BREAST AUGMENTATION IN MELBOURNE
Refine, Enhance, Empower
Sculpting Confidence With Breast Augmentation in Melbourne
Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty is an empowering decision that can enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence. This is reflected in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2023 report that shows augmentation mammoplasty is the most common cosmetic surgery of the breast by a wide margin and the second most common cosmetic surgery after liposuction (Link). This operation involves the insertion of breast implants to achieve breast enlargement tailored to meet your unique aesthetic goals. Whether you're looking to restore volume lost after pregnancy, enhance your natural curves or achieve balance, augmentation surgery may be the right solution for you. The procedure requires the expertise of specialist plastic or breast surgeons who are highly skilled in various types of breast augmentations. From selecting the right implant size and type to understanding your body’s proportions, a qualified specialist surgeon ensures that every detail is meticulously planned. As with any procedure, breast augmentation requires careful consideration and consultation with professionals who prioritize your well-being. Dr Tourani takes pride in offering top-tier, comprehensive breast surgery services including benign, malignant, reconstructive and aesthetic. With in-depth understanding of the nuances of augmentation mammoplasty he guides patients to make informed decisions with confidence. With his commitment to artistry, precision, and your well-being, you can look forward to results that not only meet your expectations but inspire confidence and joy. Embrace the potential of breast augmentation to redefine your silhouette and embark on a transformative journey with Dr Tourani by your side.
Like all other breast procedures, augmentation surgery involves a great deal of preoperative consultation and planning which is then meticulously executed on the day of surgery. You will have at least two consultations with Dr Tourani prior to proceeding with this surgery to make sure your expectations are matched with realistic expected outcomes of this surgery considering your individual anatomy, tissue quality, and risk profile.
There are four critical decisions to be made during your preoperative consultation for implant augmentation:
Implant type
Implant volume
Implant pocket
Incision
Preoperative Planning for Breast Augmentation
Historically implants were divided into saline or silicone implants. However saline implants although still available in the market are barely used. Safe, high-quality silicone-filled implants are now available from various manufacturers with a range of properties to suit a wide range of patients and are preferred in both breast augmentation and reconstruction surgery.
The main choice that you will have to make regarding your breast implant is about the surface type. Broadly, breast implants are divided into smooth or textured. While smooth implants are round-shaped, with the textured implants you will have the option to choose between round or anatomical (teardrop) shaped implants. We have dedicated a blog to guide you in making this critical decision (Textured Breast Implants and The Risk of Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma).
The implant manufacturing has improved significantly, and we now have many implants with different properties available to us. While some surgeons prefer a particular manufacturer, Dr Tourani believes ‘not one type fits all’ and prefer to take advantage of the implants’ unique properties to get the best result based on your aesthetic goals, anatomy and risk averseness. We have a sample of all the available implants in our Chadstone rooms and Dr Tourani will take time to walk you through the pros and cons of each to help you choose the right implant for you.
Implant Type
Blog: Textured Breast Implants and The Risk of Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma
Although this is a very personal decision, often patients need significant guidance from their surgeon to arrive at a decision. In general, the larger the implants, the higher is the chance of complications and poor outcome in the long run. Although there are a variety of 3D simulation systems available to help you choose the right implant size for your body proportions, we have found that trialing various implant sizers during the consultation is the best way to give you a realistic idea of the size that you want to achieve. To facilitate this, we advise you to come to your consultation with a non-padded crop top and your significant other.
Implant Volume
The most common incision used for this procedure is inframammary fold (IMF) incision. This technique involves making an incision in the crease under the breast, providing good access for placing the implant and typically resulting in a well-hidden scar.
Less commonly a periareolar incision is made around the edge of the areola, often blending well with the natural border and allowing for direct implant placement.
In some cases, an IMF incision is used for pocket dissection and implant placement and a crescentic periareolar incision is then added to shift the nipple position relative to the implant (mastopexy).
If a significant breast lift is required (mastopexy augmentation) a circumvertical (also called lollipop) or Wise pattern (also called anchor-type or inverted T) incision is used similar to a standard breast reduction/lift procedure.
Incision
Another important decision to be made during preoperative planning is the choice of implant pocket. Breast implants can be placed under the pectoral muscle (subpectoral or dual plane) or on top of the pectoral muscle. The latter is further divided into subglandular or subfascial pocket.
The decision to go under or on top of the muscle depends on your current breast size and soft tissue thickness, the type of implant you choose, donor site availability for fat grafting, and some lifestyle factors. For example, if you do a lot of weightlifting or upper body exercises you may not wish to have your pectoral muscle disturbed.
Implant Pocket
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Melbourne
Augmentation mammoplasty is considered cosmetic procedure in most instances and therefore not covered by Medicare or private health funds. The most common non-cosmetic indication for breast augmentation is when it is done in the context of breast cancer to symmetrize the contralateral breast. Rarely developmental malformations or breast trauma maybe eligible for breast augmentation under Medicare/private health insurance.
Following your consultation with Dr Tourani, our team remains committed to transparent communication ensuring patients understand every aspect of their financial obligation before proceeding with the surgery. You will be provided with an informed financial consent detailing various components of your total cost, including doctors’ fees (surgeon, assistant surgeon, and anaesthetist), hospital and theatre fees, and the cost of prosthetics. Dr Tourani’s quote will include the cost of all your subsequent follow-up appointments and his fees for any revision surgery that may be required.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
When considering breast implant surgery, it's important to be informed about the potential complications and risks. Breast augmentation can provide remarkable results, but like any surgery it includes certain risks. The general risks include infection, bleeding, wound healing issues, keloid and hypertrophic scars, and anaesthetic risks. Risks specific to breast augmentation include seroma, capsular contracture, implant leakage, malposition, rupture, silicone granulomas, rippling, calcifications causing confusion with breast cancer, potential interference with mammographic screening, and changes to nipple sensation and breast feeding.
In addition, reports have linked implants to connective-tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and similar autoimmune conditions. Although many medical studies have not shown that the implants increase the risk of these problems, some research has suggested small increased risks. Although women with implants have developed these diseases, it has not been proven that they were caused by the implants, as some women will develop these diseases regardless. The possibility of connective-tissue and autoimmune diseases, even if remote, should be considered.
Rarely, some women with implants have reported symptoms, including joint pain, aching, swollen lymph glands, unusual tiredness, greater frequency of colds and flu, hair loss, rash, headaches, poor memory, nausea, muscle weakness, irritable bowel syndrome and fever (collectively referred to as breast implant illness). The relationship of these symptoms to autoimmune disorders has been suggested but not proven. The recent FDA review did not show any evidence between silicone implants and connective tissue disease.
Finally, the risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) should be considered when choosing textured implants as discussed separately in our dedicated blog.
Needless to say, it's crucial to choose a qualified and experienced specialist surgeon as they can significantly mitigate these risks and enhance your overall breast surgery experience. Beyond the physical risks, there might also be emotional considerations, as patients adjust to their enhanced appearance following surgery. Remember, every patient's journey is unique, and discussing your specific concerns with a skilled surgeon can provide peace of mind and help tailor the procedure to meet your needs. Breast implants are designed to last, but you may require additional surgeries in the future. So, being well-informed about the process and the risks is key to making a confident decision. With Dr Tourani’s expertise in not only breast aesthetics but also benign and malignant breast conditions you can embark on your enhancement journey with confidence, knowing you've chosen a path that prioritizes your safety and well-being.