Breast Augmentation
Mammoplasty

What is breast augmentation mammoplasty?

Breast augmentation mammoplasty is a cosmetic procedure involving implants inserted beneath the breasts to enhance their size, shape, and volume. This surgery is designed for women who have noticed breast shape or volume changes due to pregnancy, weight loss, or natural aging, and who wish to augment their breasts after these life changes. Women with underdeveloped breast tissue or small breasts are also suitable candidates for breast augmentation mammoplasty. A qualified surgeon will be able to consult with you to design a plan that aims to meet your needs and preferred outcomes.

What can breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery do for you?

There are several reasons why people undergo breast augmentation mammoplasty, including concerns about:

• Naturally small breasts
• Volume loss after weight loss, breastfeeding, or pregnancy
• Shape or projection of the breasts
• Breast asymmetry
• Breast appearance after mastectomy or injury

Am I a suitable candidate?

You may be a suitable candidate for breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery if you desire an enhancement in breast size or wish to deal with any of the following concerns:

• Mild to moderate breast ptosis (laxity)
• Uneven or asymmetrical breasts
• Tuberous breasts (enlarged, conical nipples with low volume)
• Lack of breast volume
• Lack of upper pole cleavage

Patients will need to have fully developed breasts before undergoing any breast surgery. You should have realistic expectations for enhancement and understand that results will vary.

Consultation with Dr Matt Starr

During your initial consultation with Dr Starr, you will have an in-depth discussion about why you want breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, your expectations, and what you hope to achieve with such a procedure. You will need to disclose your medical history, including any medical conditions, medications, and previous medical or cosmetic treatments you may have undergone. This will also include any family history of breast cancer and your current health and lifestyle. If you are still breastfeeding or planning for pregnancy in the future, make sure you disclose this information to Dr Starr, as this will influence the techniques used during surgery. This information is vital in helping Dr Starr craft a tailored procedure and aftercare plan designed around your health, lifestyle, concerns, and desired outcomes.

Photos will need to be taken of your breasts, which will be kept strictly confidential amongst your medical team. Dr Starr will evaluate your breast concerns and provide recommendations on the type of augmentation and enhancement he can provide to help achieve your goals. Once these factors have been decided on and a procedure plan is created, Dr Starr can provide you with an estimate of costs.

Breast Implants

The type of implants you choose will depend on what kind of results you wish to achieve. You will discuss this with Dr Starr, who will recommend an implant type, shape, and finish that fits your lifestyle and desired aesthetic.

• Silicone implants
  Silicone implants are made of an elastic, cohesive gel specifically designed to mimic the feel and look of natural breast tissue. In case of an implant rupture or leak, the gel should not migrate, minimising the risk of extracapsular spread and silicone migration.
• Saline implants
  Saline implants are made of sterilised saltwater surrounded by a silicone outer layer, resulting in a different firmness, feel, and shape than silicone implants. If a leak or rupture occurs, the implant is designed to collapse, and the saline solution is absorbed and expelled through the body’s natural processes.

Finish

• Textured
  This is the most common choice among patients, as the textured surface provides stability to lessen the risk of implant migration.
• Smooth
  Smooth finishes typically create a softer feeling and are most suited to patients wanting a breast shape with lower projection and volume.

Shape

• Teardrop (anatomical)
  Teardrop implants have a flatter upper breast pole and a fuller lower breast curve. This is usually the most natural-looking shape that mimics a youthful breast appearance.
• Round
  Round implants create a fuller appearance with a higher profile that provides more projection, and because of their consistent round shape, there is less risk of implant migration.

The procedure

Breast augmentation mammoplasty is conducted under general anaesthetic as a day procedure, but this may change if combined with other surgeries. The procedure will take between one to two hours.

Every breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery is different, as every woman’s breasts and concerns are unique. Therefore, the incisions used will vary for every patient, based on their circumstances, lifestyle, and ultimate surgery outcomes.

Breast augmentation mammoplasty incision types

• Inframammary incision
  This is the most commonly used technique, requiring an incision made under the breast in the creases of the skin to hide visible scarring. It allows for the most manoeuvrability when inserting the chosen implant.
• Periareolar incision
  This technique involves an incision made underneath the nipple around the areola. It creates the least visible scarring, but it does come with the added risks of losing nipple sensation and the inability to breastfeed.
• Transaxillary incision
  The least commonly used technique, this incision is made in the armpit area where the implant is then positioned through it. This method is typically used with patients with a higher risk of keloid scarring.

Once the chosen incision is made, a pocket will need to be created for the implant, depending on your physique and desired look. The pocket locations will situate the implant either under the pectoral muscle, behind the breast tissue and over the pectoral muscle, or partially behind the pectoral muscle and mammary gland. When the implants are inserted and situated correctly, sutures are used to close the incisions, and drainage tubes are inserted to collect excess fluid or blood, which will be removed after a couple of days.

Recovery & aftercare

Immediately after surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and soreness which are normal post-procedure experiences. Your breasts will be dressed in bandages, and you will be fitted with a compression bra to help minimise bruising and swelling. Pain medication may be prescribed to help lessen any discomfort. Post-treatment symptoms may last for several weeks after your breast augmentation mammoplasty, and it will take time for the full results to be seen, as you will need to wait for the swelling to subside and your body to heal completely.

To help with your recovery, Dr Starr will provide you with an aftercare plan designed to facilitate proper healing and minimise scarring where possible. Aftercare for breast augmentation mammoplasty includes:

• Taking sufficient time off work – one-two weeks is recommended
• Wear prescribed compression garments until advised
• Taking prescribed medications and creams
• Sleeping only on your back during the first week of recovery
• You may not be able to drive until the pain subsides, and you have stopped taking pain medication, this can take up to one week
• Avoid vigorous activity for a minimum of two weeks
• Attend all post-operative appointments to monitor your healing

The results of your breast augmentation mammoplasty will take time to fully appear, as you will need to wait for all swelling and bruising to subside, which is why we recommend wearing your compression bra as much as possible during the first few weeks of healing. It may take up to three months before your complete results of surgery are seen.

What risks or complications are associated with breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery?

Associated risks and complications for breast augmentation mammoplasty include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Bruising
• Infection at the surgical site
• Capsular contracture, also known as scar tissue formation inside the breast
• Implant rupture or leak
• Changes to nipple and breast sensation
• Implant migration
• Poor wound healing at the incision site
• Poor scarring
• Excess fluid accumulation

Any procedure, medical or cosmetic, has associated risks or complications that could potentially occur, and patients should be aware of these before undergoing any surgery. Dr Starr will work to minimise any risks or complications at every step of your journey, and following your pre– and post-operative plans as advised will help minimise the potential for risks.