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Breast Augmentation

Dr Edmund Ek is a skilled plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon who frequently performs 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 with openness and integrity. If you are at the beginning of this process, it is critical to take the time to talk to an experienced breast augmentation surgeon to establish a realistic surgical plan.

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.

Is Breast Augmentation the Right Choice for You?

Breast augmentation can address a variety of cosmetic matters related to the size and shape of the breasts. Dr Ek regularly consults with patients presenting with the following concerns:

  • Asymmetrical breasts
  • Small breast size
  • Breast changes due to age, weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding

Dr Ek will evaluate your situation and listen to your concerns to determine whether breast augmentation is an option for you.

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

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 possible postoperative results. He will work with you to select appropriate implants, according to their type, shape and size. You will also 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.

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.

Understanding the Breast Augmentation Procedure

Your breast augmentation will be performed at an ACHS-accredited hospital as day surgery under general anaesthesia. Dr Ek will use the incision and implant placement as well as the precise implant you chose before your procedure. The operation usually takes around 90 minutes to complete and will include the following components:

Incision Technique
Dr Ek will create your incisions in one of the following areas:

  • In the crease underneath the breast (inframammary)
  • Around the areola (pigmented area surrounding the nipple – periareolar)
  • In your armpit (transaxillary)

Implant Style
Dr Ek will insert the pre-chosen implant through the incision. Your selections will include:

  • Saline or silicone-filled implants
  • Teardrop or round shapes
  • Textured or smooth shells

Location of the Breast Pocket
A pocket will be created to keep the implant in place. This pocket may be located in one of two positions:

  • Above the chest muscle and within the breast tissue (subglandular)
  • Underneath a portion or all of the chest muscle (submuscular)

Making an Informed Decision

Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made after careful consideration and thorough understanding of all aspects involved, including the potential risks, recovery process and expected outcomes. We’re here to support you every step of the way, providing all the information you need to make informed choices about your care.

Motivations

We strongly believe that natural body variation is a part of human individuality and should be respected. Plastic surgery is a personal choice and should never be seen as a necessity to ‘fix’ what’s naturally occurring. The decision to undergo a procedure should not be driven by societal pressures or ideals, but by your personal preferences and realistic expectations.

Risks

Each surgical procedure carries a unique set of inherent risks. These can include, but are not limited to, infection, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, haematoma, unfavourable scarring, blood clots, nerve damage and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result. It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other complications may arise. Some complications can be life-threatening or require additional surgery.

Dr Ek will discuss the risks of your chosen procedure in detail during your consultation.

Recovery

Recovery times for plastic surgery vary widely based on the specific procedure and the individual patient. The recovery process can be demanding; it requires time, support and often changes in lifestyle, such as time off work or temporary restrictions on activity.

To aid recovery, Dr Ek and his team will provide specific post-operative instructions, including the potential need for recovery services like massages or wearing compression garments. Adhering to these instructions and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments are integral to your healing process.

Results

Results from any surgical procedure are influenced by numerous factors, including your age, overall health, skin quality, lifestyle habits and genetic factors. As such, outcomes can vary greatly between individuals, and it is critical to have a realistic understanding of what can be achieved.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr Ek, who will be happy to discuss these considerations in detail.

What Results or Outcomes May Be Achieved

Swelling and bruising often occur after breast augmentation and should 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. Dr Ek’s team will 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.

The results of breast augmentation can be long-lasting. However, implants are not designed to be lifetime devices, and the ageing process does not stop. You may require or desire additional surgery in the future should you experience cosmetic changes, complications or shifting preferences.

For more information on breast augmentation, contact Dr Ek’s office today on (03) 8419 0900.