Women decide to have breast augmentation surgery for a number of very personal reasons including being dissatisfied by the size and shape of their breasts. The good news is that the majority of women report being really happy with the results of their surgery and feel that the quality of their lives has improved after breast augmentation.

In this article we explain breast augmentation surgery and what the procedure involves.

Before Your Surgery

Before your surgery, your surgeon will give you a list of instructions to follow to ensure that the surgery and your recovery progress smoothly. If you are a smoker, it is essential that you stop smoking six weeks before and after your surgery to optimize wound healing.

Some medications can also increase the risk of complications, so speak to your surgeon and GP about which medications are safe to use. It is really important to tell your surgeon everything you take before your surgery even if it isn't classed as a medicine.

It is also good idea to prepare for your return home after surgery. Set up an area with everything you will need in easy reach so you don't have to do the set up after your surgery. If you need medication other than antibiotics or pain medication which will be prescribed on the day of surgery, get them before your surgery so they are on hand when you get home. You may need extra pillows because you will need to sleep in an upright position for about a week after surgery.

What To Expect On The Day

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthetic administered by a specialist anaesthetist and you will be asleep during the entire procedure. It is undertaken in an accredited hospital as a day case or as an overnight stay. The procedure takes about 1 hour and you will be discharged home after a few hours of post-surgery monitoring and once you have recovered from the anaesthetic. You may require a drainage tube to allow fluid and blood to drain out into a bottle and the drainage tube is usually removed before you leave hospital or they may be removed in your surgeon's consulting rooms within a few days of your surgery.

When you wake up, there will be waterproof dressings over the incisions so that you can shower although it is important not to soak in a bath, spa or swim until your wounds have healed. You will also wear a compression garment or post-surgical bra to reduce the swelling and to support your breasts while they heal. You won't be able to drive after the anaesthetic, so arrange for someone to take you home.

Twilight Sedation

Our practice does not use twilight sedation which has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The technique involves the use of local anaesthetic in combination with a sedative which puts you in a “dream-like” state. Some surgeons use this method instead of general anaesthesia because it is cheaper.

Next Step

If you have been thinking about changing the shape or size of your breasts, the next step is to book a consultation with Mr Tansley or Dr Seneviratne who have extensive experience in breast augmentation surgery. They can talk you through the procedure, answer any questions you have and discuss your expectations.

If you would like to book a confidential consultation at a cost of $140,  click below or call (03) 9088 5000 for the Melbourne practice or (07) 3180 3400 for the Brisbane practice. The Cosmetic Surgery Co-ordinators of NorthEast Plastic Surgery will organise a consultation with Mr Tansley or Dr Seneviratne who are highly qualified and experienced surgeons. They will assess your individual requirements and discuss your preferences in regard to breast augmentation surgery.