Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure to modify breast size, volume, and symmetry. This surgery can be performed with breast implants or Fat Grafting, depending on which option is more suitable for the patient .
Changes for cosmetic surgery procedures – in effect from 1st July 2023
Breast Augmentation procedure details
Breast Augmentation procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. A nerve block (PECS II block) using local anaesthetic medication is also performed by your Specialist Anaesthetist before the operation starts to provide additional pain relief both during and after your operation.
Breast Augmentation with Breast Implants procedure details
Dr Wyten’s technique for this surgery involves a small incision under the breast to create a pocket for the breast implant under the breast tissue. Depending on the type of implant used and the desired look, breast implants can be placed above or under the pectoralis muscle.
This breast surgery procedure typically takes approximately 1 hour to perform in the operating theatre, and an overnight stay in the hospital is not usually required.
This operation is performed under general anaesthesia.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting procedure details
Breast Augmentation surgery with fat grafting is a reconstructive surgery procedure for breast enlargement. In this surgery, the patient’s own fat is removed using liposuction, and injected into the breast tissue. Dr Wyten studied this technique from Dr Emmanuel Delay in Lyon France, and then refined her skill further in Australia.
Dr Wyten’s technique for this surgery first involves performing liposuction, frequently on the hips, abdomen, or thighs. The fat cells are removed from the body via liposuction, filtrated and prepared to be injected into the breasts. Small incisions are made in the axilla or breast fold where the fat is injected, the breasts are enlarged and shaped with the new fat cells.
This procedure typically takes approximately 2 hours to perform in the operating theatre, and an overnight stay in hospital may sometimes be required.
It is important to note that not all of the fat injected into the breasts will ‘take’, and a final volume of approximately 50% of the injected volume is typical. Sometimes, multiple procedures are required to achieve the desired outcome.
This operation is performed under general anaesthesia.
Breast Augmentation modification surgery with Breast Implants + Fat Grafting
Breast augmentation surgery alters the size and shape of your breasts and can modify them by:
- Increasing breast size, shape and projection
- Adjusting the symmetry of breasts
- Altering cleavage and breast shape
- Increasing breast volume loss after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss
Fat grafting for breast augmentation removes surplus fat from other body areas, creating an altered body shape. It also has the additional benefit of using a patient’s own fat rather than a breast implant and less scarring.
Am I a good candidate for Breast Augmentation surgery with breast implants or fat grafting?
It is important to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with either of these surgeries. You should also consider your natural breast size and shape, and what will suit your overall body physique.
It is important to note that Fat Grafting requires the patient to have sufficient body fat to graft, and is therefore not suitable for everyone.
It is also important to be in good physical and mental health and be a non-smoker to reduce your risk of complications during and after surgery. If you are considering having breast augmentation surgery, it is now an Australian requirement that you have a consultation with a General Practitioner (GP) or other specialist medical practitioner first to discuss your health, medical history and for an appropriate referral to a surgeon.
Types of Breast Implants
Dr Wyten offers both Motiva and Mentor brand implants.
During your consultation with Dr Wyten, she will guide you in selecting the most suited implants for your desired outcome, considering the following options:
- Silicone breast implants or saline breast implants
- Implant size
- Implant texture (smooth or nano-textured)
- Implant shape
- Implant projection (low, medium or high)
What can I expect during recovery following Breast Augmentation surgery with Breast Implants?
Following this surgery, a minimum of 2 weeks of recovery off work or strenuous home duties is typically required. This time may vary with some patients requiring up to 6 weeks off work. It is important to follow the instructions given during your recovery, including when you can resume driving and exercise. It may be necessary to get additional support for childcare, pet care, and other activities around the home during your recovery, as you will be unable to do any lifting.
It is typical to experience some discomfort after Breast Augmentation surgery. You will be given instructions on how to manage this in the first couple of weeks after surgery. You will also need to wear supportive undergarments, and Dr. Wyten’s preferred supportive post-surgical bras will be provided after your surgery. You may wish to purchase some additional post-surgical bras for your recovery.
What can I expect during recovery following Breast Augmentation surgery with fat grafting?
It is normal to have bruising and swelling in both the breasts and the area from which the fat was taken from. It is important to follow the instructions given during your recovery, including when you can resume exercise. It is recommended that you maintain a stable weight for 3 months after surgery.
Post-operative hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to assist with fat cell ‘take’ and some patients choose to add this adjuvant treatment within the first few weeks post-surgery
It is typical to have some discomfort after Breast Augmentation surgery. You will be given instructions after your surgery on how to manage this in the first couple of weeks after surgery. You will also need to wear supportive undergarments and Dr Wyten’s preferred supportive post-surgical bras will be provided after your surgery. You may wish to purchase some additional post-surgical bras for your recovery.
Risks of Breast Augmentation surgery with breast implants
All surgeries have potential risks, including scarring, bleeding, blood clots (deep vein thromboses and pulmonary emboli), and infection. There are also risks associated with a general anaesthetic.
Dr Wyten will discuss risks specific to this surgery with you during your consultation. Written information will also be provided for you to read before you proceed with surgery. Some risks associated with this procedure include:
- Contracture of the fibrous capsule that develops around the breast implant (capsular contracture) which can cause pain and/or deformity of the breast shape
- Rupture of implants
- Need for implant replacement
- Some types of breast implants are associated with the development of a type of cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
If you experience any unusual pain, swelling or bleeding after surgery, please seek help immediately.
Choosing an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr Wyten, is the safest option when considering this type of surgery.
Risks of Breast Augmentation surgery with Fat Grafting
All surgery has risks, including the risks of scarring, bleeding and blood clots (deep vein thromboses and pulmonary emboli), and infection. There are also risks associated with a general anaesthetic.
Risks specific to this surgery will be discussed with you by Dr Wyten during your consultation. Written information will also be provided for you to read before you proceed with surgery. Some risks associated with this procedure include:
- Irregular indentations in the skin where the fat is taken from, and where it’s inserted
- Damage to surrounding nerves where the fat is taken from
- Breast asymmetry
- Loss of sensation
- Cyst development on the breasts
- Fat embolism (fat entering the bloodstream)
If you experience any unusual pain, swelling or bleeding after surgery, please seek help immediately.
Choosing an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr Wyten, can be the safest option when considering this type of surgery.
