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Breast
Enlargement (Breast Augmentation)
Overview
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) is a surgical procedure
which aims to increase the size and shape of the breasts. It may
also be suitable to correct asymmetry of the breasts. The procedure
involves the placement of an implant either behind the breast tissue
or under the chest wall (pectoral) muscle. The insertion of an implant
will push or help lift the breast tissue forward, making the breast
appear larger and more full.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Why do
women choose to have breast augmentation?
• What
are my options?
• How
do I select the size?
• What
type of anaesthetic?
• How
many times should I see Mr
Banwell
before the operation?
• What
happens after the operation?
• Will
I have any pain?
• What
is the life expectancy of implants?
• Are
silicone implants safe?
• What
are the risks?
• Are
there any other issues regarding breast
implants?
• How
about breast feeding?
• What
costs are involved?
Please contact Mr Paul Banwell’s office, and his staff can
answer any questions you may have and can arrange for a quote and
information regarding the procedure to be sent to you.
Why do women choose to have breast augmentation?
1. To increase the size of their breasts.
2. To regain fullness, lost due to breast feeding
and/or age.
3. To balance asymmetric breasts.
4. To improve self esteem.
What are my options?
Options exist with regard to:
1. The type of implant used.
2. The shape of implant used.
3. Where the incision is made in which
the implant will be placed through.
4. The pocket or plane in which the implant
can be positioned.
Implant choices
1. Saline or silicone gel filled implants
2. Smooth surface or textured surface. Textured
implants can be ‘macro’
or ‘micro’
3. Round or tear-dropped (anatomical) shape
4. Low, medium or high profile
projection
implants
Incision choices
The incision can be made either in the axilla (arm-pit), circumarealar
(around the lower half of the nipple/areolar) or
inframammary (underneath the breast in the breast fold).
Pocket choices
The implant can be placed on top of the pectoralis major muscle
(subglandular) or underneath the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular).
The choices are dependent on specific patients needs and expected
outcomes. Mr Paul Banwell will assist you in making an informed
and appropriate choice of implant, incision site and pocket placement
that is tailored to best suit you.
How do I select the size?
During your consultation we will discuss the size which may suit
your height, body shape and existing breast tissue. However, the
final decision regarding exactly what size breast implants are used
is up to you, the patient. We have a range of trial implants that
we encourage you to try on (inside a crop-top) so that you can assess
what size may best suit you, although this is only a rough guide.
In addition, Mr Banwell will suggest other methods at the time of
consultation.
What type of anaesthetic?
Mr Banwell recommends a general anaesthetic undertaken by a specialist
anaesthetist. The operation is generally performed either as a day
case or an overnight stay. The use of surgical drains may or may
not be required after the operation.
How many times should I see Mr Banwell before the operation?
Mr Paul Banwell generally likes to see you at least twice prior
to your surgery, although he welcomes and encourages you to visit
as many times as you require to allay any concerns you may have
about your surgery and at the same time confirm the size, look and
expected outcome you are trying to achieve. The consultations are
also to ensure that you are fully informed of what the procedure
involves and the potential risks.
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Breast
Augmentation
What
happens after the operation?
After the operation there are no stitches to remove as they are
all internal. Our office or the private hospital staff will contact
you after the operation to ensure that you have no problems during
your convalescence. There will be post-op visits at approximately
one week, six weeks and six months. A crop-top/ athletic support
bra is to be worn day and night for six weeks unless otherwise
advised by Mr Banwell. We recommend no driving for two weeks post-operatively
and no rigorous exercise for six weeks. At the first post-operative
visit, we will discuss the best way to achieve the optimum scar
result.
Will I have any pain?
Pain varies greatly from person to person; however, it is usual
for most patients to have some discomfort in the first seven to
ten days. Following surgery Mr Banwell will give you a prescription
for pain relief and encourage you to rest as much as possible
in the first seven days. If at any time post-operatively you have
any fears or concerns regarding your recovery you can contact
Mr Banwell on his mobile number 24 hours a day, or the hospital
staff during office hours.
What is the life expectancy of implants?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and it is likely at some
time in your life that they may need replacing. Some need to be
replaced in only a few years and some not for 30+ years. In the
world literature the average life expectancy varies between 8
and 16 years. Sometimes the replacement of implants is by choice
(eg. to change size) although sometimes they need to be replaced
because of complications, such as a symptomatic capsule forming
around the implant.
Are silicone implants safe?
Various large international studies which have been critically
evaluated have shown no increased risk of malignancy within the
breast or anywhere within the body. They have also shown no increased
risk of auto-immune disease (joint and soft tissue) problems.
What are the risks?
There are both general and specific risks and Mr Banwell will
talk to you in detail
regarding these. General risks include bruising and swelling,
bleeding, wound
infection, problems with general anaesthetics, abnormal scarring
and keloid scarring, and clots in the legs and lungs. Specific
risks of breast augmentation include capsule formation and capsular
contracture, fluid accumulation around the implant, changing in
feeling around the nipple and areolar and skin of the breast,
leakage or breakage of breast implants, silicone granulomas for
silicone gel implants, implant movement or extrusion, palpability,
wrinkles, ripples and asymmetry.
Are there any other issues regarding breast implants?
Breast implants may interfere with the detection of breast cancer
so that if you have a family history or personal history of breast
cancer, please let Mr Banwell know. Women with breast implants
can undertake mammograms but must make their radiographer aware
of their presence prior to the mammogram. There is no evidence
that breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer.
How about breast feeding?
Breast implants generally do not normally interefere with lactation.
What costs are involved?
+ Mr Banwell’s surgical fee
+ Cost of implants
+ Hospital costs
+ Specialist anaesthetist fee
Please contact Mr Banwell’s office, and his staff can answer
any questions you may have and can arrange for a quote and information
regarding the procedure to be sent to you.
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