WELLNESS
Important decisions to make
before getting implants If you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation surgery, you’ve probably Googled all you can and discussed your options with your cosmetic surgeon. Here are a handful of things you need to consider when making the decision to go under the knife.
D
r Eddy Dona is a plastic surgeon based in Sydney who specialises in reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. “As a society, cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery have become less taboo to talk about. However, many people still don’t understand the options available to them and the importance of doing their research,” Dr Dona said. “A breast augmentation is a procedure that involves inserting implants into your breasts to create an enlarged appearance. But it is not that simple – the look and feel of your post-surgery breasts depends significantly on the decisions you make before you go under the knife.” With decades of experience, Dr Dona compiled some key issues you need to understand so you make the right decision. In this edition, Dr Dona talks about budgets, implant style and texture and the implant profile. Make sure to follow along next month when Dr Dona looks at Saline or silicone, the implant pockets and scar locations and CC’s. Dr Dona is one of the most in-demand breast surgeons in Australia. For more information visit drdonaplasticsurgery. com.au. YOUR BUDGET As per everything in life, you often get what you pay for. Cheap surgery is available overseas, however this comes with many potential problems. Many Australian junior or inexperienced plastic surgeons offer budget breast enhancement surgery. Also, many
non-plastic surgeons, or doctors with no formal surgical qualifications offer inexpensive breast enhancement surgery. Of course, the most expensive breast enhancement surgeons do take it to an extreme, and charge a lot more than ‘average’, while providing no more in results. So basically, do your research on your surgeons beforehand. IMPLANT STYLE – ROUND OR TEAR DROP The shape of the implant can affect the final results. Some surgeons will exclusively only use a round implant style because it is an ‘easier to use’ implant with predictable results and less potential problems. Other surgeons may choose to only use teardrop implants because they believe they can achieve the aesthetic results they want with these and are prepared to accept the greater potential problems associated with these implants. Of course, some surgeons will use both types depending on the patient. Having said that, in the last few years many surgeons who have previously used teardrop implants have moved to round style. In the end, if you have a particular look you’re after, and your surgeon is not offering you that, get a second opinion. IMPLANT SURFACE – TEXTURED OR SMOOTH The implant surface can be either textured, sandpaper rough, or smooth. Most surgeons have used a textured implant as they do provide some benefits, including providing grip and stability
of the implant, and also reducing the risk of capsular contracture (implant hardening). However, in recent times, textured implants have been associated with a rare cancer (ALCL) with the risk varying from anywhere between 1:2,800 to 1:86,000. Due to this, many of the textured implants are no longer available. The benefit of the implant stability that textured implants provide means that teardrop implants are all textured. Therefore, many surgeons who have previously used teardrop implants no longer offer these to avoid using textured implants, despite the relatively low risk of 1:86,000 that current textured teardrop implants readily available on the Australian market provide. IMPLANT PROFILE How far forward the implant projects
is what the implant profile refers to. However, different brands have different naming systems so it can get very confusing when looking at before and after pictures. The varying profiles used by different brands to describe the implant projection include: low, mini, moderate, moderate plus, demi, high, full, extra high, extra full, corse. The simplistic way of viewing it is that the greater profile, regardless of the naming system, will create a bigger breast. Not to confuse things further, but what one brand may refer to as a ‘moderate plus’, may have the same projection as a ‘full profile’ in another brand. So, make sure you speak to your surgeon and have them clearly explain the profile that’s been chosen for you, why, and if it is going to achieve the look you’re after.
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