FAQs

Scarring is an inevitable outcome following surgery. Whenever a surgical procedure requires cutting through multiple layers of skin, a scar will form. Our doctors aim to minimise the scar’s size and visibility by utilising appropriate surgical techniques.  Some or all of the existing surgical scar will be excised so that the skin closure is fresh skin to fresh skin.

Ultimately the appearance of your scar comes down to how your body heals, genetics and post care. Your surgical scars should fade over time with appropriate postoperative care and can be further minimised with post-procedure treatment.

Please visit Scarring After Surgery for more information.

Following breast implant removal and replacement surgery, several risks and complications may arise. These include:

1. Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, which can be managed with antibiotics but may require further treatment if severe.

2. Capsular Contracture: The formation of scar tissue around the implant can cause it to harden and become painful, potentially affecting the appearance and feel of the breast.

3. Bleeding or Hematoma: Accumulation of blood within the breast tissue can cause swelling and require additional procedures to manage.

4. Implant Rupture or Leakage: Although rare, new implants can rupture or leak, necessitating further surgery to replace them.

5. Changes in Sensation: Alterations in nipple or breast sensation can occur, ranging from increased sensitivity to numbness.

6. Scarring: Surgical incisions can leave scars, which may vary in appearance and may be more noticeable depending on the healing process.

7. Seroma: Fluid accumulation around the implant can cause swelling and may need to be drained.

8. Displacement or Asymmetry: The new implants may shift or settle differently, potentially leading to uneven results that may require corrective surgery.

9. Poor Wound Healing: Some patients may experience delayed or problematic wound healing, which could affect recovery time and results.

10. Anesthesia Risks: As with any surgery requiring anesthesia, there are inherent risks associated with its use, including reactions or complications.

11. Allergic Reactions: Rarely, patients might have allergic reactions to materials used in the implants or medications.

Discussing these risks with your doctor will help you understand how they apply to your specific situation and what steps can be taken to minimise them.

Following the operation, patients will require three dressing changes, performed at weekly intervals. We provide our Out of Town Patients with a letter containing detailed dressing change instructions to give to their GP if you cannot attend dressing change appointments at the Brisbane clinic.

Most patients should expect to take around one to two weeks off work. Patients with office jobs can usually return to work after one week; however, more physically demanding jobs will require a longer recovery period. You can usually resume normal activities, including gym exercises by six weeks.

Breast surgery carries potential risks that include bleeding or infection, accumulation of fluid around the implant, allergic reactions to medical materials, changes in breast and nipple sensation, temporary or permanent numbness in specific areas, wrinkling of the skin over the implant, keloid or hypertrophic scar formation, capsular contracture, improper implant size, implant rupture or deflation, breast asymmetry, calcium deposits in the scar capsule surrounding the implant, granulomas, difficulties with breastfeeding, diminished effectiveness of breast cancer screening, implant movement, the need for further surgical procedures to address complications, anaesthesia risks such as allergic reactions or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications, and blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, which can be life-threatening if they migrate to the lungs or brain. It is crucial to discuss these risks thoroughly with a qualified doctor prior to undergoing breast augmentation surgery.

Major swelling usually subsides by three months, and the final results are noticeable at around the one-year mark. A compression bra will need to be worn continuously for six weeks following surgery.

The cost of your breast augmentation can be broken down into four main components: the doctor’s fee, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and implant costs. At Inigo Cosmetic, we customise our breast surgeries for each patient. To receive a detailed cost breakdown, please book a consultation with one of our doctors.

Following the operation, patients will require three dressing changes, performed at weekly intervals. We provide our Out of Town Patients with a letter containing detailed dressing change instructions to give to their GP if you cannot attend dressing change appointments at the Brisbane clinic.

Most patients should expect to take around one to two weeks off work. Patients with office jobs can usually return to work after one week; however, more physically demanding jobs will require a longer recovery period. You can usually resume normal activities, including gym exercises by six weeks.

Breast surgery carries potential risks that include bleeding or infection, accumulation of fluid around the implant, allergic reactions to medical materials, changes in breast and nipple sensation, temporary or permanent numbness in specific areas, wrinkling of the skin over the implant, keloid or hypertrophic scar formation, capsular contracture, improper implant size, implant rupture or deflation, breast asymmetry, calcium deposits in the scar capsule surrounding the implant, granulomas, difficulties with breastfeeding, diminished effectiveness of breast cancer screening, implant movement, the need for further surgical procedures to address complications, anaesthesia risks such as allergic reactions or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications, and blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, which can be life-threatening if they migrate to the lungs or brain. It is crucial to discuss these risks thoroughly with a qualified doctor prior to undergoing breast augmentation surgery.

Major swelling usually subsides by three months, and the final results are noticeable at around the one-year mark. A compression bra will need to be worn continuously for six weeks following surgery.

You may want to replace your implants if your existing implants have developed asymmetry, display ptosis (sag), feel painful or hard, or if you desire a change in size.

No. Removal and replacement of breast implants is more complex than a primary breast augmentation. It requires a thorough consultation, surgical plan, and additional time in theatre. We recommend you book in a consultation with one of our doctors for additional information.

The ideal candidate for removal and replacement of breast implants is someone who:

• Has clear goals and aesthetic outcomes

• Has a good understanding of what can and cannot be achieved with revision surgery

• Is considered to be

  in overall good mental and physical health

• Has realistic wants and expectations

Implants can be replaced for several different reasons: Rupture, capsular contracture, dissatisfaction with overall result, or a change in aesthetic appearance.

If you don’t want your breast implants replaced, the implants can be removed completely (known as an explant). Depending on the skin quality and laxity, excess skin may be removed by performing a breast lift at the time of the explant surgery.

It is recommended that you wait at least six months before undergoing any revision surgery to allow the tissue and skin adequate time to heal. We also recommend you book a consultation with one of our doctors to discuss your options.