Understanding Breast Augmentation In Brisbane
Augmentation mammaplasty, also commonly referred to as breast augmentation, breast enlargement, breast enhancement, or colloquially as a “boob job,” is a surgical procedure performed for aesthetic and/or functional reasons. The procedure entails inserting breast implants into the breast pocket and is designed to enhance breast size, address asymmetry, restore lost volume, and achieve upper pole fullness, cleavage definition, and a defined breast contour.
Everything You Need to Know About Breast Implants Brisbane
When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, there are several factors that need to be considered, including implant shape, profile, texture, size, placement, and incision type. The type of implant you choose will depend on your desired outcome and aesthetic, the thickness and elasticity of your skin, and your natural breast anatomy.
There are two primary shapes for breast implants: round and teardrop. The selection between the two shapes determines the final appearance of the breasts. The shape recommended will vary depending on your individual anatomy and your desired aesthetic goals; therefore, careful consultation with Dr. Ian Chinsee is required.
Round:
Round breast implants are symmetrical, circular, and generally pose no issues if they happen to rotate. Round implants provide volume both in the lower part of the breast and higher up on the chest, making them suitable for patients seeking a more augmented look, a larger upper pole, increased lift, and cleavage.
Teardrop:
Teardrop breast implants, also known as anatomical implants, follow the natural breast contour, featuring less volume at the upper portion and more volume at the base. Tear drop implants tend to provide a more natural-looking result, making them ideal for patients seeking a sloping teardrop shape, increased fullness in the lower breast area, or those with lower-positioned nipples. They are particularly suitable for patients with minimal breast tissue, mild sagging, or concerns related to shape, such as a tuberous breast.
Within these shapes are different profiles and projections.
Implant profile refers to the implant’s projection relative to its diameter or base width, indicating how far the implant projects forward from the chest wall. Breast implants are available in various profiles, such as moderate plus, high, and ultra-high profile. Implants of the same size (measured in cc volume) with different widths will usually produce different levels of projection. Implants with a small base width will project out further compared with implants of the same volume but with a wider base width.
Generally, the lower-profile implants aim to give a more natural look. Dr. Chinsee will discuss with you the type of ‘look’ that you would like to achieve, and he will take chest measurements to help you decide on the width and height of the implant needed.
The outer shell of your breast implants may have either a smooth or textured surface, depending on your preference and desired surgical outcome.
Smooth Breast Implants:
Smooth breast implants are a type of implant characterised by their smooth outer surface, which is glossy and slick, allowing them to move freely within the capsule that forms around the implant.
Textured Breast Implants:
Textured breast implants are designed with a rough and irregular surface, like soft sandpaper. The texture of these implants allows them to adhere to the surrounding tissue, helping to maintain their position over time. Compared with smooth implants, textured implants are less likely to shift or reposition.
There are various factors to consider when choosing a size, including your measurements, desired appearance, and lifestyle considerations. At Inigo Cosmetic, Dr Chinsee offers a wide variety of sizes ranging between 125cc and 1060cc.
It’s important to understand that the same breast implant size may produce different results for different individuals. Each person has a unique combination of natural breast tissue and soft tissue, which influences the final result. Breast augmentation surgery is designed to harmonise with your existing features, and the implant size you choose should complement your natural proportions.
During your consultation, Dr. Ian Chinsee will evaluate your measurements, frame, current cup size, and desired aesthetic outcome. Based on his assessment, Dr. Ian Chinsee will suggest a range of implant sizes tailored to your body and anatomy. However, the ultimate decision on implant size rests with you, allowing you to feel confident and satisfied with the chosen option.
In addition to your desired aesthetic outcome, it is important to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you are an active individual engaged in sports or high-impact exercising, the recommended breast implant size should align with your physical activities and potential impact on your body.
Saline and silicone are two different types of materials used in breast implants, each with its own characteristics:
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution (saline) after they’re placed in the breast pocket during surgery. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline solution is absorbed by the body, and the breast deflates, which may make it easier to detect a rupture.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel, which is a thick, sticky fluid that closely mimics the feel of human fat. If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel may stay within the implant shell or leak into the breast implant pocket, which may require an MRI to detect. Generally silicone implants to have a more natural look and feel compared to saline implants.
Both saline and silicone implants have their own advantages and considerations, and the choice between them often depends on factors such as personal preference, desired aesthetic outcome, and individual health considerations. Dr Chinsee will discuss the pros and cons of each option during your consultation.
An incision is required as part of the breast augmentation procedure to insert the breast implant. The three most common types of incisions are infra-mammary (in the fold underneath your breasts), peri-areolar (a semicircle around the lower part of your nipple), and endoscopic transaxillary (in the armpit).
Inframammary Fold:
This is generally one of the most common incision placements, and it is the incision that Dr. Ian Chinsee typically uses due to its ability to provide good access to correctly position the breast implant. It is usually around three to five centimetres long and is placed close to the inframammary fold (crease of skin beneath the breast), allowing the scar to be placed in an area that usually heals well and is not obvious.
Periareolar:
This incision is made in the lower half of the areola, just inside the pigmented skin.
Endoscopic Transaxillary:
This incision is placed in a skin fold in the armpit.
Dr. Chinsee generally opts for the inflammatory fold as the scarring is concealed and gives excellent surgical access during the procedure.
Sub-glandular:
Implants are inserted under the breast tissue and in front of the pectoral muscles.
Partial Submuscular:
Implants are inserted under the breast tissue and partially under the pectoral muscles.
Submuscular:
Implants are inserted directly under the pectoral muscle.
The internal bra is an umbrella term which encompasses several surgical techniques that are used in breast surgery proceedures to provide structural support to breast implants or tissue during breast surgeries. An internal bra can also help to strengthen the lower pole as well as reinforce and define the inframammary fold, which provides a more supportive foundation for a breast implant and helps reduce the risk of bottoming out. Dr. Chinsee uses the barbed suture technique as his method of internal bra in all breast augmentation surgeries.
Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation
During your consultation at Inigo Cosmetic Clinic in Brisbane, Dr Ian Chinsee will assess to see if you’re a suitable candidate for Breast Augmentation surgery. The ideal candidate for breast augmentation is someone who is looking to either increase their breast size, upper pole fullness, or cleavage definition, correct asymmetry, or restore volume loss. A suitable candidate for breast augmentation must be:
- Aged 18 to 80 years
- In good overall mental and physical health
- Six months post-pregnancy or post-breastfeeding
- Have realistic wants and expectations
Objectives of Breast Augmentation Surgery
The objectives of a breast augmentation mammaplasty may include:
- Restored volume: Breast Augmentation Mammaplasty may help lift and restore volume to your breasts
- Improved symmetry: Breast Augmentation Mammaplasty may help improve the symmetry of your breasts.
- Increased shape & definition: Breast Augmentation Mammaplasty may increase the shape and definition of your breasts.
Meet Your Doctor Dr. Ian Chinsee
Dr. Ian Chinsee has extensive experience in breast augmentation surgery in Brisbane, performing over 3000 breast-related surgeries to date.
Following the completion of his medical degree at the University of Queensland, Dr. Chinsee pursued surgical training in the public hospital system for five years, gaining proficiency in general and plastic/reconstructive surgery. Subsequently, he completed two years of advanced surgical training with the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM), earning the esteemed Colin Moore Gold Medal Award for Excellence.
- Dr Ian Chinsee (MED0000975196)
- Registered Medical Practitioner, General Registration
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Surgical Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery & Medicine [FACCSM (SURG)]
- Fellow of American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS)
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR
BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULT
A consultation is much more than an obligatory step before proceeding with breast augmentation surgery. It allows you to meet the doctor and staff who will be involved with your cosmetic procedure, provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the procedure itself, with the associated risks and complications, and allows you to discuss, in detail, what results you wish to achieve, what results are realistic, and what results are unattainable, given your personal circumstances.
All patients seeking cosmetic surgery must have a referral from their GP, completed the body dysmorphic disorder screening questionnaire and have at least two pre-operative consultations prior to booking in a surgery date.
Upon arriving, you will be greeted by one of our friendly receptionists, who will ensure you have filled out the correct forms and will take your 2D and 3D imaging prior to seeing Dr. Chinsee.
During your first consultation, Dr. Chinsee will discuss your medical history, your desired aesthetic outcomes, and provide you with enough information to make an informed decision about whether or not to have surgery, explaining the procedure in detail, including surgical methods, recovery times, and the potential risks and complications associated with breast augmentation mammaplasty surgery. During your first consultation, a physical examination will be conducted, during which Dr. Ian Chinsee will take measurements and allow you to try on different implant sizes.
Finally, in collaboration with you, Dr. Chinsee will develop a surgical plan tailored to your aesthetic goals.
Our surgical pricing structures are fully inclusive to cover all fees, including:
- Operating Doctor
- Assistant (if required)
- Hospital and anaesthetic
- Implants (if required)
- Keller funnel (if required)
- Compression garment(s) (if required)
- Direct contact with a Registered Nurse
- One year of postoperative follow-up appointments, including dressing-change appointments
- Scar therapy products (iS Clinical Super Serum, iS Clinical Sheald Recovery, Silicone tape or Silicone Gel) (if required)
- 4 x Healite (if required)
Your second consultation can take place at least 7 days after your first consultation. During the second consultation, Dr. Chinsee will discuss your formal surgical plan, pre and post-operative information, and run through your consent forms. During your second consultation, we encourage you to ask any additional questions and re-try breast implant sizers.
After your second consultation, there is a one-week cooling-off period before you can book surgery or make any form of payment. Surgery cannot be booked until consent forms are signed.
Not sure where to start? Request a complimentary, obligation-free quote from one of our doctors.
Recovery & care from a Breast Augmentation
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Patients can experience pain, aches, pressure, and discomfort, generally lasting up to two weeks. We do prescribe oral pain medication after your procedure to assist with pain and discomfort.
Following your breast augmentation operation, patients will require a dressing change at one-week intervals for a period of three weeks; some patients will require additional dressing changes. Out of Town Patients will be provided with a letter containing detailed dressing change instructions to give to their GP if they cannot attend dressing change appointments at the Brisbane clinic.
Most patients should expect to take around one to two weeks off work. Patients with administrative roles can usually return to work after one week; however, more physically demanding jobs will require a longer recovery period. Patients can usually return to their normal activities, including gym exercises, from week six.
There may be swelling and bruising after the procedure. Major swelling usually subsides by three months, and the results are noticeable at around the one-year mark. A compression bra will need to be worn continuously for three months after surgery.
You will have post operative appointments with Dr Chinsee at week six and three months, we also advise booking in a six and twelve month post operative appointment as well. These appointments can be conducted via our virtual clinic or in person at our Brisbane clinic, located in Fortitude Valley.
SURGERY TIME
1 – 1.5 hours
HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery
ANAESTHETIC
General
DRESSING CHANGE
Required at weeks 1, 2, & 3 with an Inigo Cosmetic nurse or your GP. You may need additional dressing changes depending on recovery.
TIME OFF WORK
1 – 6 weeks
EXERCISE
None for 6 weeks
GARMENT
Required for 6-12 weeks, however we recommend constant support and wearing your post-operative bra every night.
FULL RECOVERY
3-12 months
Scarring from Breast Augmentation
While all surgical procedures that involve cutting through multiple layers of skin will result in a scar, Dr. Chinsee utilises the Keller funnel with all surgeries that involve the insertion of breast implants. This device not only assists in minimising the risk of infection, but it also facilitates a small incision, which in turn may assist in reducing trauma to the body.
The funnel acts as a piping bag to squeeze the implants directly into the breast pocket. Surgical incisions are placed discreetly under the breast and are usually only three to five centimetres long. Most scarring will fade over time with appropriate postoperative care.
Please visit Scarring After Surgery for more information.
INFO PACK
Request an info pack and learn more about Inigo Cosmetics BREAST procedures and costs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Breast surgery carries potential risks that include bleeding or infection, accumulation of fluid around the implant, allergic reactions to medical materials, changes in breast and nipple sensation, temporary or permanent numbness in specific areas, wrinkling of the skin over the implant, keloid or hypertrophic scar formation, capsular contracture, improper implant size, implant rupture or deflation, breast asymmetry, calcium deposits in the scar capsule surrounding the implant, granulomas, difficulties with breastfeeding, diminished effectiveness of breast cancer screening, implant movement, the need for further surgical procedures to address complications, anaesthesia risks such as allergic reactions or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications, and blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, which can be life-threatening if they migrate to the lungs or brain. It is crucial to discuss these risks thoroughly with a qualified doctor prior to undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
For a full list of risk & complications of breast augmentation surgery, please visit here
As breast implants are placed under the breast and not in the actual breast tissue, they shouldn’t interfere with the milk glands and ducts. However, it is important to note that there is always a risk that more involved breast surgery (like mastopexy or breast reduction) may damage the milk ducts or nerves, which could make it more difficult or impossible to breastfeed. This will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Ian Chinsee.
A breast augmentation will not help sagging breasts. Unfortunately, we are not able to put a bigger implant into ‘fill out’ loose skin. Implants won’t lift or reposition the breast skin or tissue, and they won’t elevate the nipple position on the chest. A lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation.
There is currently no scientific evidence that links breast implants to cancer. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of lymphoma associated with breast implants.
Breast cancer may be harder to detect during a mammogram if you have breast implants. If the technician cannot acquire adequate images, an alternative imaging modality would be MRI.
Breast implants are a lifetime commitment and not a one-time cost. At some stage, you may require additional surgeries if implants rupture, lateral displacement or to replace or lift the skin, or you may decide to get the implants removed. It is recommended that breast implants be replaced every 10–15 years.
Stretch marks are generally a form of scarring on the skin, usually caused by rapid growth. Stretch marks are often the result of your genetics. Inserting breast implants may cause stretch marks. We recommend iS Clinical Youth Body Serum pre & post surgery which may assist in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. You can purchase iS Clinical Youth Body Serum here
Nipple inversion may occur in varying degrees; the breast implants will usually stretch the skin enough to correct the nipple. If not, there are additional surgical options available.
Most people are able to exercise about six weeks after breast surgery, but it is crucial that you follow the time frames below to minimise complications. Reintroduce all activities slowly
- Week 1: Gentle walking only.
- Week 2: Sexual intercourse (lower half)
- Week 6: (Pending review) Gym work, running, swimming (do not submerge your body in water before 6 weeks – this may lead to serious infections)
- 3 Months: Contact sports, Cross fit etc.
For more information regarding exercising after surgery, please click here
The cost of your breast augmentation can be broken down into four main components: the doctor’s fee, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and implant costs. At Inigo Cosmetic, we customise our breast surgeries for each patient. To receive a detailed cost breakdown, please get in touch to book a consultation with one of our doctors.
1300 884 577
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