In Australia, a breast implant manufacturer has recalled its products. The company’s implants have been linked to a rare but potentially fatal infection called capsular contraction.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that the company has voluntarily recalled its silicone-filled breast implants due to a risk of capsular contraction, which can cause scarring around the implant and make it difficult for women to remove their implants. This article talks about breast implant recall symptoms and breast implant recall who pays for removal.
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden and shrink. It can lead to pain, swelling, and other symptoms if left untreated.
Breast Implants Recalled In Australia
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular surgical procedures requested by women today, and Dr Broadhurst is highly experienced in performing the procedure to receive exceptional results.
Every woman is unique, so it takes a great deal of skill and knowledge to achieve breasts that are not only beautiful but work with a patient’s goals, body shape and lifestyle.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation or mammaplasty involves the placement of an implant behind the breast. This will increase breast size, upper pole fullness, and create a better cleavage and breast outline. Breast implants will also fill out and lift the breast to a certain degree, reducing any sagging.
Women undergo a boob job for several reasons, such as volume loss after breastfeeding or weight loss, which may have significantly altered breast shape and size. Some women have always had smaller breasts and long for a breast shape that compliments their natural figure to boost self-confidence. In some cases, women who have had a mastectomy may want a breast augmentation as the first step to reclaiming their womanhood. No matter your reason for breast augmentation surgery, it can bring about a healthier, happier version of yourself.
Dr Andrew Broadhurst regularly consults with women seeking a quality procedure to enhance their natural form and beauty. He is proud to work with you to deliver a breast augmentation that you are delighted with.
When you see Dr Broadhurst, you will be treated in complete privacy and comfort. Your procedure will be performed to the highest surgical standards for a smooth, comfortable, and positive experience.
Breast Augmentation with Dr Broadhurst
“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients. From your first consultation, I will work one-on-one with you to tailor a treatment plan to suit your unique body, fit your lifestyle and achieve the enhanced look you’ve been dreaming of.”
Meet Dr Broadhurst
Types of Breast Implants
The type and size of the implants you choose will depend on what size you want your breasts to be, your skin thickness and elasticity, your breast anatomy, and your body type. Dr Broadhurst will work with you to determine which choice is right for you, as there are many factors to consider.
The types of breast implants used for breast augmentation surgery include:
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are made of a cohesive, elastic gel designed to mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue. Even if your implants rupture or leak, the gel will stay together, reducing the potential for risks such as silicone migration and extracapsular spread.
Saline Implants
Saline implants contain a certain amount of sterilised saltwater surrounded by an outer silicone layer. This implant has a different feel, shape, and firmness than silicone implants. In the event of a saline implant leaking, it will collapse, and the body will naturally absorb the saline.
Once the type of implant is chosen, the kind of finish the implants will have must be decided, which will influence how the implants sit once inserted.
Textured Implants
Textured implants are the most common finish patients have because of their stability which lessens the risk of implant migration.
Smooth Implants
Smooth implants feel much softer and are used for smaller breast shapes, projection, and volume.
Lastly, you will need to decide on the shape of the breast implants. Both implant types are available in the following forms:
Round Breast Implant
Round breast implants are the most common breast implant shape. There are four different types of projection with round implants, which can influence the volume, upper pole fullness, cleavage, and overall shape. Round implants create more fullness at the top of the breasts and are suitable if you want to correct sagging for a fuller appearance.
Teardrop Breast Implant
Teardrop breast implants provide a more natural breast appearance, making the bottom of the breasts fuller rather than the top. Breast volume and fullness is not lost; instead, it is concentrated around the bottom portion of the breast. This is an excellent option for women who prefer a very natural look.
This all may seem overwhelming, but Dr Broadhurst will indicate what choices are best for you based on your body anatomy and your desired outcomes for breast augmentation surgery. There is no wrong choice, as it is all about your individual needs and preferences, and all options have their pros and cons. It is about deciding which options suit you the best, comparing the positives and negatives for the most optimal result.
Consultation
What to expect during your consultation?
Dr Broadhurst’s focus is two-fold: to ensure that you are happy with your breast enlargement procedure and to leave with a finished result that is proportional, natural-looking, and symmetrical. He will consult with you in detail about your breasts’ shape, size, and style and work closely with you to ensure that you make the right choice concerning your breast implants.
Your initial consultation is a virtual appointment over the phone or via FaceTime.
Dr Broadhurst will ask you questions about your medical history. You will discuss your treatment plan in detail and begin making decisions about your breast enlargement options to help you achieve your desired results.
In consultation with him, essential decisions will be made about implant type and size, incision placement, and implant shape. You will also discuss what the procedure entails and what you can expect after surgery and during your recovery.
Your Second Consultation
You will see Dr Broadhurst for a second consultation, face to face, at our Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, or Ballina locations, and can be had at the location closest to you. This appointment will be scheduled a few weeks before your surgery date to ensure you completely understand your procedure and express any concerns or anxieties that you may be experiencing. There is no charge for this consultation.
With 18+ years of experience, Dr Andrew Broadhurst has heard almost every patient question or concern. You can feel confident he will provide you with well-informed answers about breast surgery for your peace of mind.
Procedure
What to expect during your procedure?
Breast augmentation is performed as day surgery under a general anaesthetic. The surgery roughly takes one hour to complete unless you combine your breast augmentation with other procedures such as a tummy tuck.
Dr Broadhurst carefully measures and marks the implant ‘pocket’. An incision is made through the skin and down to the site where the implant is placed. He will create a dual plane pocket under and over your breast muscle to fit the implant. An internal bra is also used to support your implant and ensure it stays exactly where it is placed. Accurate implant pocket creation, precise implant placement, and attention to detail are critical to a successful surgery. Once the implant is inserted, the incision will be closed with internal dissolving sutures.
Breast Implant Placement
Sub-glandular Placement
Sub-glandular or ‘over the muscle’ is when the breast implant is placed above the pectoralis muscles but underneath the breast tissue. Placing the implant in front of the muscle is the simplest option. Still, in women with small breasts and those who are very thin, the implant’s upper border can be visible due to insufficient tissue overlying it.
Sub-muscular Placement
Submuscular or ‘under the muscle’ is when the breast implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle. Placement of the implant under the muscle allows for more breast tissue coverage helping to camouflage the implant providing a more natural appearance. Placement of the implant under the muscle also reduces the rate of capsular contracture (a firm scar that can form around the implant).
Dual Plane Placement
Dual plane placement is a combination of both over and under the muscle. It can provide the best of both worlds by camouflaging the upper part of the implant whilst allowing for a full-looking lower ‘pole’. This type of placement will often create the most natural, aesthetically pleasing breasts, so Dr Andrew Broadhurst most commonly uses this placement.
Incisions & Scarring
An incision in the skin is required to insert an implant. The three most common types of incisions are infra-mammary (in the fold underneath your breasts), peri-areolar (semi-circle around the lower part of your nipple) and axillary (in the armpit). Dr Broadhurst performs a 4-6cm incision at the infra-mammary fold as scarring is concealed, gives excellent surgical access during the procedure, and allows a new fold to be made.
Depending on the extent of physical activity you undertake, you should fully recover within one to two weeks, thanks to Dr Broadhurst’s rapid recovery technique.
Breast Implant Recall Symptoms
A person’s experience with breast implant illness may be unique from person to person. More than fifty symptoms affecting the musculoskeletal system, the mind (cognitive symptoms), and the body as a whole have been reported by those afflicted (systemic symptoms).
Some examples of common musculoskeletal symptoms are:
Discomfort in the joints.
Irritation in the muscles.
Fragile muscles (myopathy).
Cognitive symptoms typically include:
Mood swings and anxiety.
Mental haze.
Fatigue.
Disappearing memories.
Negative effects on focus.
Systemic symptoms that are frequently experienced include:
Indicates or diagnoses an autoimmune disorder.
Intractable suffering.
To have trouble seeing or your eyes to be dry.
Reduced hair volume or loss.
Rashes and other skin issues.
Breast Implant Recall Who Pays For Removal
Until the outcome of lawsuits filed against the makers of textured breast implants, the burden of paying to have them removed will fall on the consumer or the insurer.