Investigating your options for Breast Augmentation surgery in Sydney is an exciting time. However, it’s important to use this time wisely by thoroughly researching and appropriately preparing for your consultations. This article explains what’s involved in your consultation so that you’re well informed.
Gain an Understanding of Breast Augmentations.
A Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the size and address the shape of the breasts with breast implants. It typically leaves a scar (approximately 5 cm long) in the breast fold under each breast. Although some techniques, such as the BIO Lift™, can slightly elevate the breast, the procedure does not aim to significantly lift it as a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) does. Therefore, if your breasts have significantly sagged and you would like to address this, a Mastopexy or a combined Breast Augmentation and Mastopexy may be recommended.
You can read more general information about the Breast Augmentations Dr Dona performs by seeing his Breast Augmentation page here.
Know Your Goals
Knowing what you want and communicating your goals is paramount. Granted, if you are after a Breast Augmentation, you’d like to increase your breast size. But, are you wanting a small size increase, or something more dramatic? Do you particularly want more cleavage? Have you been pregnant and would simply like your breasts to return to the volume they once had?
By clearly articulating goals, Dr Dona will be better positioned to understand what you want and communicate the possibilities to you.
We recommend that you bring images showing the breast sizes you are aiming for. Even though this won’t be accurate, it will help Dr Dona gain a clearer picture of your objectives.
Discuss Your Lifestyle
It’s important that Dr Dona understands your lifestyle before settling on the choice of implants. For example, do you do a lot of contact sports or gym activities? Are you at a stable weight, and can you maintain it in the future? Have you finished creating a family?
Be Comfortable Discussing Your Medical History
Before any surgical procedure, Dr Dona must know your complete medical history, which he will discuss during your consultation. He will need to know about your previous surgeries, your health and any medical conditions, current medications and any known allergies. This information helps Dr Dona determine your suitability for the procedure and assess any factors that may affect the outcome of your surgery.
Learn About Breast Implant Options
Breast implants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some implants are filled with saline (salt water) while others are filled with silicone gel. However, Dr Dona only uses silicone breast implants, as they typically look and feel more natural than saline implants. Implants may be shaped round or teardrop (anatomical), and the surface may be smooth or textured.
Breast implants also come in different profiles: moderate, high or extra high. This means how far the implant projects forward. Also, gel consistency can vary, with some implants firmer than others.
All these varying factors influence the overall feel and appearance of the breast and will be discussed with you during your initial consultation. Dr Dona will be able to advise you on which type, size, texture and shape of implants will suit your body, taking into consideration your goals and what is possible on your body.
When determining the most appropriate implants for you, various factors will influence the decision, including the amount of breast tissue you have, your skin and breast tissue quality, your chest and rib cage measurements, the distance between your nipples, the level of symmetry or asymmetry of your breasts, the level of ptosis (droop units) in your breasts and the look you want.
Dr Dona recommends you bring a stretch bra to your consultation so you can fit it with various implants to get an approximate idea of how the implants will look.
Understand the Procedure & Your Recovery Period
During your consultation, Dr Dona will discuss how Breast Augmentation is performed. Dr Dona performs all his Breast Augmentation procedures in a private hospital with the patient under general anaesthesia. Typically, the procedure takes one to two hours. Most patients have the procedure performed as day surgery, meaning they are discharged on the same day once their anaesthesia has worn off and they are deemed stable.
You’ll be given thorough verbal and written after-care instructions before your surgery so you know what’s involved. In the first few days of recovery, you’ll experience some pain and discomfort; however, you’ll be given pain medication to help. You must rest as much as possible in the first few days.
You’ll return to the clinic for a review where you’ll be examined by Dr Dona and have your dressings changed. You’ll also undergo LED light therapy, which reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
After approximately one week, you can recommence light walking and driving if you feel comfortable. Light office-based desk work can be recommenced after approximately one week.
Do not submerge yourself in water (e.g. baths or swimming pools) for three weeks.
After four weeks, you should no longer need pain medication and will be able to do most light daily activities, and after six weeks, you’ll no longer need to wear a surgical bra. You can also slowly recommence gym activities after six weeks.
Understand All Breast Augmentation Costs
At the end of your consultation, after examining you and determining the most appropriate implant options, our team will provide you with an itemised list of all costs involved. This will include fees for Dr Dona, the anaesthetist, the operating room, prescribed medications and all follow-up appointments.
Please note that most Breast Augmentation surgery is typically deemed cosmetic and therefore does not attract any Medicare item numbers. Therefore, you will be solely responsible for paying the fees.
However, if you have tuberous breasts or are having a Breast Augmentation following breast cancer or mastectomy, Medicare may cover a small percentage of the fees. Medicare eligibility does not happen instantly, though. Dr Dona will require clinical justification, medical reports and a GP referral to assess if you meet the specific MBS criteria.
Be Clear on the Risks & Complications of Breast Augmentation
All surgery carries risks, and you must be clear about them before proceeding. Dr Dona will discuss these risks with you during your consultation. Risks associated with breast implants can include implant rupture, capsule contracture (where hard scar tissue forms around the implant), infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and implant movement. Sometimes, to address these changes, further surgery may be required.
Get To Know Your Surgeon
Your initial consultation is also the time to get to know Dr Dona, learn about his experience and qualifications, and view images of similar procedures he has performed on other patients.
Dr Eddy Dona is a highly experienced Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who has performed numerous Breast Augmentations over the decades. His qualifications are recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); he is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Book an Appointment with Dr Dona
If you would like to discuss Breast Augmentation surgery with Dr Dona, book an appointment for an initial consultation.
During your appointment, you can discuss your objectives, have Dr Dona thoroughly examine you and review your medical history.
If he determines that Breast Augmentation surgery may be considered, he will explain the options, the surgical approach, outline the expected recovery and discuss potential risks and complications. He will also take the time to answer any of your questions, so you feel fully informed before making any decisions.
