+ What is the difference between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons?

It is very common for the terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery to be used interchangeably, however these two terms are very different.

Plastic Surgeons

• Medical school (6 years) Graduate with MBBS ‘Bachelor medicine and Bachelor of surgery’
• Complete their internship and residency
• Gain acceptance into FRACS ‘Fellow of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (5 years specialist training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery) or its international equivalent.

Cosmetic Surgeons

• Medical School (6 years)
• Is a GP ‘General Practitioner’
• Chooses to enter the field of Cosmetic Surgery (without the FRACS training - or its international equivalent - that a plastic surgeon completes).

+ Are Fellow Surgeons fresh out of school?

No, our fellow surgeons who perform the breast augmentations are not fresh out of medical school. They have had extensive medical and surgical training with a minimum of 12 years of training and education. They are classified as a junior for 10 years before they can become a senior plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

+ HOW IS THE IMPLANT PLACED?

Breast Academy practice a Partial Submuscular “dual plane” technique. This placement is where the top 2/3 of the implant is covered by pectoralis muscle.

Dual plane decrease the risk of capsular contracture, decreases risk of visible/palpable ripples and implant edges.

It also provides a more natural shape to the upper poles and a natural slope to the breasts, instead of the “upper roundness” that is more common with implants placed completely over the muscle.

+ WHAT SURGICAL APPROACH IS USED?

Breast Academy uses an Inframammary incision (In the fold of skin under the breast) approach.

The inframammary approach is popular with surgeons because it delivers good access to the pocket created, giving your surgeon precise access to where your breast implant will sit. These incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, there is no need to come back and get your sutures removed.

+ IS GENERAL ANAESTHESIA USED?

General Anaesthetic is used in all of our breast augmentations. General Anaesthetic provides a state of unconsciousness, making you oblivious to what is happening. Numerous drugs/gases can be used in combination or alone. This type of anaesthetic also erases memory of the time spent “under” general anaesthetic.

All of your vital signs will be continuously monitored throughout the procedure, including; Oxygen saturation, heart rhythm and rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.

If you have had general anaesthetic before, you may be aware of the feeling it can produce when waking up. This feeling can be equated to feeling intoxicated and very sleepy, making it hard for you to stay awake.

Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects, however majority of anaesthetists give anti-nausea medications intra-venously, which helps prevent these side effects.

+ TEXTURED OR SMOOTH?

Teardrop implants are always textured, this is because textured implants adhere to the chest and that is exactly what is needed with this type of implant. Because teardrop implants have a top and a bottom no movement is wanted at all. However, round implants come in both smooth and textured implants.

+ ROUND OR TEARDROP?

This will depend on the shape of the breast and the desired result. Teardrops may be suitable in patients with breast droop, as these implants can correct the appearance of a drooping without the need for a surgical breast lift. Conversely, when the breast shape is normal and the nipples are in the correct position a round implant will usually be the implant of choice.

+ WHAT ARE CC'S? CAN I HAVE ANY SIZE?

Breast implants are measured by volume (cubic centimetres – cc’s or grams) and do not correlate to cup size. The size of the implant is really dictated by the dimensions of your existing breast and chest wall. The surgeons will take careful measurements of your breasts and chest to make an appropriate recommendation of implant choices based on those measurements and the use of the 3D Vectra simulator to see what implant shape may be suitable. Therefore, it is not possible to have any size, as there are many steps that are taken to determine what is suitable for you.

+ DO I NEED TO MASSAGE MY IMPLANTS?

No, you do not need to massage your implants.

+ What if I require a breast lift/reduction?

At the Breast Academy, we currently only perform primary breast augmentation surgeries.

+ DO I NEED TIME OFF WORK?

We encourage patients to take 1 – 2 weeks off work depending on your recovry. If your work involves heavy lifting, pushing and is more manual (especially repetitive arm movements) we strongly encourage you to take more time off to rest and require a minimum of 4‐6 weeks off work.

+ CAN I DRIVE?

We encourage patients to avoid driving for 2 weeks. We recommend you start driving short distances at least 2 weeks after surgery. You should be able to drive when you can turn and look over your shoulder comfortably – so that you can change lanes safely.

+ CAN I LIFT SMALL CHILDREN?

Avoid bending over, pushing, pulling, lifting, or straining for at least 6 weeks (this includes housework, lifting children, groceries, etc.)For the first 3 weeks avoid lifting heavier than 5kg, for the first 6 weeks avoid anything heavier than 10kg. Restrict from physical labour or bending. Avoid housework, using a vacuum cleaner for about 3 weeks. When you are released to exercise always wear a snug sports bra.

+ HOW LONG DO I WEAR MY POST OP BRA FOR?

You will be fitted with a surgical bra, which is to be worn day and night for at least 6 weeks, except when you are showering.

Our recommendation is to continue with supportive bras until 3 months after your surgery. You can purchase more as required from Breast Academy. Do not wear an underwire bra for at least 3 months (the wires will change the shape of your breast and irritate the scar, thus encouraging prominent scar formation). Delay bra and clothes shopping for at least 3 months – as your body shape and size will continue to change until the swelling in your breasts has settled.

+ CAN I SLEEP ON MY SIDE?

Do not sleep on your side. You must wait at least 6 weeks minimum before you are able to sleep on your side.Sleeping elevated and on your back helps reduce pain and inflammation. It is recommended that you sleep inclined at 30‐45 degrees angle.
Do not sleep on your stomach for at least 12 weeks after your surgery. Avoid sleeping on your stomach prior to fully healing as it will cause your implants to displace and fall to the side.

+ WHEN CAN I exercise ?

During the first 2 weeks post‐op it is important not to engage in any activity which will elevate blood pressure. This can cause swelling, bruising and possibly bleeding. Do not participate in any sports involving upper body movements. Gentle walking is permitted, avoid fast walking as bouncing/arm movements can increase swelling and bruising. When you are released to exercise start low and start slow! You can start with non‐bouncy lower body activities such as stationary bicycle at 4 ‐ 6 weeks after surgery. You can start jogging 6 weeks after surgery. You may start upper body exercises and weightlifting 12 weeks after surgery. Listen to your body, if something does not feel right or causes pain, STOP!!!

+ CAN I SMOKE OR VAPE LEADING UP TO MY SURGERY?

Smokers have a risk of serious complications during and after surgery. Having an operation is a good reason to quit smoking. For the greatest benefit, you should aim to quit smoking at least 12 weeks prior to surgery. Quitting does not only reduce the risks of infection, wound or lung complications. However, if you have not stopped 12 weeks pre surgery stopping smoking for at least 6 weeks before and after your surgery is required.

+ DO I NEED TO FOLLOW UP?

Your recovery and post-operative care is very important to us. Our patients are required to return to the Breast Academy 3-5 days after their procedure for a follow up appointment with your surgeon. This is a mandatory appointment as the surgeon takes post operative images, checks your incisions and provides the patient with their post care tape and scar gel. Your next follow up appointments will be at your 3 and 12 month. For interstate and international patients we can complete the 3 and 12 month appointments via email.

+ WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT DIFFERENT IMPLANTS ARE BEST FOR ME?

Yes. You will be able to see how you would like with different size and types of implants.

+ HOW CLOSE WILL THE SIMULATED RESULT BE TO THE ACTUAL RESULT?

Actual results will be very similar to the simulations. VECTRA simulations are based on the actual implants that your surgeon will use.

+ WILL THIS SOFTWARE HELP MY SURGEON TO SEE THAT MY BREASTS ARE DIFFERENT SIZES?

VECTRA software includes special tools to show the size and position of each breast. Breast “asymmetry” is very common, and VECTRA analysis helps your doctor develop a surgical plan which will compensate for it if necessary.

+ AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

That is a decision you will make with your surgeon. VECTRA 3D can show you the possibilities of the procedure, but is not intended as a substitute for a medical consultation.