Breast Augmentation


Breast size and shape are important concerns for many women, and being satisfied with your breasts can be central to both healthy self-esteem and enhanced confidence. Serving patients Queensland-wide, Pacific Plastic Surgery offers breast augmentation using silicone prostheses to assist women achieve the breast size desired. Dr. James Gaffield always strives for realistic results to blend with and enhance your natural proportions.

Breast Augmentation

For women who consider their breasts undersized, the decision to undergo breast augmentation may be the culminating moment of years of insecurity, self-consciousness, and general dissatisfaction. Breast implants are an appropriate way to resolve many challenges, including:

  • Problems finding clothes and swimwear that fit
  • A body shape that appears imbalanced or out of proportion
  • Lost breast volume after breastfeeding
  • Drooping or sagging breasts (often performed with breast lift)

Breast Implants

Breast implants are available in different sizes, shapes, and materials, this allows Dr. Gaffield to customize the breast augmentation procedure to meet the unique goals of each patient. Identifying the right breast implants for you is an important part of preparing for augmentation surgery. Dr. Gaffield will discuss the appropriate options in detail with each patient to help them settle on the best procedure options.

Silicone Breast Implants

Modern silicone gel breast implants, fully approved for use in Australia, offer the most realistic texture and shape available without compromising on safety. These implants feel as close to natural breast tissue as possible. The cohesive gel filler of silicone breast implants is constituted to maintain its shape and position better than other alternatives. While early silicone implants were prone to rupture and leakage, today’s devices are designed with a stronger shell and a cohesive filler to minimize the possibility of both rupture and leakage.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are the most flexible available. The saline filler, which is essentially sterile salt water, is entirely safe for the human body. In the unlikely event of an implant rupture, the body absorbs saline harmlessly, and the rupture is quickly evident so it can be corrected immediately. In addition, because saline breast implants can be filled after implantation, they can be placed using smaller incisions in different parts of the body. Saline implants are also more cost effective than other breast augmentation alternatives.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation surgery can be performed in several different ways, depending on the style of implants a patient prefers. Silicone implants, preferably, can be placed through incisions along the inframammary fold at the base of the breast. Inframammary incisions give Dr. Gaffield the greatest degree of control over the procedure, and they have the added advantage of allowing him to perform revision surgery at the same incision site should it become necessary.

Whichever implant material is chosen, the breast implants can be placed either behind the chest muscles (submuscular placement) or in front of them (subglandular placement). For most women, submuscular implants produce the best aesthetic effect. This is particularly true for women with comparatively smaller natural breasts. Submuscular placement also interferes less with mammograms in the future. On the other hand, subglandular implants require a simpler, less invasive procedure with a quicker recovery time, and may be the best option aesthetically for particularly athletic women with larger or stronger chest muscles.

A few things are nearly universal to any breast augmentation procedure. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Once anesthesia has commenced, Dr. Gaffield will make the appropriate incisions and insert the breast implants. After placing the implants, he will carefully close the incisions with surgical sutures and apply protective bandages. The surgery takes between one and two hours to complete.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Planning ahead for recovery is an important part of preparing for breast augmentation surgery. Patients who choose subglandular implants recover more quickly than those who choose submuscular implants, but every patient should be prepared to take at least a week off from work.

During the first 48 hours, most patients experience some discomfort, for which Dr. Gaffield prescribes pain medication. Fatigue is also common during this period, and most patients simply rest in bed at first. Patients have their bandages removed within a few days and replaced with a supportive surgical bra. Sutures are typically removed within one or two weeks, at which point most patients can return to work.

The breasts typically remain tender and swollen for several weeks after breast augmentation surgery. During this time, it is important to avoid physical contact with the breasts, as well as exercise, heavy lifting, and other strenuous activities. Surgical scars fade over the course of several months to become much less noticeable.

Contact Pacific Plastic Surgery Bundaberg

If you live in Queensland and would like further information, contact Pacific Plastic Surgery today to schedule a breast augmentation consultation.

Questions & Answers
Do I choose silicone, saline or polyurethane implants?
Dr Gaffield uses an extensive range of breast implants that comply with the strict safety standards of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association. These include silicone, saline and polyurethane implants of varying sizes, projections and surfaces. Dr Gaffield will recommend the most suitable breast implant once he has performed a physical assessment and understands your desired result.
Do I have to wear a surgical compression bra after surgery?
Generally compression bras are not used post operatively, in fact you will be likely advised to wear a light microfibre crop-type bra only for a period of 6 - 8 weeks. This allows your implants to settle without the upward support of a bra.
When can I resume physical activity like gym, running, weight training etc?
Depending on the individual, pain and surgical technique you are encouraged to return to simple cardio like walking, stationary bike and treadmill with incline as soon as you like. Exercises with more impact are usually ok from 4 – 6 weeks and high energy, resistance and weight training from 8 weeks post op. This is to minimize ongoing swelling and increased risk of complication.
Will I be in much pain after surgery?
Of course pain varies and it depends on many factors. All patients are prescribed analgesia and a muscle relaxant to ensure comfort. Most clients will require a couple of days of pain relief and then over the counter medications will usually solve any residual tenderness.
How do I choose the size and style of implant?
Depending on your physical attributes and desired outcome, natural, proportional or augmented looking breasts, a large part of your consultation is spent trialing different styles and sizes of implants – there will likely be a few options to choose from. It’s recommended that you bring a couple of firm fitting stretch t-shirts and tanks you would normally wear to try on during this process to illustrate how you can expect to look after your procedure.
Will I have to change my own surgical dressings?
It is preferable that all dressings are renewed by our nursing staff. For our clients who live outside of Bundaberg and travel to appointments our nursing staff will guide you where appropriate when dressings need self care.
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Photos on this website are actual patients of Dr James Gaffield, however do not reflect an expected result for your individual anatomical characteristics.Site Developed by Top Ranking Media