Why consider a breast reconstruction? | Breast reconstruction surgery consultation | Breast reconstruction surgery | Recovery period | Book Consultation
The purpose of meeting with the surgeon for a consultation at our Melbourne practice is to:
Limitations may include; skin quality, breast anatomy, scarring from previous surgery and the impact of adjuvant treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you the best course of action to achieve the level of symmetry desired.
NorthEast Plastic surgery is sensitive to the fact that many patients who are considering breast reconstructive surgery may have already been through many procedures which is challenging in its own right.
Many patients have experienced disproportionate breast size, nipple areolar complex position or asymmetry. The goal of the surgeon is to restore breast volume and symmetry.
Two or more consultations are often required prior to surgery to ensure a good understanding of the procedure, the likely results, and the period of recovery and downtime required.
The decision to undergo breast reconstruction surgery should not be taken lightly. Patients need to carefully consider the significant adjustment to change in appearance as well as the realities of post-operative recovery.
The surgeon must be made aware of all your material medical history prior to surgery. Important details may include but not limited to;
In addition, it is important that the surgeon is aware of adjuvant therapy including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These issues are important as they have the potential to affect the surgery, anaesthesia, potential complications and recovery. A history of Raynaud’s disease or conditions affecting the peripheral circulation is also significant.
Further medical consultation may be necessary to minimise complications during or after surgery, including:
It may also be necessary to cease medication such as the Oral Contraceptive Pill.
It is important to avoid the following for two weeks prior to and after surgery:
Smokers must stop smoking six weeks prior to and after surgery to minimise the risk of surgical wound complications and anaesthesia. Products containing nicotine must also be avoided for two weeks before and after surgery, as they can cause complications during wound healing.
May include:
Risks specific to breast reconstruction surgery may include:
Revisional surgery is necessary in approximately five percent of patients who undergo breast reconstruction surgery.
You’ll be given the opportunity to provide informed consent after the consultation process, once your questions and concerns have been addressed by your surgeon.
The consultation will also include a discussion regarding the cost of the procedure and any potential revisions.
NorthEast Plastic Surgery does not advertise a set price for medical procedures on our website (in accordance with the Guidelines for advertising of regulated health services by the Australian Medical Board)
We are happy to provide approximate costs before your initial consultation including any applicable Medicare rebate by phone 03 9088 5000 or via enquiry through our website.
The breast reconstruction surgery addresses different elements of the breast for each patient. The procedure can include:
Resulting scars can vary and may include the breast, back or abdomen depending on the technique used. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic administered by a specialist Anaesthetist in an accredited hospital. You’ll be treated in in hospital with antibiotic therapy and pain management for one to two nights following implant breast reconstruction, seven days following microsurgical breast reconstruction and as day surgery for nipple areolar complex reconstruction. Internal wounds are repaired with dissolving stitches and water proof dressings applied which are suitable for patients to shower.
It is important that access to medical attention is available by telephone once you have been discharged. Issues about which your surgeon needs to be made aware urgently include pain uncontrolled by medication, bleeding to the extent that the dressings soak through with blood, temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, redness of the skin or any concerns related to the surgery.
The post-operative recovery period is approximately two to three weeks in the case of implant reconstruction or six to eight weeks after microsurgical reconstruction. During this period the breasts can be swollen or bruised. Swelling typically improves six to eight weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work within two weeks of surgery after implant reconstruction and four weeks after microsurgical reconstruction.
Mr Patrick Tansley MD FRCS (Plast) and Dr Sugitha Seneviratne FRACS (Plast) provide second opinion to patients seeking to address previous cosmetic plastic surgery problems and revisions for already ‘botched’ surgery. If you would like a second opinion on previously undertaken surgery, book a consultation to discuss this with one or both of our surgeons.
As the privacy of our patients is of the utmost importance to us, we do not provide before and after photos on our website. You will be shown a number of before and after images during your private consultation to illustrate the potential outcomes of surgery. These images have been provided by previous patients who have consented to their private use.
E: melbourne@northeastplasticsurgery.com.au
T: (03) 9088 5000
F (03) 9088 5001
P 0411865055
(paging service for after hours emergencies only)
Essendon practice
53 Fletcher Street
Essendon
Vic 3040
Onsite parking and tram service (59) to the premises
St Vincents Private Hospital Consulting Suites
5 Studley Avenue,
Kew
Vic 3101
Onsite parking to the premises