Sydney Hydrafacial / North Shore Hydrafacial / Northern Beaches / Ryde / Macquarie Hydrafacial

We are one of the few plastic surgery clinics in Sydney to offer Hydrafacial. We are also the only clinic north of Chatswood and one of the only clinics in northern Sydney to offer it.

What is Hydrafacial?

HydraFacial is an innovative technology that delivers the results of an advanced facial in under 30 minutes. It is an experience that is unlike any conventional facial treatment leaving you with confidence and satisfaction. It uses a patented technology which is a hydradermabrasion procedure that can simultaneously cleanse, exfoliate, clear congested pores and deliver nourishing serums to your skin. In addition to instantly noticeable results after each treatment, you will also experience longer lasting results with a short series of Hydra treatments.

What are the steps of a Hydrafacial?

• Cleanse + Peel – Uncover a new layer of skin with gentle exfoliation and relaxing resurfacing.
• Extract + Hydrate – Remove debris from pores with painless suction. Nourish with intense moisturisers that quench skin.
• Fuse + Protect – Saturate the skin’s surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximise your glow.

What are the benefits?

A Hydrafacial is for everyone – it offers a vigorous exfoliation that removes dead cells and extracts impurities from the skin while restoring hydration. This leaves the skin more supple and vibrant. During treatment, a gentle chemical peel is used to further exfoliate and improve skin tone and texture. There is also the option to use different serums during treatment to target individual concerns, to achieve the most optimal skin hydration and rejuvenation. By unclogging pores, it achieves brighter, cleaner and clearer skin. Furthermore, we can combine our Signature or Deluxe treatments with our Medifacials that offer the best of both, leaving your skin glowing and feeling like it has never felt before.

Who is it for?

HydraFacial MD® is suitable for all skin types and is not only highly effective at improving overall skin health but also excellent for remedying:

·    Fine Lines and Wrinkles

·    Elasticity and Firmness

·    Skin Tone Evenness and Vibrancy

·    Superficial Skin Tone

·    Skin Texture

·    Hyperpigmentation/Photo Damage

·    Oily/Congested Skin

·    Enlarged Pores

·    Advanced Signs of Aging

I am darker skinned, and concerned that this treatment is not suitable for my skin type?

This treatment is designed for all skin types. Even the most sensitive skin easily tolerates the HydraFacial treatment.

We will endeavor to choose only the superficial chemical peels during treatment which are safe to use with darker skin types, and choose specific treatment serums and/or customize the treatment for your unique skin conditions and needs. Please come in and consult with our practice nurse for more information.

Is the treatment painful?

Hydrafacial treatment is not uncomfortable or painful. During the exfoliation steps, as the handpiece is passed over the skin, it feels rough like gentle sandpaper passing over the skin. Some clients prefer a more abrasive facial and therefore the strength can be turned up on the machine, and more pressure applied – this is usually necessary for men especially with facial hair to achieve the appropriate exfoliation and hydration. In women, less abrasion and pressure is required. We always adjust the pressure to the exfoliation needed by our patient and to what you prefer during treatment.

What can I expect after hydrafacial treatment?

You may experience slight redness for up to 30 minutes following the treatment. Otherwise, you will notice instantly fresher, dewy, clear and glowing skin.

What do our patients say?

“What I’ve noticed more than anything after a HydraFacial treatment is how youthful and radiant my skin is.”

“My lines have decreased and the red splotches have almost gone away. The entire texture and feel look so healthy.”

“I noticed a difference in my skin after my first visit.”

“My skin feels amazing. I don’t think it has ever felt this smooth before.”

For more reviews click here!

How can Hydrafacial be used for Acne Treatment?

It can be extremely effective for treating acne scars as well as oily skin, which is a major cause of acne breakouts.

Which is better – Microdermabrasion or Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacial is better than microdermabrasion as it is more lenient on the skin during the exfoliation process. The shedding of dead skin cells is gentler and much more pleasant than microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion can feel abrasive and result in reddened irritated skin post-treatment. Some patients have even noticed more acne and the appearance of blotchy skin after microdermabrasion.

Hydrafacial is the best solution for plump and firm skin with less downtime and long-term results you can see and feel instantly.

How long is the treatment?

The standard Signature Hydrafacial treatment takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

Our Deluxe Hydrafacial and more specialized treatments can extend for a longer period with lymphatic massage, customized skin boosters, and LED light therapy. This takes 60 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The signature Hydrafacial costs $250. A package of three can be purchased for $600 (reducing the cost to $200 each).

The deluxe Hydrafacial costs $350. A package of three can be purchased for $850 (reducing the cost to $283 each).

Our introductory offer is on now for Signature Hydrafacial for $150 and Deluxe Hydrafacial for $210.Please confirm this with the client.

Subscribe to our email newsletter, which is delivered monthly, to keep up to date on any specials that we have running.

For a full list of complementary treatments see our price list in the non-surgical procedures section of our website.

How often should you get a Hydrafacial?

Ideally, you should get a treatment once every two weeks. Once your skin is in a good place, you could then go on a maintenance program of once a month.

How long do the effects of a Hydrafacial last?

The smooth results and hydration may last up to 5-7 days or even longer. We don’t believe in quick fixes, so one treatment per month is recommended for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, oily and congested skin.

Is there a before and after gallery?

Explore the gallery here.

Is there any downtime?

There is no downtime. You may put on makeup and return to your normal activities right after the treatment.

Are there any precautions before the treatment?

You should not have had anti-wrinkle or filler injections in the 1-2 weeks prior to the treatment. You also need to not be pregnant or breastfeeding. Other contraindications (reasons why you cannot have a Hydrafacial include): herpetic rashes, skin cancers on the face especially if they are ulcerated, inflammation of the skin of the face, or severe forms of acne. You also cannot have it if you are allergic to shellfish. See the full list of preparing for a Hydrafacial in this blog further below.

Can I have Hydrafacial while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Unfortunately, it seems that most active ingredients are not safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding and therefore you cannot have it whilst you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You can also not have the treatment if you are allergic to shellfish.

Do I have to change my skincare routine when I am pregnant?

It is essential to know that there are several products commonly used in skin care and skin care treatments like Hydrafacial, that are not suitable for when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The following products should be avoided:

(a)  Retinoids

·       Retinol is commonly used in anti-ageing and skin treatments.

·       Unfortunately due to its strength, it is not suitable for pregnant women.

·       It can be listed as a Retinoid, Retinol or Retin-A on some products.

(b)  Hydroquinone

·       Hydroquinone is most common in skin lightening treatments and occasionally some stronger acne treatments.

·       Hydroquinone is absorbed deep into the skin making it unsuitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

(c)  Salicylic Acid

·       Salicylic Acid is commonly used in acne treatment and also in many skin care products and skin care treatments. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for use in pregnancy.

·       The oral form of Salicylic Acid is said to cause birth defects. Though the topical form that is generally used in skin treatments is unlikely to cause problems it is still best to be safe and stay away particularly from products with a higher strength than those sold over the counter.

(d)  Benzoyl Peroxide

·       Benzoyl Peroxide is also used against acne.

·       It is controversial whether or not it is safe for use in pregnancy.

(e)  Tetracycline

·       Tetracycline is an antibiotic commonly used to kill bacteria to fight Acne.

·       Not advised during pregnancy.

Are there any risks associated with this treatment?

Some clients can experience redness or pinkish colour to their skin from the suction and exfoliation during treatment – in most cases, this subsides within 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I have Hydrafacial after antiwrinkle injections?

You should not have an anti-wrinkle injection first and then this treatment soon after. This is because Hydrafacial increases blood flow to the area where the injections were performed – this means that before the anti-wrinkle product is fully absorbed and active, it will cause unwanted “drift” or spread. However, you could have the facial first and then the injections soon after (even on the same day).

What other treatments can be combined with a Hydrafacial?

Come see our practice nurse at Mode Plastic Surgery for a skin care consultation, during which we will take a thorough history and examination and work out what is best for your skin.

A Hydrafacial treatment can be conducted on the same day as your skin consultation, provided there are no contraindications such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or other medications that you may be taking.

During treatment, you will receive a gentle chemical peel and infusion of standard antioxidants and moisturizing agents. This standard treatment can be modified in many ways:

(a)  Addition of serums to target specific concerns – this is done in our Deluxe Hydrafacial

(b)  Addition of LED light therapy (Healite) which is part of our Deluxe Hydrafacial and can be added to our Standard HydraFacial treatment. For best results, you will need a series of LED light treatments which can be purchased as packages at a discount from our clinic.

(c)  The combination with a Medifacial treatment – a medical combines facial massage, with the Skincare company range of chemical peels, and skin products to produce the ultimate in relaxation, skin exfoliation and hydration that will leave your skin feeling amazing.

(d)  A trial of our medical grade skin care – at the conclusion of your treatment when the pores of the skin are cleaned and open we can employ the use of specialty serums and facial moisturizers that will enhance the effects of your treatment. You can receive some sample/tester pots of these products or even purchase them to take home at the time of treatment, to enhance the results from the treatment.

We can also make Hydrafacial one component of your facial rejuvenation journey. During your skin consultation with our practice nurse, enquire about our fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, and other surgical treatments that can produce the results that you may be after.

What should I do before the treatment? (Pre-hydrafacial care)

Before your treatment:

1.    Discontinue use of Isotretinoin for 6 months (e.g. Accutane).

2.    Discontinue use of topical prescription medications for 48 hrs. (e.g. Retin-A)

3.    Refrain from any type of exfoliating treatment(s) (glycolic, enzymes) to the area of treatment for 48 hrs.

4.    Refrain from any Medium/ Deep chemical resurfacing and laser treatments for 1 month.

5.    Refrain from waxing and use of depilatories for 48 hrs.

6.    Discontinue use of over the counter acne medications (Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic) for 48 hrs.

7.    If you are prone to cold sores, Hydrafacial may cause a break out; you may need a prescription for prophylactic treatment such as Valacyclovir. Please use medication 2 days before, during and 2 days after.

8.    Avoid sun tanning or tanning creams/sprays for at least 72 hrs.

9.    We recommend waiting at least 2 weeks for filler or anti-wrinkle injections, or if you have had these recently wait at least 2 weeks to have treatment.

10. For Gentlemen’s Hydrafacial treatment shaving is not recommended on the day of treatment. If you choose to shave, please shave at least 3-4 hours prior to your treatment.

11. The day of your appointment a full consultation will be provided. If you have any special health considerations, allergies, pregnant, etc., be sure to notify us when you make your appointment.

12. However, feel free to contact us with your concerns if in doubt about whether you are a candidate for this.

What should I do after the treatment?

1.    It is recommended to not sweat for 24 hours after the treatment (no exercise, sauna, swimming pools or hot tubs).

2.    Avoid sunbathing for at least 48 hrs (although, we recommend this indefinitely) to prevent UV rays from damaging your skin which slows down the benefits of Hydrafacial. Patients who absolutely cannot avoid sun exposure should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to maintain your improved skin. We recommend the Skincare Company sunscreen which is SPF50+ and can be purchased for $26 from our rooms.

3.    Avoid anti-wrinkle and filler injections for 2 weeks

4.    Waxing and depilatories can be resumed in 48 hrs.

5.    If you do not need make-up for the evening of treatment, wait until the next morning.

6.    Topical prescription medications can be resumed in 48 hrs.

7.    Over the counter acne medications may be resumed in 48 hrs.

The above is a guideline and not exclusive. For more information come see our practice nurse at Mode Plastic Surgery. Contact us on 1300 80 9000, or email us at info@modeplasticsurgery.com.au for bookings or further information.

North Shore – Breast Reconstruction

Dr Shagun Aggarwal is a cosmetic and reconstructive Specialist Plastic Surgeon based on the North Shore, Sydney,  and at 2 prestigious public hospitals in Sydney – Prince of Wales and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals. Dr Aggarwal is passionate about breast reconstruction and a sub-specialist in this field. In fact he pursued two international premier breast reconstruction fellowships overseas – the first at the University of Toronto, and the second in microsurgery at the University of Pennsylvania.

Currently, Dr Aggarwal performs breast reconstruction regularly at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and he was specifically employed by the Royal Hospital for Women as a specialist breast reconstruction surgeon for the Prince of Wales Campus.

Broadly there are three main types of reconstruction options:

1. Implant-based reconstruction – this is either the insertion of implants or tissue expanders to produce a breast mound
2. Autologous breast reconstruction – this is using DIEP or muscle-sparing TRAM flaps to use your own tummy tissue to create one or both breasts.
3. Autologous and implant reconstruction – this mix and match approach is reserved for patients who have insufficient of their own tissue to create a complete breast reconstruction and also cannot have implants alone due to the risk of complications (such as in radiotherapy). These patients may be suitable for procedures such as latissimus dorsi muscle flap and an implant.

We have taken the time here to note down the most frequently asked questions by our patients regarding breast reconstruction:

Can you sleep on your stomach after breast reconstruction?

This depends on whether own tissue or implants have been used for breast reconstruction.

After a DIEP flap – most of the wounds have healed within 2-3 weeks. It does take around 3 months for flaps to settle with respect to swelling and you are best to wait this time before sleeping on your chest.

After an implant reconstruction – just like any other implants these can move from the pressure of sleeping on your stomach. If these were inserted at the time of mastectomy, you will usually have drains in place. In general, we suggest waiting at least 3 months beyond the time of drain removal before you sleep on your stomach/chest. This is the same recovery times you have to wait before commencing upper body exercise after an implant breast reconstruction.

How long does breast reconstruction take?

The longest breast reconstruction operation is also the best which is the DIEP flap – as they say, no pain, no gain.

The DIEP flap is the Rolls Royce of the Australian society of plastic surgery Breast reconstructions. This is because it uses your own tissue, produces a breast that feels like your own, is permanent that cannot break/rupture/ripple, grows with you with respect to weight gain and weight loss, and also mimics the natural ptosis of breasts with time.

DIEP flap operating time

– For one-sided breast reconstruction with mastectomy – 6-8 hours

– For a bilateral breast reconstruction with mastectomy – 8 to 10 hours

– For one-sided reconstruction without mastectomy – 4-6 hours

– For bilateral breast reconstruction without mastectomy – 6 to 8 hours.

Implant-based breast reconstruction

– Foone-sided breast reconstruction with mastectomy – 2 hours

– For a bilateral breast reconstruction with mastectomy – 4 hours

For one-sided reconstruction without mastectomy:

This will usually involve insertion of breast expanders which takes 1-1.5 hours, but there will be a second stage involving exchange to implants. The length of the second operation depends on if the opposite breast needs surgery in the form of a lift or reduction to match the reconstructed breast. Between the two operations, there are visits to the office to place saline in the expanders to fill the expanders.

For bilateral breast reconstruction without mastectomy – 2 to 3 hours. This will usually involve insertion of breast expanders and there will be a second stage involving exchange to implants which will also take around 2 hours. Between the two operations, there are visits to the office to place saline in the expanders to fill the expanders.

Latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction

– The side of reconstruction takes 4-6 hours with mastectomy and 2-4 hours without mastectomy.

How much is breast reconstruction surgery?

This surgery is offered as a private patient in a private hospital, and as a public patient in the public hospital. For patients without insurance, they can elect to be private patients in a public hospital to reduce their out of pocket costs.

Benefits of a private patient include:

• The convenience of selecting the time of surgery that suits you.
• Direct relationship with breast and plastic surgeon as they manage all your care.
• The procedure is entirely performed by the specialist surgeon of your choosing.
• The follow up is with the surgeon(s) that performed your surgery.

Downsides of a private patient include:

• Mainly the out of pocket cost.

Benefits of a public patient include:

• Cost-free if you are covered by Medicare.

Downsides of a public patient include:

• The inflexibility of time – public hospital lists are by number fewer and booked long in advance with urgent surgeries.
• If you need a mastectomy as well as reconstruction it can be difficult to coordinate the surgeons within the public hospital – and may mean a slight delay.
• Your surgery is performed by training plastic surgeons under the supervision of a specialist plastic surgeon.
• The standard of care is excellent but it is a personal preference if you wish only the senior surgeon to perform the key steps of surgery.
• The inpatient and follow up care is delivered by the registrars and the public hospital.

The Cost:

 

You will be provided with a quote for a tummy tuck surgery, indicating total and out of pocket expenses, after your consultation. If any complications occur, no further out of pocket costs are incurred, even if this means further surgery.  There is no cost associated with breast reconstruction as a public patient in the public hospital. The out of pocket cost of implant-based reconstruction in the private hospital varies, depending on single versus both side reconstruction, and if the opposite breast needs surgery (in the case of single-sided reconstruction).

Is breast reconstruction surgery painful?

In general the larger the surgery the more painful it is – however, we take extensive measures to ensure patients are comfortable and mobile on the first day post surgery.

DIEP flap reconstruction involves surgery on both the breast and the tummy. It is the tummy surgery that slows you down due to the tissue is taken, the long scar and the muscle tightening under the skin. You wake up with your back up, legs bent and need to walk hunched over to protect the scar tissue. We use an extensive amount of local anaesthetic during the surgery, use pain pumps, and the anaesthetist uses excellent pain relief during and after surgery. Most of our patients remark how little pain they had (compared to what they expected) and are out of bed the first postoperative day.

Implant reconstruction, on the other hand, is more straight forward as it only involves the chest – there is no second site that has been operated on, and it does not slow you down like a DIEP flap that involves surgery on the tummy. However patients often expect less pain than they experience as they think this is minor surgery – it is not. The mastectomy alone is uncomfortable and to place implants or expanders at the same time we need to divide a part of the pectoralis major muscle which is painful. We then use a hammock or a sling of tissue called ADM to hold the implant in the correct position – the stitches are placed to the underlying chest wall or ribs and this can also be painful. Again we use a lot of adequate pain relief to make sure you are comfortable postoperatively.

Should I have breast reconstruction after mastectomy?

This is an individual decision but we do recommend that you research it and read up about it. This is because while you may have survived breast cancer and left it in the past it is the aftermath with which you have to face life every day.

Women after mastectomy can be left like completely flat chested:

While this may be a cancer-free achievement this person has a constant reminder of the horrible disease she suffered.

Patients, therefore, seek reconstruction to restore their femininity and body image, restore their self-esteem and confidence, feel socially accepted, have some positivity at the end of a cancer journey and minimise stigma.

Breast reconstruction can achieve all these aims and produce an excellent appearance for patients in clothing and often out of clothing as well.

Does medicare cover breast reconstruction?

Yes, Medicare and Health Funds partially cover the cost of breast reconstruction.

There are Medicare item numbers applicable to both own tissue and implant breast reconstruction.

With appropriate health cover, all private hospital fees will be covered by the health funds, and a rebate available for surgeon and anaesthetist fees. This does mean that there is an out of pocket cost associated with being a private patient in a private hospital however this is far less than the actual total cost of surgery, and it would have cost prohibitive without private health insurance to undertake this in a private hospital.

Patients covered by Medicare can also be public patients in a public hospital with no out of pocket costs.

Do you have any further questions? Get in touch!

Email us or call or fill out an enquiry form!

Breast Implant Removal and En Bloc Capsulectomy (for Breast Implant Illness/BII)

 

What is breast implant illness?

Many women choose to have breast implants to increase their breast size in a procedure known as breast augmentation. In a country where there are no legal restrictions on who may perform this surgery, unfortunately, many women have been attracted by cheap prices and advertising to have a serious cosmetic procedure without considering or being informed about potential issues with implants. Some also choose to go overseas combining holidays with the attraction of cheap cosmetic surgery.

Unfortunately, in many cosmetic clinics, many of whom do not have specialist plastic surgeons, side effects of potential complications of implants are not fully disclosed to patients. Implants are made of silicone, and like any foreign body, have a lifespan. Once placed in the body they slowly deteriorate and may last 10-15 years, often longer. However over this time period they may rupture, rotate, ripple, malposition (move to a less than ideal position under the breast), become hard (Capsular contracture), cause pain, and worse cause delayed seroma (a delayed fluid collection), or ALCL (Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma).

In some women, a constellation of symptoms of a breast implant has been subjectively associated with implants and health problems such as general tiredness, fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, weight loss (or weight gain), arthritis, malaise, fever, and vasculitis. To date, no evidence exists between silicone implants and these conditions. However, those who have these symptoms (women with implants) strongly feel and believe the silicone breast implants are a cause, and can closely correlate the symptoms to their insertion, and women with breast implants who have it removed feel better with respect to their symptoms after doing so. These constitutional symptoms are known as breast implant illness.

What is En Bloc Capsulectomy?

When an implant is inserted the body produces a natural response in the form of scar tissue around the implant known as a capsule. For patients who suffer complications from implants often have their implants removed (explant surgery) combined with removal of this capsule (called capsulectomy).

When removing implants, it is usually easier for the plastic surgeon technically to remove the implant, and then the capsule. This is because the incision is under the fold of the breast (in the inframammary fold) and to go over the apex of the implant and to the top of the implant gets difficult with this incision. It can also be difficult to remove the capsule in its entirety especially if the implant is under the muscle – this is because the posterior capsule (that behind the implant) is adherent to the underlying rib cage and intercostal muscles.

EN Bloc Capsulectomy has been popularised by sufferers of breast implant illness from plastic surgery, feeling that removal of the capsule and implant as one block (or one piece) is the best treatment of their condition as it reduces further contamination of the body by the implant. There is some evidence that when implants are inserted they can be contaminated by bacteria that can then adhere to the implant surface and produce a low grade ‘bio-film’. This bio-film, over years of research, has come to be associated to risks of capsular contracture and more recently with the risk of ALCL. Perhaps through this en bloc technique ‘spillage’ of the bio-film is reduced.

What is the evidence?

There is currently no scientific evidence behind breast implant illness. However, in the 1990s the United States banned a certain type of implant; silicone implants, as many women were complaining of autoimmune diseases, negative immune response, irritable bowel syndrome and more as a result of their implants. While no association was found the FDA (food and drug administration) felt that the silicone implant was part of elective surgery and therefore the onus was on the manufacturer to prove there was NO association rather than to prove that there was.

Anecdotally we have numerous patients who have had their implants removed for these reasons and virtually all have felt much better for it.

How is breast implant illness diagnosed?

BIA-ALCL is classified as a T-cell lymphoma. It may develop following the surgical insertion of breast implants.

T-cell lymphomas are cancers that form in your T cells, a type of immune system cell. These cancers may be fast or slow growing. The outlook for a person diagnosed with BIA-ALCL depends on the stage of their cancer at diagnosis and how aggressive it is.

Half of all reported cases of BIA-ALCL are reported within 7 to 8 years of the insertion of breast implants. Because the symptoms of BIA-ALCL are relatively nonspecific, experts say these diagnoses may be complicated and delayed. But as scientific knowledge about it has grown in recent years, experts have begun to establish diagnosis standards (sometimes reffered to as tissue disease).

When a doctor suspects BIA-ALCL, they’ll run a variety of tests to rule out any other causes of your symptoms. These tests may include:

• An ultrasound-guided aspiration of fluid that’s collected around your breast implant. An increased T cell count in this fluid can tip off your doctor to BIA-ALCL. Thick scarring that’s apparent around your implant. If an abnormal breast mass is found, your doctor may test the tissue for lymphoma using a biopsy.

What do we advocate?

We suggest that you have a conversation with your specialist plastic surgeon. It is imperative to check that your surgeon is, in fact, a plastic surgeon by visiting the AHPRA website as well as that of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). At Mode, Dr Aggarwal will be happy to speak to you about en bloc capsulectomy and implant removal. This procedure may be combined with a breast lift if it is required. Usually, a drain is necessary and this can stay in for a week or two, and the operation is always performed under a general anaesthetic in an accredited private hospital.

ENSURE YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS

ASAPS members are fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons from Australia and New Zealand who are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons(FRACS), with expertise, experience and ongoing education in aesthetic surgery. ASAPS members only operate in accredited facilities so you can be assured they will follow the appropriate course of action to minimise the risk of infection short term and long term.

Visit our member’s database to ensure you are in safe hands.

What are the rough costs?

Implant removal with capsulectomy is approximately $9000-10000, and implant removal with capsulectomy and breast lift approximately $15000-16000 inclusive of surgeon, anaesthetic, hospital and theatre fees. These figures are based on an overnight stay and further hospital stay increases the cost.

I want to know more, what do I do?

Please call us on 1300 80 9000 or email info@modeplasticsurgery.com.au. We look forward to seeing you.

A story from support groups Trusted Surgeons.com :

Emma’s story

Emma had a breast augmentation in a Phuket Hospital 6 months ago, with textured implants. Since that time, she has suffered from numerous ailments that were not present prior to her procedure. Emma is desperate to have her implants explanted and is considering a fat transfer in the future as an alternative means to implants. Most of all, Emma wants to speak to someone who believes her symptoms and is not labelling her as ‘crazy’. When she approached her initial surgeon, her claims were dismissed. Emma knew she had to get the implants out but found most surgeons do not believe in BII and have refused an explant. Emma was introduced to Trusted Surgeons through Facebook messenger via a patient that we had previously helped. Through the correspondence, Emma and her mother poured their heart out to me. The raw emotion, honesty and desperation literally captivated me and triggered my urge to help.

Emma was living in Queensland and that week was moving to Sydney. To add further stress to her situation, her father has stage four cancer and her mother is across the sea in New Zealand. Her poor mother is a nervous wreck and is unable to console or help her daughter from so far away. Her mother explained to me that it felt as though no one wanted to help her daughter. This has led me to ask the question, is our medical system failing these patients? A GP recommends seeing a Plastic Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon comes at a cost. In Emma’s case the cost was not an issue as her mum was willing to help financially. This made no difference, as every surgeon Emma contacted, had no experience in breast implant illness, did not do explants or did not provide a consultation within a reasonable period. The Plastic Surgeons Emma did speak to, did not believe in breast implant illness and believed the symptoms were psychological (in her head).

After hearing Emma’s story, I recommended many surgeons I knew that performed explant surgery and would be most accommodating and understanding towards her condition. The first thing Emma did (as did her concerned mother) was get onto Google. Even though I had recommended plastic surgeons I have spoken to about BII and assured her they would be understanding, my personal recommendation was not enough. This is common, and why shouldn’t it be? As a mum, would I trust my daughter with a surgeon on one recommendation? Because of the many enquiries we receive on BII, I make a conscious effort to ask surgeons their thoughts on this condition.

After researching, Emma and her mother Jennifer quickly identified who they wanted to see. Whilst progress is being made and I appreciate that currently, BII has no recognised medical diagnosis with any clear treatment pathway (apart from explant), psychologically, this is having a significant impact on Emma and her mother’s lives.

The reality of this is condition is real to many consumers that have had breast augmentations. Without formal diagnosis, this can still be seen as a social issue and the numbers don’t lie.

• Facebook group ‘Breast Implant Illness and Healing by Nicole’ – has 25,617 active Facebook members
• Web, Facebook, and Instagram pages ‘Explant Info’ (owned by Trusted Surgeons) has had 381,859 visitors since 2016 and has 1,661 active Facebook members
• Facebook page ‘Breast Implant Illness (Australia & New Zealand) Awareness and Support’ has 855 members
• Facebook group ‘Breast Implant Victim Advocacy’ has 1,877 active members
• In addition to this, there are at least over 15 more Facebook groups which have hundreds of thousands of members across the world.

I believe that if you were privy to the groups online you would be astonished. Women are hurt, angry and upset, not only by their journey but how their journey has been trivialised and rightfully so. For many, surgery cannot come quick enough and they would sell every asset they own to access a plastic surgeon they can trust. The longer the breast implants stay in, for these women, the more psychological and emotional trauma is caused. The pain varies from implant rupture to lymph nodes pain and heavy metals leaking. Criticism and frivolous commentary from surgeons that don’t understand the illness, silence them. What this minority of academics seem to disregard, is women are the powerhouse of our economy. Mothers are the decision makers in their household, women in business and the workplace are vital to our society and it is women who support the most powerful men in the world. Women do not like to be silenced or disregarded. With this lack of understanding, these surgeons are crucifying their target market but in the same breath, heavily marketing procedures such as Mummy makeovers and new medical devices? Yet it is these same women, whose friend, sister, aunty, or mother require explant surgery.

It is great to see people leading this powerful movement. The greatest marketing in 2017 is a digital word of mouth. I don’t see this changing for 2018, moreover, it will become increasingly more powerful. Topics such as breast implant illness is viral, it is spoken about every day and it is not going away anytime soon. As previously stated, education is key to making informed decisions. Trusted Surgeons will continue to tirelessly work to communicate with our Plastic Surgeons and provide up to date information and guidance to those in need. We will continue to utilise our digital word of mouth through our social platforms to spread the word.

A Breast augmentation or boob job involves the insertion of breast implants made from silicone, under the breast tissue and often under the pectoralis muscle.

 

Why do I need to wear a sports bra at all or how long until you can wear a sports bra after breast augmentation?

These are common questions when patients are post op and wanting to get out and back into exercise or other social activities.

– Breast implants at the time of surgery are placed in a tight pocket much like a ‘hand in glove’
– however there are two forces acting on the implant: firstly there is the effect of gravity which can cause the implant to move down (less common if the implants are under the muscle) or move out towards the armpit (when you lie on your back). The second is the action of the muscle and if the implant is under the muscle movement of the arm and especially the chest like heavy exercise can move the implant down and out. This is not only a problem for round implants but also tear drop implants which can rotate and this can create a very abnormal appearance.

 

– after a breast augmentation a sports bra or wearing an underwire bra serves as an external device to help support the implant for the month after surgery in the position in which it was placed preventing its displacement or movement into the wrong position. This is not absolute and must therefore be combined with reduced activity for the weeks after surgery in the post op ie no heavy exercise or upper body work is allowed for the first few weeks after breast augmentation.

– a sports bra can also help achieve gentle compression and therefore help with swelling and healing process in the first few weeks as the implants settle into their final position and the breast shape changes.

How long do I wear the bra for?

– there is no consensus amongst plastic surgeons as to which approach is best and your cup size or band size will depend on your new bra fit.

– in general the longer the better : the body produces a capsule around the implant and wound strength and scarring increases in the first six to eight weeks. Therefore in these first six to eight weeks in particular, abnormal forces or movement can shift the implant into an abnormal position

– We therefore recommend wearing a sports bra full time for 6 to 8 weeks. This is combined with no upper body exercise for the same period to allow as little movement of the implant in this early healing period.

– it is also wise to wear the sports bra at night for as long as possible and we suggest patients to do this for at least 1 year post surgery.

What sort of sports bra do I use?

– choosing a bra after breast augmentation surgery I specifically suggest in the first 6 to 8 weeks that patients use a bra without an underwire, and one that buckles or zips at the front. An underwire bras can rub against the new wound or scar which is usually placed in the fold under the breast. A front zip or buckle avoids the need to raise your arms above your head to put the sports bra on.

– patients are provided with a surgical bra for use in the post operative period as part of our breast augmentation package however we encourage our patients to have a few spare bras to allow for washing and drying. These additional bras need not be surgical grade like the one we provide – Inexpensive sports bras that buckle or zip at the front can be purchased from Kmart or Target.

– we suggest patients do not purchase expensive bras for at least 3 months post surgery as the breast shape changes as the implants settle in the postoperative period. Swelling of the breasts also changed which can affect final size and shape.

Dr Aggarwal is one of the only Sydney Plastic Surgeons who has completed further fellowship training in dedicated Breast Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has also published a CME on Secondary Breast Augmentation in the Plastic and Reconstructive Journal, the premier plastic surgery journal for educating plastic surgeons worldwide.

At Mode we find Breast Augmentation patients some of our happiest patients, as results are reliable, readily reproducible and long lasting. At MODE, Dr Aggarwal will guide you through the planning of surgery, including selection of implants best suited to achieve your goals.

To speak to one of our friendly staff and make an appointment with please call our north shore plastic surgery

Reduce the size of the breast and restore a more natural and beautiful shape. Some women with overly large breasts can experience health issues and emotional problems. In addition to self image issues, it can also cause physical pain and discomfort. Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body.

Benefits

• Resolves back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain
• Prevents bra straps from digging into the skin
• Relief from rashes and skin irritations
• Overall better shape
• More confidence
• Improve posture
• Better sleep

The approximate cost for a breast reduction is $7000 with insurance cover. Costs of the surgery can be partially covered by Medicare and health insurance.

Services

Price includes at least 2 preoperative consultations, surgeon and anaesthetist fees as well as hospital stay. We also provide a post-operative surgical bra/garment and it includes all follow ups.

Book a consultation with Dr Aggarwal here
E: info@modeplasticsurgery.com.au
P: 1300 809 000

Achieve the aesthetic you desire with a lift. After massive weight loss, breastfeeding after pregnancy or simply the natural process of ageing, our bodies may not feel or look the way we would like them to. For some, plastic surgery is the answer. A lift, wether it be body, breast or face, can leave you with a more youthful and perkier appearance.

Body Lift

After massive weight loss, elastic elements of the skin can be damaged and never “snap back” to conform to a newer, slimmer contour. A body lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat deposits left behind after massive weight loss. This can offer a dramatic change in appearance to patients who have worked so hard to lose weight so they can be healthier, feel better, and participate in life more fully.

Breast Lift

This is most common in patients who have breastfed after pregnancy and involves lifting and reshaping the breast tissue to improve breast contour and firmness. This may or may not be combined with implants. As with all our treatments, Dr Aggarwal aims to give you a natural look that is enhanced but not obvious.

Face Lift and Neck Lift

Feel refreshed with the best procedure to reverse the signs of ageing in the face and neck region for both men and women. This procedure removes excess skin and repositions fat and muscles, which elevates the cheeks and mid-face, reduces the jowls and provides a cleaner and more defined jawline. Dr Aggarwal strongly believes in a natural facial appearance – the ‘ideal’ facelift allows a patient to restore their youthful appearance without looking like they have had an operation.

Brow Lift

Correct the shape and position of droopy eyebrows with a brow lift. A brow lift is a surgical procedure that corrects a sagging or deeply furrowed brow which can add years to a persons appearance. The procedure is often performed to reduce the creases, or ‘frown lines’, that develop across the forehead and on the bridge of the nose.

Book a consultation with Dr Aggarwal here
E: info@modeplasticsurgery.com.au
P: 1300 809 000