Richard Zinn

Richard Zinn is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with a special interest in breast and cosmetic surgery.
1 Verona Lane 3002 Melbourne, Victoria
Phone: (03) 8658 6655

Breast Augmentation

Procedure: Breast Augmentation
Indication: Refinement of breast shape and size, breast lift, management of tuberous breast deformity
Duration: One-two hours
Associated procedures: Mastopexy/breast lift; management of tuberous breast deformity; abdominoplasty; mommy-makeover
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
Incision: Inframammary fold, periareolar, axilliary
Implants: Smooth and textured silicone implants of the highest quality (Mentor, Allergan, Motiva). Round and teardrop shaped.
Length of hospital stay: Day case
Recovery: 10 – 14 days. No driving for two weeks.

Breast augmentation is a surgical technique where an implant is placed under the breast or pectoralis major muscle in order to augment its size, refine its shape, and improve its position.

The reason to choose this procedure is rather a personal one but dissatisfaction with the size, shape and irregularity are some of the common reasons due to which women opt for this treatment.

Breast augmentation has evolved and changed over the years. It is one of the most well studied plastic surgery procedures and has a proven safe track record. Implant evolution is one of the reasons for this safety, with newer generation implants much less likely to leak or rupture. Surgical technique has been refined. Implants may be placed below the muscle (sub muscular), or above the muscle and below the gland (sub glandular). Various incisions are possible, leaving a well-hidden scar in the breast fold, around the areolar or in the armpit.

The initial consultation helps to understand your goals and personal requirements, allowing Dr. Zinn to guide you through the choices available. A second consultation helps cement these choices, with further consultations possible if you wish. Specialised sizers help you confirm your chosen size, allowing you to feel and see the final result before the surgery.

The surgery itself takes up to 2 hours, performed under general anaesthetic with the help of a highly skilled anaesthetic team. Recovery is rapid and you will be able to go home on the day of surgery, unless you would like, or require, a further 24 hours of observation.

Postoperative complaints include a feeling of fullness, bruising, mild pain and swelling. Nipple sensation may be increased or reduced. If you have decided to go through breast augmentation in Melbourne, remember that you need to follow some post-operative tips. For instance, you would be encouraged to rest for one week before you can continue your day-to-day activities, wear a post-operative bra at all times, and attend post-operative wound checks. You will be able to return to driving at two weeks after surgery, and exercise at six weeks.

Breastfeeding

Some of the common questions asked by patients related to breastfeeding:

  • You should not go through this particular surgery within six months of breastfeeding.
  • Chances are that women cannot successfully breastfeed their babies if they go through breast augmentation. This is incorrect and you may still be able to breast feed after a breast augmentation.
  • If you do get pregnant after the surgery, you can expect the appearance of your breast to change.
  • Silicone breast implants does not affect the quality of your breast milk.

Breast cancer

Breast augmentation does not increase your chance of getting breast cancer, nor does it trigger the development of breast cancer. Preoperative clinical examination and screening imaging of your breasts will be performed prior to the surgical procedure to ensure there are no pre-existing problems.

Follow up

Following a breast augmentation in Melbourne, you will have regular check-ups to ensure normal wound healing and scar management. Once fully healed, check-ups every 18 months are recommended to monitor your implants and breast health.