Breast surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to address different anatomical needs, including augmentation, reduction, lift, and reconstruction. At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, these procedures are performed by Dr Mark Doyle, a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive training and experience in breast surgery.
About Breast Surgery
Comprehensive Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is a procedure that aims to increase breast size and modify breast shape using implants. The procedure involves placing silicone or saline breast implants, selected based on the patient’s anatomy and preferences. A detailed assessment of chest proportions, tissue characteristics, and implant options is undertaken to help determine an approach that is appropriate for the individual. The focus is on patient education, safety, and long-term monitoring.
Breast Augmentation Implants and Longevity
Patients considering breast augmentation implants are often interested in implant options and how long augmentation results may last. Breast implants are typically silicone-filled and they are available in shapes such as round or anatomical (teardrop).
While modern implants undergo rigorous assessment and regulation by the TGA, it is important to understand that implants are not lifetime devices. Data from international registries, such as the ABDR, and manufacturer guidelines indicate that implants may require replacement or revision over time due to factors such as rupture, capsular contracture, or natural tissue changes. Regular follow-up and imaging, when recommended, assist in monitoring implant integrity and breast health.
Breast Augmentation in Brisbane and Gold Coast
Dr Doyle provides consultation and surgical care to patients from across South-East Queensland, including both the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Gold Coast Plastic Surgery regularly welcomes patients travelling from surrounding regions for breast augmentation surgery and related procedures, supported by a team experienced in coordinating care for both local and interstate patients.
Other Major Breast Surgery Procedures
Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, aims to alleviate symptoms such as back or neck pain, skin irritation, and difficulty with physical activity by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. For eligible patients, this procedure may attract Medicare item numbers and potential rebates through private health insurance, subject to meeting clinical criteria.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed to address breast ptosis by reshaping the breast tissue and repositioning the nipple-areola complex. It may be combined with breast augmentation when both volume enhancement and a lift are required, depending on the patient’s anatomical presentation.
Breast Implant Removal and Revision
Breast implant removal (explantation) and revision surgery involve addressing issues associated with existing implants, including rupture, capsular contracture, or dissatisfaction with previous results. These procedures often require detailed assessment and planning due to variability in tissue quality and surgical history.
Recovery Following Breast Surgery
Recovery varies widely depending on the type of breast surgery performed and individual healing factors. General postoperative care may include wearing compression garments, limiting certain activities, and managing swelling and discomfort as advised by the surgeon. Follow-up appointments assist in monitoring healing progress and providing ongoing guidance.
What Does Dr Doyle Do Differently?
There are hundreds of doctors and plastic surgeons that do Breast Surgery. But, unfortunately, everyone’s experience and knowledge are not the same.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Queensland who has over 30 years of experience implementing modern breast surgery techniques.
Through years of working with different patients and challenging cases, Dr Doyle can help reduce stress relating to your cosmetic or functional breast surgery procedure. His goal is to put you at ease and answer any of the questions you may have leading up to surgery.
Recovery is very important when we talk about plastic and cosmetic surgery. A trained specialist plastic surgeon FRACS (PLAS) with extensive experience can minimise recovery time.
Understanding Risks and Complications
All breast surgery carries risks. Potential complications include infection, haematoma, delayed wound healing, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant-related complications, asymmetry, and capsular contracture. These risks vary depending on the procedure and an individual’s healing response. Dr Doyle provides detailed information on all potential complications during the consultation process.
Specific Risks: BIA-ALCL and Systemic Symptoms
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare lymphoma linked to certain types of textured breast implants. Current TGA guidelines and medical data are discussed in full during consultations. Some patients report systemic symptoms sometimes referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII); however, BII is not formally recognised as a medical diagnosis. Dr Doyle provides up-to-date information to help patients make informed decisions.
Further Reading – Medical References
- Types of Breast Implants | American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Breast Augmentation Surgery Information | ABCS
Breast Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from breast surgery?
Everyone is different, which makes every surgical procedure individualised. For this reason, it is important to know that the length of recovery is also individual, and depends on the extensiveness of the procedure itself, and on the patient’s general health and abilities.
Is breast surgery dangerous?
Breast surgeries are among the lower-risk surgical procedures in plastic surgery if your surgeon specialises in this area and has the necessary knowledge and experience your risks are minimised. While it is considerably regarded as low risk, general risks of surgery do apply. These will be explained to you in detail in your initial consultation with Dr Doyle.
How many months should you delay pregnancy after having breast implants?
It is recommended to postpone pregnancy for at least 6 months after your surgery. This allows your breasts to adjust to their new shape and size.
Can I get breast implants if I have excess skin?
This will depend on the degree of loose breast skin. If you have an extreme amount of excess skin, another procedure may be needed to lift your breasts so that are higher. Breast implants may be recommended for patients with a mild degree of breast ptosis. During your consultation with your plastic surgeon, your breast condition will be first assessed if you are a suitable candidate for breast implants.
Do breast implants need to be replaced?
When undergoing the initial breast augmentation surgery, you may have been told to expect a breast implant replacement after ten years. Fortunately, this is not always the case. An FDA study estimated that only 1 in 5 patients require a breast implant replacement procedure after 10 years following their initial breast augmentation.
What is the average lifespan of breast implants?
The average lifespan of modern Motiva breast implants is 20 years, although some have been known to last up to 40 years.
Will breast surgery increase your risk of breast cancer?
According to research breast surgery will not increase your risk of getting breast cancer. In addition, having breast implants will not hinder the detection of breast tumours. There are however other risks to be aware of such as BIA-ALCL and breast implant illness.
Which breast augmentation surgery is best?
There is no best or worst breast surgery. Each body is different, and as such requires an individualised approach to achieve your surgery goals and results. There are many breast augmentation considerations with each individual breast procedure. The procedure and important considerations will be explained in detail in your initial consultation. For more information, book in for a consultation with Dr Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery today.
Your First Step: Scheduling a Consultation
Before proceeding with any cosmetic breast surgery, patients are required to obtain a valid GP referral prior to booking a consultation. At least two consultations must then take place, with a minimum of one occurring directly with the Specialist Plastic Surgeon to ensure patients receive comprehensive, personalised information. Following these appointments and once consent has been given, a mandatory cooling-off period of at least seven days applies before surgery can be scheduled or any deposits can be paid. These requirements are in place to support informed decision-making, provide ample time for consideration, and ensure patients move forward with a clear understanding of the procedure and its implications.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
