Plastic Surgery Guide: Breast Implants
Considering plastic surgery but don’t know where to start? Our new Plastic Surgery Guide will cover common procedures as well as the latest methods, starting with breast implants.
What is the procedure?
Breast implants, also known as breast augmentation and breast enlargement involves placing an implant into a pocket formed beneath the breast tissue or muscle which helps increase the size and volume of the breast. This is one of the most commonly performed procedures that Dr Barnouti at Sydney Plastic Surgery is well-known for which helps women achieve natural looking breasts that are in harmony with her figure. For women who are suffering from droopy or saggy breasts then the breast lift also known as Mastopexy is a good option. This procedure is especially good for women who’s breasts have lost their youthful shape or for women who have seen their breasts sag as a result of pregnancy, weight fluctuations, ageing, gravity and heredity.
The breast lift procedure can only be described as a fine art as precise millimetric measurements are taken of the breast. Through this meticulous process Dr Barnouti is able to produce natural looking breasts by implementing exact measurements to create a more predictable outcome…i.e. perky breasts that are positioned perfectly. Once these measurements are taken Dr Barnouti can then advise if a breast lift is performed alone or in combination with augmentation to further improve the breast shape. The breast lift is designed to raise and firm the breast by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. The augmentation can be performed using your own fatty tissue, also known as fat injection, or by using an implant.
Different type of breast implants
There are many decisions to make when considering breast implants including the implant type and size, the pocket and the incision placement – this is where Dr Barnouti will help you make the right decision. Breast implants come in two different shapes – round and tear drop and can contain saline or silicone.
1. Teardrop implants are contoured and are considered the most anatomical. They are shaped like a natural breast and create a sloped shape when placed over the chest muscles. While these are the most natural looking breast implants, it takes a skilled plastic surgeon to ensure they are placed properly. For this reason it is important to ask your surgeon to see photos of other patients that have received this type of implant.
2. Round Implants are the most common implants as they generally give women the most lift, fullness and cleavage. Certain types of round implants can also enhance the forward projection of the breasts. Some women however, feel that round implants are too artificial looking. Again its best to discuss these options with your surgeon and choose the right shape and size that works with your body frame and the look you are aiming to achieve.
Saline or silicone?
You can also choose between saline and silicone breast implants although saline implants are running out of fashion in Australia. Silicone breast implants are made of rubber shell and filled with highly cohesive silicone gel and are far superior to saline implants in terms of feel, shape and longevity. Where the breast implant is placed is something else to think about with the option of placing it under the muscle or above the muscle. While many options are available it is very important for women to sit down with their surgeon after a thorough examination and discuss which option makes the most sense for your body and the outcome you want to achieve.
The Brazilian implants are another excellent choice to enhance the breast and are covered in a layer of polyurethane-foam that creates a ‘furry’ feel to the outer shell in terms of feel. If you were to hold a Brazilian implant it would feel like fur or a suede material. Once inside your body they start off by feeling firmer than a regular silicone implant and can last longer than the normal ‘softening’ process of a regular implant – the idea is that they start out firmer but end up being softer than other implants in the end.
Other things to consider…
Another consideration you will need to make with your breast augmentation is the location of the incision – there are three common incisions or entry points for the implant used to augment the breast. The most common incision is placed directly under the breast with other choices including an incision around the areola (where your nipple is) or the armpit. Again this decision can be discussed with your surgeon to determine which option is best for you.
Consulting a plastic surgeon
To discuss your breast augmentation surgery, it will be helpful to bring along your partner and a list of questions that you have so you will not forget to ask any of them. An information sheet and breast augmentation after care sheet should be provided for you during the breast consultation.
Cost
You should pay between $10,000 -$12,500 this is inclusive of the surgeon’s fee, assistant surgeons fee, anesthetist’s fee, operating theatre, GST and all follow-up visits cost. Cost should also cover your choice of teardrop breast implants, round breast implants, Brazilian breast implants or any other breast implants you wish.
Considerations for breast enlargement surgery
– You will need between 8-14 days off work. For light duties or office work you can return after 8 days for heavier duties it is best to return to work after 14 days.
– Sport bra need to be worn for 4 weeks after breast augmentation surgery.
– You cannot do any vigorous exercise or go to the gym for 6 weeks.
– You cannot drive, drink or sign any important documents in the first 48 hours after your breast implants surgery.
– You must have realistic expectations – breast implants average size is 250-400ml.