Breast Augmentation Surgery Bunbury

Dr Nathan is a plastic surgeon specialising in breast augmentation in Bunbury. Breast augmentation surgery involves placing implants or autologous fat tissue behind the breast tissue or chest muscles to enhance the size and form of the female chest. You can visit Dr Nathan in Bunbury for a consultation.

Breast Augmentation Bunbury

Breast Enhancement Surgery

Breast enhancement surgery was first performed by Vincenz Czerny in the 19th century. Women typically get breast enhancements to improve the shape of their breasts. Other common names for breast augmentation include augmentation mastoplasty, breast enhancement, and boob job, and it is one of the most performed plastic surgery procedures daily. 

Breast augmentation can often be misconstrued for a breast lift procedure. Plastic surgeons use breast augmentation to increase the size of a patient's breasts, while a breast lift raises sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.

Why do women get breast augmentation surgery?

Some reasons why women might find themselves getting a breast augmentation procedure include:

  • To accentuate breast cleavage
  • To make breasts more symmetrical
  • To increase volume
  • To reconstruct the breast after procedures such as mastectomy

What are the types of breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the size and volume of the breasts by using either fat grafting or implants.  Dr Nathan can discuss and best option for you. 

  • Fat grafting (fat transfer augmentation)
    This procedure uses fat removed from other body parts to augment or change the contour of the patient's breasts. The fat is collected from your belly, flanks, and thighs using liposuction.
  • Breast implant augmentation
    Implants are placed in the chest to enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breast.

 

There are many different types of implants with varying forms and compositions with different merits and demerits. 

  • Saline Implants
    Saline implants are a type of implant that is filled with sterile water. Saline implants require smaller incisions, and are less expensive. In the event of a rupture, the body will be able to absorb the saline water component.
  • Silicon implants
    These implants are full of silicone gel. They look and feel more natural than saline and do not tend to move around. They are more expensive than saline and require larger incisions and frequent post-op checkups.
  • Structured saline breast implants
    Structured saline breast implants are the best of both worlds. They have the safety aspect of traditional saline implants, which is the more natural feeling of silicone implants. Their enhanced internal structure helps retain the firmness of silicone implants while looking realistic.

 

Preparing for a breast augmentation procedure

Your surgeon Dr Nathan will help you identify needs and treatment plans.  You may be asked to do the following:

  • Pre-operative assessments:
    To decide whether you are eligible for surgery or not, Dr Nathan will ask about previous surgeries, any medications you are currently taking, and a history of breast issues. You will undergo a thorough physical examination to determine your eligibility, including blood tests and mammograms. 
  • Stop smoking.
  • Stop alcohol consumption.
  • Adjust certain routine medications you may be taking.
  • Stop taking medications that can increase bleeding (such as aspirin)

We recommend informing your close relatives and friends about the surgery to ensure you have sufficient social support during recovery.

 

How is breast augmentation surgery done?

While there are multiple approaches to breast augmentation, essential steps of the procedure involve: 

  • Measurements and markings: The surgical team will measure and mark the patient to indicate parameters such as incision site, implant insertion, breast width, and soft tissues.
  • Anaesthesia: Depending on the procedural standards and your body configurations, anaesthesiologists can administer either regional or general anaesthesia. 
  • Making the incision:  Cosmetic surgeons choose areas that will be inconspicuous or hidden to make the incision. The area is also carefully chosen to reduce the chances of scar formation. The number of incisions and size may vary depending on what type of implant you receive.

    Incisions could be:
    - Around your nipple [periareolar]
    - Directly under your breast [inframammary]
    - Somewhere in your armpit [transaxillary]
    - Around your belly button [transumbilical]
  • Inserting the breast implant: The implant is placed beneath the breast tissue or under your pectoral muscles. 
  • Closing the incision: The breast tissue is fixed with sutures, and the overlaying skin is applied with adhesives or surgical tapes. This leaves little to no scarring, and the amount of scarring if any depends on genetics and other properties of the skin.

 

 

What should you expect?

Results of a breast augmentation procedure are evident almost immediately after, and recovery is typically smooth. As the incision wounds heal, most of the scars will disappear. You may experience soreness, swelling, and bruising for a few weeks. You may also need to wear a compression bandage or non-wired sports bra for approximately six weeks to assist with support and healing. 

It is imperative that you do not engage in strenuous physical activities, and take other precautions to make sure wounds are properly cared for and you limit the chances of infection or implant failure as much as possible. Please contact Dr Nathan immediately if you develop a fever or if something is amiss.

 

Recovery after breast augmentation

  • Some discomfort and pain are normal.  You will be prescribed pain relief medication.
  • Do not drive whilst taking prescription medication
  • Take it easy for the first few days and get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy.
  • Incisions will be covered with surgical glue and checked in clinic one week after surgery
  • Scars will be slightly red for 4 to 6 months and fade over the next 18 months
  • Strenuous activity should be restricted for at least 3 weeks
  • Compression bra should be worn day and night for the first 6 weeks.

 

Possible risks associated with breast augmentation

Breast augmentation surgery is a low-risk surgery with impressive success and patient satisfaction rates. As with any surgery, it still carries some risks. Some possible complications of an augmentation mammaplasty include:

  • Wound infection which is treated with antibiotics
  • Bruising and swelling which subsides in 1 to 2 weeks
  • Bleeding from the wound
  • Poor or slow healing of the skin
  • Blood clot which can move to the heart or lungs causing life threatening conditions
  • Abnormal scarring of the incision, such as a keloid scar which may be itchy and tender
  • >Accumulation of blood or fluid around the implant
  • Capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant) can develop over time
  • Changes in sensation around the nipple, areolar and skin
  • Lumps or cysts can form
  • Leakage or breakage of implants
  • Implants can move or rotate causing discomfort and distortion in breast shape
  • Implants can interfere with the detection of breast cancer and mammography is not recommended

 

Why choose Dr Nathan Stewart?

Dr Nathan Stewart is a board-certified plastic surgeon consulting out of Bunbury. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr Nathan Stewart currently consults as a specialist plastic surgeon at Saint John of God Bunbury Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital, and Sir Charlies Gairdner Hospital. Contact Dr Stewart today to book a consultation.

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Breast Augmentation FAQs

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a type of cosmetic surgical procedure which involves inserting implants beneath the breasts to enlarge, increase fullness, or alter the shape.

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

A good candidate for breast augmentation is a person who is healthy and has realistics expectations for the procedure.

What type of implant is best for me?

There are many different types of implants. They can come in a round or teardrop shape, and be smooth or textured. The most suitable type will depend on what is the best fit for your body, and your individual goals. Discuss your desired results with Dr Stewart, and he can inform you of the different types of implants, and advise which will work best for you.

Will I have scars after my breast augmentation?

Yes, a breast augmentation will result in a scar. However, during surgery the incision will be made in a place where the scar will be easily hidden, such as under the breast.

How long is the recovery period?

The length of your recovery period after breast augmentation will vary for each individual. Typically, patients can return to regular activities within one to two weeks, and exercise can resume after six weeks.

Will I be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation procedure affects the milk ducts and nerves in the breast, so there is no guarantee you will have the ability to breastfeed after the procedure. In most cases this is unaffected. Dr Stewart can discuss the risks involved in detail.

How long do breast implants last?

On average, breast implants will need replacing every 10-15 years.

Is breast augmentation surgery painful?

While the Breast augmentation surgery is being performed, you will be given general anesthesia. During the recovery period you will experience some discomfort and pain, which can be managed with prescribed medications.

Can breast implants be removed?

Yes, we can remove your breast implants if you no longer wish to have them, or if a complication arises. Dr Stewart can discuss your options with you.

Taking care of yourself after surgery

After any kind of breast surgery, it is important you take as much time as you need to rest and recover. You will be provided with a number of information sheets and checklists to prepare you for your recovery, including any symptoms to watch out for and tips to keep you as healthy and comfortable as possible during this time.

Following the procedure, you will likely experience some moderate discomfort, as well as bruising or tenderness. Dr Stewart will discuss your pain medication needs with you and tailor a dosage and schedule to suit your individual circumstances. Most symptoms will settle within 4 – 6 weeks.

Should you have any questions at any time, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Stewart or the team.