Breast augmentation with implants
Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most common elective surgeries performed in the world. Many patients have the surgery for cosmetic reasons, usually to increase the size or change the shape and size of the breast. Many women also have a breast augmentation as a reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy.
There are two types of breast implants: silicone and saline filled. There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from (such as round or teardrop), as well as the surface type (smooth or textured). You should discuss your goals with your surgeon so you can identify which size and shape suits you best. Ultimately, it’s about what you want and what is realistic.
Breast implants are placed either under or over your chest muscles and entirely underneath the breast. The surgeon will discuss with you where your scars will be.
Your new breasts will take a few months before they start to look and feel more natural and to show the final result. During the initial days, weeks and even months, there is usually swelling and bruising, along with scar healing, and the results take time.
Also available:
- Areolar reduction
- Inverted nipple / nipple reduction
- Gynecomastia (man boobs).
Some possible complications and risks associated with breast augmentation may include:
- Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
- Fluid accumulation around the implant after surgery
- Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions
- 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. There are several possible sites for the incision. Discuss this with your surgeon
- Capsular contracture, where firm scar tissue forms around the implant causing it to lose shape and softness
- Inappropriate implant size
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts
- 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
- Movement of the implants from their original position
- Further surgery to treat complications
- Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
- A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) and may be life threatening.
All potential risks should be addressed by your surgeon at your consultation.
Where are the incision, (cuts) placed?
There are three common places for the skin to be opened to allow creation of the space for the implant and its introduction
- In the crease under the breast (most commonly utilised in Australia)
- In a half circle on the lower edge of the areolar
- In the axilla
Does Dr Lyon use all of these for Breast Implant Surgery?
Dr Lyon will commonly use the first two sites and will discuss each with you and together decide what is a better approach for you
Where do Breast Implants sit?
Dr Lyon will discuss with you the most appropriate place for your implants to sit, whether this is only under the breast or under the breast and the chest muscles.
What are the implants made from and where are they made?
The Breast Implants utilised by Dr Lyon are all made of a Silicone Shell with a silicone or saline filling. They are made in Europe or the USA and meet Australian regulatory standards. Dr Lyon will discuss the different characteristics of each type of implant and together you can decide what is best for you.
Are there different shaped implants?
There are numerous shaped breast implants, Dr Lyon is an expert at dealing with all the different styles and shapes in both the anatomical and round ranges with all the different surfaces.
How long do breast Implants last?
This is a very good question and difficult to answer, we would expect most people will need to replace their implants at least once in their lives, however if there is no issue and they are being monitored regularly then Dr Lyon suggests not to replace them until there is a solid reason.
Are there risks with Breast Augmentation Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure there are always unforeseen issues that can arise.
They can be grouped into three main areas:
- Surgery associated risks such as:
- Bleeding / Bruising
- Infection (of the wound and / or the breast implant)
- Scarring issues
- Sensation changes
- Implant related issues, the main being
- Implant rupture
- Contracture or hardening of the implant
- Movement or displacement of the implant
- Rippling of the surface or edges of the breast implant being visible or palpable
- Shape deformities such as “double bubble”
- Breast Implant related Lymphoma, this is a relatively uncommon issue, that is associated with the way the body reacts to some implants. Dr Lyon will discuss this with you in greater detail when you see him.
Can you breast feed following a Breast Augmentation?
If you haven’t breast fed before then we don’t know if you will have issues with breast feeding, however breast implants shouldn’t affect this as they will be behind the breast and shouldn’t interfere with the glandular function.
What happens to my breast implants if I get pregnant?
If you get pregnant following Breast Augmentation your breasts will likely change in some way along with your body, we can’t predict how your body will return following the birth, and likewise with your breasts we don’t know what they will do following pregnancy with or without breast feeding.
Can I still undergo cancer screening for breast cancer following Breast Augmentation?
The breast implants sit completely behind the breast gland tissue and shouldn’t hide any of the tissue from routine ultrasound or mammography. However, it is important to tell the radiographer that you have breast implants and they will adapt the procedure slightly to account for them.
Important note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
