Breast augmentation is still the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure all over the world and probably always will be. Breasts are a symbol of womanhood for many, and whether it’s because we lost them after having children, have them removed due to cancer or the risk of, or because we never had much to start with, many women choose to have a breast augmentation or boob job. There are some important things to consider about your Breast Augmentation surgery, and we enlisted the help of Plastic Surgeon, Dr Mark Vucak based at Queensland Plastic Surgery in North Queensland, to help us cover them.
Breast Augmentation Implant Size and Shape
This is perhaps the most important (and exciting!) thing for you to think about. Different sizes and shapes suit different women and their different lifestyles, but ultimately it’s about what you want. Communicating your boob dreams to your surgeon is extremely important as that will determine what you end up with. Your surgeon may give you advice on what size, shape and type they think will suit what you hope to achieve. Dr Vucak says, “At the initial consultation, your Surgeon will assess your current breast size, shape and symmetry. You will be checked for breast masses and questioned as to the presence of a family or personal history of breast cancer. If you have a breast size in mind, it is often useful to bring photographs or pictures from magazines with you to your consultation, so that your Surgeon and you have an understanding into your expectations with regard to breast size and shape. Be frank in your discussions.”
Keep in mind that if you have naturally tiny or non-existent breasts, it is unlikely you’ll be able to go straight to giant DD boobs – you’re skin will need time to stretch and adjust to the implants. Your surgeon will discuss some realistic goals with you at your consultation.
Type of Implants
The first implants were made from Silicone, then Saline was introduced; however Silicone remained just as popular and there are positive and negatives with both. In recent years the preferred implant generally seen as superior to the other two is Cohesive Silicone Gel. Dr Vucak says, “A recent study has shown that the average age for implant leakage is 10.1 years post insertion and for implant rupture 13 – 14 years. For this reason we advise implant replacement between 13 and 15 years for old style Liquid Gel implants. Cohesive Gel implants used by Queensland Plastic Surgery now have a Lifetime Warranty, and do not need to be replaced.”
Fat transfer is fast becoming a popular choice for those women who want a small increase in their boob size, but keep in mind that breast fat transfer can only help you increase one or two bust sizes.
Position of Implants – Under or over the muscle?
Yep, not all breast implants are simply inserted into your breast and that’s the end of it. It depends on what implants you’ve chosen as well as personal choice when it comes to where you have them implanted. They can be inserted either under, or over, your muscle and your surgeon will discuss with you what is recommended for you. You might want to mention to your surgeon if you are considering having a baby and wanting to breastfeed, as this may affect where you have your implants placed. It may also affect your surgeon’s decision as to whether they include your areola and nipple in your overall breast augmentation.
Breast Augmentation Scars
All plastic surgical procedures come with scars – it’s up to your surgeon to minimise them (another extremely good reason to go with a good one!). Where your scars end up depend on where your surgeon makes your incisions and this can depend on what sort of implants you have. Dr Vucak explains, “Your Surgeon will assess your needs at the time of your consultation so that you are prepared for the approach to surgery. This also applies to the placement of the incision line. Incisions can be made underneath the nipple, immediately under the breast in the inframammary fold, or underneath the armpit or axilla. The incision is typically two to three centimeters long when using saline implants and four to five centimeters long when using a silicone implant. This is because the silicone implant comes pre-filled, whereas the saline implant can be inflated when inside the chest wall.” You should also discuss with your surgeon what steps you can take after surgery to minimise any scarring, including using a good scar gel or cream.
Recovery
It is essential to consider your recovery before you undergo your breast augmentation with Dr Vucak. Being prepared for your hours, days and weeks after you have your procedure can contribute to getting the best results possible. Understanding how much time off work you’ll need, what help you might need, what garments, gels, creams, etc. you’ll need will all make the recovery process SO much easier. Dr Vucak says, “After several days of rest, you should be up and about, however you should take it easy for about two to three weeks. Avoid lifting with the arms in the first few weeks and heavy lifting for approximately six weeks. Also avoid lifting your arms above your head for a week or so after your Surgery, but do move your arms about freely as this helps keep the muscles mobile and indirectly helps prevent contracture. Return to exercise is gradual. There is no restriction on walking and it is advisable to commence this several days postoperatively to assist in a speedy recovery. Strenuous exercise or contact sports should be avoided for about six weeks. In all impact sports, wear a supportive sports bra, especially in the first few months.”
Dr Mark Vucak has performed over 3,000 breast augmentations and is considered amongst his colleagues, peers and patients as one of Australia’s premier breast augmentation surgeons. If you’d like to arrange a consult or find out more phone him at the Queensland Plastic Surgery Clinic on (07) 4725 8400.
If you’d like to read more about Dr Mark Vucak check out the blog below:
- Meet Dr Mark Vucak – Surfing and Canoes
Further Reading Related to Breast Augmentation Surgery
- Breast Implant Types by Dr Carmen Munteanu FRACS (Plas)
- What Causes Sagging Breasts -Causes & Surgery for Breast Ptosis
- Breast Augmentation Implants: How To Prepare for Surgery Dr Bish Soliman
- Breast Augmentation – Breast Implants in Sydney by Dr Kernohan
- Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation) by Dr Jake Lim
- Breast Augmentation Surgery – Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast)