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Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation Surgery) has now reached its 6th decade since its infancy in the 1960s. During this time, remarkable advances have been made in both surgical techniques and in the safety and sophistication of implants.
What hasn’t changed, however, is that an expert surgeon is needed to achieve a great result. Read on to find out all you need to know about Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation) in Melbourne with Dr Frank Lin at Eastern Plastic Surgery.
What is Augmentation Mammoplasty?
Augmentation Mammoplasty, commonly known as Breast Augmentation surgery, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing breast volume and shape. This is typically achieved using breast implants filled with either saline or silicone.What are the Benefits of Augmentation Mammoplasty?
The benefits of Augmentation Mammoplasty include increased breast volume and improved symmetry. Additionally, breast implant surgery can aid in breast reconstruction post-mastectomy, helping patients regain a sense of normalcy and body image after breast cancer treatments.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for Breast Augmentation surgery if you are in good health, have realistic expectations, and wish to enhance breast volume. Ideal candidates should not have untreated breast cancer, active infections, or be pregnant. It's crucial to consult with a qualified surgeon like Dr Frank Lin to evaluate your breast tissue and overall health.Are There any Risks or Side Effects?
Like any surgical procedure, Breast Augmentation surgery comes with potential risks and side effects. These include:- Infection
- Scar tissue formation
- Implant rupture
- Breast implant illness
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a rare but serious risk)
Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation) with Eastern Plastic Surgery
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr Lin will discuss with you what must be considered before undergoing Breast Augmentation surgery, including:- The shape, size and texture of the breast implants
- The method of insertion (open or endoscopic)
- The plane of insertion
- What is involved in the surgery
- The likely recovery process
- The potential problems with the surgery
Augmentation Mammoplasty Procedure
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic at an accredited private hospital and the operation time is typically 2 hours.- During the operation, your safety is our main priority. We would routinely use antibiotics to prevent infection and blood thinning medications to prevent clots (DVT).
- Occasionally, drain tubes may be used at the end of the operation.
- For an infra-mammary approach, you will have short scars in the natural fold under the breast.
- For an endoscopic axillary (armpit) approach, you will have small scars in the natural skin creases in the armpit.
Recovery
For your comfort and safety, we generally recommend an overnight stay in hospital. Occasionally, patients may be able to be discharged on the same day.
Most patients who undergo Breast Augmentation surgery have some discomfort for a few days. This varies depending on the specific type of operation performed. You will be prescribed appropriate medications to keep you comfortable during this period.
We recommend a supportive garment, such as a crop top, for both comfort and support. Most patients should plan for 1-2 weeks off work and 4-6 weeks of avoiding contact sports or heavy lifting.
A regular schedule of post-operative consultations will be provided by Dr Lin and his staff. This includes regularly scheduled review appointments with the practice nurse as well as Dr Lin. You will also be seen by the practice dermal therapist, who will assist with the management of the surgical scars and with LED light therapy.
Before and after results of Augmentation Mammoplasty
Below you can see some images of patients who have had Augmentation Mammoplasty with us at Eastern Plastic Surgery:
Some more examples of pre- and post-surgery results can be found on our results page.
Everyone’s anatomy and expectations are unique. Dr Lin will assess your individual needs during your consultation, and show you a larger selection of photos and videos which are more relevant and meaningful to your individual case.
Why Choose us for your Breast Augmentation in Melbourne?
Dr Frank Lin is a Melbourne-based specialist plastic surgeon with subspecialty interest and training in breast surgery, Breast Augmentation and breast implants, especially for Asian patients Dr Lin has trained with some of the world’s foremost experts in breast surgery, including in the use of endoscopic techniques for Breast Augmentation. At our Melbourne clinic, we are committed to taking the time to help you understand the pros and cons of Breast Augmentation surgery and to help you achieve the best possible result. Dr Lin’s experience and training make him uniquely qualified to produce great results for Asian patients wishing to undergo Breast Augmentation.Meet Dr Frank Lin
Dr Frank Lin is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and founder of Eastern Plastic Surgery and EST Clinic. Dr Lin’s areas of interest include facial and breast aesthetic surgery, as well as non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Dr Lin currently serves on the executive board of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the Membership Committee of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) representing Australia.
FAQs
If you have any more questions about Augmentation Mammoplasty (Breast Augmentation) in Melbourne, please don’t hesitate to contact us. In the meantime, you can find FAQs below that may provide the additional information you’re looking for.What type of breast implant would suit me?
The most commonly used in Australia include silicone gel or saline-filled breast implants, with silicon being used in the majority of Breast Augmentation procedures. While modern silicone gel breast implants are much safer than earlier generation devices, it is important to know they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Furthermore, implants are available in a variety of coatings including smooth or textured. Dr Lin will discuss with you the pros and cons of each type of implant. You will also have the opportunity in the rooms to see and feel the different implants for yourself.
What is the best incision for breast implants?
Infra-mammary (under the breast fold) incision is the most common incision used for Breast Augmentation. Axillary (under the armpit) incisions may be more suitable, particularly for Asian Breast Augmentation patients. In Asian patients, an important consideration is the likelihood of keloid scarring which are more common on the torso. In some cases, patients may be suitable for an endoscopic (keyhole) technique.
Am I suitable for a minimally invasive, or endoscopic approach?
For patients who may be at higher risk of keloid scarring, such as Asian patients, this is the preferred technique. In this operation, the incision is placed at the apex (the highest point) of the axilla. A tunnel is created and an endoscope (fibre-optic telescope) is inserted. The space (or pocket) for the implant is created under crystal clear fibre-optic vision which is displayed on a HD monitor. This ensures a clear, accurate and safe dissection which is not possible with traditional axillary implant techniques. This is a far more technically demanding operation compared to the infra-mammary fold approach, and often takes much longer to master. It is for this reason that Dr Lin has travelled extensively abroad to learn from the pioneers of this technique, which is far more popular in Asia than in Australia.
What is the best plane for breast implant insertion?
The common tissue planes used are sub-glandular (under the breast tissue – right diagram), sub-muscular (under the pectoral muscles – left diagram) or dual plane. Many factors are taken into account when making this important decision, including the volume and shape of existing breast tissue, skin quality, lifestyle, previous surgery, and many others.
Is breast implant surgery covered by Medicare?
Breast Augmentation for cosmetic purposes is typically not covered by Medicare. However, if the Breast Augmentation procedure is part of breast reconstruction following breast cancer surgery, it may be covered. It’s important to check with Medicare and your surgeon to understand the specifics of coverage for your situation.
Which is better, saline or silicone breast implants?
Choosing between saline and silicone breast implants depends on personal preference and medical advice. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and offer a firmer feel, while silicone implants provide a more natural feel. Both types are safe, but discussing your options with Dr Lin can help determine the best choice for your breast enlargement surgery.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
