The Facts About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that many women consider seriously and thousands choose to pursue each year. Making the final decision to have this procedure performed takes courage, but can result in very pleasing outcomes. Having an understanding of the facts about breast augmentation can clear up misconceptions and assist women in making more informed decisions.

To help women understand the facts about breast augmentation, the following questions and answers are some of the most commonly posed related to this surgical procedure:

CAN AUGMENTATION GREATLY ALTER THE APPEARANCE, SIZE AND SHAPE OF MY BREASTS?

Yes. Just how much, however, will depend on a number of factors, including body and implant size. Your surgeon should go over realistic expectations during pre-surgical consultations. Many women find they can and do attain the desired results.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY DOCTOR?

Your doctor should fully explain the procedure, the risks and the benefits with you prior to scheduling surgery. He or she should also go over realistic expectations and help guide you toward the best possible decision for your personal circumstance.

ARE THERE RISKS INVOLVED?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure. Although complications tend to be rare, there is a risk of infection and bleeding associated with the procedure. It is also possible that replacement surgery will be necessary down the road. Capsular Contracture (hardening of breast implant) is the more common form of complication.

WILL I HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL?

Not necessarily. Some of Australia's most skilled surgeons are able to perform breast augmentation surgery in surgical centers. This means you can go home on the same day of your surgery provided no complications arise.

WILL I BE PUT TO SLEEP FOR THE SURGERY?

Yes. Most surgeons use general anesthesia, but some prefer a combination of twilight sedation and local anesthesia. The latter offers a lighter approach to surgical pain management that delivers fewer side effect risks and can ease recovery time.

WILL I REQUIRE POST-SURGICAL CARE?

Yes. It is advised that patients have a caregiver with them throughout at least the first day following surgery. It is also advised that patients keep a watch for any signs of post-surgical complications, such as bleeding, infection, that can occur with any surgical procedure.

WILL RECOVERY BE PAINFUL?

Discomfort and minor swelling are not at all uncommon, but extreme pain is not generally associated with this procedure. Some women, however, do react to pain differently. To help, most doctors will prescribe painkillers during the post-operative recovery period.

HOW MUCH WILL BREAST AUGMENTATION COST ME?

It all depends on the surgeon involved. The prices for this surgical procedure can vary rather greatly. This can vary between $8000 - $15 000. It is empirical that you enquire what does that price include and what does not include ie surgeon's fee, theatre fee, anaesthetic fees, breast implants and assistant fee. Most of all does it include GST.

When you do compare prices, please make sure you are comparing apple to apple.

SHOULD I STILL HAVE MAMMOGRAMS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

Yes. If you are age 40 or older, this regular examination is essential, not just from breast augmentation point of view but your overall health.

WILL I BE ABLE TO BREAST FEED?

Yes. The Australian government department TGA reports that women with augmentations can in fact breast feed.

WILL BREAST AUGMENTATION CHANGE MY LIFE?

Yes and no. It will change your appearance and can give your self-esteem a very big boost. It will not, however, change who you are on the inside.

Breast augmentation is serious surgery and should be approached as such. It offers many benefits for women who choose to undergo the procedure for either medical or cosmetic reasons. When a skilled surgeon performs the procedure, the outcome tends to track with expectations.

Dr Zion Chan is Sydney's leading cosmetic surgeon, specialising in breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and box. For a free consultation please visit Breast Augmentation.