Breast augmentation is a personal decision, and women choose to have their breasts enhanced for many different reasons. If you are considering breast augmentation, consider treatment from our specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Milovic. His ultimate objective is to give you the breasts that you want and this will require time with you to understand your aesthetic goals. Dr Milovic’s pre-surgery consultations will help explain the procedure, determine whether your goals are achievable and answer your questions prior to your breast augmentation. More information is available at our clinic.
Quick Facts about Breast Augmentation Procedures
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
- Inpatient/Outpatient: Typically outpatient
- Potential Benefits: Fuller, more shapely and more symmetrical breasts
- Potential Side Effects: Tenderness, bruising, ruptures/leaks and various risks associated with all surgical procedures (see below)
- Recovery Time: Approximately two to three weeks
- Breast Augmentation Risks
- Choosing a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
- Breast Augmentation Candidates
- Contraindications for Implants
- Breast Implant Options
- Breast Augmentation Procedure
- Breast Augmentation Recovery
- Breast Augmentation Scars
- Breast Augmentation Complications
- Breast Implant Lifespan
- Implant Removal and Replacement
- Breast Augmentation Alternatives
- Breast Augmentation FAQs
Risks of Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilises advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain/discomfort
- Nerve damage
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Complications relating to anaesthesia
- Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
- Poor healing
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Death
- Blood clots
- Long-term changes in breast shape
- Numbness in the breasts and/or nipples that may be temporary or permanent
- The possibility of an additional surgery
- Changes in breast sensation
- Thrombosed veins
- Tissue necrosis
- Skin rippling
- Capsular contracture
- Implant failure
- Permanent, irreversible changes in breast appearance
- Inability to breastfeed
- BIA-ALCL – Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or other rare cancers that can affect the capsule surrounding the breast implant
Why Choose Dr Milovic for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation procedures are one of the most common procedures performed in Australia today; however, like all surgery, breast augmentation has risks and complications associated with it. Just because it’s a popular cosmetic procedure nowadays, don’t assume that it’s a simple procedure with little or no aftercare, or that the surgery will be performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Always ask questions to help you determine if a potential plastic surgeon is right for you, and be sure to meet with at least two specialist plastic surgeons before choosing a provider.
Dr Milovic does not take a “cookie cutter” approach to breast augmentation surgery. Implant selection is based on your unique circumstances, not what we have in stock or the latest deal from the implant manufacturer. It will always be based on what is right for you. Another important factor Dr Milovic will consider is your natural anatomy, including your chest wall and breast measurements. Note that choosing excessively large implants may speed up the effects of gravity on the breasts.
Is Breast Augmentation Right for Me?
Breast augmentation is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. As your plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dr Milovic will assess your condition and general health, as well as plan the treatment that you feel is best suited to your needs.
Before you decide on breast augmentation with implants, there are some important issues to keep in mind:
- Breast augmentation does not correct ptosis. A breast lift (or mastopexy) may be required if this is one of your goals.
- Breast implants often affect your ability to breastfeed (individual results may vary).
- The breast augmentation procedure and implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. As a general rule of thumb, breast implants can be replaced after at least 10 years. That’s why it’s important to keep all the details of your breast augmentation procedure, including implant information, for at least 10 years.
- Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery.
- There are alternatives to cosmetic surgery. You should not feel pressured by anyone to have surgery. This is a personal decision.
Are There Contraindications for Breast Implants?
Not everyone who wants to have surgery should have it. Just as you choose Dr Milovic, he chooses his patients as well – based on the consultations before surgery and the information he receives about each patient. Dr Milovic has the right to refuse to operate on patients he considers to be unsuitable surgical candidates.
Some of the common contraindications for breast implant surgery include—but are not limited to—women who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have existing malignant or pre-malignant cancer of the breast
- Have had radiation treatment to their breast
- Have an active infection anywhere on their body
- Have conditions which interfere with wound healing and blood clotting
- Have autoimmune diseases and other serious medical conditions
- Have a compromised immune system
- Have reduced blood supply to breast tissue
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
A breast implant is a sac (shell) of silicone elastomer filled with silicone gel or saline, which is implanted under your breast tissue, under your chest muscle or both (dual plane).
Dr Milovic uses highly cohesive gel implants which are not liquid or even semi-liquid. These implants are designed to retain the natural give that resembles breast tissue, and we offer either a textured or smooth surface shell.
Breast implants are measured in cubic centimetres, or cc’s, not in cup sizes. Cup sizes can be misleading as various bra manufacturers use different measurements. The size of the implant used depends on the size and shape of each individual woman’s chest.
Depending on the shape you wish to achieve, Dr Milovic will discuss with you either a round or anatomical (‘teardrop’) implant as well as the degree of implant projection (low, medium, high and extra high). Having a personalised discussion about your breast augmentation surgery is an important step in getting the breasts you want.
In addition to size and shape, breast implants are available in different profiles (known as the amount of forward projection off the chest wall).
Dr Milovic will also assess your existing breast and skin tissue to determine if you have enough to cover the breast implant you are thinking about. Together with Dr Milovic, you can decide which implant shape, size and profile is right for you.
Choose the Placement Location
How Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
We will administer general anaesthesia. Dr Milovic partners only with anaesthetists who are qualified Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.
An incision will be made in one of several possible places: periareolar (on the pigmented area around the nipple), inframammary (in the crease located on the underside of the breast where it meets the chest), or transaxillary (in the underarm). Only saline implants can be placed using a transaxillary incision, as they are filled after insertion. Dr Milovic will discuss which incision technique will be right for you during your initial consultation.
The breast implants will then be placed in one of three locations: on top of the pectoralis (chest) muscle, below the pectoralis muscle or dual plane (partially submuscular). Again, the decision on placement will be discussed with you before the surgery.
What Can I Expect During Recovery from Breast Augmentation?
It is common to have some pain a few days after surgery; however, pain medication can often help reduce the discomfort. Dr Milovic recommends that you take at least two weeks off post-surgery and avoid physical activity, particularly that which requires lifting or raising your arms. Gentle stretching can prove beneficial and exercise, such as walking, can commence within about seven days. Most patients return to work within three to five days unless their occupation involves strenuous movements, then a period of at least two to three weeks is recommended. You will be given post-surgery instructions to follow and if you have any questions, please speak to Dr Milovic.
Will I Have Breast Augmentation Scarring?
While it is important to note that scars are an inevitable part of any surgery, Dr Milovic will attempt to minimise scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible by locating the incisions in easily hidden sites. He can also provide a treatment plan to potentially aid in the healing of your scars. These procedures may include silicone gel and laser skin treatments.
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What Breast Augmentation Complications Are Possible?
Dr Milovic and our medical team make every effort to ensure your safety, but all forms of surgery come with some risk. Being prepared for any possibility should be part of the process of determining if breast augmentation is right for you. Some complications that have been associated with this procedure are:
- Dissatisfaction with the results
- Capsular contracture (hardening and distortion of the scar tissue surrounding the implant)
- Breast pain
- Infection
- Changes in nipple and breast sensation
- Implant leakage or rupture
Some of these issues may be correctable with surgery, which may involve removing or replacing the implants. If you have any questions about your results, please contact our practice for assistance.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Regardless of the implants used, it’s important to know that breast implants are not considered to be lifetime devices. You are liable to eventually undergo implant removal and replacement, also called implant revision. This could be 5, 10 or 20 years down the track. Some patients never require breast revision surgery, but many do. This is why it’s important to stay in contact with your plastic surgeon over the long term.
Many of the changes to your breasts after implantation are irreversible (in other words, they cannot be undone). Problems such as rupture, capsular contracture, infection and shifting can require removal of the implants. Many women will have their implants replaced when the time occurs, but for those women who remove them without replacement, there can be cosmetic changes.
Deposits of calcium can be seen on mammograms and can be mistaken for cancer growths, resulting in biopsy and/or removal of the implant to distinguish them from cancer. We can provide more information as needed at your consultation.
Removal and Replacement of Breast Implants
Dr Milovic has performed corrective or revision surgery for breast augmentation patients who are either not happy with the final look of their breast enhancement or who have had complications. Complications can occur after any surgery, and do not necessarily reflect the skill of the surgeon. If another surgeon has performed the original surgery, Dr Milovic will ask about the original surgery, so you will need to have as much information as you can.
Patients need to understand that it is often harder and more costly to revise breast augmentation than it is to perform the initial surgery. Every surgeon has their own approach to corrective surgery, and there is substantial variance depending on the training, experience and judgment of the surgeon. This applies particularly to surgeons who are not trained in the specialty of plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery in the way that plastic surgeons, like Dr Milovic, are.
You should note that not all revision cases will be accepted by our practice, and approval is made on a case-by-case basis. Photos will be required and our staff will initially discuss your case with you. However, not all cases will be suited to revision, and sometimes this decision cannot be made until Dr Milovic has consulted with you. Other times, we will be able to advise you before a consultation is made.
Are There Alternatives to Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery is elective. That is to say, you don’t have to have it at all; it’s a choice. As such, you should think about it as carefully as you would any surgery. Just because it’s a common procedure these days, doesn’t mean it doesn’t carry risks and complications like any other surgery.
It’s unfortunate that there are some doctors who will operate on patients who are deemed unsuitable by plastic surgeons. That’s why it’s important to not do anything unless you are sure, and to do your homework about your surgeon’s qualifications as well as the surgery itself. You should have all your questions answered to your satisfaction. If you are unsure, or if you feel pressured, you should reconsider having breast augmentation surgery.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Below, Dr. Milovic has answered some of the most commonly asked questions we hear regarding breast augmentation. If you would like to know more, please contact our practice.
WILL BREAST AUGMENTATION PROVIDE A “LIFTED” EFFECT?
It is important to realise that implants are used to make breasts larger and when used alone, will not adequately lift the breast or correct the effects on your breasts after breastfeeding, weight loss or skin stretching. You may need to consider whether a mastopexy (breast lift) can help you achieve the desired lift and shape.
Where will the surgery take place?
The surgery is performed at an accredited facility or a hospital setting. Most breast augmentation procedures are performed as same-day surgeries, and you will likely be able to return home the same day. The specifics of your plan will determine if your situation calls for a longer stay. For additional information, please read our patient resources page.
Will there be much pain after breast augmentation?
Every woman’s body is different and will heal at a different rate. Pain, time away from work, bruising and tenderness will vary. It’s important to discuss your procedure and special recovery needs with Dr Milovic.
WHAT DO BREAST IMPLANTS FEEL LIKE?
Top-quality, highly cohesive gel implants are designed to feel as natural and comfortable as possible. While it may take a few weeks to become accustomed to the sensation of breast implants, patients typically find them indistinguishable from natural breast tissue after a bit of time has passed. This is especially true when the procedure was performed by a skilled specialist plastic surgeon who worked with you to choose an ideal implant profile, type, shape and size.
What causes silicone breast implants to rupture?
Causes of rupture include damage by surgical instruments during surgery, capsular contracture, closed capsulectomy, stresses (such as trauma or intense physical manipulation), excessive compression during mammograms as well as other, unknown reasons. It’s important to understand that breast implants can potentially wear out over time and rupture, which is why Dr Milovic uses cohesive-gel implants designed to resist leakage and rupture.
Will smoking affect the healing process?
Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing the blood supply and oxygen carried to the surgical area. Recovery tissues need good circulation and plenty of oxygen, so smoking can slow down the healing process. Ask Dr Milovic how long he would like you to refrain from smoking before and after surgery.
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a condition involving excessive scar tissue which forms around an implant. It can leave the breast feeling hard and immobile. Your body’s response to an implanted, foreign object and the way it produces scar tissue can factor into the risk of capsular contracture. You should discuss this with Dr Milovic if you feel concerned.
Will I need revisional surgery?
Breast augmentation is not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Future surgery is often required to replace one or both implants, generally after 10 years. Your breasts will change over time, with ageing or breastfeeding for instance, and this is when you may consider having revisional surgery. You may also wish to change the shape or size of your implants over time. Sometimes you may need revisional surgery if you develop a complication from the original surgery.
CAN I BREASTFEED AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Women are often unable to breastfeed after breast enhancement procedures (assuming, of course, that they were able to breastfeed in the first place, which many women are not). Additionally, breastfeeding following augmentation may mar the effects of surgery. As such, Dr Milovic generally advocates that patients complete their families prior to undergoing breast augmentation.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. There is no guarantee.