Breast Augmentation should always be performed by a specialist Plastic Surgeon who has performed this procedure many hundred times before. It should be done in a proper, accredited hospital which follows all Australian Government health, hygiene and safety standards. You should always (no exceptions) have a full general anaesthetic given by an experienced, specialist anaesthetist – again a specialist doctor who has performed anaesthesia for Breast Augmentation many hundreds of times.
Let’s look at the process:
- Pre-operative consultation
During this appointment Dr Jane will talk to you about what to expect and what to do. For most women, the larger sized implant you choose, the greater tightness and discomfort you will experience.
If you have very tight skin and small breasts and choose a very large implant, you will feel more tightness than someone who has loose skin (or someone who has breast fed) and chooses a smaller implant.
Preoperatively, Dr Jane will advise you to take a week off work (depending on how physical your work is) and to allow time to rest.
- Actual operation
Breast Augmentation should always be performed under a full General Anaesthetic with a specialist and experienced anaesthetist who will stay by your side throughout the entire operation. They will ensure your comfort and safety. You will meet your anaesthetist preoperatively where you will discuss your medication.
(Breast Augmentation should not be performed under sedation only or without monitoring. It should always be performed in a hospital).
The operative technique is vital for post operative pain management. The operation needs to be performed with precision and skill. As Dr Jane has performed breast augmentation many hundreds of times, her technique is very precise resulting in a more comfortable procedure.
Also, during the operation Dr Jane injects the area, including the muscle and the incision with plenty of local anaesthetic. This technique allows patients to wake up from their procedure very comfortably.
- Post-op Care
In the recovery ward you will wake up with a dedicated nurse (just for you) by your side. You will feel general tightness and stretch across your chest. The nurse will give you any pain medication you require. Most patients go home on the same day of surgery.
- At home
Your anaesthetist will send you home with some strong pain relief tablets (eg Endone) and possibly an anti-inflammatory tablet (and also antibiotics). You may need the strong pain tablets morning and night for the first few days as well as regular Panadol (4-6 hourly) during the day. Over the first week, try to wean off the stronger pain relief tablets but keep taking regular panadol.
Dr Jane will send you home with a post-surgical bra. This is only for comfort and to provide some support.
You will be encouraged to do some simple “range of motion” exercises from day one. That is – just moving your arms above your head (like you are washing your hair) so you don’t stiffen up in one position. However – no strenuous exercise (running, jumping, contact sport) for 4-6 weeks.
- First post-op follow up appointment.
You will see Dr Jane personally (not a nurse) the week after surgery. Dr Jane will monitor your wounds and swelling and instruct you on some gentle massage if needed. At the end of the first week, you should be managing on just panadol. You will still feel tight, however your breasts should be starting to soften, and you should feel quite comfortable.
Individual results may vary from patient to patient, according to multiple factors including but not limited to genetics, age, diet and exercise. All surgical or invasive procedures carry risks and require recovery times. For full list of risks and further information, please view our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.
Before proceeding with surgery, it is advisable to seek a second opinion from a qualified FRACS (Plast) surgeon.
Any details are general in nature and are not intended to be medical advice or constitute a doctor-patient relationship.
All before and after patient photos are of real patients who have had their surgery performed by Dr Jane Paterson and have given her consent to share her photos.
Dr Jane Paterson is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, MBBS(Hons) FRACS
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