Has your perfect pair shifted or changed shape overtime causing you discomfort and leaving you with undesired looking breasts?  Gradually, silicone or saline implants may alter in shape or size as well as the overlying breast tissue. Breast revision surgery can offer both immediate and long-term benefits that will address a wide range of your concerns.

Here’s why most women would consider replacing or removing their breast implants:

1. Wanting to change size

Often, patients who are unhappy with the size or shape of their implants will undergo revision surgery to decrease or increase the size. This simply involves replacing the old implants with new ones.

2. Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a common complication of breast augmentation which involves the formation of scar tissue around your implant. The tissue can harden and start to contract on the implant, causing discomfort and the implant to lift up on the chest wall. Breast revision surgery involves removing the implant and scar tissue, and replacing it with a new implant of the same or revised size.

3. Deflation of Saline Implant

Although extremely rare, saline implants can rupture and deflate due to a tear in the implant shell. This can cause the saline to leak out and be harmlessly absorbed. While this does not pose any health risks, we recommend a revision surgery to prevent an uneven or imbalanced look.

4. Rupture of Silicone Implant

Unlike saline implants, the rupture of silicone implants should be treated immediately. The spread of silicone in the body can be harmful. However, this is more common amongst older implants as the new generation of silicone implants have lower rupture rates.

5. Asymmetry/Sagging

Finally, breastfeeding or excessive weight loss may cause your breasts to sag or alter in shape. Replacing your implants will help return your breasts to their original or revised shape that is better suited to your body changes.

Regardless of whether you are wanting to replace or remove your implants, breast revision surgery is considerably less invasive than a breast augmentation. The surgery usually only takes an hour to complete under general anaesthesia.

As with any surgery, breast revision surgery has risks which your ACC surgeon will explain during your consultation. The best way to minimise these risks and attain great results is choosing a trusted surgeon that understands your vision. Your ACC surgeon will address any concerns you may have during the initial consultation. From here, they will assess your current implants and decide on a treatment personalised to you. The recovery of breast revision surgery is considerably short, lasting only 1-2 weeks.

For further information on breast revision surgery or to find out if your implants need replacing, contact Australia Cosmetic Clinics on 1300 559 848. Alternatively, email us at info@australiacosmeticclinics.com.au to book a free consultation.

Imagine if you could see your results before surgery… with Australia Cosmetic Clinics VECTRA 3D Imaging, you can!

Considering surgery, but finding it hard to commit?
Utilising the newest technology, the VECTRA 3D Imaging and Simulation System can now generate an accurate representation of your post-surgery outcome, allowing you to visualise your results before you book your surgery! This groundbreaking 3D imaging technology allows you and your doctor to examine the possible outcomes for your unique body type, enabling you to make informed decisions about your procedure results.

So what is the VECTRA 3D Imaging and Simulation System?
Quite simply, it is a three- dimensional technology that uses ultra-high resolution colour imaging to analyse the body. The machine will first take a series of photographs from several angles, and then combine them to form the most accurate portrayal of your body. With this three-dimensional image, your doctor can apply alterations; such as size or shape to the locations you so desire. Note: that the 3D simulation is not able to produce a 100% accurate representation, as the final result will always depend on independent factors such as; the individual patient, the surgeon and your recovery. Nonetheless, VECTRA 3D Imaging makes it possible for both parties to visualise and understand the possible outcomes of a procedure before surgery takes place, helping to eliminate the risk of future disappointment or the need for additional operations.

To find out more about this incredible machine, or to book your VECTRA 3D session, contact Australia Cosmetic Clinics on 1300 559 848 or submit an enquiry here.

Watch the short video below, for further insight into the amazing nature of the VECTRA 3D Imaging System. 

It’s easy for people to assume that cosmetic surgery just involves nose jobs and breast enhancements, but what most people don’t know is that it’s not unusual for cosmetic surgery to be deemed completely medically necessary by medical professionals. And luckily for the people in this boat, private health insurance can help fund your surgery. Here’s how to go about it:

Learn the terminology

The difference between a medically necessary procedure and an elective procedure comes down to professional opinion. The purpose of reconstructive plastic surgery is typically to correct abnormalities, which can come in a multitude of forms and be caused by a range of things. For example, an abnormality could be either congenital or acquired. However, as a general rule, if a doctor or specialist formally recommends surgery as an option for treatment, there is a very high chance that your insurance provider will recognise this and provide a rebate for it.

Know your cover

If you do have private health insurance, what you really need to know is what kind of procedures you’re covered for. There are a few procedures that a comprehensive hospital policy should typically cover. In terms of recovery and recuperation, not a lot of treatments are covered, but it can include (not limited to):

• Surgeries to fix congenital abnormalities (conditions that you have been born with or that have existed before birth).
• Reconstructive surgery as treatment for extreme burns.
• Surgery to fix a traumatic injury.
• Cancer or tumour removal, or surgeries that follow the removal of a cancer or tumour (for example, a reconstruction after a mastectomy).
• Procedures to repair bad scars or skin lacerations.

Know your options

There are three main private health insurance options for plastic and reconstructive surgery. You can:

• Take out a comprehensive policy that covers you for reconstructive plastic surgery.
• Choose a policy that offers restrictive cover for reconstructive plastic surgery in order to lower your premiums.
• Choose a policy that excludes cover for reconstructive plastic surgery altogether.

Make the most of what you’re paying for

Excluding or restricting plastic surgery from your policy is something that a lot of people do, but although it may cut costs in the short-term, you’ll never know whether you’ll need it later on down the track. It’s also important to review your health insurance policy regularly– every year if you can. It doesn’t take long, just go over your current cover and work out whether you think you need to add or remove any elements. For example, if you’re a senior paying for cover for pregnancy-related services, your money could definitely be put towards something more useful.

If you’re looking into taking out a higher level of cover, compare health insurance policies for cosmetic surgery online to make sure you’re getting the best value for money. What you choose is completely up to you. If you need more information later down the track, have a look at the Ombudsman’s website.

Bessie Hassan is finder.com.au’s resident Insurance Expert.

If you’ve recently decided to go ahead with breast augmentation surgery, congratulations – you’ve already made the biggest decision.

Breast augmentation is a very popular and effective way to increase your bust size, reduce sagging, improve firmness and correct any issues with asymmetrical or disproportionately sized breasts.

However, you’ll still need to consider which implant material is best for you. Breast implants can be made up of 2 types of different fillers – either silicone gel or saline solution.

Each implant material has its own pros and cons, so there is no clear way to say which type of implant is best is best. You must decide based largely on your own personal goals and preferences and the expert advice provided by your cosmetic surgeon.

To help you start thinking about your decision, we’ve put together some information on the silicone and saline filler materials that are used for implants in breast augmentation, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Silicone Breast Implants

In Australia, approximately 99% of breast augmentation procedures use silicone, however saline is still an option.

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel, chosen as a filler material because of its excellent cohesion, durability and robustness. This means silicone implants are long lasting, soft and light.

Another big advantage of silicone implants is that the gel feels slightly more like natural breast tissue than saline, resulting in very natural looking and feeling breasts. There is less “rippling” and silicone provides a very normal slope to the upper part of the breast.

The main drawback of silicone implants is that if the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. Therefore, if you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly.

Saline Breast Implants

With saline breast implants, the implant is filled with sterile salt water. Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel.

The biggest advantage of saline implants is that if the implant shell ever leaked, a saline implant will simply collapse, with the saline being absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Many people see this as a very safe and risk-free option.

There are also variations in the placements of incisions, during breast augmentation procedures, and these will largely depend on which implant material is used. With saline implants, you’ll have more options as to where the incisions in the breast can be made, providing greater choice for patients in terms of where their scars are located. 

Because saline implants are only inflated after insertion, they also require smaller incisions, which helps reduce scarring.

However, saline implants are more likely to become ruptured or deformed, so you will have to consider these trade-offs when making your decision.

Australia’s Leading Plastic Surgery Practice

Still wondering whether saline or silicone implants are the right option for you?

Talk to a professional cosmetic surgeon about the differences between saline and silicone breast implants, to find the best personalised solution for you.

Contact the team at Australia Cosmetic Clinics, Australia’s leading plastic surgery practice with clinics in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Providing a holistic approach to cosmetic surgery, the friendly team of cosmetic surgeons and expert registered nurses are committed to quality and safety in every aspect of the customised treatment program we provide to our patients.

ACC specialise in breast augmentation (breast implants), tummy tuck and mommy makeover surgery, buttock augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose job), breast lifts, breast reduction, liposuction, face lifts, eyelid surgery and more.

Call ACC on 1300 559 848 or contact the team online to book your surgical consultation session.