Breast Augmentation Perth

Breast implants: What you need to know


Are you considering a breast augmentation, because you feel your breasts are too small? Or do you feel your breasts have changed over the years? Maybe because you have delivered a baby, lost weight or simply because you have aged? No matter what your situation, a breast augmentation can help to improve the size and shape of your breasts. Because even a small change can make a big difference.
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What is breast augmentation?


Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to enlarge your breasts. We use breast implants and insert them under your skin to create this effect. Breast implants are not only used cosmetically but may also be used in reconstructive breast surgery. During your first consultation, we will discuss your wishes and we will choose the right size of breast implants for you.
Breast Augmentation - Dr Jeremy Rawlins Perth
"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."
Mr Jeremy Rawlins
Prior to your breast augmentation surgery, we will confirm your implant size, the surgical procedure, the after-care, the costs and the time schedule.

How does a breast augmentation procedure work?


Types of breast implants

All breast implants have an outer casing (silicone) and an inner filling which is either silicone or saline.

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.

Breast Augmentation Perth
"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."
Mr Jeremy Rawlins

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

There are many reasons why you may want a breast augmentation. The most obvious one is to enlarge small breasts. But there is more to it. Here is why women choose breast enlargement.

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.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27219264

  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17356451
Breast Augmentation Perth- Dr Jeremy Rawlins
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.
Mr Jeremy Rawlins

Do I need a breast lift too?

A breast lift or mastopexy is a cosmetic procedure that lifts your sagging breasts and makes them fuller. Your breasts may sag or droop because of common things: age, pregnancy, weight changes and hereditary factors.
"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."
Mr Jeremy Rawlins

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

After your procedure, you will wake up in the recovery room. When you feel recovered, you will be transferred to your room. You can go home when it is safe to do so, usually a few hours after the operation.

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

Not every woman wants a breast augmentation. Some require the opposite and need a breast reduction. When we do a breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty), we remove excess breast tissue and skin.
Breast Augmentation Perth
"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."
Mr Jeremy Rawlins
At Dr Jeremy Rawlins’ practice, breast reduction surgery is a common procedure, with many patients wishing they had the procedure earlier in their lives.

Why choose Dr Jeremy Rawlins as your preferred Perth breast augmentation surgeon?


Dr Jeremy Rawlins is an experienced plastic surgeon, performing many complex reconstructive plastic surgeries. This experience in highly technical surgical work helps him deliver the highest level of excellence in all cosmetic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation. Through his very broad and varied plastic surgery practice he is very well placed to offer safe and reliable work in all areas of cosmetic surgery.
Dr Jeremy Rawlins - Plastic Surgeon Perth
"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."
Mr Jeremy Rawlins
Quality is very important, and when you trust a surgeon to improve your quality of life, you expect excellence not only in theatre.
Maybe you have heard about a breast lift or a breast augmentation with fat transfer? Or perhaps your breasts have increased in size over the years, and you would benefit from a breast reduction? Dr Jeremy Rawlins can help you with all types of cosmetic breast surgery.

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Locations


Dr Jeremy Rawlins is consulting & operating at:

St John Of God Wexford Clinic

Level 1, Suite 26
3 Barry Marshall Road
MURDOCH WA 6150

St John of God Mount Lawley hospital

Suite 2, Level 1 Medical Centre
Ellesmere Rd,
MT LAWLEY WA 6050

Phone number

08 9425 5260

Office hours

Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm
Closed for public holidays