periareolar approach) or under the crease in the breast (the inframammary approach). The implant is placed either behind the large chest muscle (post-pectoral) or between the breast tissue and the chest muscle (pre-pectoral). It is not placed within the breast tissue. Incisions are closed using fine sutures that leave little visible scarring. The procedure is normally performed under general anaesthetic in a hospital and takes about 1½ hours. Breast augmentation can be painful, especially when the implants are placed behind the muscle.
During surgery, dressings +/- a bra will be placed on the wounds. Immediately after surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room for monitoring. Once awake and when it is safe to do so, you will be transferred to your room. You can either go home later that same day or stay overnight.
Breast swelling, bruising, tightness and pain can be expected after surgery, especially in the first 24 hours. Keep dressing tapes dry and intact until they are removed after a few days.
Medications - Dr Pham will prescribe pain relief to be used as directed. Usually Paracetamol +/- Codeine, Tramadol or Oxycodone is sufficient. Most patients complain of discomfort rather than pain. Do not take additional pain relievers other than what Dr Pham suggests or prescribes and start any antibiotics when you get home.
Diet- You should take plenty of fluids and eat nourishing food as tolerated. You may feel nauseous for the first 24 hours.
Support- Sports bras, maternity bras, full support bras:
Have any one of these styles of bras available and bring with you to your first post-op visit for when your surgical dressings are removed. Wear the bra 24 hours a day, for two weeks after your operation, removing this support only when washing or showering. You may wish to have two bras on hand as you will want to wash them from time to time and/or have a choice for day and evening wear. Some patients prefer to wear a bra immediately post-operatively. This is an option and is not essential.
Showering, shaving or waxing underarms- You may shower with warm water, but keep your bandages covered and dry. Do not allow sutures or dressings to get wet, for five days post operatively. Should this accidentally occur, use a hairdryer on the cool temperature setting to dry the sutures/dressings. Some find it easier just to sponge bathe around the dressings and sutures.
No hot showers, baths, saunas or spas for four weeks.
No topless sunbathing or tanning booths for six weeks. This may cause pigmentation or discolouration of your scars.
If the incisions are under your arms, no deodorant, vitamin E cream, perfumed lotions or shaving under arms for one week. You may sponge the area gently with warm water and mild soap, always avoiding the stitches, beginning the day after surgery. Do not wax underarms for one month post-operatively.
Driving- You may drive a car towards the end of the first week of surgery. Do this only if comfortable. Do not push it.
Activity- You should rest for the entire day after surgery. Sleep on your back with the head of your bed elevated or use two to three pillows for one week after surgery. Always protect your chest from sun exposure. You should avoid heavy lifting, exercise and activities such as running for 4 weeks after surgery. You can shower after a few days. Sexual intercourse can usually resume after 1 week.
Most people can resume work after 1 week or earlier, but occasionally longer if patients prefer more privacy. Most of the swelling and bruising will subside after 2 -3 weeks. You should wear a protective and comfortable bra for 6 weeks.
"Office visit - check up- You will need to return to the office for your dressing changes and general check up.
After you are discharged from hospital, please contact our office as soon as you return home to make a further appointment with one of our staff. This will occur usually around day five to seven post-operatively, and enables us to assess your progress, well-being and healing stages.
Final results following breast implants are not apparent for up to 6-12 months following surgery. We request that you please follow-up with us for at least one year for assessment and postoperative photographs.
Please Inform Dr Pham?s office or the hospital where the procedure was performed if you have the following:
High fever, chills or a temperature of more than 38 degrees
Heavy bleeding from the wound
Severe pain or tenderness
Significant redness, or discharge around the incision
Significant swelling
If you have any concerns you can contact Dr Pham's office on 9322 1960. Remember, we are all here to give you the best possible care.
Modern surgery is safe but does have risks. Complications can occur despite the highest standards and world?s best practice principles used by Dr Pham.
The potential risks are
General risk of surgery
Wound infection or breakdown - may require antibiotics
Bruising and swelling
Bruising and swelling
Chest infection
Sore throat from the breathing tube
Heart problems, blood clot or breathing difficulty due to anaesthesia in some patients
Scars that become raised (hypertrophic or keloid)
Specific Risks
Swelling and numbness, tingling or needle like sensations around the nipples and side walls of the chest for up to twelve months.
Fluid accumulation
Clotted veins in the breasts
Lumps or cysts
Capsule contracture - thick firm scar tissue around the implants can occur months to years later. This causes the breast to become more firm and is sometimes painful. 5% of patients with contractures may require surgical intervention.
Painful or unattractive scarring.
Subjective dissatisfaction with the final outcome.
Nerve damage.
Granuloma or foreign body reaction.
Implant movement, extrusion, capsule rupture or leakage
Skin wrinkles and ripples.
Chest wall deformity.
Allergic reactions to sutures, tape adhesives and others.
