Breast Surgery with Implants in Adelaide

Mammoplasty is an umbrella for several procedures: augmentation (increasing volume with implants), reduction (taking away excess tissue and skin), mastopexy (lifting sagging breasts), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and asymmetry correction. Your wishes and the surgeon's advice determine the best individual method.

Complications are uncommon if every recommendation is followed, but possible ones include hematoma or seroma, wound infection, lower or higher nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

The effect of mammoplasty lasts for years: about 10–15 years after augmentation (until the implants are replaced) and 5–10 years after a lift or reduction. Duration depends on weight, pregnancy, skin aging and gravity. Supportive underwear and a stable weight help the result last.

Whether you can breastfeed after mammoplasty depends on the kind of surgery. After augmentation via an under-breast or armpit incision with the implant placed under the muscle, lactation is usually preserved, since the glandular tissue is not damaged. A lift or reduction carries a higher risk because ducts may be cut. Talk this over with your surgeon beforehand.

Implants are chosen by material (silicone appears most natural, saline is used less frequently), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile. Your surgeon selects the option that best suits your anatomy and wishes.

General anesthesia is used for the surgery itself, so there is no sensation. In the first 1–3 days you may feel moderate discomfort, which painkillers relieve. Pain subsides significantly by day 5–7 and discomfort is gone by weeks 2–3. If pain becomes severe, inform your doctor right away.

You can return to work (without physical exertion) after 7–14 days. Light walks after 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming after 4–6 weeks, strength training after 3 months. Pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Wear compression garments for 4–6 weeks. Exact timing depends on your recovery.

Science has found no evidence that mammoplasty increases the risk of breast cancer. Implants are not a cause of cancer. After the procedure, go on with regular screening, including self-exams, mammography and ultrasound, and always tell the examining doctor about the implants.

You can have mammoplasty after a C-section, though your body needs to recover completely first. Wait a minimum of 6–12 months after childbirth and the end of breastfeeding. Before surgery, a surgeon's consultation and examination are mandatory.

Mammoplasty does leave scars, but with a skilled surgeon they are minimal. Incisions are made in hidden areas — under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. In the first months scars are reddish, but within 6–12 months they fade and become almost invisible.

Some slight asymmetry during the first weeks after surgery is expected, caused by swelling and uneven healing. Should a difference in shape or size persist after 3–6 months, visit your surgeon to be examined and find out why.

Breast and nipple sensitivity may change for a time after mammoplasty, going down or up. The cause lies in irritation of nerve endings. In the majority of cases sensitivity is restored within 3–12 months. If nothing has improved after a year, consult your surgeon.

There is no direct effect of hormonal drugs (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) on implants, but swelling or changes in breast tissue volume may occur and temporarily affect appearance. Let your surgeon know about these medications before surgery.