So, firstly every plastic surgeon does this a slightly different way so don’t get too alarmed if your surgeon does breast implant sizing differently because the main themes that I am trying to get across will be valid. The critical measurement that most surgeons use is called the base width of each breast and it will determine the ultimate width of the implant we will choose.
It’s National BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day. 18th October 2017.
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons say they “launched BRA Day Australia in 2013 to raise awareness about breast reconstruction so all women, no matter where they live, have the same access to information. Read more
The decision of implant shape is made by me based on 2 major premises. Firstly the type of look the patient is trying to achieve and secondly how big they want to go. In general terms, most women are suitable for round implants in cosmetic breast augmentation and these form the staple implant type that I use. A round breast implant gives a fuller upper pole or what I refer to as ‘WOW’ factor. Read more
Fortunately, the answer is yes. There are a number of ways a fully qualified plastic surgeon can achieve this look. The biggest determinant is the size of the implant the patient chooses. Regardless of technique if the implant is too big for the body frame it will look fake. Generally speaking, an implant placed under the pectoral muscle will give a more natural result compared to on top of the muscle. Similarly, for any given single volume of an implant, a teardrop or anatomical shaped implant will give a more natural look than a round. Read more
History is littered with poor quality silicone implants from big corporations trying to make a quick buck. How can you be sure you are getting a quality implant??
The short story is that silicone implants are better in almost all respects. They have a more natural feel and look compared with saline, and are far less likely to cause visible wrinkling and folding. If the implants are in for long enough and a rupture occurs then the implant will not deflate and leave you lopsided like it will with a saline. For this reason it silicone is my preferred choice. Read more
DRESSINGS
Hand Procedures
The usual dressing will be a gel gauze on the wound covered with gauze and a bandage. This may be supplemented with a half plaster splint for certain procedures. You should keep this clean and dry for the first week.
SUTURES
Most of the sutures are dissolvable and under the skin and can’t be seen. They don’t need removal. There may be some sutures which need to be removed which is usually at day 14.
PAIN RELIEF
Major operations by their nature will have some degree of pain involved. Your surgeon will let you know the specifics of your procedure. The pain is generally not as bad as expected. Pain relief is very important and we take it seriously. Often you will need 1 or 2 doses of stronger medication through the drip for the first night and after this the rest of your pain relief can be taken in tablet form. This will be discussed with you by the anaesthetist before the operation.
MOBILITY
You will be encouraged to mobilise on the first post-operative day and your mobility will progressively increase over the next few days. This is critical as the most important thing you can do to prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is to walk. It also speeds your recovery and decreases the chances of other complications. Your inpatient stay will depend on the procedure but many operations can be performed as day cases or overnight stays. Light activity such as a fast walk that raises a sweat is comfortable at 4 weeks. Sporting activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for about 6 weeks.
TIME OFF WORK
For minor procedures done in our rooms you literally only need the time off for the procedure itself which is usually about 30 minutes. Similarly most day case operations only require one day off work.
For major procedures the usual timeframe is 1-2 weeks however this depends on the actual procedure and the nature of your employment. Please ask your surgeon for a more accurate guide
DRIVING
You will be permitted to drive 1-3 weeks after your procedure depending on the type of surgery.
SENSATION
It is not uncommon for the skin around the scar and the area that has been operated on to be numb after the operation. This is normal and does not mean that a major nerve has been cut. It occurs because when an incision is made or skin has been removed then there is damage to microscopic nerves which can’t be seen. If you feel tingling, burning, or shooting pains this is not cause for alarm and in fact is an indication that the small sensory nerves are regenerating. This feeling will disappear with time and the sensation will return but it can take a long time.
SCAR MANAGEMENT
Horizon Plastic Surgery advises scar management to start 2-3 weeks after your surgery or when the wounds are healed. You can either tape the wounds with micropore which will provide support to the wound and then moisturise and massage each time the tape is removed. This tape can stay on for 2-3 days each time. If you are finding that your skin is becoming irritated then please discontinue use and contact our nursing staff who will advise you of a course of action. For high risk patients you may be prescribed a silicone gel tape called sicacare which can aid in reducing scar formation and can be bought buy from the chemist. Scar management should be continued until 3 months post surgery.
TED STOCKINGS
You will usually be required to wear TED stockings for compression to prevent DVT (blood clotting in the legs) post-operatively. If required these will be fitted at the hospital on your admission day. They are generally only worn whilst you are in hospital.
MEDICATION
You will be discharged with both pain relief and antibiotic medications. Please take as directed. Most medications you ceased prior to surgery can be recommenced 1 week after your surgery but this will be individualised to each patient so please ask your surgeon.
This is the most common hand operation that is performed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the nerve (median nerve) that runs through the palm of the hand goes through a tunnel which is called the carpal (meaning wrist) tunnel. If the nerve gets compressed on its way through the tunnel then it causes symptoms and this is called carpal tunnel syndrome.
Are you thinking about cosmetic surgery?
Did you know that it can take on average up to ten years from the initial thought of having cosmetic surgery to getting the procedure done?
The Vice President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons talks about cosmetic surgery on the ABC Nightlife programme with Philip Clark and Sarah MacDonald.
To listen, click on this link:
Below are five pages on the feature article of The Stem Cell Story by Professor Guy Maddern, and published in the Surgical News Journal.
Disclaimer: Please note all surgical and non-surgical procedures carry risks and you should ask your practitioner about them, or seek a second a opinion from an RACS accredited plastic surgeon.
