Keep all your dressings intact until you see Nurse Nikki at your follow up appointment. These dressings are waterproof which means you can shower with them on. If water happens to get underneath the dressings to the suture line, you can change the dressings to a similar dressing until your follow up in the rooms. You will have dissolvable sutures from your surgery, they will dissolve over a period of weeks to a couple of months.
You will be provided with a surgical garment (bra). This garment is to be worn for a minimum period of six weeks unless advised other-wise post-operatively, excluding showering. Please allow this time before bra shopping.
You may also be required to wear a stabiliser band. Please wear black stabiliser bands provided for a minimum period of two weeks OR if instructed otherwise by your surgeon.
Additional bras can be purchased from https://exquisitebodies.com.au/alice-post-op-bra-hook-eye/ Kmart also sell post surgical bras, I suggest trying the bra on to ensure it is comfortable and offers similar support to your surgical bra.
Swelling is to be expected for a minimum of 6wks and will fluctuate on occasions but will continue to improve over the next 12 weeks before it completely subsides.
The initial swelling of this process usually takes around 6wks and the whole process can take up to 6 months. During this time you may feel like your implants look smaller than expected, square, asymmetrical, one being higher than the other or both too high. Please be patient with this process and your recovery.
You may experience numbness or lack of/increase sensitivity in areas caused by the stretching of the sensory nerves. This is only temporary and will likely resolve in a few weeks. We advise lightly touching as much as you can tolerate. This helps to desensitise the new nerves and will also help to relieve the pain and shooting sensation. Nerve pain is described as a burning, shooting, electric shock sensation. Throughout surgery, nerve fibres are stretched and injured due to implant placement, creating these sensations. Nerve related pain commonly occurs during the first six months post-operatively.
Crunching/Air bubbles or fluid can sometimes be felt or heard until the implants “drop and fluff” into place, this will eventually be absorbed into the body over the next few weeks.
Please refrain from strenuous exercise, straining or heavy lifting for the first six weeks. We do, however, encourage patients to gently mobilise every day. Avoid directly activating your chest muscle post-surgery. Your muscles have been directly affected throughout surgery and will take approximately six weeks to heal. You can swim from 4 weeks and once your wounds have completely healed.
You may sleep flat or on your side with a pillow to support your back. Be mindful not to put pressure on your breasts for the first few weeks.
After your surgery your anaesthetist will have prescribed you medication. Take this as instructed. It will help with your pain and help you to relax making your postoperative recovery easier. All medication will be talked through with your anaesthetist on the day of surgery and a full medication history will be noted. Your medications will come with instructions of when to take and how many tablets to take each time. You will be unable to drive until all prescription pain relief has ceased and you feel physically ready. If the pain is mild or you have exhausted your strong pain relief, take Nurofen or Panadol as the side effects are minimal.
These are common side effects of general anesthesia and/or opioid analgesia. At lower doses opioid pain relief can make you feel sleepy and decrease pain but in higher doses can make some people feel nauseated. If you can control your pain, reduce the dose of your pain relief medication to treat. Your pain relief is only as needed and ensure you are staying hydrated.
This is the most common side effect of opioid pain relief medications. To avoid constipation post-surgery we recommend taking an over the counter gentle laxative like Movicol from the day of your surgery until you have ceased all pain relief to prevent bloating and constipation. Gentle walking, drinking plenty of water and eating more fibre is also advised.
Although most dissolvable sutures will be absorbed, it is very common for the human body to reject them completely. Spitting Sutures will need to be removed in a sterile manner to avoid infection. Signs and symptoms are small lumps that appear like pimples along the incision site. The surrounding skin becomes irritated, inflamed or sore. You can feel hard areas protruding throughout the incision site that may catch on clothing. Please notify Nurse Nikki via email if you feel this may be occurring.
Cessation of smoking or vaping is essential for a minimum of 4wks prior to and 6wks post procedure. Smoking decreases oxygenation to tissue and impairs wound healing. Complications that arise from smoking negatively affect general health and, in some instances, lead to a poor aesthetic outcome.
No alcohol for 1 week minimum prior to surgery and 1 week post to reduce the risk of developing any complications.
Scar treatment will commence after your dressings are removed, around the 3 week mark. This gel is called Strataderm Gel and is readily available at all pharmacies.
Cosmetic surgery is a form of surgery and, like all surgical procedures, carries risks and potential complications. It is important that anyone considering cosmetic surgery is provided with accurate and complete information about these risks before deciding whether to proceed.
Dr Alex Phoon is an Australian specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery, AHPRA registration number: MED0001587102). He performs cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in accredited hospital facilities with appropriately qualified surgical, anaesthetic, and nursing teams.
This page outlines general categories of risks and complications that may be associated with cosmetic surgery. A full discussion of risks specific to an individual procedure will be provided in writing and during consultation as part of the informed consent process.
Scarring is a common concern for people considering cosmetic surgery. All surgery results in some form of scarring, and while techniques are used to help reduce its appearance, it cannot be completely avoided. The extent and visibility of scars vary between individuals and depend on factors such as the type of surgery, healing response, and skin characteristics.
Read moreThe severity and appearance of scars can vary from person to person and depend on the type of procedure performed. Factors such as genetics, skin type, and individual healing responses can influence how noticeable scars may be. In many cases, scars may become less prominent over time, but this process is highly individual.
Scarring is a normal part of the body’s healing process. When the skin is cut or injured, the body forms new collagen fibres to repair the area. This healing response creates a scar, which may differ in colour and texture from the surrounding skin.
Different types of scars may occur after cosmetic surgery. For example, hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened areas that may be red or itchy. Keloid scars, which grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound, can occur in some people and may be more common in those with darker skin tones.
While surgical techniques aim to minimise tension on the skin and place incisions in less visible areas, scarring cannot be completely avoided. Patients are often advised to follow post-operative instructions carefully, which may include wound care, the use of silicone gels or dressings, and sun protection.
In some situations, scar management or revision procedures may be discussed. These may include treatments such as laser therapy, dermabrasion, or surgical excision. The choice of treatment depends on the type of scar and individual circumstances, and outcomes can vary.
It is important to have realistic expectations about scarring before undergoing surgery. Scars cannot be eliminated, but there are options to help improve their appearance. Patients are encouraged to raise any questions or concerns with their surgeon, so they can make an informed decision about the procedure and understand the potential risks and management strategies.
Infection is a potential risk of any surgical procedure, including cosmetic surgery. Although strict sterilisation and infection-control protocols are followed, it is not possible to remove this risk entirely. The likelihood and severity of infection can vary depending on individual factors and the type of procedure performed.
Read moreTo help reduce the risk of infection, surgeons may use antibiotics, follow strict aseptic techniques, and monitor patients for any signs of infection. Patients also play an important role in their recovery by carefully following post-operative care instructions, which can assist in lowering the risk of complications.
Infection is a recognised risk of all surgical procedures, including cosmetic surgery. Any time the skin is cut, there is an entry point for bacteria and other microorganisms. Although healthcare professionals follow strict sterilisation protocols to reduce this risk, it cannot be completely eliminated.
To help lower the likelihood of infection, surgeons may use antibiotics, follow strict aseptic techniques during surgery, and monitor patients carefully afterwards. Antibiotics may be prescribed before and/or after the operation, depending on the procedure and the patient’s individual medical circumstances.
During surgery, precautions such as using sterile instruments, maintaining a controlled environment, and wearing protective clothing are followed to help reduce the introduction of bacteria into the surgical site. Even with these measures, infections can still occur, which is why ongoing monitoring and early management are important.
Patients also play an important role in their recovery. Following post-operative instructions-such as keeping the surgical site clean and dry, avoiding activities that could interfere with healing, and promptly reporting any signs of infection (for example redness, swelling, pain, or discharge)-can assist in reducing the chance of complications.
While the risk of infection cannot be removed entirely, these combined strategies-both by the surgical team and the patient-are designed to support safer recovery and allow for timely management if infection develops.
Pain and discomfort are common after cosmetic surgery. These symptoms can vary between individuals and procedures, but strategies such as prescribed pain relief and supportive care are often used to help manage them.
Read moreThe level of pain experienced after cosmetic surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure, an individual’s pain threshold, and their healing response. Pain relief medications are often prescribed to help manage discomfort during recovery. Patients are encouraged to communicate openly with their healthcare team about their pain, as effective management is an important part of the recovery process.
Although cosmetic surgery is performed with the intention of improving appearance, there is a risk that the final result may not meet a patient’s expectations or may differ from the anticipated outcome.
Read moreOutcomes can be influenced by many factors, including individual healing responses and the expectations a patient brings to surgery. It is important for patients to have open and thorough discussions with their surgeon about what results are realistically achievable and any potential limitations. In some cases, further procedures may be considered if the initial outcome does not meet expectations.
Nerve injury is a possible complication of cosmetic surgery.
Read moreSurgeons take care to minimise the risk of nerve injury during procedures, but this risk cannot be removed entirely. Nerve damage may result in altered sensation such as numbness, tingling, or reduced sensitivity in the area of surgery. In some cases, these changes improve over time, although recovery can vary and some effects may be long-lasting. Patients are encouraged to discuss this risk with their surgeon before making a decision about surgery.
Bruising and swelling are expected effects after cosmetic surgery, especially during the initial stages of recovery.
Read moreBruising and swelling are part of the body’s normal healing response after surgery. Measures such as compression garments, elevation, and cold compresses may be recommended to help manage these effects. Although usually temporary, bruising and swelling can cause discomfort and may influence the recovery process. Following post-operative care instructions can assist in supporting recovery, but the duration and severity of these symptoms vary between individuals.
Bleeding during or after surgery is a possible complication of any surgical procedure, including cosmetic surgery.
Read moreSurgeons use techniques during surgery to help control bleeding, but some post-operative bleeding can still occur. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if bleeding seems excessive or does not improve with gentle pressure. In rare cases, more significant bleeding may require further treatment in hospital, which can include additional procedures or, occasionally, a blood transfusion.
A seroma is a collection of fluid that may develop under the skin following surgery.
Read moreSeromas form as part of the body’s inflammatory response and are more common after larger surgical procedures. They may cause swelling or discomfort. To manage this, surgeons may use drains during surgery or remove fluid afterwards through a procedure called aspiration. While these measures can help reduce the likelihood of fluid build-up, seromas can still occur. Regular follow-up and monitoring allow for timely detection and management if they develop.
Complications related to anaesthesia are uncommon but can occur with any surgical procedure, including cosmetic surgery.
Read moreAnaesthesia is used during surgery to manage pain and keep patients comfortable. The risks associated with anaesthesia can vary depending on individual factors such as medical history, allergies, and overall health. Anaesthetists are specialist doctors who monitor patients throughout the procedure and use established techniques to help reduce these risks, although complications can still occur.
Although rare, death is a possible risk with any surgical procedure, including cosmetic surgery. It is important for patients to be aware that all surgery carries inherent risks.
Read morePatient safety is a key focus in cosmetic surgery. Preoperative assessment, careful surgical planning, and adherence to established protocols are important in helping to reduce risks. Patients are encouraged to discuss their individual concerns and circumstances with their surgical team.
In conclusion, while cosmetic surgery may change a person’s appearance, it also carries risks and potential complications. Understanding these risks and discussing them openly with a surgeon supports informed decision-making and realistic expectations. Following post-operative care instructions and maintaining clear communication with the healthcare team can also play an important role in recovery.
