Common Questions about Breast Augmentation in Sydney.

Anaesthesia

Breast Augmentation surgery in Sydney is performed under general anaesthesia and is usually a day-only procedure. Any pain after the procedure is controlled with simple analgesia.Your anaesthetist will provide you with all the necessary pain relief during your surgery and will have a post-operative pain protocol for you to ensure that there is minimal discomfort after your surgery. Dr Kumar only performs this procedure under a general anaesthetic in accredited private hospitals to ensure maximal patient safety and comfort.

Incision Location

A small incision is required to allow creation of the pocket where the implant is then placed. The incisions are made in sites that aim to minimise scar visibility. There are three potential incision sites for the insertion of breast implants:

• Under or in the breast fold – inframammary fold
• Around the nipple – periareolar
• Through the armpit – transaxillary

Dr Kumar exclusively uses the inframammary fold incision to produce safe, reproducible and natural results.

Implant Placement

Under the pectoralis muscle (Submuscular Technique)

In this technique, the implant is covered with the entire pectoralis major muscle for maximum coverage.

Under the breast tissue (Subglandular Technique)

The implant is placed in a pocket created under the existing breast tissue. The implant therefore lies over the muscle and doesn’t interfere with it.

Partly under the muscle / Partly under the breast (Dual-Plane Technique)

This technique combines the benefits of both the subglandular and submuscular techniques without their shortcomings. Some of the implant in key areas is covered by muscle whereas other areas are covered by fascia/breast tissue. This is Dr Kumar’s preferred method.

Type of Implants

1. Anatomical Implants

These implants are sometimes called “teardrop implants”. They are shaped like a breast, so they will help shape an abnormal breast and tend to look natural in most circumstances. The shape advantage is less noticeable when compared to a round implant if placed under the muscle, especially if the patient is standing upright

2. Round Implants

These are also a common shape of implants in Australia. Due to their shape, they provide better ‘cleavage’ than an anatomical shaped implant. They are a good choice for women who wish to increase the volume in breasts that already have a reasonable shape, or patients wishing for more cleavage (upper pole projection or roundness).

The Keller Funnel

The Keller Funnel implant delivery system is a new way of placing breast implants inside the body. Before its advent, standard practice was to place implants by hand. This limited the level of accuracy with which they could be inserted, and restricted the ability of surgeons to put implants in their ideal location. Rather than pushing implants into place, it’s possible to now naturally slide them in.The Keller funnel technique is also a recommended method to help reduce capsular contracture in patients.

Fat Grafting

Fat Grafting to the breast is not a new procedure. However, the current, more modern techniques of fat harvesting and grafting has made this procedure extremely popular in patients undergoing breast augmentation in Sydney. Fat grafting techniques can add a layer of contour to an augmented breast. This can serve many purposes such as softening “ harsh” lines, accentuating or improving the décolletage, improving the lower pole and helping correct problems such as the double bubble deformity. To learn more about fat grafting please click here to be taken to our fat grafting information page.

Closing the Incisions

At the end of your operation, Dr Kumar will close his incision with dissolving stitches in multiple layers. This means that no stitches will need to be removed following surgery, for most patients.

All your sutures are self-dissolving and your dressings are waterproof so you can start having a shower from the day after your surgery. You will be given a garment (post-operative bra) to wear and this is to be worn for 6 weeks after your surgery.

Risks and Complications

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery in Sydney, then it is important that you are informed of the potential risks, complications and side effects of this surgery.

While all care is taken to minimise or totally avoid these complications and side effects, complications may and do occur despite the best medical care. It is important that you carefully read and understand the risk factors and they will be discussed in more detail when you have your consultation with Dr Kumar.

Recovery From Breast Augmentation Surgery

The length of your recovery will depend on the specific procedure and technique that Dr Kumar has used for your results. Recovery times can vary from person to person. If you have a “desk job” or one that doesn’t involve significant upper body physical activity, then most patients are back at this within 2 weeks of surgery. In general, however, Dr Kumar suggests that you should allow 4-6 weeks for initial recovery following your surgery. Scar maturation/fading often takes longer.
Dr Kumar will work with you to allow for adequate and proper healing time. It is important to speak with him before returning to daily activities such as driving, lifting and exercise.

You will be given post-operative compression garments to wear after your surgery and it is vital that you follow Dr Kumar’s orders with respect to wearing these during your recovery period.

Good results depend on a collaborative approach between you and Dr Kumar. You must be willing to follow the specific instructions given to you by Dr Kumar, and attend all post-operative appointments

Maintaining your Breast Implant Results

Please keep in mind that your results from Breast Augmentation Surgery may be impacted by fluctuations in your weight, early excessive activity, skin health or Body Mass Index (BMI). Pregnancy and breastfeeding may also impact on your surgical results following your Breast Surgery.

No two patients are the same and surgery results will vary from patient to patient. It is important to work together with Dr Kumar and to keep your expectations realistic.