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Breast Augmentation / Breast Enhancement/ Augmentation Mammoplasty/ Breast Implant
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. Breast augmentation increases the volume and improves the contour of the breasts with the use of breast implants.
The reasons for cosmetic breast augmentation are personal and should be discussed with your surgeon. Take time to understand your motivations, the procedure and information provided by Dr Pham. Breast augmentation can be performed for the following reasons:
1. 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
2. To improve or regain breast volume and contour due to loss of breast tissue after pregnancy, breast feeding, trauma, breast resection or weight loss
3. To balance significant breast size and shape asymmetry where one side is different from the other
Dr Pham does not perform reconstructive breast surgery for cancer patients.
Initial consultation
At initial consultation Dr Pham will ask you about your motivation, the size and shape of the breasts you desire and any concerns you have regarding your breasts. Sizer implants will be available to place in your bra to help with volume decisions. However, predicting the exact size is not possible. It is important that Dr Pham is made aware of your detailed medical history. He will need to know of any previous breast procedures, past and current medical conditions, allergies and medications, personal or family history of breast cancer or other breast problems, and the results of any previous mammograms. He will also need to know if you are planning to have more children in the future, are breast feeding or significantly altering your weight. Patients who are healthy and have realistic expectations are the best candidates for breast augmentation.
A thorough examination of your breasts and axillae (under arm area) will be performed and photographs will be taken for medical records. Dr Pham will take into account your ethnic background, skin type, size, shape and position of the breasts. If your breasts are sagging he may recommend a breast lift / mastopexy in conjunction with augmentation.
The aim of augmentation is to create natural appearing breasts.
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.
Dr Pham encourages you to have a second consultation or seek another surgeon's opinion if you are uncertain about undergoing the procedure.
Alternatives to Breast Implants - if you prefer not have surgery you can consider padding in the bra or external prostheses to increase the look of your breast size.
Types of Breast Implants
Implants used by Dr Pham are either:
1. Silicone gel (use in 95% of cases)
2. Saline
All implants have an outer silicone shell and can be either textured or smooth. Silicone is a synthetic product and is safely used in many medical products and implants throughout the body. Breast implants have not been scientifically shown to directly cause cancer, autoimmune or major connective tissue diseases. The presence of breast implants, however, makes it more technically difficult to take and read mammograms. This may be a special consideration for women who perhaps are at higher risk for breast cancer because of their family history. Placement of the implants underneath the pectoral muscle may interfere less with mammographic examinations, but other factors may also need to be considered with regards to implant placement. Dr Pham will discuss this with you.
Breast implants are manufactured to reduce any potential complications but cannot be guaranteed to have no side effects. There is no strict time limit on breast implants that may have to be removed or replaced. Most patients do not have any problems but on occasion breast implants are removed either by choice or due to complications.
Understanding the Procedure
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 1½hours. Breast augmentation can be painful, especially when the implants are placed behind the muscle.
Breast augmentations are usually performed under general anaesthetic and very occasionally under sedation with local anaesthetic. Modern anaesthesia is safe but does have side effects and you should discuss these with your anaesthetist.
Please contact us for your consultation on Rhinoplasty / Nasal Reshaping or other cosmetic surgery and non surgical cosmetic procedures
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