Breast Implants / Breast Augmentation / Breast Enlargement
Dr. Konrat operates in Brisbane and Sydney.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic our Doctors recommend:
- The right breast implants: innovation that works for your safety.
- Reliable surgical technique Minimise the risk of complications and infection.
- The best position: Sub glandular implants reduce complications and give a great long-term result.
- Post-operative aftercare: To assist you post-operatively to optimize results and reduce complications.
Information about Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck surgery)
After childbirth, weight loss, or just the passage of time, many people suffer from loose abdominal skin and excess fat that cannot be removed no matter what their exercise and diet regime is. This can result in uncomfortable situations such as difficulty fitting into clothing, chafing underneath excess skin areas, lower back pain, and sometimes even everyday movement becomes laborious. Fortunately, abdominoplasty surgery can help alleviate some of the effects of these problems!
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery) is a procedure that can dramatically improve the look and feel of the abdomen. During this procedure, excess skin and fat is removed from the abdomen, and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. This leaves the abdomen looking flatter and tighter, and feeling stronger and firmer.
Abdominoplasty surgery is an effective way to contour your physique, however it is important to note that this procedure is not a method of weight loss. Studies have shown the potential risks are far more pronounced if you possess a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 35. Being mindful of body mass before going forward with surgery can help ensure your health and safety, as well as achieving planned results.
Take the first steps in your abdominoplasty journey by exploring our website’s Patient Journey section and discover more about abdominoplasty / tummy tuck surgery! Following this initial investigation, you will be ready for a consultation with Dr. Konrat. She can provide tailored advice to help you make an informed decision about your procedure. With her wealth of knowledge and experience at hand, she will guide you through each step of this process, addressing any concerns you might have along the way.
There are two types of abdominoplasty surgery procedures:
1. Full Abdominoplasty with muscle repair.
A full cosmetic Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck procedure is an ideal choice for anyone looking to dramatically reduce skin laxity, excess fat, and muscle separation.
During the operation, an incision is made from just below one hip to the hip on the other side and just above the pubic region. From the incision to the lower ribs, the skin and underlying fat are lifted free of the underlying vertical abdominal muscles. The muscles are surgically tightened by stitching them into the normal position. This will strengthen the abdomen and result in a smaller, shapelier waistline. An incision is made around the navel, or belly button. When the excess skin has been removed and the remaining skin has been stretched downwards into place, a little opening will be made in the skin, and the belly button pulled through and secured into it’s new position.
At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, Abdominoplasty surgery is performed in a day surgery hospital under general anaesthetic. While there is a possibility of having the procedure and returning home on the same day, a one or two day stay in hospital is sometimes required to promote patient health post-surgery, and to allow for proper recovery.
2. Partial (mini) or Half Abdominoplasty/Dermalipectomy
This is not really Abdominoplasty in the true sense of the word. This procedure removes excess skin at the lower part of the tummy or abdomen following either pregnancy or weight loss. This excess skin sometimes hangs over the pubis making it uncomfortable in some types of clothing. This procedure is offered to patients who don’t have enough excess skin or fat for a Full Abdominoplasty and is sometimes referred to as a “Dermalipectomy” or skin excision only.
If the excess skin and fat are below the belly button or navel, with the skin above the navel remaining tight and with minimal excess, then a partial Abdominoplasty may be the best option. The complexity of this surgery is less than that of a full Abdominoplasty due to less skin and fat being removed, as well as the fact that the incision is not as wide and the navel does not have to be moved. A muscle repair is generally not performed during a mini tuck. This surgery generally takes approximately one hour, and in most cases, it is able to be completed as a day surgery.
Patient Journey for Abdominoplasty Surgery
Pre-Operation
An initial consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat (lasting approximately 45 minutes) will include a comprehensive discussion of all the key information regarding Abdominoplasty / Tummy tuck surgery. She will attentively listen to your motivations for going through with the procedure and the outcomes you seek.
Dr Konrat will delve into your health and medical history to allow for a completely informed decision regarding the procedure.
Dr Konrat is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care by carefully evaluating your abdominal area and its surrounding features, ensuring that all details are taken into account when devising a tailored Abdominoplasty plan.
Following the initial consultation, you will be given an information brochure and a quote for the surgery.
To ensure that you have a proper understanding of the details discussed in your consultation, we suggest taking notes as soon after the meeting as possible. Alternatively, bring a trusted family member or friend who can help recall and remember important information from the conversation with Dr Konrat. We encourage you to call or email Dr Konrat with any concerns or questions you may have about the surgery.
Before making a decision to proceed with surgery, please review our Consent for Surgery form about this surgery.
At least one week before your abdominoplasty surgery, blood tests will be taken as a preparatory measure. We also advise that you take time before your surgery to get your antibiotic and pain relief medication prescriptions filled to allow for a smooth process on the day of your surgery.
We encourage everyone undergoing this procedure to incorporate a diet full of vegetables, fish, fruit and salads into their lifestyle to keep your body healthy during recovery. Additionally, we suggest taking essential vitamins such as C & D, plus the minerals Zinc & Selenium.
Drugs
Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications 14 days leading up to and following your surgery unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Doing so could increase your risk of bruising, bleeding, or more serious complications during recovery.
Before undergoing surgery, it is important to chat with Dr Konrat about any recreational drugs you use, as this might influence the outcome of your procedure.
You must cease smoking for at least 6 weeks before your procedure, and for one month following your surgery.
Pre-operative and post-operative instructions are sent to you once you have booked a date for your surgery.
At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, our knowledgeable staff can provide you with helpful advice after your consultation. We not only welcome any questions that may arise following the session, but also encourage follow up consultations to ensure all your needs are met before surgery.
Abdominoplasty Operation
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery is conducted in a licensed and accredited day surgery hospital under general anaesthetic, which is administered by a specialist anaesthetist and lasts from one to three hours. During your procedure, careful measures are being taken to provide you with the best possible care. A combination of general and local anaesthetics ensure that not only is blood loss minimized, but also to reduce post-operative pain as best as possible.
During the procedure, a fine incision of approximately 10 – 30cm is made across the lower skin crease of the abdomen (usually just above the pubic area and extending from hip to hip). By doing this, the doctor is able to access the muscles of the lower abdominal wall and tighten them where required. Excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen after the abdominal muscles (rectus sheath) have been tightened. In most patients, the navel is repositioned.
The skin is then lifted off the deep muscle layer as far up as the ribs. The abdominal muscles may then be tightened. Finally, the skin is pulled down, and excess fat and skin are removed. Stretch marks in the remaining skin usually have an improved appearance. Surgical drains are positioned and exit in the pubic region. The major scar lies in a horizontal line across the lower part of the abdomen and a smaller scar around the navel. It may be necessary to make a vertical incision in the midline in cases with severe skin laxity such as if you have lost a great deal of weight.
It is usual that very thin, soft silicone drains are inserted into the space in front of the muscles and underneath the skin to collect any fluid that may accumulate. Initially this fluid is a pinky-red colour and gradually changes to a straw colour over the ensuing 3-7 days.
When this change in the drainage fluid has occurred, the drain tubes are removed. Once the drain tubes are removed, you will be required to wear a compression or support garment to reinforce and support your abdomen in the early post-operative period.
Liposuction of the waist, flanks, and hips may be done in association with Abdominoplasty.
Post Operation
Post operative pain can be effectively managed as long as the patient precisely follows recovery instructions during the postoperative period. Following surgery and recovery in hospital, you will be discharged home on antibiotics and pain relief prescribed by your doctor. At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, the team is committed to providing you with the best postoperative care possible. During your recovery period, we will monitor and assess your progress at 24 hours, 7 days, then again in week 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks. These important post operative appointments allow the provision of precise instructions on how much activity or exercise is appropriate, as well ensuring any required modifications to your recovery plan, along with dressing changes and care which we will implement.
Taking the recommended amount of time for healing and rest is essential when returning to work, especially in a role that requires physical labour. Generally, a break ranging from 2 to 4 weeks helps facilitate optimal recovery after the procedure. Gentle walking is normally suggested after a week to ten days, however more strenuous activities such as swimming or gym workouts should be avoided for at least 6 weeks post procedure.
NORMAL SYMPTOMS: Remember, it is normal to experience soreness, bruising, swelling, tightness and some degree of pain for the first few days following surgery. These conditions will lessen each day. It is common to experience loss of, or diminished skin sensation after surgery. This will resolve for the most part within 6-12 weeks except for the area under the belly button. Residual skin irregularities at the ends of the incisions may be elevated and swollen, but this will improve with time.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE/DRAINS: A drain will be placed in the lower abdomen to help remove the fluid that can be present after surgery. This drain is removed after 5-7 days. There will be an attachment to collect the fluid. You will need to record the drainage amount daily by marking the height of fluid in the bag with a texta pen, and detailed instructions will be given to you regarding the proper care of the drain.
BATHING: Keep your incisions dry. Do not shower or bathe until after your first postoperative appointment when you have your drains removed. A sponge bath with minimal water can be appropriate. Do not have a bath, spa or swim or completely immerse yourself until advised.
DRIVING: Securing a trusted ride home after surgery and to your first follow-up visit is essential for healing. Be sure Dr Konrat gives you approval before getting behind the wheel of any vehicle.
ACTIVITIES: When released from the hospital, you must REST! Absolutely NO strenuous activities. These include pushing, pulling, lifting or general exercise. You may walk the day of surgery. Put pillows behind your back and under your legs to keep your waist slightly flexed. This flexed position decreases back discomfort. You may walk up the stairs with assistance, one step at a time, and no more than twice a day. When at rest, flex and extend your feet to help decrease leg swelling. Walking is an excellent form of exercise. You should change your position and walk around the house every hour on the hour. Absolutely no sexual intercourse or sit-ups for six weeks after surgery as this increases intra-abdominal pressure, which may be detrimental to the abdominal muscle sutures.
MEDICATIONS: A carefully tailored course of antibiotics and pain medication will be prescribed to you following surgery. However, be wary that it is essential in the first few weeks after surgery not to strain on the toilet. Kelloggs Guardian Flakes for breakfast every day will assist with softening the stools.
GARMENTS: After your surgical procedure, an abdominal garment will be provided to you for both comfort and optimum post-op recovery. This specialized piece of apparel offers support by reducing swelling during the healing process.
SCARS: Incisions for surgery are strategically placed in the panty or underwear lines to reduce the visibility of scars. However, scarring is still an unavoidable outcome of the procedure. While some scars may not require a procedure, others may find improvement through the use of silicone sheets or creams specially formulated to diminish the look of surgery-related scars.
You should never make a decision by reading a web page alone, no matter how comprehensive the information is. We encourage you to book a personal consultation with Dr Konrat, where she will assess you, explain the procedure in detail and help you to understand all the options as well as the risks and complications of surgery in general and abdominoplasty surgery in particular.
The decision to undergo a surgical procedure is based upon the risks of surgery versus the benefits of the procedure.
Abdominoplasty is conducted under general anaesthesia. Despite the safety protocols of using professional specialist anaesthetists, modern facilities and equipment to reduce risks associated with anaesthesia, it is important that you are counselled on any potential risks.
Despite being infrequent, allergic reactions to anaesthetic and medications can still occur. Prior history of allergies must be discussed with Dr Konrat as well as the anaesthetist prior to the procedure.
Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
There is a small risk that blood may accumulate in the large veins in the lower legs and may clot once the patient starts to move and walk post-surgery. These clots may then move from the calf into the lungs where they may cause severe breathing problems, or occasionally death. The oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis. If you are taking such medication, you should discuss this with Dr Konrat and your anaesthetist prior to surgery.
Poor wound healing
Occasionally, despite an uneventful operation and normal postoperative course, you may experience problems with the healing of your abdominal wound. Patients who do not adequately rest post-surgery, patients who are diabetic, and patients who continue to smoke are more likely to experience wound healing problems. It is most important, therefore, that you don’t smoke, and that you allow time for sufficient rest after your operation. In most instances, the areas of delayed wound healing are treated with simple dressings, which we apply in our clinic rooms. Surgical repair may be required if the wounds are more severely affected, or if there is tissue damage. A diet rich in protein such as meat, fish and poultry, and legume along with greens, fruits and nuts will nourish your body and provide nutrients needed for recovery and healing following surgery.
Smoking
Due to cigarette smoke constricting the small blood vessels within the tissue, smokers have a higher incidence of wound healing problems and are much more likely to develop wound breakdown. For this reason, it is extremely important to stop smoking before the operation and for 6 weeks postoperatively.
Bleeding and Haematoma (bleeding into the tissues)
Even following the implementation of drains post surgery, fluid and blood may collect in your wound. Rarely, this may require a return to the operating theatre, or even a blood transfusion. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin up to 2 weeks prior to surgery, regardless of the dosage size, can increase the risk of bleeding. Multivitamins can also have an impact on post surgery bleeding, therefore it is essential to avoid aspirin or multivitamins in the 2 weeks leading up to your procedure unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Seroma
This is mentioned last but it is possibly more common than all other events post surgery. Seroma is a special fluid produced by your body post surgery that can sometimes collect in the abdominal space between the skin and the muscle surface of the abdomen. It contains immune factors, inflammatory factors and growth factors along with albumin (a protein involved with healing). This fluid routinely helps with healing but may also collect and feel a little like a water bed of fluid under your skin. If the fluid build-up is too large, Dr Konrat performs an aspiration or drainage of the fluid. This usually occurs at the end of weeks 2/3 after your surgery and rarely may need drainage a second time. Rarely, a patient will experience persistent collection of fluid and will need a corrective procedure.
Is Breast Augmentation Right For You?
Breast Implants / Augmentation at Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic
- Are your breasts asymmetrical (one larger than the other), or not quite the shape or size you would like them to be?
- Have your breasts lost their shape and fullness following pregnancy breast-feeding, or weight loss?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for breast implant surgery.
There are significant choices to make in order to achieve the best outcome from your breast implant / enlargement / asymmetry correction surgery. You should establish clear goals for your breast implant surgery and be ready to discuss your expected size and shape with Dr Konrat.
It is critical that you are fully informed about this procedure: the information on this website has been written and is regularly updated by Dr Konrat.
You should never make a decision by reading a web page alone, no matter how comprehensive the information is. We encourage you to book a personal consultation with Dr Konrat, where she will assess you, explain the procedure in detail and help you to understand all the options as well as the risks and complications of surgery in general, as well as breast enlargement / implant surgery in particular.
Choosing The Right Breast Implants For You
Breast Augmentation Brisbane
At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, we do our research. Our preferred breast implants must meet our stringent criteria, and we’re constantly reviewing the market. It’s important for patients to have access to the widest possible range of breast implants. Dr Konrat has samples of all the available implants, all of which are officially approved by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Association of Australia).
Because individual requirements have such a strong impact on the choice of implant, Dr Konrat will conduct a thorough examination before recommending the best implant for your body shape, type and your expected result. This enables doctor and patient together to choose the right implant for the best result.
Implant Size
These range from 120 to 900 grams. That’s a very wide range, and it’s important that you have a clear understanding of the result you want with your breast implants / enlargement. What size do you want to be? Also, unless you’re prepared to undergo revision surgery in the future, are you choosing a size you’ll be happy with 5, 10 or more years in the future?
At your breast augmentation / breast enlargement Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Sydney consultation, you will have the opportunity to test various sizes and shapes in a ‘sizer’ bra. However, it is a good idea to consider this question very carefully prior to your consultation.
Remember that breast size looks most natural when it is in proportion with your overall body shape and size.
The final implant size will also be influenced by factors which Dr Konrat will explain to you:
The size and fullness of your breasts before surgery;
The length of your body from shoulder to waist;
The width of your chest wall, the type of rib cage you have and the width of your breasts specifically;
The shape of your chest;
Your height without shoes.
Apart from your choice of doctor, the size, style and profile of your breast implants is your most important personal decision, and you are welcome to visit our clinic for re-sizing as often as you need prior to your surgery. We believe it’s essential that you are comfortable with your choice. Remember that the most common reason women give for requesting implant replacement surgery is dissatisfaction with their size (either too small or too big). You can avoid this inconvenience and extra cost by choosing carefully and considering this from every possible angle.
Implant Shape
Round implant: Round implants are the most common shape and make the breast appear more rounded post-surgery. However, with the ergonomic Motiva breast implant it can sometimes result in the appearance of a tear drop implant.
Tear-drop implant: Tear drop shaped implants are fuller at the base than the top. This mimics the natural shape of a woman’s breast by providing more fullness in the bottom half of the breast whilst still ensuring that the whole breast has a full volume natural look.
Implant Surface
Smooth implants: Smooth implants move freely in the surgical pocket and their shells are thinner. They can be inserted through a smaller incision, but there can be a problem with visible rippling, especially if a woman has a very thin upper body. Motiva Breast Implants are designed to have a ‘silken’ surface similar to a smooth surface and have a greatly reduced risk of implant show through the breasts or visible rippling.
Textured implants: Textured implants were originally designed to prevent Capsular Contracture (there is still some debate as to whether they achieve this). Overlying tissue grows towards the implant and ‘grabs’ the textured surface, to prevent the implant moving freely in the pocket. Dr Konrat does not use textured surface breast implants.
Implant Profile/Projection
This describes how far the implant projects from the chest wall.
Low profile: is wider in its diameter and flatter in how far it projects from the chest.
Moderate profile: provides the most usual combination of width and height.
High and Ultra-high profiles: describe how far the implant makes your breasts ‘stick out’ in front.
The latest breast implant technology can be found in the Silk Surface Nano TechnologyTM in MOTIVA IMPLANTS;
Motiva implants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so we can ensure that you achieve the look you want. Motiva implants are uniquely biocompatible and have very low frictional properties. This means it’s unlikely to interact negatively with your body tissue to cause capsular contracture or other related problems.
Implant Placement
There are three options for the placement of the implant:
Under the muscle (Sub-muscular) – completely under the pectoralis muscle:
PROS: This may give less interference with mammography examination of the breasts.
It can result in less obvious implants in women with very little breast tissue, or who have very thin skin; however, with the choice of the right implants, even very thin women can have their breast implants placed under the breast tissue (sub-glandular) with success;
CONS: tensing the chest muscles can pull across the top of the implants causing a visible change in the shape of the breasts, particularly when exercising the upper body;
Weight gain or loss, or breast changes associated with pregnancy or breast-feeding may lead to change in the breast tissue over the implants.
To insert the implants underneath the muscle, the doctor must cut a powerful muscle that’s needed every time you move your arms and parts of your body. When the muscle is cut or severed from its attachments to the sternum and ribs, it contracts, forms scar tissue, and eventually can cause a range of complications requiring corrective surgery in years to come.
Muscular animation defects usually occur when implants are placed under the muscle. This happens because the muscle pushes against the implant, and the original breast tissue becomes visible. (Picture)
High Riding Implants leave their position behind the muscle and breast tissue and migrate further up the chest towards the shoulder. (Picture)
Over the muscle (sub-glandular) * This is Dr Konrat’s preferred implant placement position
Positives of over the muscle placement of breast implants:
This provides the most distinct cleavage line, with the fall and drape of the breast likely to appear more natural in most women;
Sub-glandular may make surgery and recovery times shorter; it is less painful, and it may be easier for access if re-operation is ever required.
More importantly, the sub glandular approach eliminates the risk of “snoopy”, “waterfall effect”, animation defect, high-riding breast implants, muscle necrosis, and scar formation.
If you are more mature, have very little breast tissue, or are very lean, you might be told that under the breast implants will be too visible, and could cause rippling. However, using the latest technology in breast implants, these concerns are dramatically reduced.
In some very thin women there may be a risk of ‘rippling’ with sub-glandular placement, but this can usually be avoided with the right choice of implants and the most recent advances with Autologous Fat harvesting and grafting (fat transfer breast augmentation) to the thinnest areas of the chest and breasts.
Dual plane (partially sub-muscular) – a combination of sub-muscular and sub-glandular for specific circumstances.
Implant Incision Choice
Infra-mammary fold (crease under the breast): this is Dr Konrat’s preferred incision as it hides the scar well. It also provides the easiest and safest approach for the doctor and is the one most commonly used.
Peri-aerolar (around the pigmented or coloured area of the nipple): this leaves a very thin scar on the edge of the nipple, which is always visible. The biggest risk of this type of incision is loss of sensation in the nipple and contraction of scar tissue through and across the middle of the breast.
Axillae (underarm): This is most often used when the implant is placed under the muscle, but it can be used for over the muscle implants as well. There is an increased risk of asymmetrical placement of the implants and riding up of the implants or descending of the implants, as well as an obvious scar under the arm.
Through the Navel: Due to the risks and complications involved and the need for the use of saline-filled implants, Dr Konrat does not use this approach.
The 14-Point Plan
Many doctors today have adopted the “14 Point Plan” designed to help avoid the development of bacterial biofilm during breast implant surgery. Dr Konrat uses this plan for every surgery.
1. Provide intravenous antibiotics at the time of anaesthetic induction
2. Avoid peri-areolar incisions
3. Use nipple shields to prevent spillage of bacteria into the pocket
4. Perform careful atraumatic dissection to minimize obstruction of blood vessels
5. Perform careful hemostasis.
6. Avoid dissection into the breast parenchyma. The use of a dual plane, subfascial pocket has anatomic advantages
7. Use a dual-plane pocket or subglandular pocket
8. Perform pocket irrigation with correct proven triple antibiotic solution or betadine
9. Minimise skin-implant contamination
10. Minimise the time of implant opening, reposition and replacement of implant
11. Change surgical gloves prior to handling the implant. Use clean or new instruments that were not used in the pocket dissection
12. Avoid using a drainage tube, where possible
13. Use a layered closure
14. Use antibiotic prophylaxis to cover subsequent dental or surgical procedures that produce bacteraemia, and have lifelong follow-up
Patient Journey for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast Implants Brisbane
At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, your safety is our number 1 priority. Your breast implant / enlargement surgery is just the beginning of your journey. Here’s how we’re involved in your post-surgery journey to full recovery:
What will I discuss during the consultation?
A consultation (approximately one hour long) with Dr Georgina Konrat will include a comprehensive presentation of information about our breast enlargement / breast augmentation / implants at our Brisbane or Gold Coast based clinic. She will listen carefully to your description of your reasons for wanting breast implants, and the results you want to achieve.Dr Konrat will ask important questions about you and your health (your medical history).Dr Konrat will examine your breasts, noting their size and shape, the quality of your skin and other physical details necessary to assist in the planning of your breast implant surgery.
You will have the opportunity to plan your post-surgery ‘look’ by putting on a special elastic bra and trying on different sizes and styles of implants to assess the style, size and shape you prefer.
You will be provided with a detailed information brochure to take home. We understand that you may not remember or understand everything you hear in the consultation, so we encourage you to make notes as soon as possible after the consultation and call or email the clinic with any concerns or questions you may have about the surgery.
Before making a decision to proceed with surgery, please review our Consent for Surgery form about this surgery.
How do I prepare for Breast Implant / Augmentation Surgery?
At least one week prior to surgery, blood tests will be taken and pre-operative mammogram screening or a breast ultrasound is recommended.
In order to have the best healing result, Dr Konrat recommends:
Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fish, fruit and salads;
Commence taking Vitamin C and D, Zinc and Selenium.
Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs ten days before and ten days after your operation. These medicines can thin your blood and aggravate bruising or bleeding unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
You must discuss any use of ‘leisure drugs’ with Dr Konrat at the time of your consultation, as these could also have an impact on the success of the surgery.
If you smoke, you must cease for at least 6 weeks before and one month after your surgery.
Pre-operative and post-operative instructions are provided in the brochure given to you once you have booked a date for your surgery.
What can I expect during my surgery?
Breast Implant surgery is performed in an accredited and licensed Day Surgery Hospital under general anæsthetic.
The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.
Dr Konrat makes an incision in the agreed spot, elevates the breast tissues, surgically creating a pocket or space into which the implant of choice is placed.
The coverings of the pocket are then closed with stitches and the skin stitched or sutured closed. The wound is covered with a small surgical dressing, which is left in place until your post-operative appointment.
What can I expect after my breast implants at Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic?
After a short recovery period, usually about two hours, you can go home. It is a legal requirement for you to arrange for a responsible adult to pick you up from Hospital and drive you home. Be prepared to rest in bed for two hours after you get home, and it is best that you are not alone at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.
You are likely to feel drowsy or even sleepy after the anæsthetic, but apart from this, if you feel fine, you can expect to be able to undertake normal light activity around the home on the evening of your surgery. You should eat lightly and drink to replenish your body fluids.
You will be sent home with two small surgical tapes (like Band-Aids) over the stitches. They will remain in place until you return one week later for the removal of the stitches.
There are usually no drains or bandages, but patients will have a special support bra, which will be worn for the first six weeks.
If the implants are placed above the muscle, there is only moderate discomfort after the surgery, which is treated very well with pain relief medications prescribed by your Doctor. Mild pain relief medication is usually taken for the first two or three days. There is some swelling and occasionally some bruising immediately after the surgery.
You do not need to sleep sitting up or lying on your back. Right from the first night, you are encouraged to sleep naturally, turning from side to side as normal. This helps the lymphatic system and veins drain away any swelling and bruising.
Although you will recover within 24 hours, your breast surgery will take about six weeks to heal. By that time, swelling and bruising should have subsided completely, and your skin and breast tissues will have changed to accommodate your now larger breasts.
New surgical tape will be placed over the scar and you will change the surgical tape over the wound once a week, each week for 6 weeks. This assists with healing and gives the best chance of the scar healing well.
Day 1: You will receive a call from our Registered Nurse, who will review your progress, answer any questions, and ensure your recovery is as expected.
You will be provided with a Post-Operative instruction sheet, which will list the symptoms that should be reported immediately. Should you experience any of these symptoms after normal hours, there will be an emergency number you may call.
You may call Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic during normal business hours if you experience worrying symptoms. These are very rare, but occasionally may occur.
Day 7: You will attend the Clinic for your first post-operative check-up.
Your Post-Operative instructions will also offer a list of simple care and lifestyle recommendations to maximize your outcome.
You will also have check-ups scheduled at three and six months after your surgery.
Risks & Possible Complications Associated With Breast Augmentation Surgery
As with any surgery, there are some potential risks associated with getting breast implants. The most common complication is capsular contracture, which involves the body forming a coating or lining of scar tissue around the implant. In most cases, the pocket containing the implant remains open and roomy, allowing the implant to sit and move normally. In some people however, this normal capsule will tighten and squeeze the implant. This can occur at any time but seems to be more common in the first six months after surgery.
Infection following breast surgery is very unusual and statistically unlikely. If, however, it does occur, it is taken very seriously indeed, as infection around a breast implant is more difficult to treat than in normal body tissues. For this reason, Dr Konrat believes in taking a strongly preventative attitude to infection. Her directives regarding pre-operation health, and the post-operative course of antibiotics are designed to minimise still further the likelihood of any infection, and as a consequence, the possibility of capsular contraction.
There is no evidence that breast implants can increase the risk of breast cancer or prevent you from breast-feeding. Choice of incision location could have an effect on your ability to breast-feed: an incision around the nipple could, theoretically, interfere with the breast ducts. While this is not necessarily the case, if you believe you may wish to breast-feed in the future, you should mention this to Dr Konrat when planning your surgery.
Other potential risks include asymmetry in the size or shape or your breasts, malposition of the implants, excessive bleeding causing a haematoma requiring a return to hospital to treat, bruising, changes in nipple and breast skin sensation, fluid build-up called seroma, wound infection, whole breast pocket infection, implant show, and visible rippling of the implant, which shows through the skin in very lean patients. It is important to know that a percentage of all patients having breast implants may develop capsular contracture, implant rupture, and suffer symptoms known to a not yet categorised condition called breast implant illness.
Important things to know about Breast implants: BIA-ALCL.
GENERAL RISKS OF SURGERY
Because surgery is such a vital part of modern medicine, there is a tendency to forget that there are risks associated with every type of surgery. While these risks are small, every person undergoing surgery should be aware of the risks.
Wounds
All internal and external wounds need time to heal after surgery. Sutures and other material are used to hold wounds closed while they heal.
Infections
Despite taking precautions, infections can occur during and just after surgery. These may be general, such as pneumonia, or specific to breast surgery.
Pulmonary Risks
Patients have a risk of forming a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) that breaks off and gets stuck in the lung circulation (pulmonary embolism). This is minimised by the wearing of surgical ‘stockings’ during the surgery, and by getting the patient out of bed as soon as possible.
You will also be encouraged to breathe deeply when you wake up from the anæsthetic, as this expands your lungs and helps ensure your blood oxygen levels are good. Walking around the house when you get home from Hospital and exercising your legs gently reduces your risk of developing a DVT.
Risks of Anaesthesia
Dr Konrat will take a full medical history and will order a number of tests prior to breast augmentation surgery. She will also make lifestyle recommendations to ensure your health is optimal before the surgery.
Mental Health Disorders and Elective Surgery
It is important that all patients seeking to undergo elective surgery have realistic expectations that focus on improvement rather than perfection.
Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable; they may require additional surgery and can be stressful.
Please discuss openly with Dr Konrat in your consultation prior to surgery, any history of emotional depression or mental health disorders. If you are unsure whether a matter is relevant, please mention it anyway. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the results of elective cosmetic surgery, the effects on mental health can never be predicted, and could possibly have a negative influence on emotional stability.
Not sure where to start?
Do you live in Brisbane, Sydney, the Gold Coast, or “out of town?” and still have questions about Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery?
Get in Touch.
Dr Georgina Konrat and her team are here to help you become fully informed about Abdominoplasty surgery and empower you with the knowledge you need to make important decisions about surgery. We welcome enquiries from patients in Brisbane, Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Australia wide.