Breast Lift With Implants IN SYDNEY & CANBERRA

There is some discomfort associated with surgery. Most patients report a ‘tightness’, rather than pain, due to the excellent modern anaesthetic pain control regimes, which includes local anaesthetic for the immediate postoperative period as well as powerful analgesics. However, its vital that you note that pain perception and recovery may be different with each individual.

The breasts will not only heal during the first 6 weeks, but will also gradually find their natural postoperative position. Gravity, healing and surgery drive this process.

The final shape is usually reached by 3 months. The incision scars will fade over the first 12 months and will often be barely visible beyond the first year.

Within 2 weeks you will be back at work and be able to resume most normal activities. During the subsequent weeks you will return to your pre-surgery levels of activity. We have a postoperative regime to help you through this time.

Your scars are routinely placed under the breast fold hidden from view. Not only does bras or swimwear hide the scar, in time it will fade and be barely perceptible.

Dr Farhadieh commonly utilised a short scar mastopexy approach which entails an incision around the nipple and extending down the breast vertically.

Dr Farhadieh believes that the doctor-patient rapport is amongst the most sacred and privileged relationships. Our practice is based on compassion, honesty, transparency and above all, patient welfare.

We pride ourselves on making sure that you feel supported through each stage of the journey. We will be available during all stages of your journey and will schedule short, medium and long term follow ups as part of our overall practice.

1. There are some general risks associated with ANY operation, which include:
a) Infection in surgical wound(s) with resultant redness, pain and possible discharge. In severe cases, wound(s) could break open and need to be re-sutured.
b) Possible bleeding in surgical wound(s) with swelling or bruising.
c) Secretions may accumulate in the lungs and cause a chest infection.
d) Deep vein thrombosis.
e) Death is possible during or after an operation following severe complications.
f) Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications. Therefore, you should completely stop smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery, and refrain from smoking for at least 4 weeks.

2. The following facts, risks and complications apply specifically to THIS operation:
a) Antibiotics are given during and after the operation, to minimise the risk of infection. The rate of infection following breast augmentation surgery is low (approx. 400g/cc/ml).
f) Implant visibility and/or palpability is possible following breast augmentation surgery, i.e. implants can be felt or seen through the skin. The likelihood of these is more common in women who are very thin or have very little native breast tissue, and when larger implants are used.
g) Rippling or wrinkling of the skin over the implants may occur following breast augmentation surgery. This is most likely to be apparent on the lower/inner/outer areas of the breasts, and generally occurs when there is inadequate soft tissue to prevent the implant’s wrinkles or ripples to be seen through the skin. They are also more likely with saline implants.
h) Displacement or movement of any implant from its original position may occur, and this complication becomes more common with larger implants. Anatomical implants have a 1% risk of rotation which can only be corrected through a very short surgical revision.
i) Polyurethane foam coated implants can reduce the risk of capsular contracture, displacement and rotation of implants. However, there is a 1% chance of developing a temporary rash on the breasts for 1-2 weeks after surgery if these implants are used. They are also associated with a slightly longer recovery phase. Anecdotal evidence suggests breasts are swollen for longer.
j) The incisions will result in scar formation. Dr Farhadieh will endeavour to keep the incisions as small as possible, and these scars will soften and fade with time. You will be instructed as to how best care for scars to optimise results. However, intrinsic genetic reactions to scar formation are dependent on the individual’s genetic make-up. This is more common in those of Asian descent as well as those with darker skin.
k) Postoperative pain experienced varies from very mild to significant discomfort. You will be given plenty of pain relieving medication following your surgery and this should keep you comfortable, no matter what your level of discomfort.
l) It is common to have intermittent mild discomfort or intermittent sharp pains in the first few weeks after surgery, as the swelling resolves and the nerves recover. Some patients experience a temporary increase in the sensitivity of their nipples but usually settles down eventually.
m) Numbness of the breasts and nipples is normal for a few weeks after breast augmentation surgery. This usually recovers after 6-12 months’; however, it can be permanent.
n) In all breast lifting/reduction/reshaping surgery, there is the possibility of issues with the nipple/areolar area healing properly. This is because the nipple/areolar area will be moved to a new location during your operation and whenever anatomical regions are moved from one place to another, healing may be delayed or non-existent. This is a spectrum and in the worst-case scenario, the nipple areolar complex may not heal at all and require complete surgical reconstruction. This risk is most apparent in smokers, which is why Mr Farhadieh does not perform this operation in active smokers and needs you off any nicotine-containing product for at least 4-6 weeks prior to surgery. In a non-smoking patient the chance of these issues occurring is very unlikely.
o) Most patients will need to take about a week off work. Heavy lifting, vigorous upper body exercise or any activity that involves ‘bouncing’ of the breasts should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
p) The sutures used to close the incisions under your breasts are completely dissolvable, but they may be felt through the skin for up to 6-9 months after surgery.
q) Rupture of any implant is possible. If a modern implant ruptures, the cohesive silicone gel will remain inside the capsule of tissue that surrounds the implant, and will remain sealed off from the breast tissue. Generally, there are no symptoms for the patient.
r) Silicone in the body does not cause or contribute to any diseases. Silicone implants have no effect on the incidence of breast cancer. Patients with implants are encouraged to have regular mammograms when appropriate, and these are still highly effective following breast augmentation, they should begin around age 40-45 and continue every 2 years.
s) Breast implants do not normally interfere with lactation or breastfeeding. If the implants are inserted through the areolar or combined with a mastopexy (breast lift), however, your milk supply may be reduced, if breastfeeding in the future.
t) With a vertical pattern minimal scaring lift and augmentation, there is an up to 20% risk of needing a scar revision for the lower pole. Minor Nipple asymmetry may also require surgery to adjust their positions.
u) There may be an association that has come to light in recent years between implants and a form of cutaneous lymphoma known Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) which is extremely rare. There is uncertainty about its pathogenic mechanism, some have suggested textured implants and an indolent infection may be a cause. The FDA has not changed any of its recommendations in regards to use of implants in breast surgery.
v) The body continues to change over time and the breasts will continue to age and be affected by gravity. To preserve your result’s, it is of utmost importance to wear good supportive bras when exercising and maintain a very stable weight. Weight fluctuations will change your breast shape and position with time.
w) Subtle asymmetry is the norm rather than the exception. It is almost impossible to get the breasts looking identical with surgery, the reason for this is that breasts are living tissues both genetics and environmental factors will affect their progression overtime. Dr Farhadieh however, will make them as symmetrical as possible with the procedure. Over time, some women may experience one breast growing quicker than the other or subtle changes in the nipple/areolar shape or position as the body adapts to the new breasts. Asymmetry will always be more marked with any weight fluctuations you may experience over the years after surgery, or with minimal supportive bra wear.
x) The aim of breast augmentation/mastopexy surgery is improvement rather than perfection. Further operations may occasionally be required to improve the results. This is particularly true if any of the above mentioned complications develop. You should not undertake breast implant surgery, unless you accept the possibility that you may wish to have, or need to have, further surgery at some time in the future.
y) It may be that you are not with the final aesthetic outcome
z) Scar hypertrophy and keloid may form and may be permanent.