The size and shape of a woman’s breasts can directly impact her confidence in her appearance. When the breasts are disproportionately small, it can seem the entire body profile is slightly off-balance. At the same time, women with small breasts may feel self-conscious in certain types of clothing as they may feel the garments do not fit them as well as they would like. For women that are unhappy with the size of their breasts, surgical augmentation using implants can be a way to create beautiful curves and natural proportion to the female body.
Dr Edmund Ek is a highly-skilled plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon that specialises in breast augmentation and associated procedures at his Melbourne clinic. A consultant plastic surgeon at numerous major hospitals throughout Melbourne and the surrounding areas, as well as a published article author in his field, Dr Ek is committed to providing outstanding care before, during and after your planned breast surgery. Dr Ek knows the complexities of navigating the area of breast augmentation and walks his patients through the decision-making process to ensure they achieve the results they truly want. At this stage of the process, it is critical to take the time to talk to an experienced breast augmentation surgeon to establish a realistic surgical plan that will match your goals and desired outcome as close as possible.
Dr Ek offers understanding and compassion as he assists you in your decision to undergo breast surgery. He will provide you all the information you need to feel educated and comfortable with your choice. By the time your operation arrives, you should feel confident and fully prepared for what lies ahead.
Breast augmentation offers solutions to a variety of cosmetic issues, beyond disproportionately small breasts. Dr Ek regularly consults with patients presenting with the following concerns:
Dr Ek will evaluate your situation and listen to your concerns to determine whether breast augmentation is the right choice for you. While this procedure has a very high patient satisfaction rate when performed alone, it can also be combined with additional surgery like a breast lift to enhance your results even further. Some women also choose to undergo breast augmentation at the same time as a tummy tuck or other type of body contouring procedure to achieve all their goals with just one time under anaesthesia and one recovery process.
The journey towards your breast augmentation surgery begins with a thorough discussion about you, your breasts and what you want to achieve from your surgery. Dr Ek will take all your questions and concerns right at the start of the consultation and throughout the process leading up to your operation. He will carefully examine you and discuss the likely postoperative results. He will work with you to select the right implants for you, according to their type, shape and size. You will even determine where they will be placed (over or under the chest muscle) and where the residual scars will be located.
Choosing the size of the implant is often the most challenging selection for a woman. Dr Ek’s practice uses the Vectra 3D imaging system to make it easier for our patients to “see” what their new breasts might look like to make the decision-making process a bit more straightforward. Using multiple cameras and rendering software, the device creates a virtual image of you with the desired changes to your breasts. The Vectra 3D imaging system has become one of the most valuable tools Dr Ek uses in his practice, and most of his patients enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Once you have completed the decision-making process and you are ready for your surgery, Dr Ek will schedule a final consultation with you to make sure you are happy with all the choices you have made and comfortable with the possible outcome of the surgery. He will also go over potential risks with you, as well as steps you can take to reduce them as much as possible.
Your breast augmentation will be performed at an ACHS accredited hospital as day surgery under general anaesthesia. He will use the incision and implants placement as well as the precise implant you chose before your procedure. The operation usually only takes around 90 minutes to complete and will include the following components:
Incision
Dr Ek will create your incisions in one of the following areas:
Implant
Dr Ek will insert the pre-chosen implant through the incision. Your selections will include:
A pocket will be created to keep the implant in place. This pocket may be located in one of two positions:
Swelling and bruising often occur after breast augmentation and will subside within a week or two. Once these side effects are gone, your implants should appear as they did in the 3D rendering we created. Most women are back to their schedule within one to two weeks and can resume rigorous exercise within six to eight weeks. Complications are rare, as Dr Ek has a stellar track record of safety and success in this procedure. Dr Ek’s team will also arrange follow-up consultations after your surgery to track your healing progress and answer any of your questions or concerns in the weeks following surgery.
Most women find that breastfeeding and nipple sensation are preserved after breast augmentation. The procedure does not typically affect your ability to undergo mammograms or the reading you receive from this diagnostic test. For more information on breast augmentation, including the choices you will make or the best way to ensure a safe and successful procedure, contact Dr Ek’s office today on (03) 8419 0900.
