Possible risks associated with breast surgery include bleeding or infection, accumulation of fluid around the implant after surgery, allergic reaction to medical materials, changes in breast and nipple sensation, temporary or permanent areas of numbness, nipple necrosis, skin wrinkling over the implant, keloid or hypertrophic scar formation, capsular contracture, inappropriate implant size, implant rupture or deflation, asymmetry of the breasts, calcium deposits in the scar capsule around the implant, granulomas, breastfeeding difficulties, reduced effectiveness of breast cancer screening, movement of the implants, further surgery to treat complications, anaesthesia risks, including allergic reactions or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications, and blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, which can be life-threatening if they move to the lungs or brain. It is important to discuss these risks with a qualified doctor before undergoing breast surgery.

RECOVERY

Recovery time after cosmetic surgery can vary depending on multiple factors, such as the size and type of implant, surgical technique, and placement. As each woman is unique, recovery duration may differ. Typically, it takes 1-12 months for a full recovery, during which time it is crucial to avoid strenuous physical activity, lifting heavy objects, and excessive exertion to ensure proper healing.

AFTER SURGERY

• No showering for five days. After five days, avoid saturating the dressings, dry with a hairdryer on a low heat setting. If dressings get overly wet, you will require a dressing change earlier.

• Do not massage your breasts.

• Do not put anything on your breasts: ice, heat, oils etc.

• You may experience nausea and vomiting following the general anaesthetic. You will be prescribed anti-nausea medication that will help manage this.

• It is important to maintain a good oral intake of food and fluids as the analgesia (pain medication) can cause bloating and constipation.

• Maximise resting in the first week of healing; you should not be performing any excessive exercise or activity which elevates your heart rate or causes you to break a sweat for the first three weeks of healing.

• Do not drink alcohol for 1 week or until your antibiotic course is complete.

• Do not drive for one week.

• You may resume all supplements ceased after two weeks.

• No smoking for at least six weeks; significant wound healing compromise can occur if you continue smoking.

• It is normal to hear strange gurgling, sloshing sounds in the breast pocket.

• Numbness and altered sensation is normal.

• Bruising may occur as the surgery involves manipulation of the muscles and skin of your chest. We recommend taking arnica tablets post surgery if you are prone to bruising.

• Breasts should be treated as separate surgeries: one may heal faster than the other, they may appear uneven in early recovery, trust the process. It will take up to three months before the swelling starts to subside. You should generally allow up to one year to see the final results of your surgery.

ARMS & LIFTING

• Textured Implants: Don’t lift arms above shoulder height for two weeks

• Motiva / Smooth Implants: Don’t lift arms above shoulder height for four weeks

• Don’t lift or push anything heavier than 5kg for six weeks

• After six weeks this can be increased by 5kg per week as comfort permits

SLEEPING

• Week 0 – 1: Sleep and rest in an inclined position on 2-3 pillows

• Week 2 – 3: You may sleep flat on your back

• Weeks 3 +You may sleep on your side

• No stomach sleeping for six months

POST OP BRA

• Zero – twelve weeks: wear your bra 24/7 – it should feel firm, but it’s not a sports bra and should not feel as tight as one

• After twelve weeks (pending review): no bra, strapless bras, bras with underwire may be worn for short periods of time (as long as you aren’t doing anything that involves moving the breasts or exercising)

• After three months: padding may be worn

• You must wear your post operative bra at night to sleep in for a minimum of 12 months.

• If you have Motiva implants you are required to wear your postop bra for three months

• We recommend wearing your bra as much as you can. Your implants will keep their shape and last longer if you wear a bra the majority of the time.

EXERCISE

• No exercise or submerging your body under water for six weeks, no exceptions.

• Week one: Gentle walking only – the pace you would walk around a shopping centre.

• Week six (pending review): light exercise, gym work, running, swimming. A slow increase of 5kg per week. You must wear a supportive and firm fitting sports bra if you are exercising.

• Three Months: contact sports, surfing, horse riding, netball, scuba diving, gun range, skydiving, roller coasters, bowling.

• Six Months: Crossfit style exercise, MMA fighting, pole dancing.

• Sexual intercourse: may be resumed after two weeks, however if you are resuming prior to six weeks your post op bra must remain on, refrain from any strenuous movements that could disrupt healing (ie. bouncing, grabbing and handling of the breasts). No mouth to nipple contact for three months to prevent infection.

RESUMING TREATMENTS

• Cosmetic Injections: resumed after two weeks

• Dental Work: resumed after six weeks – advise your dentist you have implants as you may require prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection

• Laser Hair Removal: body – resumed after six weeks, no laying on your stomach for at least 6 months, underarms – resumed after three months

• Tattoos: body – tattoos resumed after six weeks, breast/ torso – resumed after six months

• Piercings: body piercings resumed after six weeks, NO nipple piercings for at least three months (pending doctor review) due to infection risk

• Massage: resumed as comfort permits, no laying on your stomach for at least six months

• Tanning: resumed after three months. Cover incisions and nipples with tape for at least twelve months

• Sauna: six weeks after surgery (provided incisions have healed)

• Cool Sculpting/ Body Sculpting: stomach resumed after six months, body resumed after three months, no laying on your stomach for at least six months

REVISION POLICY

Complications, and unforeseen problems may occasionally arise, and in these instances further costs will incur.

Initial fees are paid for surgery only and results are never guaranteed. Future procedures are not covered by the original quote or fees previously paid (unless otherwise stated)

• Costs associated with a future procedure may include, but are not limited to: airfares, accommodation, carer, time off work, loss of income, medication, pathology, diagnostic investigations and surgical garments.

• There is a about a five to ten per cent chance that a revision procedure will be required after a cosmetic procedure, such as a “touch up” or correcting a complication.

• The revision rate for a full mastopexy is generally between seventeen and twenty-five per cent. When subsequent revision procedures are necessary, the results are less likely to be in line with your aesthetic goals in comparison to the results of a primary surgery.

It is imperative that patients are fully aware of and have a clear understanding of the risks and complications of a medical procedure before consenting to them.

If a revision procedure is required within your twelve-month postoperative period, our doctors will often waive their surgical fees. However, you will need to pay for the third-party fees associated with hospital and anaesthetic.

• This is charged at $3,200* per hour (which includes hospital, general anaesthetic and consumables).

Patients outside of their twelve-month postoperative period will need to pay full fees. Please note: Additional expenses or expenditure may apply for implant fees, breast mesh etc.

This policy will only apply for correction of a complication that has occurred as a result of the primary surgery. This policy is not applicable for change of mind, implant removal, size increase or decrease etc.

Fees are subject to change without notice.