Why Do People Have Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is primarily sought by individuals looking to increase their breast size, or adjust the shape of their breasts. The procedure offers a means to achieve a change in the appearance of the breasts, tailored to individual preferences and body proportions. Patients may also consider breast augmentation to address asymmetry in the breasts, where one breast is noticeably different from the other in size or shape.
In addition, breast augmentation can play a crucial role in reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy, which is the surgical removal of one or both breasts, typically due to breast cancer. This procedure can also address changes due to injury or trauma to the breasts.
At Vie by Fraser Kirk on the Sunshine Coast, every surgical procedure is approached with a meticulous commitment to personalised care. The clinic prioritises understanding and addressing the unique anatomical needs of each patient. This approach involves thorough initial consultations, precise surgical planning, and individualised treatment strategies tailored to match each person’s specific physical and aesthetic requirements.
Our Philosophy on Breast Augmentation
At Vie by Fraser Kirk, we understand that breast augmentation is a highly personal decision and that each patient’s objectives are unique. Our philosophy is centred on providing thorough consultations that respect individual goals and lifestyle considerations. Dr Grant Fraser Kirk and his team strive to achieve results that suit the patient’s overall proportions.
We believe in a thorough and educative consultation process. During these consultations, we discuss all available options, including types of implants (silicone or saline), implant placement, and incision sites. This enables patients to make informed decisions about their surgery based on detailed knowledge of the procedures and expected outcomes.
Well-being, aesthetics, and functionality are our priorities. We use the latest surgical techniques and technology when performing breast augmentation. Our approach is designed to support not only the aesthetic goals of our patients but also to preserve the long-term health of each individual undergoing surgery. The goal is to ensure that all interventions are conducted carefully, considering the patient’s unique body structure and desired outcomes.
Suitable Candidates for Breast Augmentation Surgery with Breast Implants
When you have your consultation at Vie by Fraser Kirk, you’ll need to discuss your suitability for the procedure. Making sure that you’re a suitable candidate helps us ensure that we can achieve the results you want to achieve and that the surgery can be tailored to your needs.
Generally, candidates should be in good overall health, without chronic conditions that could complicate the surgery or impact recovery. Since smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications, it’s generally recommended to quit smoking before the procedure.
Having realistic expectations will also be important, ensuring that you and Dr Fraser Kirk are on the same page about the results that can be achieved. Dr Fraser Kirk will make sure that you understand what can be achieved with a breast augmentation and explain what you can expect for your results.
The Surgical Process
Breast augmentation with breast implants at Vie by Fraser Kirk is performed under general anaesthesia to minimise discomfort. Dr Grant Fraser Kirk begins the surgical process by making incisions in less visible areas to reduce scar visibility. Common incision sites include under the breast crease, around the perimeter of the areola, or within the armpit. The specific location for the incision is selected based on the type of implant chosen, the individual’s anatomical structure, and their personal preferences.
After the initial incisions, Dr Fraser Kirk creates a pocket either beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue above the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement). The choice between these placements depends on factors such as the patient’s body type, the amount of natural breast tissue present, and the goals of the surgery. The implants are then precisely positioned within these pockets, focusing on achieving symmetry and the desired aesthetic result.
The duration of the breast augmentation procedure typically ranges from one to two hours, varying with the complexity of the case and the surgical techniques employed. After the implants have been securely positioned, the incisions are carefully sutured closed, and a sterile dressing is applied to the area. This approach is designed to promote healing while striving to meet the surgical objectives discussed during the pre-operative consultations.
Costs of a Breast Augmentation
During your consultation at Vie by Fraser Kirk on the Sunshine Coast, you’ll finalise the details of your personalised breast augmentation, which will determine your surgery costs.
Generally, the costs of breast augmentation depend on a number of factors, including surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, hospital fees, the type of breast implants, and each patient’s individual needs.
Surgeon’s fees are based on the complexity of the procedure and your surgeon’s experience level – however, it’s highly important to choose an experienced surgeon such as Dr Fraser Kirk. Anaesthesia fees will depend on the anaesthetist’s experience level and qualifications, as well as the total procedure time, as the anaesthetist will be present to monitor the anaesthesia throughout the procedure. The hospital fees, which cover the use of the operating theatre, recovery room and equipment, will also factor into the total cost.
If any procedures, such as a breast lift, will be combined with a breast augmentation, the additional procedures will also need to be calculated in the total costs.
At your consultation, you’ll receive a personalised quote detailing your surgery costs. If you are undergoing a breast reconstruction with breast implants following a mastectomy or trauma, you will also be able to discuss your eligibility for possible Medicare cover.
Breast Augmentation and Medicare Cover
If a breast augmentation with breast implants is only performed for aesthetic purposes, based on a patient’s personal preferences, Medicare won’t be able to provide any cover. Most of the time, breast augmentation patients are not eligible for Medicare cover, as it is an elective cosmetic procedure.
However, in cases where breast implants are used as part of breast reconstruction surgery, to reconstruct the breasts following a mastectomy or trauma, patients may be eligible for partial Medicare cover.
If you are undergoing a breast augmentation to reconstruct one or both breasts, you will be able to discuss your eligibility for Medicare cover during your consultation.
Please note that Medicare is only able to cover a portion of the fees and will not be able to cover the total costs.
Aftercare and Recovery
After breast augmentation surgery at Vie by Fraser Kirk, patients are provided with detailed aftercare instructions designed to facilitate recovery. Immediately following the procedure, it is common for patients to experience swelling and discomfort around the surgical area. To manage these symptoms, pain relief medication is prescribed. In addition, patients are required to wear a specially designed support bra. This bra helps to reduce swelling, supports the breasts during the healing process, and assists in maintaining the correct positioning of the implants.
The recovery period can vary from one individual to another, but generally, most patients are able to engage in light activities within a few days post-surgery. More strenuous activities and exercise should be reintroduced gradually, based on Dr Fraser Kirk’s specific recommendations, to avoid complications and ensure the surgical site heals properly. Typically, patients may resume full activities, including exercise, within four to six weeks after surgery.
Scheduled follow-up appointments are a crucial component of the post-operative care plan. These visits allow Dr Fraser Kirk to monitor the patient’s recovery, remove sutures when necessary, and ensure that the healing process is progressing as expected. These sessions also provide an opportunity for patients to discuss any concerns or questions they may have about their recovery and results.
Reducing Scars After a Breast Augmentation
While some level of scarring can be expected after a breast augmentation with implants (as with any surgery that requires incisions), the visibility of scarring will depend on the placement and type of incision, following recovery instructions and your individual healing.
During your consultation, Dr Fraser Kirk can explain the placement and pattern of your incision so that you will know what to expect. Using precise techniques, he can aim to minimise scarring as much as possible.
Following your post-operative care instructions closely will help reduce scarring. You’ll receive your instructions during your consultation, which often include keeping the incision clean and dry to avoid infection or complications with healing, applying an antibiotic ointment if necessary, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
When the incision site has fully healed, techniques like scar massages or treatments like laser therapy can help to further break down scar tissue.
Generally, scarring fades over time and becomes less prominent, especially when post-operative instructions are carefully followed. If you are prone to keloid scarring, please let us know during your consultation.
Risks
Breast augmentation, like all surgical interventions, entails inherent risks and potential complications, which Dr Grant Fraser Kirk discusses extensively during pre-operative consultations. Common risks associated with this procedure include infection, reactions to anaesthesia, and bleeding. Over time, there is also a risk associated with implant leakage or rupture, which may necessitate further surgical intervention to replace or remove the implant.
Specific complications unique to breast augmentation include capsular contracture, a condition where the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant tightens and hardens, potentially causing discomfort and altering the appearance of the breast. Changes in nipple or breast sensation may occur, which can be temporary or permanent. Patients might also experience asymmetry between the breasts, dissatisfaction with the implant size or profile, and visible scarring.
At Vie by Fraser Kirk, we mitigate these risks by adhering to stringent surgical standards and employing meticulous patient care protocols. We use sterile breast implants and follow strict surgical procedures to lower the risk of complications. Moreover, we conduct detailed patient health assessments during the consultation period, which include previous surgeries, current medications, history of allergic reactions, and medical conditions to determine factors that can affect the outcomes of breast augmentation. Post-operative care is critical, and patients are urged to follow all recovery instructions and attend scheduled follow-up appointments. These measures are essential for monitoring the patient’s recovery and addressing any complications early.