Breast augmentation has been the number one global cosmetic enhancement procedure for more than five years. I spoke to leading specialist plastic surgeons Dr. Charles Cope, who has a clinic in Mosman NSW and Dr. Malcolm Linsell with clinics in Rockhampton Qld Darlinghurst NSW and Richmond, Victoria to get all the up to date low down.
Between them, they have performed hundreds of breast augmentation procedures. According to both doctors, breast augmentation procedures are now safer and produce better results with shorter downtime than ever. The continual collection of data held by the Australian Breast Device Registry, which doctors are asked to input following any breast augmentation has really helped to ensure that the best and safest country to have breast augmentation in, is Australia. To keep it that way make sure that your doctor sends off your surgical data after your procedure.
Dr. Charles Cope works with the Vectra 3D imaging machine which provides the patients with a realistic insight into the expected size, shape, and appearance of their augments. Dr. Linsell also puts the proposed augments into the patient’s bras so that they can feel and see how those augments will look. Every effort is made to ensure that the patients get exactly the right ones for them.
By far the most commonly used augments are the silicone ones. They are usually placed behind the muscle unless the patient is a weight lifter and has a highly developed pectoral (chest ) muscle or if the patient needs a slight lift as well. The silicone augments come in textured or smooth, round or teardrop. What I found so reassuring following my interviews with both Dr. Cope and Dr. Linsell was that in 2020 what you end up with is a bespoke breast augmentation result. The procedure from start to finish is totally individualized for each patient they operate on.
Both Dr. Cope and Dr. Linsell felt strongly that they would not perform any procedure until their patient was totally happy with the proposed result and also given as much information as necessary which often included speaking to prior patients. This may require more than one pre-operation consultation.
Most breast augmentation procedures are day only with very little post-operative pain and patients can usually return to work after one to two weeks and back to exercise after four to six weeks. These days, scarring is minimal and the most common incision site is under the breast fold, followed by through the nipple area.
There is no common age for having breast augmentation today said Dr. Linsell. Ages may vary from nineteen to seventy. The reasons usually include when young that they are not happy with the size and shape of their breasts and the older woman wants to reclaim their breast appearance before aging, childbirth, and breastfeeding had a negative effect. Years ago women could not breastfeed after having had a breast augmentation procedure but today there is no problem with them breastfeeding afterward. This is mainly because of the breast augments placement techniques which have been modified over time.
Interestingly is the number of older women both doctors find who now come to have this procedure. They just want what they had before, often with a bit of a lift thrown in. This group of patients usually bring in photos of themselves when younger to show the size and shape they would like to have again. They are always insistent said Dr.Cope that the result should look totally natural.
Some patients think that because the procedure is about their appearance it is different from other surgeries. This is not true. All surgical procedures carry a risk which is why making sure your doctor has the right qualifications is essential. You can go onto the Australian Society Plastic Surgeons website to find an Australian listing of all qualified specialist plastic surgeons.
Self-preparation is also important. This includes being in good health, making sure that for two weeks prior to the surgery you take no vitamin E or fish oil tablets, aspirin or red wine, and restrict the amount of green tea that you drink. This will help to cut down on excess bleeding during surgery. Do not have a very hot bath or shower the morning of surgery or the night before. If you are thinking about having a breast augmentation procedure make sure that you have consultations with at least two different surgeons. Look on the internet and also ask your friends. Personal recommendations are always the best. Some questions you should ask your doctor if considering a breast augmentation procedure include:
- Are you a qualified surgeon and how many years have you been performing this procedure?
- Do they have any patients you could speak to and any before and after patients results you can see?
- Does the doctor consider you a good candidate for the procedure?
- How long do breast augments last?
- What will your breasts look like if you need to have the augments removed?
I recommend you take your question list with you to the consultation.
Both doctors recommend that any of their breast augmentation patients have a clear mammogram and ultrasound taken before coming for a consultation.
Many doctors today also offer breast augmentation using the patient’s own fat. This fat is removed from the patient’s thighs bottom or stomach. This procedure is used only for creating a very small size increase or for an adjunct to using breast augmentation to give more of a cleavage.
Dr. Cope and Dr. Linsell agree that performing a breast augmentation procedure for them is a lifelong association. They see the patient multiple times in the first year and yearly after that time. In 2020 it is possible to have the breasts that you have always dreamed of safely and with minimal downtime.
Dr. Charles Cope www.drcharlescope.com.au
Dr. Malcolm Linsell www.drmalcolmlinsell.com
Ricky Allen is the founder of Aesthetic Reconstructions. She holds a Health Science Degree, a nursing diploma, a Bachelor of Arts/Science (Psychology), a Certificate in Cosmetology (Aesthetics), a diploma in Marketing and PR, and a Diploma in Health Management and a number of other post-graduate beauty qualifications from the USA. including Camouflage and Advanced Peeling.
