easts Are you chasing a price point or an effective result? Breast augmentation is a popular procedure, but don’t let “discount” surgeries lull you into a false sense of security. Caitlin Bishop reports. 50 www.cosbeauty.com.au
easts Dr John Flynn, a cosmetic doctor in practise on the Gold Coast in Queensl<strong>and</strong>, says the popularity of breast augmentation <strong>and</strong> the discount options emerging in today’s market have caused a surge in the uptake of breast implant augmentation. However, this rise may lull the patient into a false sense of security. ‘Breast augmentation is an extremely common procedure – especially in younger women,’ he says. ‘My concern, however, is that breast augmentation is becoming so popular that there is a danger of trivialising the procedure <strong>and</strong> overlooking the chances of complications <strong>and</strong> post-operative difficulties.’ According to Dr Flynn, the same goes for surgery procedures performed overseas. ‘When surgery is performed in the same town as the surgeon, it’s easier to manage any complications,’ he explains. ‘When the surgeon is located some 3,000km away, this becomes more difficult, particularly with the communication <strong>and</strong> interpretation issues that sometimes arise. When patients are chasing a price tag, they often don’t consider if the procedure is actually suitable for them, <strong>and</strong> the possibility of complications post-operation.’ Certainly, some breast augmentation procedures can be straightforward, with minimal complications. However in those cases that call for a slightly more complicated surgical approach, or in revision breast augmentation procedures, the surgeon needs to have sufficient experience <strong>and</strong> expertise to account for the increased likelihood of a problem, according to Dr Flynn. ‘Straightforward breast augmentations aside, other patients present with a very different situation,’ says Dr Flynn. ‘They might present with major differences between the breasts, or they may have tuberous or sagging breasts.’ ‘These patients call for a special type of surgical approach, <strong>and</strong> can’t be treated with the “one-size fit all” approach,’ he adds. ‘Experience <strong>and</strong> expertise is paramount to achieving the best results in these patients – not only to deal with the surgery but also to recognise the condition in consultation, <strong>and</strong> to tailor the surgery accordingly.’ This awareness in consultation is particularly necessary in patients presenting with tuberous breasts. ‘Tuberous breasts affects the anatomy of the breasts <strong>and</strong> warrants a different surgical approach in breast augmentation,’ Dr Flynn explains. ‘In less severe cases, patients approach me seeking breast augmentation <strong>and</strong> can be unaware that they even have the condition. A thorough consultation is necessary to diagnose the condition <strong>and</strong> establish the best surgical plan.’ In primary breast augmentation, some common complications following surgery include capsular contracture <strong>and</strong> implant rupture or repositioning. ‘Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications following breast augmentation surgery. It occurs when the breast tissue contracts around the implant <strong>and</strong> the breast often appears hard <strong>and</strong> distorted in shape,’ he explains. ‘The type of surgery required to correct this is far more complicated than a primary augmentation procedure.’ Dr Flynn has more than 30 years’ experience in aesthetic surgery. He has an extensive history of achieving successful results in both primary augmentations <strong>and</strong> secondary or revision procedures. ‘I’m not talking about limiting competition. Competition is healthy – it means everyone has to work harder,’ he says. ‘Prices need to be competitive, but they also need to be realistic <strong>and</strong> not dictate the quality of care provided.’ csbm www.cosbeauty.com.au 51
Change language