What is Breast Implant Surgery?
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Breast implant surgery is the surgical insertion of breast implants to enlarge the breasts.
Also known as breast augmentation mammoplasty, the breast implant is placed behind the breast after an incision is made, usually in the crease beneath the breast. When positioned well, breast implants feel like breasts, look like breasts and scars are hidden. Breast implants have been used by surgeons around the world for many decades. American plastic surgeons Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow from the University of Texas invented the first silicone breast implant back in the early 1960s. It was a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. This was a much more “liquid” version of the silicone used today. (Educational image of implant placement - not a patient) |
Breast Implant Placement
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In Australia, the two main types of breast implant now used are:
Saline implants – a silicone envelope filled with varying amounts of sterile salt water (saline).
Silicone implants - a silicone envelope filled with an elastic cohesive gel. This gel has more characteristics in common with a solid than the earliest implants. The gel is somewhat like the inside of a marshmallow in consistency.
It is important to be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Implants will need to be replaced at some later stage in almost every patient.
Commonly used terms –boob job, implants, bigger boobs, bigger cup size, breast enlargement.
Saline implants – a silicone envelope filled with varying amounts of sterile salt water (saline).
Silicone implants - a silicone envelope filled with an elastic cohesive gel. This gel has more characteristics in common with a solid than the earliest implants. The gel is somewhat like the inside of a marshmallow in consistency.
It is important to be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Implants will need to be replaced at some later stage in almost every patient.
Commonly used terms –boob job, implants, bigger boobs, bigger cup size, breast enlargement.
How Breast Implants Differ
Breast Implant Shape – Round or Teardrop etc.
Breast Implant Surface - Smooth vs Textured.
Placement – In front or behind the pectoralis muscle. During breast implant surgery, Perth breast implant surgeon Dr Lewis Blennerhassett places implants either in front or behind the pectoral (chest) muscle. The decision regarding this is made on an individual basis and requires a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your breast shape, breast size and specific aesthetic requirements will determine this. See below for surgery risks
About Textured Breast Implants
Current recommendations are to avoid macro textured implants of grade 3 or 4 to minimise the risk of complications. Perth breast implant surgeon Dr Lewis Blennerhassett will discuss the updates on this during your first consultation with him. Read updates on the latest advice on breast implants.
Why Choose to Have Breast Implant Surgery?
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Breast implant surgery is a personal decision that should be made for you alone and not to meet any society standards or to please someone else.
There are five key things that breast implants can do;
Breast Implant Surgery can be done in conjunction with - A breast lift (mastopexy). This can be discussed at your consultation. The decision as to whether this is required needs a thorough and careful examination. |
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Why Choose to Have Breast Implant Surgery in Perth?
Warnings about overseas cosmetic surgery :
Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
“Travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular due to tourism companies who market aggressively, preying on vulnerable people with the lure of cheap deals in idyllic locations, but what they are doing is putting profit before patient safety.
It is estimated 15,000 Australians each year travel overseas for cosmetic and dental work. The drawcard for most is the perceived cost savings. Currently, there is little to no regulation of medical tourism, with bundle packages designed for patients to have maximum surgeries in the shortest time, irrespective of risk. It’s often difficult to truly understand the standard of care you will receive and the level of expertise or training a surgeon has had."
Overseas Cosmetic Surgery - What Are The Risks Of Surgery Abroad? | ASAPS
Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
“Travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular due to tourism companies who market aggressively, preying on vulnerable people with the lure of cheap deals in idyllic locations, but what they are doing is putting profit before patient safety.
It is estimated 15,000 Australians each year travel overseas for cosmetic and dental work. The drawcard for most is the perceived cost savings. Currently, there is little to no regulation of medical tourism, with bundle packages designed for patients to have maximum surgeries in the shortest time, irrespective of risk. It’s often difficult to truly understand the standard of care you will receive and the level of expertise or training a surgeon has had."
Overseas Cosmetic Surgery - What Are The Risks Of Surgery Abroad? | ASAPS
Dr Lewis Blennerhassett, Perth Breast Implant Surgeon
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Highly experienced in this procedure, Dr Lewis Blennerhassett is a skilled Perth breast implant surgeon and respected Specialist Plastic Surgeon and has performed breast implant surgery for more than 25 years.
His breast implant work is focused on being meticulous and precise, prioritising safety and standards. His breast implant surgery is performed only in fully accredited, fully equipped Perth hospitals. His anaesthetists are skilled and highly qualified. His choice of implant is taken with great care. He does NOT use the macro textured implants that have been featured in the media as being of higher risk and have been subject to overseas and local bans. |
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Breast implant surgery offered by Dr Blennerhassett is highly individualised and based on your needs. After a comprehensive and thorough discussion with you, he will personally work with you on your operation plan.
A great communicator, he oversees all patient care, from the first consultation until full recovery.
Dr Lewis Blennerhassett (MED0001532372), registered medical practitioner
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery
*Be aware that some local doctors performing breast implant surgery are not Specialist Plastic Surgeons
Learn why it is important to insist on a well-trained surgeon.
A great communicator, he oversees all patient care, from the first consultation until full recovery.
Dr Lewis Blennerhassett (MED0001532372), registered medical practitioner
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery
*Be aware that some local doctors performing breast implant surgery are not Specialist Plastic Surgeons
Learn why it is important to insist on a well-trained surgeon.
Breast Implant Surgery Risks
From the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (https://plasticsurgery.org.au/)
Modern surgery is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur, states the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Some possible complications and risks associated with breast augmentation (implants) may include:
Does Breast Implant Surgery Require Anaesthesia?
Breast implant surgeon Dr Lewis Blennerhassett always performs his breast implant surgery under a general anaesthetic (with the patient asleep).
To ensure safety and standards are prioritised, his breast implant surgery is performed only in fully accredited, fully equipped Perth hospitals. His anaesthetists are skilled and highly qualified.
Modern surgery is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur, states the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Some possible complications and risks associated with breast augmentation (implants) may include:
- Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
- Fluid accumulation around the implant after surgery
- Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions
- Changes in breast and nipple sensation
- Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
- Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
- Keloid, or lumpy scar tissue, which is pink, raised and irregularly shaped. These scars may be inflamed and itchy. There are several possible sites for the incision. Discuss this with your surgeon
- Capsular contracture, where firm scar tissue forms around the implant causing it to lose shape and softness
- Inappropriate implant size
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts
- Calcium deposits in the scar capsule around the implant
- Granulomas, or lumps in local lymph node tissue formed by leaking silicone
- Breastfeeding difficulties, including reduced milk supply
- Reduced effectiveness of breast cancer screening, since an implant may hide breast tissue (and tumours) during a mammogram
- Movement of the implants from their original position
- Further surgery to treat complications
- Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
- A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and may be life threatening.
- Dr Blennerhassett will discuss your individual expectations, risks and recovery management with you in person.
Does Breast Implant Surgery Require Anaesthesia?
Breast implant surgeon Dr Lewis Blennerhassett always performs his breast implant surgery under a general anaesthetic (with the patient asleep).
To ensure safety and standards are prioritised, his breast implant surgery is performed only in fully accredited, fully equipped Perth hospitals. His anaesthetists are skilled and highly qualified.
How Much Pain Will I Have After Breast Implant Surgery?
Dr Blennerhassett’s anaesthetic team will prescribe suitable analgesia for you for the post-operative period.
Is Breast Implant Surgery Right For You?
Perth breast implant surgeon, Dr Lewis Blennerhassett, follows the below guidelines from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Breast implant surgery may be a good option for you if:
Usually, those who make an appointment to discuss this procedure with Perth breast implant surgeon Dr Lewis Blennerhassett have been thinking about having it done for many years. It is rarely a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Most patients have done extensive research prior to making their first appointment, but may have found it hard to determine what information on the Internet regarding safety and quality is relevant to their individual needs.
Dr Blennerhassett will address all of this with you at the first consultation and will work with you to ensure your needs are met. He will take a comprehensive history, examine you and fully explain the surgery requirements, risks and expectations. Read updates on the latest advice on breast implants and breast implant associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
Breast implant surgery may be a good option for you if:
- You are physically healthy
- You have realistic expectations
- Your breasts are fully developed
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small or abnormally shaped
- You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with ageing
- Your breasts are different sizes or shapes, compared with each other
- One or both breasts failed to develop normally
Usually, those who make an appointment to discuss this procedure with Perth breast implant surgeon Dr Lewis Blennerhassett have been thinking about having it done for many years. It is rarely a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Most patients have done extensive research prior to making their first appointment, but may have found it hard to determine what information on the Internet regarding safety and quality is relevant to their individual needs.
Dr Blennerhassett will address all of this with you at the first consultation and will work with you to ensure your needs are met. He will take a comprehensive history, examine you and fully explain the surgery requirements, risks and expectations. Read updates on the latest advice on breast implants and breast implant associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
What Do I Need to Do Before Breast Implant Surgery?
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When you have your first consultation with Perth breast implant surgeon Dr Lewis Blennerhassett, a thorough assessment of all factors will be taken into account so that the best possible outcome can be achieved. This will be discussed carefully with you in easy-to-understand language.
Precise measurements will be taken, and this, together with your individual goals, will be the guide to the selection of the most appropriate procedure for you. |
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Large selections of before and after photos of Dr Blennerhassett's patients (with patient consent) are available for you to review if you wish to see these. A thorough discussion of the risks and side effects of this surgery will also be made at the first visit.
If you decide to proceed with your surgery, our practice staff will be able to liaise with you to find the most suitable date for surgery. They will be able to provide financial costings at this stage.
Once you have booked a date for surgery, a second visit at our rooms will be scheduled for a week or two prior to the surgery date. This is so you have an opportunity to ask any questions you may not have thought of at the first visit and so everything is still fresh in your mind for the day of surgery. There is no fee for this second visit.
Referral Needed
*You will now need to first obtain a referral for cosmetic surgery from your GP. We will also get you to complete a screening questionnaire. The changes are new rulings from the Medical Board and AHPRA. They are being introduced across Australia to further support high quality care.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with these changes, our lovely staff members are ready on standby to help out. Pls phone Tara, Domenica or Paula on 08 93816977
If you decide to proceed with your surgery, our practice staff will be able to liaise with you to find the most suitable date for surgery. They will be able to provide financial costings at this stage.
Once you have booked a date for surgery, a second visit at our rooms will be scheduled for a week or two prior to the surgery date. This is so you have an opportunity to ask any questions you may not have thought of at the first visit and so everything is still fresh in your mind for the day of surgery. There is no fee for this second visit.
Referral Needed
*You will now need to first obtain a referral for cosmetic surgery from your GP. We will also get you to complete a screening questionnaire. The changes are new rulings from the Medical Board and AHPRA. They are being introduced across Australia to further support high quality care.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with these changes, our lovely staff members are ready on standby to help out. Pls phone Tara, Domenica or Paula on 08 93816977
Breast Implant Surgery Operation Aftercare
Usually, a night’s stay in hospital is required but not always. Before discharge from hospital, you will be shown how to care for the incisions and dressings.
What Do I Need to Do After Breast Implant Surgery?
A first post-op visit at Dr Blennerhassett’s Subiaco Plastic Surgery rooms will be scheduled at one week after the surgery for a wound-check and change of dressings, carried out by our highly experienced nurses. A second visit is scheduled for the following week. All visits to the rooms for dressings after the surgery are included in the cost of the surgery. Further follow-up visits usually take place around 3-6 months after the surgery.
You will need about a week off work but this obviously depends upon your occupation. If you have a very physically demanding job, you may require longer.
You will need about a week off work but this obviously depends upon your occupation. If you have a very physically demanding job, you may require longer.
Breast Implant Surgery Words to Know
(Source: Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Glossary)
Augmentation mammoplasty: Breast enlargement by surgery
Breast Augmentation: Also known as augmentation mammoplasty; breast enlargement by surgery
Saline implants: Breast implants filled with salt water
Silicone implants: Breast implants filled with an elastic gel
Submammary or subglandular placement: Breast implants placed directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle
Submuscular or subpectoral placement: Breast implants placed under the pectoral muscle, which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall
Augmentation mammoplasty: Breast enlargement by surgery
Breast Augmentation: Also known as augmentation mammoplasty; breast enlargement by surgery
Saline implants: Breast implants filled with salt water
Silicone implants: Breast implants filled with an elastic gel
Submammary or subglandular placement: Breast implants placed directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle
Submuscular or subpectoral placement: Breast implants placed under the pectoral muscle, which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall
