Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure which is performed to enhance the breast size and improve its shape and proportion to the body. During this procedure, breast implant will be inserted under the existing breast tissue. This procedure can also be used to restore breasts volume and shape after breast feeding or significant weight loss, and to correct breasts asymmetry. Dr Frank Hsieh uses silicone breast implants of different shapes and sizes to cater for your desired look.
Breast Augmentation Surgery in Sydney
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Improve size and cleavage of breasts.
- Improve Self-image and esteem.
- Improve clothing fit
- Correct asymmetrical breasts.
- Restore breast volume after massive weight loss and pregnancy
Breast Implants
The first implant augmentation mammoplasty was performed in 1961. Since then, breast implants have undergone significant revolution and advancement. Breast implants now come in different types, shapes, and sizes.
Types of Breast Implant
Saline vs Cohesive Gel implants
Saline implants are less viscous than silicone cohesive gel implants. They have shorter lifespan and have higher risk of rupture. A ruptured saline implant will result in a deflated breast. The leaked saline will be reabsorbed by your body, but the shell still needs to be removed surgically. The affected breast will lose its size and shape and will look dramatically different from the other breast. Saline implants also have a higher risk of implants rippling (wrinkling) look around the edges.
Silicone cohesive gel implant offers the most natural-looking breast and optimum feel. Rupture of a silicone implant is often a silent rupture and will only be noticed much later owing to the thicker viscosity.
All implants have a rough lifespan of 15-20 years and will most likely need replacement at some stage. Silicone gel implants are usually used by Dr Frank Hsieh unless advised otherwise.
Smooth implant vs textured implant
Breast implants have an outer shell which can be smooth or textured. Textured implants have been invented to minimize the risk of implant malposition as it attaches to the surrounding tissue and result in less movement. Texture implants are also usually firmer to feel and look.
However, textured implants have been found to be associated with a type of cancer of the immune system, called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL. Most cases were successfully treated with removal of the implant. A detailed personalized consultation with Dr Frank Hsieh is required to decide on the type of implants used.
Round vs teardrop implants
Teardrop implants are invented to create a more natural looking breast. These are firmer implants. Although they are made with textured surface to prevent rotation, the risk of rotation can still be as high as 10-20%.
Round implants offer a fuller look of the breast. Movement of the implant within the breast pocket will not affect the shape of the breast and they are typically cheaper than the teardrop implants.
Size of Implants and Implant Profile
Implants profile is determined by the distance between your desired breasts and the chest. The same implant volume can have different implant profiles which will give you different size and projection of your breast.
Choosing the implant size and profile depends on your body frame, existing breast tissue, skin capacity and cleavage preference. A consultation with Dr Frank Hsieh is required for accurate measurement to determine your optimal implant size and profile.
Procedure
Breast augmentation is performed in the operating theatre as a day procedure in a fully accredited hospital. This procedure usually takes approximately 2-3 hours. It is advised that you should organize for someone to pick you up after the surgery.
Recovery
Following a breast augmentation surgery, you are recommended to wear a soft bra for the first 6 weeks. It is also important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity during this time to promote wound healing. Smoking is strongly discouraged, and patients are advised to quit prior to the procedure as smoking delays wound healing and will compromise the outcome of your surgery. We will provide you with a personalized post-operative instruction and scar management plan.
Risks associated with Breast Augmentation
Even with a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, breast augmentation, like any surgical procedure, can be associated with potential risks. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the procedure to make an informed decision on the procedure. Choosing an experienced, qualified and highly trained reconstructive surgeon will minimize the risk and complications.
- Infection from surgical wounds which may require additional antibiotics
- Excessive blood loss requiring blood transfusion
- Development of a collection of blood outside blood vessels, resembling a bruise, known as a haematoma which may require drainage.
- Seroma or fluid collection around the operation site
- Slow healing wound. All patients are asked to cease smoking prior and after the surgery as smoking can significantly delay wound healing.
- Risk in relation to the use of anaesthesia.
- Allergic reactions to dressings, medication, sutures.
- Change of nipple and breast sensation
- capsular contracture, due to scar formation around the implants, resulting in painful, hardening of the breasts
- Implant rupture
- Leakage of implant
- Movements of an implant from its original position
- Development of a rare cancer of the immune system, known as breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been associated with women with breast implants.