When can I go home after surgery?
It’s entirely up to you – you can choose to stay overnight, or go home the day of your surgery. You’ll need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours. When you leave hospital, you’ll be given prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication to minimise any discomfort.
Will I have to return for post-operative care?
You’ll see Dr Hunt three to four days after surgery. At this time, he’ll check on your progress and teach you how to massage and exercise your breasts for optimal results.
When can I resume normal activities?
You can resume light activities within 48 hours, and regular activities within a week. However, you must not undertake any strenuous activities for four weeks, and do any chest or weight exercises for six weeks, at which point you will be fully recovered. You’ll experience the most discomfort in the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery. During this time your breasts will be swollen and tender, although this will settle quickly. Waterproof dressings are applied at the time of surgery – so you can shower immediately. You can remove the dressings over your incisions after three days. Most bruising will also fade within the first five or six days.
How long will I be off work?
Recovery times vary from woman to woman, however most of Dr Hunt’s patients require around one week off work depending on the physical demands of your workplace.
Which patients can benefit from Breast Augmentation?
In my practice, breast augmentation really falls into three patient groups:
1. Primary breast augmentation
Primary breast augmentation will be performed in patients who lack the volume they desire in their breast tissue and are looking to achieve a fuller cup size.
2. Post pregnancy/post weight loss breast augmentation
In these patients, due to changes in the shape of the breasts and change in volume following pregnancy, breastfeeding and childbirth or weight loss, they are looking to restore potentially what they previously had.
These patients may also elect to restore more volume than they had previously to achieve the desired cup size.
In these patients, consideration needs to also be given to whether a breast-lift in combination with an augmentation will achieve the best result and in these cases, an augmentation mastopexy or breast-lift with implant will be the treatment of choice.
3. Breast asymmetry/congenital breast disease
Everybody understands that no two breasts are the same in terms of size and shape but in some instances, the differences can be clinically significant. The patients who experience a marked different in the size and shape of the breasts may have difficulty fitting clothes and swimsuits and are unable to enjoy the things that a lot of women take for granted. In cases such as this, their medical condition can be corrected with the use of breast implants to restore volume in a smaller breast and potentially combined with a breast-lift or reduction on the larger side to create two breast mounds that are the same size and shape and meet the patients’ desire.
What is the best Location for Breast Implant Incision?
Options exist for different locations for placement of the incision to allow positioning of the breast implant. The most commonly used incision is in the fold under the breast, known as an inframammary fold. Other options to consider are placing the implant via an incision in the armpit, around the nipple or through the umbilicus or tummy button and each of these will have advantages and disadvantages.
What is the best Breast Implant Shape? – Round or Anatomical (tear drop)
A round implant has more fullness in the upper pole and an anatomic implant has a more tear drop shape. When used in appropriate patients, these implants can create different results and this needs to be discussed with your surgeon.
Patients seeking volume in the upper pole will be well suited with a round implant, whereas patients who have a lack of breast shape and definition will be better suited with an anatomic or tear drop shaped implant.
Which is better – Saline or Silicone Breast Implants?
Silicone implants are more commonly used these days than saline implants. In the past, saline implants were used when silicone implants were being investigated, as they were thought to be associated with a number of disease conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome. At this stage, there is no scientific evidence to support any link of a disease to a silicone implant and given this, they have made a widespread return and are the most commonly used implant in Australia.
When it comes to choosing an implant, a saline implant or a silicone implant offer options. In the past, saline implants were the only implants available until silicone implants were developed. Silicone implants are now on the fifth generation and in many surgeons’ hands provide a superior product, achieving superior results. For patients who are concerned about the use of silicone, they do need to be mindful that the shell of the saline implant is in fact made of silicone.
What is the Best Breast Implant Size? – Choosing Your Breast Implant Volume
Breast Implants come in volumes ranging from 100 cc to 800 cc in Australia. Different volumes will create different results on different patients’ frames. During the consultation, we will assess which volume of implant is best suited to you, using an implant sizing system so that you can have an understanding of what to expect from your augmentation.
What happens during Breast Augmentation Surgery?
I offer the procedure of breast augmentation in a fully accredited hospital, under a general anaesthetic. This ensures maximum safety and the best outcome for the patient.
The procedure is often performed as a day surgery procedure and takes approximately one to two hours. In terms of recovery, patients will need to consider taking the remainder of a week off work to allow tissue to settle and the healing process to start. Following this, they can plan to return to normal activities with a view to returning to sporting activities at approximately six weeks.
What happens after the Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Following the procedure, it is very important that patients return for postoperative care. We will instruct them on implant massage, pain relief and scar management to ensure they achieve the best result possible.
During the procedure, techniques will be used to ensure patients achieve the best result possible. Local anaesthetic is used to minimise postoperative pain and nerve blocks are placed at the time of the procedure to ensure patients have a rapid recovery. Patients can expect discomfort on the first few days after the operation and then a return to light duties following this. A postoperative compression garment will be provided at the time of the operation and is used to minimise swelling and speed the recovery process. Adequate postoperative instructions will be provided, as will contact details to ensure if anyone has any queries following their procedure, they can easily and quickly be answered by my office.
What to Expect From Breast Surgery?
Having a breast augmentation is a big decision and patients often spend many months researching the procedure before booking their initial consultation. Once you have made the decision to have breast surgery, you may be interested to understand what steps you’ll have to take before and after the procedure. No matter what surgery you’re having, all patients need to have an initial consultation to discuss exactly what procedure they want and what they expect to achieve from the surgery. Dr Hunt considers the initial consultation as a very personal experience and it involves sitting down with the patient to ascertain exactly what their desired outcome is. Following this, Dr Hunt will formulate a surgical plan to achieve the patient’s desired result.
The procedure will be performed in a fully accredited hospital under an anaesthetic given by a fully accredited anaesthetist. In most instances, the surgery will be a day surgery procedure with the patient returning home the same day. Once back at home, patients will be given clear instructions on what to do and what not to do and we anticipate they will probably need a week off work. Following this, they will need a postoperative appointment to asses how they’re healing, and they may be able to return to work depending how physical / manual their job may be.
6 weeks after surgery, the majority of patients will be back to full activities, including physical exercise, and be able to enjoy the results of their breast augmentation. Follow-up does need to be maintained and we do recommend that the implants are reviewed at the 10-year mark to make sure they are functioning as they should and that the patient is still happy with the result.
Do Breast implants need to be changed every 10 years?
Many people have the impression that breast implants need to be changed after 10 years, but this is not necessarily the case. Like all products, there will be a life on the breast implant. After 10 years, it is advised that the implants are reviewed by a professional to check they are still intact and that the results of the breast augmentation are still the best they can be. If there are no problem with the implants at 10 years then they do not need to be changed and further monitoring can be undertaken.
Can you breastfeed after having breast Implants?
When a breast implant is inserted, it does not disrupt the connections between the breast tissue and the nipple, ensuring the milk ducts can still function. This means that people with breast implants should be able to breastfeed as freely as those who do not have breast implants. However, the incision used to insert the breast implant, particularly incisions around the nipple can decrease the ability to breastfeed to some degree.
Do Implants behind the muscle have a longer recovery time after surgery?
A breast implant can be placed in front of or behind the pectoralis (pec) muscle. If the implant is placed in front of the muscle, it is more visible and this can create a certain look that some patients find desirable. If the upper part of the implant is to be more subtle, it can be hidden underneath the pectoralis muscle. Placement under the muscle involves dividing some muscle fibers. This can be more uncomfortable in the first 2 weeks following the procedure, but the long-term benefits are worthwhile for patients who choose this option.
Does Breast Implant Illness (BII) occur in all breast implants?
Recently, a number of women have experienced symptoms ranging from tiredness to rashes and a feeling of un-wellness that has then been related to their breast implants. At this stage, there is no scientific link between breast implant illness and breast implants. However, it has been found that women who have some symptoms, can be relieved by the removal of their implants. Further investigation needs to be done to clarify exactly what the association is between these symptoms and implants, and we hope to be able to provide a clearer picture in the short-term.
Does Breast Augmentation improve your sex life?
In the major plastic surgery journal for the American Society of Plastic Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, there has been a recent publication validating the value of breast augmentation and breast implant surgery. The study found that breast augmentation improves patient well-being and sexual functioning.
It was a simple study using a questionnaire sent to women who underwent breast augmentation surgery, before the surgery and after the surgery. The results showed a substantial improvement in several key areas that reflect quality of life. The research was published in the July issue of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and focused on breast augmentation. On a score of 0-100, the average scores increased for patients in terms of satisfaction with the appearance of their breasts, the patient’s psychological well-being and also their sexual well-being. A percent of women reported significant improvement in the quality of their life following breast augmentation.
Dissatisfaction with breast size and breast shape can negatively affect a woman’s quality of life in several ways. Studies such as this show a significant improvement in a woman’s quality of life and we now have solid scientific evidence of what we have long suspected was the case. As a researcher in plastic and reconstructive surgery, I will continue to ensure patients receive the best quality of care and the best possible results. Our focus will always be on improving quality of life and patient satisfaction and publications such as these add scientific value to the work that we do.
What are the Breast Augmentation trends?
Bigger breasts are out! – The trends that were once so strong in the 1990s and 2000s are declining. We all remember famous figures such as Jodie Marsh encouraging a newfound following for bigger breasts. However, a growing number of women requesting more modest-sized implants over the last five years, with the average size now shrinking to a 300cc implant for a modest C cup result.
This new wave of breasts seems to be a favourite in Hollywood too, with celebrities such as Sienna Miller, Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lawrence all sporting more natural silhouettes on the red carpet. After admitting that she had a 34DD breast augmentation, Victoria Beckham has now had her procedure reversed, scaling down to a 34B.
Is a smaller breast implant and natural look on-trend?
Dr Jeremy Hunt commented: “Many of our customers are requesting more natural looks when considering non-surgical and cosmetic surgery procedures. This has been a particularly pronounced increased in requests for more modest breast implants“.
It is no secret that both the media and clinics such as Dr Jeremy’s have noticed an uptake in cosmetic procedures, but these procedures are now more natural-looking requests. This new outlook changes the way in which women are approaching breast augmentation are being encouraged to approach this in a new manner too. Overall, it appears to be a healthy change that many practitioners would argue is long overdue.
How often should I check my breast implants?
Implants do have a lifespan and they do need to be observed to ensure that they are functioning properly. For Dr Hunt’s patients he suggests that self-examination is the first step and if you note a change in the size, shape or position of the implant, you should seek a surgical opinion.
Following this, an ultrasound is a simple test to assess whether an implant is leaking or is ruptured, though it is not as sensitive or specific as an MRI scan. MRI scans remains the gold standard for assessing whether an implant is ruptured or leaking and is quite often the test of choice for patients who are trying to assess whether their implants removal or not.
In Summary
Breast augmentation remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in Australia and it certainly has huge benefits in terms of quality of life for a large number of women. The fact that it is as frequently performed as it is does not mean that it is a straightforward ‘cookie cutter’ procedure and each operation needs to be tailored to an individual. This process begins at the time of the consultation and is carried through to the surgical procedure itself and through the postoperative period, to ensure my patients achieve the best results possible in the short term and the long term. The goal of the procedure would be two breast mounds of the same size and shape with intact sensation that allows patients to fulfil all of their expectations.
How do I know what breast implant size is right for me?
The best way to determine the right breast implant size for you is to
book a consultation with a top plastic surgeon. The surgeon will take into account your lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine the right size for you. Surgeons typically use 3D imaging to help you understand how you will look post-surgery.
What is the most common breast implant size?
The most popular implant size in Australia is in the range 300 to 400 ccs. On most patients, it will look like a small to large C-cup. It doesn’t mean that you have to get this size. What will look good on you might not look great on another individual and wise versa. Hence, implant size is a very personal choice.
How do I choose my breast size?
You will have to book a consultation with a surgeon. The surgeon will take into account your lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine the right size for you. Moreover, surgeons use
3D imaging and breast implant sizers to determine the look and ensure it works with your lifestyle.
How many ccs is a breast cup size?
Generally speaking, one breast cup size is about 175cc, but the results can vary based on the type of implant, texture, placement, and body anatomy.
What size is a B cup?
Generally, 250 to 350 cc make a B cup size. This is just a general idea. The sizes can vary based on the type of implant, body anatomy, incisions, and texture.
What is cup size C?
Generally, 350 to 400 cc make a C cup size. This is just a general idea. The sizes can vary based on the type of implant, body anatomy, incisions, and texture.
What implants look the most natural?
Silicone implants produce the most natural look and feel of breasts. Moreover, the tear drop shape gives you a subtle cleavage and a natural-looking shape.
Can I go larger after the first breast implant surgery?
Yes, you can go larger once your implants settle in and you are fully healed from the first surgery. You can have a larger size implant during a breast revision surgery – usually around a year later.
When do I need to replace my implants?
Breast implants are not for life. Ideally, you should get them replaced every ten to fifteen years.
What’s the best type of breast implant?
The best type of breast implants is those that feel natural and give your breasts the projection you are looking for. The general consensus is that silicone gel breast implants are the best type of breast implants as the gel in the implant most mimics the natural breast tissue in both feel and appearance.
Moreover, silicone gel implants are also less likely to cause ripples of the skin, meaning that they are less likely to be visible underneath the skin. These factors combine and result in silicone breast implants being better than saline implants. Mentor and Motiva brands are currently regarded as the best type of silicone implant in Australia.
Which implant is better – Mentor or Motiva?
Mentor breast implants and Motiva breast implants are both amongst the top breast implants worldwide. Both implant types have their own set of benefits and unique features that help them stand out. Depending on what you are looking for, in terms of projection, implant profile, size, and contents, you may benefit from either Mentor breast implants or Motiva breast implants.
Motiva breast implants have a teardrop shape and can be filled according to your preferences, which gives the brand an edge over the other. The teardrop shape also makes the implant look more natural, which is a definite plus. The different implant surfaces can also create a variety in the formation of the capsule and stability of the implant.
What kind of breast implant feels the most natural?
Silicone breast implants look and feel the most natural. Amongst the various options provided by Motiva breast implants, the Ergonomix is widely known for its ability to most closely mimic natural tissue.
Are textured implants banned in Australia?
There was a wide recall by TGA of heavily textured implants, and the use of these implants was suspended, then banned. However, not all textured implants were banned, but rather those belonging to the brand Allergan.
What breast implants are used in Australia?
Mentor and Motiva breast implants are the leading suppliers of breast implants used in Australia. Other brands you may find in Australia include Nagor, Polytech, Allergan, Eurosilicone, Sebbin and Silimed. (and old McGann & PIP implants)
What are the safest implants?
Generally, saline and silicone breast implants with a smooth surface are considered to be safer for use and can be used in both breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures.
Breast implants are regarded as safe as far as they have been placed by a specialist plastic surgeon, and appropriate measures are taken before, during, and after the procedure to ensure the best and safest results. All surgery has risks. There are risks or BII and very minor risks of BIA-ALCL.
Can breast implants last 30 years?
Breast implants do have a lifespan and should be changed within two decades of their placement. Having a breast implant for 30 – 40 years is not recommended. Have a regular implant check for rupture and contact your surgeon if you have any pain, lumps or hardening of the breast.
Is there an alternative to breast implants?
Breast implants can reliably improve the appearance and increase the volume of your breasts. The volume of your breasts can be also be increased using a breast fat transfer instead of an implant. Fat is removed from one part of your body using liposuction and injected into your breasts to increase their size.
This Natural Breast Enlargement procedure is also known as Autologous Fat Grafting to the Breasts. It is a less reliable enhancement method than breast implants and can also have some issues with survival of the transferred fat.
What other Breast Surgery Procedures Dr Jeremy Hunt offer?