Breast augmentation, mammoplasty or a 'boob job' is still one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed world wide. Since the first augmentations were performed over 50 years ago, there have been many improvements in technique and in the implants themselves, but the reasons why it has remained popular are still the same. If you are unhappy with the way your breasts look, it can have a devastating effect on your confidence and self esteem.

In this article we look at the top reasons why people choose to have this procedure and what you need to consider if you are contemplating breast augmentation surgery. We also give you an overview of the process involved.

WHY CONSIDER BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Breasts are such an integral part of our self-image that they become a big deal for anyone who isn't happy with how they look. Some women with large breasts suffer from low self-esteem and seek breast reduction surgery to improve their quality of life in the same way that some women with small or unevenly shaped breasts seek surgical enhancement. Sometimes women who are happy with their breast size undergo breast surgery to improve the shape, projection and upper pole fullness of their breasts. The point is that surgical intervention has a role to play in improving the quality of life of women who are unhappy with the way their breasts make them feel when they look at themselves in the mirror.

The positive impact on self-confidence and self-esteem are the key benefits experienced after breast augmentation surgery. Women have found breast enhancement surgery helps to improve a overall satisfaction with their bodies and the most common reasons for considering surgery include:

1. A primary augmentation procedure to alter the size, shape and projection (degree of lift) of the breasts;
2. Revision augmentation to correct or alter the outcome of a previous breast augmentation or complications arising such as rupture or hardening of implants;
3. Reconstruction to replace breast tissue lost due to trauma such as burns or breast disease (eg a mastectomy after breast cancer).

In certain circumstances, breast lift surgery is sometimes considered in addition to breast augmentation surgery in order to optimise the result of breast enlargement. In mastopexy surgery the excess breast skin is removed and the breast tissue reconfigured to increase firmness and improve breast shape thereby addressing breast "droop". The nipple areola complexes are repositioned in an ideal position to achieve aesthetic breast proportions. The combination of breast augmentation and mastopexy surgery can result in better aesthetic results than breast augmentation surgery alone.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

The decision to have breast augmentation surgery should be very carefully considered and not one to rush into. You need to research the procedure and ensure you choose a surgeon who you are comfortable with, has the right qualifications and has extensive experience in performing the procedure.

With advice and guidance from your surgeon, you will need to decide on implant size, the shape of your implants (round with low, medium or high profiles or teardrop), type of implant (silicone, polyurethane or saline), position of implant placement (under or over the muscle or a combination of both) and the surgical incision or entry point (in the fold under the breast, at the edge of the nipple or in the armpit).

SURGERY AND RECOVERY

The procedure is typically day surgery (generally taking 1-2 hours) and is performed under general anaesthetic administered by Specialist Anaesthetists in an accredited hospital. Our practice does not use twilight sedation, which has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

At the completion of surgery, a waterproof dressing is applied which is suited to showering and a tubigrip (boob tube) applied to minimise soft tissue swelling. In general, swelling and bruising increase over the first three to five days and improve between five to ten days. In some instances, it may take several months for the soft tissue swelling to subside completely, therefore the final aesthetic result may not be seen for many months. During this period, the sensation of the breast skin and nipples may be affected but it typically returns to normal over a few months.

Wound healing will generally take approximately 2 weeks and extra care should be taken with movement during this time to optimise healing. Driving a motor vehicle can typically commence when patients have ceased pain medication which is usually 1 week after surgery; strenuous exercise can be resumed at around six to eight weeks. It is important to avoid trauma by being knocked or accidentally hit for six weeks after surgery. Return to work can be anticipated after one week.

Next Step

If you are considering breast surgery and have questions you would like to ask, or if you would like to book a confidential consultation (cost $140) with one of our highly qualified, experienced surgeons to see what can be achieved for your individual needs, simply click below or call (03) 9088 5000 for Melbourne or (07) 3180 3400 for Brisbane.