Breast Augmentation Perth
Breast implants: What you need to know
Trust Dr Jeremy Rawlins
Located at Murdoch Square
Treatment by a trusted specialist surgeon
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What is breast augmentation?
"It’s important that you feel at ease at any time during our first consultation. That’s why, when discussing plastic surgery, my focus is on your personal journey. We will openly discuss your expectations before you commit to a procedure. I believe that you deserve clear communication and high-quality care. Throughout my career in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive and burns surgery, I have always valued ethics above anything else when taking care of my patients."
How does a breast augmentation procedure work?
Types of breast implants
Silicone implants: Silicone gel-filled implants are commonly the preferred choice. The pre-filled gel is cohesive; this means it will not disperse if ruptured, and in such an unlikely event, would not migrate to other parts of your body.
- Textured implants: The shell of the implant feels rough on the surface. In rare situations (1 in 30,000), textured implants are associated with ALCL or Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Dr Rawlins will discuss with you in great detail the pros and cons of using these implants, based on the latest research in this field. Textured implants hold their position better, and they are associated with a lower rate of capsular contracture.
- Smooth implants: The shell is smoother and the implant is softer. The implants don’t hold their shape and position as well as the textured implants.
Saline implants: These implants are filled with sterile salt water. The surgeon then inserts empty saline implants, and then fill them once they are in place. If ruptured, the implant deflates. This type of implant is often associated with capsular contraction. For these reasons, Dr Rawlins does not use saline implants.
"Silicone breast implants feel more like real breasts. Most breast enhancement surgeries in Australia use silicone implants. That’s because they are cohesive, durable and robust. I will place the implant either in front of the pectoralis muscle or behind it."
There are two types of shapes: round and teardrop-shaped (anatomical) and both are available in various sizes. You may have a preference and typically this is a topic we discuss during our consultation.
Another alternative is breast augmentation with fat grafting. With this technique, we use liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body to create the enlargement. We also call this technique fat transfer breast augmentation. It’s an option for women who prefer a relatively small increase in breast size without the use of implants.
Breast implant placement
Above the chest muscle (subglandular placement): This is the most natural place to position a breast implant. Generally, this is a less painful procedure with a faster recovery time. There is one drawback: it’s not suitable for women with inadequate breast tissue to cover the implant.
Below the chest muscle (submuscular placement): Suitable for most women. The implant is placed below the chest muscle (pectoralis muscle). This option is associated with slightly more pain, and a longer recovery.
Partially below the chest muscle (dual plane): The implant is placed under the pectoralis major muscle and is only partially covered. This option covers the implant high up on the chest, but allows for a natural shape in the lower part of the breast. At Dr Rawlins’ practice, this is one of the most common placements for breast augmentation surgery.
What can I achieve with breast augmentation surgery?
Reasons for a breast augmentation
Make small(er) breasts large(r)
Uneven or asymmetric breasts
Restore breast volume after weight loss
Restore breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding
Reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or partial mastectomy (lumpectomy)
Studies also confirm that breast augmentation improves your psychosocial wellbeing (1), sexuality (2) and self-esteem (2). These may be other reasons to have a breast enhancement procedure.
I believe it’s important that your breast augmentation surgeon listens to your reasons. They are different for everyone and your personal history is important to me.
Do I need a breast lift too?
"Quite often I combine breast augmentation surgery with breast lift surgery. By moving the nipple and areola, and removing excess skin, we lift the breast resulting in a perkier look. The breast lift will position the breast correctly and the implant increases your cup size. A breast lift can be done as a stand-alone procedure too."
Breast augmentation combined with a breast lift procedure is also called augmentation-mastopexy.
There are three main types of breast lifts:
Periareolar: sometimes called the “donut” lift, the periareolar breast lift is an ideal option when you have mild sagging breasts. With this technique, we make one circular incision around the outer edge of your areola. This results in a minimally visible scar.
Vertical breast reduction: also called a “lollipop” lift because the shape of the incisions looks like a lollipop. This type of breast lift is great for women with moderate breast sagging. Two incisions are needed: one circular incision around the outer edge of your areola, and one vertical incision from the bottom of your areola down to the fold of your breast.
Inverted T incisions: also referred to as Wise-pattern or the anchor lift, because the incisions resemble an anchor. This type of breast lift is for women whose breasts sag dramatically. Three incisions are required: again, one circular incision around the outer edge of your areola, one running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the fold, and one made horizontally along the natural breast fold.
Preparing for your breast implant surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is done under general anaesthesia. Most times the surgery is done as a day procedure, which means that you can go home on the same day with a friend or relative. On the day of surgery, please make sure of the following:
Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing
Bring any post-op garments or bras with you
If you are on medication, bring it with you
Arrange transport after surgery
Make sure you are accompanied the first 24 hrs after your procedure
Recovery after breast augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is well tolerated by most patients. The first three to five days can be the most uncomfortable. Medium-strength and over-the-counter painkillers will be used to manage any discomfort.
About a week after surgery, most women are able to return to a desk job. We will encourage you to slowly do some light exercise. The discomfort should be minimal now but we don’t recommend lifting objects, running, or rigorous workouts. When you have a heavy-lifting job we recommend to not work for at least three weeks.
After two weeks, most women feel good and return to their normal routine. Gentle exercise is fine but avoid chest exercises and heavy lifting.
Most women report they are fully recovered after six to eight weeks.
Breast augmentation risks and complications
As with any type of surgery, there are risks and complications that may occur.
Some of these include (*):
Bleeding or infection
Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions
Fluid accumulation around the implant after surgery
Changes in breast and nipple sensation
Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
Keloid, or lumpy scar tissue, which is pink, raised and irregularly shaped. These scars may be inflamed and itchy
Capsular contracture, where firm scar tissue forms around the implant causing it to lose shape and softness
Dissatisfaction with implant size
Implant rupture or deflation
Calcium deposits in the scar capsule around the implant
Granulomas, or lumps in local lymph node tissue formed by leaking silicone
Breastfeeding difficulties, including reduced milk supply
Reduced effectiveness of breast cancer screening, since an implant may hide breast tissue (and tumours) during a mammogram
A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)
Other breast enhancements procedures
Breast reduction surgery
"You may have large breasts that are disproportionate with the rest of your body. This may cause physical and emotional distress. Your breasts may weigh too much making it challenging for you to exercise. You may also experience neck pain, shoulder and back pain and poor posture because of the size of your breasts."
Why choose Dr Jeremy Rawlins as your preferred Perth breast augmentation surgeon?
"My experience is one aspect. However, equally important, is a plastic surgeon who listens and communicates well. Understanding your journey, and pointing you in the right direction, is something I really care about."
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Locations
Murdoch Square
Suite 104, Level 1, Tower C
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch, WA 6150
Phone number
08 9425 5260Office hours
Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm
Closed for public holidays