New health fund tiers: what do they mean for you?
Private health insurance is a significant investment for most Australians, with 55% of us covered by some policy. Often, insurance products are complex and difficult to understand and compare.
You might have recently heard from your health fund regarding new policy changes that will commence this year. In an attempt to simplify health insurance, the government has introduced a new tier system, in the hope that it will ensure consumers know what they’re covered for, when they buy a particular policy. It’s hoped that these new changes will provide more clarity for consumers - and less unpleasant surprises when it comes to claiming for procedures. This may also impact your coverage for certain Medicare item numbers.
The private health insurance reforms will bring in a new system for categorising hospital products, breaking policy cover up into gold, silver, bronze or basic cover.
All hospital-based treatments have been organised into 38 categories, based around different body systems, for example: ‘ear, nose and throat’ or ‘bone, joint and muscle’.
Each new hospital policy will fall under one of four product tiers: gold, silver, bronze or basic. Each product tier will cover a specific number of categories in a private hospital:
- Basic – very little if any cover in private hospital
- Bronze – low cover (18 categories of services)
- Silver – medium cover (26 categories of services)
- Gold – full or top cover (all 38 categories of services)
Policies that cover more than the minimum requirement will be called a ‘plus’ policy, for example ‘bronze plus’ would cover some additional benefits, above a standard bronze policy.
Also, member will now be able to choose to pay a higher excess to reduce their premiums. This means they might choose a policy that costs less throughout the year, but will incur a larger excess payment if they do go to hospital.
When will the changes happen?
The changes will start to happen from 1 April 2019. By 1 April 2020, every private health insurance policy will have changed to the new system. Your insurance policy may not change straight away, but if you are planning surgery, we recommend that you call your fund to discuss their changeover date.
I’m planning surgery; should I change my policy before the 1st of April?
Choice recommends that - unless your fund has advised that you will lose cover for an essential item - you don’t need to switch funds or policies before 1 April. They recommend waiting until your fund advises the switch over date, and whether or not they’ll close old policies and move members to a new one. Also, Choice advises that it could be difficult to find the right policy before April 1 as many policies are changing, and will be released after that date.
Finding the right policy to switch to before 1 April might be difficult, because many policies are changing and new ones will be released on that date. If you haven’t already, you’ll receive a letter from your health fund telling you what they’re going to do with your policy; read this handy guide to help you understand the letter from your fund.
If you’re planning surgery, ask your surgeon if item numbers apply. If so, contact your fund and ask whether the item numbers specific to your surgery will be covered in the tier that your policy will be on. If not, ask them if you can select a higher tier - and whether they’ll waive any waiting periods.
Is this a good thing, or a bad thing?
Like all private health insurance policy changes, only time will tell! The government believes the new tiers will make it easier for patients to understand what each policy type covers, and to shop around for the best private health insurance deals. Conversely, there are concerns that consumers will have difficulty understanding the new categories, and ensuring continuity of cover.
We welcome any private health insurance reforms that deliver clearer, fairer and more cost effective options for patients.
While we are not permitted to recommend any specific funds to our patients, our practice manager Carol is able assist you with questions to ask your fund to ensure you are covered for any item number eligible procedures you may be considering in the future. Email Carol any questions at manager@drdavidsharp.com.au
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In the media: Dr David Sharp plastic surgery
Dr Sharp was featured in the QT this month, discussing the tips, trends and pitfalls of plastic surgery in 2019.
He said more Australians are undergoing plastic surgery as taboos fall and surgical advancements evolve.
Below are some excerpts from the interview with QT Editor Shannon Newley:
Why I chose a career in plastic surgery…
The reason I chose plastic surgery as a sub-specialty is because I love performing the full spectrum of procedures it offers. They are all rewarding because they effect positive change in patients’ lives in different ways. For example, blepharoplasty surgery provides an instant reward because the recovery is so quick and it’s a small operation that makes a big change, whereas post pregnancy abdominoplasty and breast lift surgery is rewarding – even though the recovery is longer – because it restores core strength and improves back pain, pelvic floor issues and skin irritations after a woman has given so much of her body over to having a baby.
Future trends in plastic and cosmetic surgery
We will see more interest in minimal downtime surgery such as lip lifts, mini-facelifts and procedures that combine fat grafting. For skin condition and improvement, there is a growing interest in medical grade lasers, micro-needling and PRP therapy to help stimulate the skin’s own natural responses. It’s a more holistic approach than we’ve seen in the past, and I think it’s going to achieve more natural, sustainable results for patients.
Current trends in plastic and cosmetic surgery
The interest in having cosmetic surgery is definitely still on the rise. This is because the taboos that previously existed around these procedures have lifted; they are also easier to access now, thanks to lower costs. Some of the procedures can also be claimed through private health insurance such as breast reduction, abdominoplasty or rhinoplasty, if they are considered to be medically required.
We are definitely seeing more demand for breast augmentations and facelifts than we have in the past. This could be due to a greater awareness of the options available; facelift surgery techniques have evolved to offer a procedure that provides a very naturally rejuvenated look – not the stretched, pulled-back appearance. We’re also seeing smaller facial procedures, such as minifacelifts and lip-lift surgery, grow in popularity as we can perform some of these under local anaesthetic.
The “new generation”, high quality breast implants I use also look and feel more natural than ever before, and along with fat grafting, it means we can tailor the augmentation result to the patient’s unique anatomy. In terms of breast augmentation, the popularity of this procedure has skyrocketed over the past 10 years in general.
Misconceptions about cosmetic surgery
There is still a concerning lack of understanding around credentials. We still speak to a lot of patients who didn’t realise there’s a difference between a doctor that has done 7-10 years of additional training and supervision to become a surgeon, as opposed to a doctor who wants to call themselves a surgeon, and opens up a cosmetic clinic. I encourage patients to check their doctor’s qualifications on the Royal Australasian College of Surgeon’s website’s ‘surgeon finder’; if they aren’t there, they aren’t an accredited Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Meaning, they will not be covered by the same training, hospital operating rights or insurance provisions. The same applies to cosmetic injectables; when you can get a TGA-regulated injection in a hairdressing salon or beauty clinic with no medical professional in sight; we need to ask why patients’ best interests and safety are not being considered.
Four steps patients should take before undertaking cosmetic surgery
1. Look at lots of websites, choose a shortlist of two or three surgeons and check their credentials on the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ website (https://www.surgeons.org/ find-a-surgeon/) to ensure the surgeon you choose in in fact a Specialist Surgeon and accredited by the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency.
2. Book a consultation with more than one; it’s a big decision and you need to choose a surgeon that you resonate with and feel comfortable around.
3. Have at least two consultations before your surgery to ensure you’ve had the time to ask all of your questions and that you fully understand the potential complications and how long your recovery is going to take.
4. Have realistic expectations; plastic surgery is about making improvements – not about achieving perfection
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Question of the week: should I lose weight before I have liposuction?
Is liposuction just for people who are significantly overweight; what about people who just want to lose the last stubborn kilograms?
I am close to my ideal weight but can’t seem to budge pockets of fat on my stomach and lower back.
- patient
Dr Sharp:
Liposuction is ideal for people who have reached their ideal, healthy weight, and wish to remove stubborn pockets of fat. Lower abdominal fat and love handles respond very well, and it is also a popular treatment for reducing pockets of unwanted fat under the chin, around the knees, back/bra strap fat, inside the thighs and on the back of arms.
Liposuction is not a weight loss or weight reduction procedure. Patients who are yet to achieve their ideal healthy weight can be disappointed by the results of liposuction as larger areas of fat can experience irregularities and patients can find it doesn’t give them the ‘dress size drop’ they were hoping for via liposuction, instead of weight loss.
While it can be tempting to have liposuction before your weight loss journey is completed, to obtain the best results and ensure a healthy recovery, it’s important to be as close as possible to your ideal weight.
Sometimes Instagram ‘after’ photos of patients on the operating table following liposuction can be misleading and give a false impression of what can be achieved, so it’s important to look at photos three, six or twelve months after surgery to get a realistic indication of your potential outcome.
[Pictured left before and three months after upper arm liposuction with Dr Sharp]
Ask us your liposuction question!
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Question of the week: what’s the best time of year to have a breast augmentation?
If I want to be healed in time for next summer, what’s the best time of year to have a breast augmentation? How long will the recovery take and how soon can I swim?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
Breast augmentation in Brisbane is a four-seasons procedure, in that it’s one of those popular operations that I perform every week, every month, of the year. Especially in Queensland, where our weather in warm or mild all year round - women tend to enjoy their results across the year instead of the very cool climates where they are more likely to be concealed by jackets and bulky knits for 6 months of the year.
That said, having breasts that are fully healed by the time summer holidays roll around is a common request. For the first 6 weeks after a breast augmentation, your incisions can’t be submerged in bath, spa, pool or sea water - so if you are planning summer holidays, that’s something to consider. Likewise if you are planning a holiday to Europe during their summer, it’s wise to have the surgery at least 6 weeks beforehand, so you can swim and participate in normal activities.
We also recommend that patients don’t lift anything heavier than 2kg for the first 6 weeks, so that’s something to think about in terms of returning to the gym, lifting older children, returning to a job that is labour intensive or going on holidays and lifting heavy bags.
I encourage my patients to look at the next 6 months and work out where that 6 week ‘gap’ can be - and work backwards from there to find the most suitable time for their surgery.
When planning your breast augmentation, remember that you will probably have 2 consultations with your surgeon, a few weeks or even months apart.
Also keep in mind that most plastic surgeons in Brisbane or Ipswich will have anywhere from a 3 to 8 week wait at various times of year; sometimes longer.
Start contacting your short list of surgeons for available appointments about 4-6 months ahead of your ideal surgery time frame, so you get your pick of preferred dates, and also so you don’t feel like the consultation and surgery booking process is rushed or compromised. It’s an exciting and important process, so give yourself lots of planning time!
Ask us your breast augmentation question!
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Considering surgery in 2019? Here are four things to think about…
Great surgical results are the coming together of good preparation, great surgical skills, optimal post operative recovery, good health/nutrition and mental wellbeing. New rules that came into play in recent years ensured that patients and their surgeons can’t rush into cosmetic procedures - which is a good thing! Planning ahead, taking the time to get informed and ensuring that you have considered your recovery process, financial costs and surgical goals, helps set you up for the best possible outcome, and an enjoyable experience along the way. Here are some questions that our practice director, Liz, recommends patients ask themselves if they are considering surgery in 2019:
What do I want to achieve?
Ask yourself to articulate what you don’t like - and importantly - what you do like about your appearance. Think about the specific changes you’d like to see. Is there a certain look you definitely don’t want to achieve? And how do you expect having surgery will make you feel; both during and after the process? Consider whether you’ll be okay with the possibility that your results might be immediately visible (as is the case of breast augmentation) or could take a full year to reveal themselves, as rhinoplasty results can. Talk to a trusted person about your concerns or desires - and feel free to bring them along to the consultation with your surgeon; it might make you feel more comfortable, and can also help you remember what was discussed during your appointment!
What is my ideal time frame for surgery?
If you have your heart set on a specific time of year for your surgery, ideally, book your first consultation 4 - 6 months prior, especially if you’re planning surgery during busy periods, such as Christmas or school holidays. Most experienced plastic surgeons require a wait to get an initial appointment (with good reason - they’re busy because they’re popular!) but we understand it can be very disappointing to find that the theatre lists during your scheduled annual leave break are all booked up. Ask your surgeon if they have a Priority Waiting List, in our clinic, we can bring our patients’ appointments forward by 4 weeks on average, just by registering them on this list. Most of the time, your surgery will be anywhere from 2-4 months after your initial consultation, depending on availability on theatre lists at your preferred hospital. Often you will have a second or third complimentary consultation in the interim. And don’t plan to have surgery just before major life events; give yourself plenty of time to heal before a wedding, reunion or big holiday!
Can I take enough time off work?
Most procedures require 1-2 weeks off work, and if your job involves heavy lifting or lots of physical activity, you may need to return on reduced activities for up to 6 weeks, longer if you’re a slow healer or have other health issues. Talk to us so we can help you plan ahead. If you have a cosmetic procedure with Dr Sharp, you will have at least 3 post op consultations, so it’s also good to consider how you will be able to attend these around work commitments after your surgery.
Do I need private health insurance?
It’s always beneficial to have private health insurance if you are having surgery. Some procedures, such as abdominoplasty, brachioplasty or thigh reduction after massive weightloss, carry MBS item numbers which significantly reduces your out of pocket costs, and gives you peace of mind knowing you have any post operative hospital admissions covered. But even if your planned procedure doesn’t have MBS item numbers (and is considered entirely cosmetic), if you experience any complications or health issues after surgery, your private health insurance usually covers most of the associated costs. Readmission to hospital after cosmetic surgery is very rare amongst our patients, but it does happen from time to time and when it does, private health insurance is very reassuring.
Have more questions for us?
Our experienced patient care team have extensive experience navigating these questions, and are available for an obligation free phone chat on 3202 4744 to discuss the procedure you are interested in, the potential costs involved and whether or not you might be eligible for rebates.
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2018 Highlights: before and after plastic surgery with Dr David Sharp
It’s been a big year of operating for us - and we love nothing more than to look back through our patients’ surgical journeys and see the improvements they’ve experienced!
From facelift and blepharoplasty through to breast augmentation, abdominoplasty and wrinkle injections - here’s a small selection of results from the thousands of procedures that Dr Sharp performed during the past 12 months. We love being part of every patient’s surgical journey, and witnessing the positive life changes that self improvement can bring; which often reach far beyond the physical transformations seen here. Thank you to all of our patients, for entrusting your care to us - and making us part of your 2018.
Considering surgery in 2019? The best results are planned ahead! Contact us to take the first step...
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What is the short scar breast augmentation technique?
As breast augmentation techniques evolve, the visible signs of surgery have become less prominent.
One of the techniques that Dr Sharp employs during almost every breast augmentation procedure he performs at our Brisbane and Ipswich hospitals, is the short scar augmentation. This technique provides a reduced incision length and less scaring for our patients.
In order to insert the implant, an inframammary incision is made under the breast. In the past, surgeons had to dissect the implant pocket and squeeze an implant through this incision, so they had to make the cut wide enough to accommodate the implant.
However, Dr Sharp is able to make a smaller incision due to his use of a special sleeve to enable narrower insertion of the implant. A tool known as the ‘Keller Funnel’ (which you can watch Dr Sharp use here), allows the smaller incision to be made; the implant is passed into the chest via the funnel and in most cases, the scars are completely concealed in the fold (see images below, taken from underneath with the patient lying down).
above left: six month old breast augmentation scar | above right: six month old breast augmentation scar
In addition to aesthetic benefits of a shorter scar, the funnel also has safety benefits; it enables the silicone gel implant to be placed into the breast without the need for touching, and with more control by the surgeon.
While Dr Sharp does everything possible to minimise every scar created by his surgery, there are certain circumstances where a short scar incision isn’t possible. This includes some removal and replacement or revision procedures.
All surgery leaves scars. Sometimes patients are prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring which can be prominent, but steps can be taken post operatively if your post op surgical team is made aware of this - using tape, dressings, topical treatments and possibly laser or fractionated needling therapy. Most patients do not require any scar intervention, but if you want to give your scars the best chance of healing well, follow these 3 steps:
- Read the post op instructions your surgeon has provided, and follow them closely.
- When your post op care team indicates the time is right, start massaging your scars daily with the gel provided by Dr Sharp in your post op care bag.
- Keep your tapes on and wear your clinical support garment as per your post op instructions.
- Don’t stretch, over-extend or place pressure on your incision lines; they are under the tension and weight of an implant, so give them support and lots of care!
Read more about our approach to breast augmentation surgery in our Ultimate Breast Augmentation Guide.
above: before and five months after breast augmentation surgery with Dr Sharp
call to book a consultation with Dr Sharp
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Question of the week: are routine MRI scans necessary after breast augmentation?
How can I tell if my implant has ruptured? I had breast implants last year and was wondering if I need to get routine breast ultrasounds or MRI scans? I don’t have a family history of breast cancer.
- patient
Dr Sharp:
Routine MRI or ultrasounds are not recommended unless you:
- have a history of breast cancer
- have noticed changes in your breasts such as the onset of pain, distortion or discharge
- suspect your implant/s may be ruptured
- have experienced trauma to your chest and there are concerns that your implant/s may have been damaged
So if you don’t have a history of breast cancer (and aren’t of an age - or family history - to need routine screening yet), regular scans to check on the condition of your implants is not recommended in Australia.
The specific silicone gel filled implants I use are of an extremely high quality; they are covered by a lifetime warranty for rupture. This means the manufacturers back the implant quality, and they will replace them for free if they are to rupture at any point in the future.
Surgeons can also take certain steps to reduce the risk of breast implant rupture at the time of implant placement, including using a Keller funnel to place the implant with minimal impact on the implant itself. I use a funnel for this and other safety reasons when inserting implants.
In the case of silicone implants, if the implant shell develops a small opening, due to its cohesive nature, the silicone gel will most likely remain inside the implant’s outer shell. If a tear develops in the outer shell, the silicone gel may leave the implant, but will usually be contained within the natural scar tissue capsule that forms a few weeks after the implant is placed.
That means you might not notice an immediate difference in your breast. If you do notice a change in your breast, it might be a shape our outline/profile alteration. You might notice some persistent discomfort in the area. As silicone gel is biologically inert, it does not react with your tissues and research shows that when modern cohesive gel implants rupture, they don’t pose an immediate risk to your health.
If you think you might have a rupture:
- Visit your GP; they will assess your breast (and symptoms) and may refer you to have a scan. Ask for a referral to see your plastic surgeon; a referral from your GP will enable you to receive a Medicare rebate on your specialist consultation fee.
- If you aren’t going back to see your original surgeon, and you don’t have the implant details that were given to you at the time of your augmentation, contact your surgeon to obtain these. This will help you ascertain the type of implants (cohesive gel, saline etc) and the manufacturer’s warranty provisions. Knowing your warranty provisions will help you ascertain the out of pocket costs of any potential revision surgery.
Implants do not last forever; I have seen patients with first-generation implants that have been in place for over 40 years, while other patients have required replacement due to capsular contracture, rupture or migration after 8-10 years.
The good news for women who wish to undergo breast augmentation with modern high quality silicone gel implants is that they are generally very safe and ruptures are rare. When they do occur, they are usually contained within the capsule and easily removed and replaced.
For more information, read our checklist for caring for your breast implants , which includes:
- Self-examination
- Screening when you reach the age where screening is recommend - or if you have a family history that makes you a candidate for early screening
- Watching for changes
Have breast implant questions?
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What Are Mondors Cords?
During breast augmentation surgery, incisions are made under the breast (in the inframammary fold) and vessels are cut; the surgeon uses an electrocautery to stop any bleeding.
Once vessels are cut, blood can no longer flow through and the blood inside the veins naturally clots, causing a mild local inflammation reaction within the veins.
These veins become palpable and visible through the skin, looking like ‘cords’. These care called ‘Mondors Cords’. They can occur a couple of weeks after breast augmentation surgery and they look like vertical bands below the breast, running towards the abdomen. They aren’t painful, but can sometimes feel uncomfortable to tender to touch. The cords are harmless and temporary. The clots inside are not the same as the type of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis that can form in the legs or be harmful.
What do I do if I have Mondors cords?
Contact your surgeon so they are aware of your symptoms; they might ask you to come into the clinic for a review appointment, or if this isn’t possible, send photos of the affected area. Most patients don’t require treatment, but if you have mild discomfort, you might find a mild anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen and heat packs (warm not hot) might be helpful. Eventually the clots break down and are absorbed by the body, and the cords will spontaneously resolve; this can take several weeks to a few months.
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Question of the week: using liposuctioned fat for grafting
I want to have fat liposuctioned out of my thighs and stomach, and put into my breasts and face to fill out my sagging skin.
Is it possible to do this instead of having a breast augmentation and facelift?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
Patients also often ask if liposuctioned fat can be injected into other parts of the body, or ‘fat grafted’. The best way to explain my approach to liposuction and fat grafting is that liposuction is all about volume of fat, where as fat grafting is all about quality of fat! I often take small amounts of fat from the stomach or thighs and place these in the face to fill out areas that have experienced volume loss.
Likewise, for slim women who lack fat across their chest to soften the appearance of their breast implants, I often graft small amounts of fat around the periphery of implants, to create a more natural look and reduce the visibility of implant rippling.
Unfortunately it’s not an easy case of liposuctioning large amounts of stomach fat and using it to build breasts that are two cup sizes bigger. This is because liposuction technology aims to remove the maximum amount of fat with the least amount of physical damage to surrounding tissues. And the best way to do that is to break down the fat as much as possible before extracting it. This damages the fat cells and inhibits their ability to regrow when transplanted into another area; so it’s not considered to be ‘good quality’ harvested fat.
One of the biggest downfalls of fat grafting is the fact that some fat always dies off when being grafted to the new site - this can range anywhere from 5% up to 40%. Fat grafting has been around for a long time, but it’s widespread use is a very recent thing and modern medicine is still adapting ways to help reduce the number of fat cells that die when grafted. If large amounts of fat don’t survive the process, fat necrosis can occur. This usually resolves with time, but can cause pain and sensitivity in the area as well as contour deformities and pockets of firmness that are sometimes visible to the eye. Successful fat grafting is a combination of good surgical technique, good fat selection and a good candidate. Patients need to be non smokers, follow a nutrient-rich diet low in processed foods, stay within a normal weight range and closely follow post operative instructions to ensure best possible results.
When I perform fat grafting to subtly enhance parts of the face or body, I use a special fat harvesting kit to strategically extract small quantities of good quality fat, with minimal disruption to the fat cells themselves. In the case of facial fat grafting, the fat is then carefully put through a process that creates tiny ‘nano’ fat that can be injected into the face.
Fat grafting can improve the appearance of an ageing face, but it won’t address all aspects of facial aging, and depending on how much skin laxity you have, you may find that a facelift is unavoidable if you wish to restore your underlying facial structure and skin tightness. It is possible to have liposuction to reduce your unwanted fat deposits, breast augmentation using implants and fat grafting to achieve a fuller breast (a mastopexy may be required if you have significant amounts of sagging breast skin or ptosis) and facial fat grafting with or without a facelift. These procedures can be performed in the one operation, or over separate surgeries. The first step is to consult 2 or 3 plastic surgeons to obtain their opinion about the best procedures and techniques for you and your individual aesthetic goals, so you understand all of your options and the benefits, risks and cost associated with each of these.
Ask us your fat grafting question!
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Question of the week: changes to the blepharoplasty item number
My heavy eyelids make it hard for me to see, especially when I’m tired. I often find myself raising my eyebrows to try and elevate my lids. I’ve heard that Medicare’s recent changes mean that I might not be covered by my private health insurance for this procedure anymore. How have the rules changed, and can it be done under local anaesthetic in your clinic, if my fund won’t cover surgery in hospital?
- patient
above: before and three months after blepharoplasty surgery with Dr Sharp
Dr Sharp:
Up until the 1st of November 2018, if you had loose eyelid skin that rested on your eyelashes (when looking straight ahead), your procedure met the Medicare Benefit’s Schedule item number criteria for a ‘medically required’ blepharoplasty, as Medicare deemed that the procedure was required to improve your vision.
Medicare recently decided that the current criteria wasn’t adequate, and as of last week, the item number criteria was revised. It no longer relies upon only the plastic surgeon’s assessment of the patient, so if you wish to access Medicare rebates or use private health insurance cover, you now also have to make an appointment with an optometrist or opthalmologist to undergo examination and have obstructed vision confirmed, before undergoing surgery with the plastic surgeon.
If you think this applies to you, mention this when you book your consultation, so we can provide you with a referral letter to an optometrist or opthalmologist explaining why you require the examination and report. Once this occurs, we can determine your rebates and out of pocket costs.
So what do out of pocket costs for blepharoplasty surgery look like now?
If you don’t have private health insurance:
If you still meet the MBS criteria for a ‘medically required’ blepharoplasty, Medicare will rebate a portion of your surgeon’s and anaesthetic fee, and you will be 100% out of pocket for your hospital fee. If this is the case, the procedure will cost you about $3,500-$4,000 out of pocket (after rebates). If you don’t meet the new criteria, your costs will total around $5,000.
If you have private health insurance:
If you still meet the MBS criteria for a ‘medically required’ blepharoplasty, Medicare and your private fund will cover your hospital fees (minus any excess payable on your policy) and will rebate part of the surgeon’s and anaesthetic fees. The procedure will cost you about $2,300-$3,000 out of pocket (after rebates). If you don’t meet the new criteria, your costs will total around $5,000.
Should a blepharoplasty be performed in hospital under general anaesthetic, or in surgeon’s rooms under local anaesthetic?
I mostly perform this procedure under general anaesthesia in hospital. This ensures that the patient is not subjected to any unnecessary discomfort, and more extensive blepharoplasty techniques (where muscle or fat can be repositioned) can be utilised without compromising your operative experience. That said, some blepharoplasties can be comfortably performed under local anaesthetic, and this is certainly a possibility for some patients. It’s one of the considerations we discuss together during the initial consultation.
Blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic in your surgeon’s rooms might sound like a convenient, cost effective solution, but it comes with its own risks. The best location for your surgery should be a multifactorial decision made between you and your surgeon, based on your individual circumstances and procedure.
If you’re considering blepharoplasty surgery and want to know how the MBS item number changes specifically impact your procedure, please call our helpful patient care team on 3202 4744.
Please note: the fees provided in this article are only indicative and may vary. When you book a consultation with Dr Sharp, we will check your eligibility for this procedure with your health fund, so if you qualify for the item number coverage, we will be able to supply you with a complete quote (inclusive of all rebates) at the time of your consultation.
Ask us your blepharoplasty question!
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Question of the week: facelift scars
Where are facelift scars located, and can they be positioned so that they are invisible to the eye?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
I customise each facelift procedure to the individual patient’s anatomy and their age, degree of skin laxity and hair line. Most standard facelifts usually involve an incision inside the hairline adjacent to the temple, down the earlobe and around the back of the ear, tracking along the hairline down to the nape of the neck (as shown below by the dotted line).
Sometimes the incision is shorter, especially in my shorter-scar Sharp Lift procedure, more common among people in their late 30’s and 40’s who want to redefine their jawline and remove early jowls.
Wherever possible, incisions are placed within the hair or along the hairline, although this can be dependent upon the thickness of the hair, the position of the hairline (some people have receding hairlines, while others sit forward on the face) and how much skin is removed.
How you scar is largely dependent upon your body’s natural predispositions; your ethnicity and genetics play a role in scar colour and texture. Due to neck movement and the pressure on incisions when lying down or turning your head, sometimes the scars behind the ears and along the hairline of the neck can be thicker and wider for the first 24 months, but once you reach the 2 year mark post operatively, most patients find their scars no longer look or feel prominent.
We understand that scars are one of the most common aspects of facelift surgery that deter people from undergoing the procedure. It’s one of the first questions that patients raise; however, post operatively, we find it’s rarely a source of concern. We take a very proactive approach to scar reduction; all of our patients have Fraxel scar reduction laser as a complimentary component of their facelift post operative care with us. Along with daily massage using the scar reduction gel suppled in our facelift post op support bags, Fraxel laser speeds up the scar maturation process, optimising their appearance and helping to reduce their visibility as quickly as possible.
Ask us your facelift question!
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In the media: Dr Sharp featured in breast lift guide
Breast lift (or mastopexy) surgery can be confusing: it’s often mistaken for breast reduction surgery and it’s sometimes recommended alongside a breast augmentation to ensure optimal results.
What makes you a candidate for breast lift surgery instead of breast reduction, and in what circumstances should you consider a mastopexy with your augmentation?
Style Magazines’ recent breast lift feature addressed some of the misconceptions about mastopexy surgery, answering some commonly asked questions about this transformative procedure.
Journalist Siobhan Taylor spoke to Dr Sharp about the surgical process - as well as the risks, recovery and what makes someone an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery:
While the breast lift (or ‘mastopexy’ as your doctor would say) sounds simple enough, there’s a lot going on under the surface that you may not be aware of. In fact, the details of the surgery are significantly different from that of a standard boob job altering everything from your initial consultation right through to the end results.
Because we want everyone to have the tools to make an informed decision, we decided to speak with Dr David Sharp, a highly-regarded Brisbane-based FRACS credentialed plastic surgeon, to learn more about breast lifts. Assisted by a team of clinical and administrative professionals, Dr Sharp is highly sought after for his expertise and down-to-earth approach. We asked him six of the most common questions our readers have about breast lifts.
Read the full article here!
Is breast lift surgery right for you? Get in touch with our patient care team and find out more...
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Question of the week: what are cohesive gel or form stable breast implants?
I want silicone implants for my augmentation, but I’m confused about the difference between gummy bear, cohesive gel and form stable implants. How do I choose the safest?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
It’s good to hear you are thinking about these factors and how they may impact your breast augmentation surgery, as they are important pre operative considerations!
Essentially all of the implants you mention come from the same ‘family’ of silicone implants. Implant manufacturers use words such as cohesive gel, form stable silicone and gummy bear implants to describe variants of the same thing; breast implants that contain a silicone that maintains its shape and consistency inside the body - and has a solid (rather than liquid or runny) consistency.
This kind of silicone has been successfully used for many years - and in millions of patients. Most specialist plastic surgeons in Australia use modern implants that contain this gel.
Breast implants are very strong and ruptures aren’t common, but even when cohesive gel implants do rupture, the gel stays inside the implant - hence the term ‘form stable’.
Silicone implants have dramatically changed over the past 40 years; the original silicone gel that was used as early as the 1970s, consisted of a liquid gel. If the outer layer of the implant ruptured, the liquid would leak into the body.
In 2006, cohesive gel implants became available in the United States. You may have heard them referred to as the “gummy bear implant”. The big difference between a liquid gel and cohesive gel is that the cohesive gel stays in one solid form if cut or ruptured, mimicking a gummy bear.
The cross linking of the silicone in these implants can vary, creating different levels of cohesiveness and firmness. Your surgeon will discuss the appropriate implant for you. New generation implants are able to balance the benefits of form stable silicone with the goal of creating a softer, more natural feel. The implant brands I use do this particularly well, while maintaining an excellent safety record and lower complication rate than other, cheaper, implants - so doing your research and asking your surgeon which brand she or he uses is also important! Experienced surgeons will be attracted to certain implants or deterred from using others, so ask your surgeon how they decided upon their preferred implant type.
Ask us your breast augmentation question!
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Question of the week: what is a Keller funnel and why does it make breast augmentation surgery safer?
My friend has had a breast augmentation and said her surgeon used a funnel to insert her implant and make her surgery safer.
Does Dr Sharp use a funnel, and if so, how does it make the surgery safer – and does it cost extra?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
It’s great to hear you are thinking about these factors before your breast augmentation surgery, as they are an important pre operative considerations.
The Keller funnel is an implant delivery system for inserting breast implants into the surgical pockets; a clear funnel shaped tool that allows for easier insertion of the breast implants into the chest cavity without over-handling of the prosthesis.
The Keller funnel was a game-changer in breast augmentation, alleviating the need to insert breast implants by hand, and offering three key advantages:
Decreased breast implant contact
Being able to use additional anti-bacterial measures with a Keller funnel reduces the risk of breast augmentation complications. It offers less risk of damage to the breast implant during insertion, helping to minimise the risks of pre-insertion damage to the breast implant product by reducing the need to manually handle the breast implant. Excessive manual handling of implants has been identified as a potential factor in the compromise of the implant shell, reducing the longevity of the implant.
Easier breast implant insertion
The Keller Funnel’s clear polymeric surface is also believed to help make it easier for the insertion (and potentially orientation) of some types of breast implants. The clear funnel allows for greater visibility of the breast implant at all stages of the implant insertion; assisting surgeons with breast implant placement for cosmetic and plastic surgery breast enlargement procedures. The funnel’s low friction coating allows smooth, texture, high profile, low profile, round and anatomical implants to be guided into their ideal position, rather than inserted solely by hand.
Smaller breast augmentation incision and scar
One end of the funnel is large (to allow the implant to be inserted) and the other end is where the implant is squeezed through; narrow enough to ensure the surgeon can make a smaller incision - meaning that we don’t have to make a large cut in the patient’s skin in order to insert the funnel and deliver the implant. This produces the shorter scar synonymous with my breast augmentation technique.
I use the Keller funnel for breast augmentation procedures when deemed suitable for the patient, type of procedure and implant. Patients are not required to purchase the funnel separately as we stock them in all hospitals that I operate at - nor are patients charged extra for the funnel.
Macquarie University has pioneered the 14 Point Plan to help reduce some of the risks associated with breast implant surgery. You can read more about the plan here and specifically about the 14 Point Plan Pledge I have taken here.
Each week we share one of the questions Dr Sharp has received from patients; to submit a question please email info@drdavidsharp.com.au or use the form below.
Ask us your breast augmentation question!
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What is lip lift surgery?
Kylie Jenner recently kissed goodbye to the over-inflated lip look that once made her famous, opting for a more subtle pout. The key to beauty is proportion, and rather than looking naturally hydrated and full-lipped, those who emulated her style often looked as though they were suffering from anaphylaxis.
So what’s the next ‘big thing’ in lips? If demand in our Brisbane and Ipswich clinics is any indication, ‘lip lift’ surgery is growing in popularity among women who want to make changes to their lower face that lip fillers haven’t been able to achieve for them. The procedure involves an incision under the nose (usually discreetly located in the junction where the nostrils meet the upper lip). A small segment of skin is removed and the incision closed. The procedure results in a shorter distance between the lip and nose (this area of the face is called the philtrum), enhancing the cupid’s bow and helping the top lip roll outward more, making it appear larger and increasing the amount of pink (vermillion) lip showing. Results can be as subtle or dramatic as the patient wishes. In our clinics, lip lift surgery is also sometimes teamed with rhinoplasty, facelift surgery or chin augmentation surgery, to harmoniously rebalance facial features.
Lip lift surgery is also known as philtrum shortening. It is a minor procedure, and can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. But it’s not for everyone; when patients are not carefully selected, the surgery can unbalance a face that already has good upper lip proportions. Lip lift also comes with risks and potential complications, such as prominent scarring, nerve damage, asymmetry and unnatural results that are difficult to conceal with makeup. Having lip lift surgery isn’t akin to having lip injections; while dermal fillers can dissolve in a relatively short time, lip lift results are more permanent. When unfavourable scarring occurs, a combination of laser and topical skin treatments might be recommended, to optimise healing and speed up scar maturation.
While lip lift is not a new procedure, a resurgence in lip lift surgery’s popularity is being noted across the world, with women in their 20’s and 30’s primarily seeking a lip augmenting effect, while mature aged patients often find that the ageing process causes their upper lip to thin and elongate - with lip lift surgery creating small, flattering adjustments that can reverse unwanted changes. As the philtrum drops as we age, the top teeth become hidden and ‘mouth frown’ can occur.
Lip liners and dermal fillers play a useful role in improving the appearance of aged, thinning lips, but trying to using these tools to turn a curled-under lip out - or to reduce the length of the philtrum - can create an over-filled, heavy ‘duck bill’ appearance. In this way, dermal fillers are often over-used, as injectors try to shorten the appearance of the philtrum or achieve the rolled-out lip look, when surgery is actually required.
As a lip lift can be performed under local or general anaesthetic, the total cost can vary significantly, as hospital admission and general anaesthetic adds to the costs. If you are considering this procedure, talk to a qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon that is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (denoted by the letters FRACS after their name) to obtain a full facial assessment and ascertain if it is right for you.
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Question of the week: is Fraxel laser painful?
I’ve wanted to have laser resurfacing for many years for lines and pigmentation, but the images of crispy skin and stories of painful treatments has put me off. Does Fraxel laser hurt and is there any way to reduce the pain?
- patient
Deborah:
One of the things I love most about Fraxel is that the technology has been industry-leading for around for two decades; it is proven and well-tested science that has stood the test of time and millions of treatments. Like most of the first rejuvenation lasers, it’s true that the first generation of Fraxel was known to have a sting, but the technology has been refined and that reputation is no longer valid. The ‘new’ Fraxel is not painful for most patients; a mild prickling sensation can be felt.
We ensure patients are comfortable by applying a topical anaesthetic cream before the treatment and the machine now comes with a Zimmer device, which blows chilled air on the skin as the laser works, distracting nerve endings. I have personally used most of the other leading lasers, radio frequency and pulsed light machines on the market over the past 15 years and Fraxel is by far the most comfortable. It manages to achieve great results without being ablative, so you don’t get the discomfort, persistent burning sensation, hot spots or ‘crispy’ skin you describe. Fraxel downtime is quite brief in comparison to other lasers, and initially looks like sunburn and develops into a grainy ‘ground coffee’ appearance as the skin exfoliates - you can view pictures of this process on the video we posted here. The Fraxel The new Fraxel is the virtually pain-free for most patients. Our clinic was the first plastic surgeon lead practice in Brisbane to offer Fraxel laser, and we chose it specifically because it is a very high quality, medical grade laser that delivers measurable results without unnecessary discomfort. Most of our team members have had the treatment, so if you want to talk to someone first hand who has undergone Fraxel don’t hesitate to call us on 3202 4744 and ask!
Ask us your Fraxel questions!
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Guess to win!
Want to enter?
1. Estimate the number of bottles in the vase Deb is holding
2. Go to Facebook or @dr_david_sharp on Instagram and comment on the post with your estimate
3. The person who places the closest guess will recieve a $200 PRAHS Skin Voucher
4. Winner will be announced 12th of October 2018
Good luck!
Terms and conditions: Voucher can be redeemed on any skin treatment with Deborah. Cannot be redeemed on surgical fees, surgical consultation or medical treatments. Not redeemable for cash or transferrable. Voucher valid until the 1st of January 2019. Please note the bottles in the image shown are for display purposes only, and do not contain any products.
What's your Summer Skin Plan?
Get started with a complimentary consultation with Deborah to discuss how wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, Fraxel resurfacing laser, micro needling or key active ingredients can help you reach your skin goals!
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Tummy tucks ease incontinence and back pain
Abdominoplasty surgery is far more than just a cosmetic procedure designed to remove a small post pregnancy pouch of skin. Most tummy tuck procedures reshape and strengthen the abdominal wall, reducing back pain and urinary incontinence after pregnancy. Earlier this year an Australian study found abdominoplasties provided significant functional and medical benefits to women post partum so…
Why aren’t abdominoplasties considered a ‘medical’ procedure and subject to rebates after pregnancy?
If you’ve lost 5 BMI points (outside of pregnancy) and have excess skin that can’t be conservatively managed, the Medicare Benefits Schedule criteria may deem you eligible for a ‘medical’ abdominoplasty - that is, one that is billed under an item number. However, since late 2015, if you’re a women experiencing rectus divarication, chronic back pain or urinary incontinence post partum, Medicare and health funds will consider the procedure to be ‘cosmetic’. So essentially, if a man undergoes extreme weight loss after bariatric surgery and has excess skin, some of his abdominoplasty costs will be reimbursed under Medicare (and private health insurance if he has an eligible policy), and yet a woman who has torn muscles, incontinence and back pain as a consequence of pregnancy cannot.
above: before and three months after abdominoplasty surgery with Dr Sharp
Abdominoplasty repairs rectus diastasis (muscle separation after pregnancy), reconstructing the abdominal wall, removing hernias and restoring core strength - as well as removing excess skin from the lower abdomen.
The authors of the 2018 Australian study highlighted the fact that this not only restores the abdomen’s shape, it can also improve core strength, and can impact back pain and pelvic floor control.
The study included 214 women undergoing abdominoplasty in Australia, with an average age of 42 and a history of two or more pregnancies. Before tummy tuck surgery, half of the patients reported moderate to severe disability from back pain, while urinary incontinence was a concern for 42.5%.
At six weeks and six months post surgery, only 2% of the abdominoplasty patients said urinary incontinence remained a significant problem, while only 9% still reported moderate disability from back pain.The study’s findings renewed calls earlier this year to add abdominoplasty to the MBS for women suffering from chronic postpartum medical issues, which would see the procedure subsidised by Medicare - and rebatable through private health insurance - if the women met the MBS criteria for medically requiring the surgery.
There are many operations performed for the relief of chronic pain and it is the Royal Australasian College of Surgeon and Australian Society of Plastic Surgeon’s position that women should not be excluded from having abdominoplasty surgery to address medical problems; it should be considered as a procedure that fixes core strength and pelvic floor instability and addresses function or pain issues.
Postpartum abdominoplasty facts:
- Approximately 1.6 million Australian women are currently suffering with chronic back pain as a result of giving birth
More than 3 million Australian women experience discomfort, functional problems and social concerns that relate to stress incontinence
Tummy tuck surgery can improve back pain and urinary incontinence after pregnancy or childbirth
For more information about how abdominoplasty surgery helps repair pregnancy related abdominal wall defects, hernias and excess skin call 3202 4744 or contact us via the form below.
Ask us about abdominoplasty
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In the media: Style Magazine’s list of Brisbane’s best breast augmentation surgeons
Style Magazines has released its list of Brisbane’s best breast augmentation surgeons.
Dr Sharp was honoured to make the cut (hehe) along with some of Brisbane’s esteemed specialist plastic surgeons, discussing his approach to breast augmentation surgery and some of the things to consider if you are looking at having this procedure.
The magazine drew particular attention to the importance of researching your breast augmentation surgeon thoroughly, to ensure they are qualified as a specialist plastic surgeon:
No matter your reason for considering the treatment, it’s important to make sure you’re going to a qualified expert who can take the vision you have in your mind and make it a reality.
If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation – “Is it right for me? What’s the procedure like? Where do I start?” – then prepare to breathe a deep sigh of relief, because we’re helping you take your next step with confidence. Here’s our guide to some of the most trusted breast augmentation specialists in Brisbane.
- Style MagazinesRead the feature in full here!
Have a question about breast augmentation surgery? Contact our friendly team!
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Spring skin treatments
Did you know that after a collagen-stimulating treatment, it takes about 6 weeks to start to see the results? That means now is the perfect time to start planning for summer holidays, skin-baring dresses and your party season glow!
Begin by removing pigmentation and dead, lacklustre skin cells while strategically stimulating collagen with our rejuvenating medical skin treatments:
- FRAXEL LASER
- DERMAPEN MICRONEEDLING
- REVOLUMISING DERMAL FILLERS
- WRINKLE INJECTIONS
- LIP ENHANCEMENT
Kick start your summer skin with a proactive approach to healthy ageing and natural-looking results.
Book a complimentary skin assessment consultation with Deborah for a treatment plan tailored to your skin goals by calling 3202 4744.
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CLINIC NEWS
25% OFF LIP ENHANCEMENT INJECTIONS
Rejuvenate thin, dry or lined lips with our high quality dermal filler injections, using techniques that produce beautiful, natural-looking results. Topical anaesthetic is provided at no cost, for extra comfort. See in clinic for terms & conditions.
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Medicare plastic surgery changes: will they impact you?
Medicare has announced significant changes to plastic surgery item numbers on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) that will be effective from the 1st of November 2018. If you do not have item numbers listed on your informed financial consent document, this news won’t impact your costs. This will impact rebates and health fund coverage for patients with certain item numbered procedures, so if you are having plastic surgery from the 1st of November onwards, it’s important to be aware of these changes and read on.
What does this mean?
Some MBS item numbers are being abolished altogether, while others will have a tighter eligibility criteria. If we have issued you with a quote that lists an item number, this quote is only valid for surgery performed up until the 31st of October 2018. Dr Sharp’s fees are not changing, but some rebates are, and so for surgery that’s planned from the 1st of November onwards, we will need to provide you with an updated quote based on the final version of the new Medicare item numbers.
Which procedures are impacted?
This list covers some popular procedures involved, and is not comprehensive:
- otoplasty: must be performed before the age of 18 or costs will increase by approximately $2,500
- blepharoplasty: an optometrist or ophthalmologist will need to confirm that your excess eyelid skin obstructs your vision - if you don’t meet the criteria, costs may increase by approximately $2,500
- breast reductions and lifts (mastopexy): in you don’t satisfy the criteria, costs will increase by approximately $3,000 - $6,500 (depending on inpatient stay)
- removal and replacement of breast implants: if you don’t satisfy the criteria, costs will increase by approximately $5,500 - $8,000 (depending on inpatient stay and whether your original implants were covered by a replacement warranty)
lipectomy procedures (abdominoplasty, thigh reduction, arm reduction etc): even if you meet the criteria for these procedures individually, Medicare and private health funds won’t pay any rebates or cover hospital fees if certain lipectomy procedures are performed together as a combined procedure. For example, abdominoplasty and arm lift will be 100% out of pocket, even if you meet the MBS item number criteria, if performed together. But if you meet the criteria and have an abdominoplasty and arm lift performed as two separate operations, they will still be eligible for rebates/cover.
I have surgery booked after the 1st of November; what do I need to do?
If you have item numbers listed on your estimate of fees, the item numbers for your procedure may not be one of those impacted at all by these changes, and even if they are, you may find that you still meet the updated criteria. If you are having surgery after the 1st of November and you have item numbers on your informed financial consent document that are included in the list of those changed, our practice manager Carol and patient liaison Katy will identify this and will contact you regarding any estimate revisions required. In some cases, Dr Sharp will be able to ascertain whether you meet the updated criteria prior to your surgery - in other cases, due to the new requirements, this will need to be determined post operatively using intraoperative photography and other assessments.
I don’t have private health insurance; will this impact me?
If your surgery is currently covered by an item number (eg removal and replacement of breast implants due to complications), at the moment you’d receive a rebate on some of your surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees from Medicare. If you no longer meet the new criteria, you won’t be eligible to receive any rebates. If you do meet the new criteria, rebates will still apply for your surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees. Private hospital fees are never covered by Medicare, so these remain unaffected for uninsured patients.
I have private health insurance; how will this impact me?
Patients who are privately insured may be significantly impacted by these changes. If your private health insurance policy covers you for an MBS item number - and your surgeon and Medicare deems that you meet that criteria - your fund and Medicare pay a rebate on your surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees, and your fund covers your hospital fees (minus any excess or exclusions). These changes mean that we need to ascertain if you meet the amended MBS criteria for your procedure; if not, your fund and Medicare will not provide any rebates - so you would be out of pocket 100% for your surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital stay. Again, this only applies if the changes impact your specific item numbers, and you will receive notification from us if this is the case for you.
Why are changes occurring - and will there be more?
The government made these changes because they believe some MBS item numbers are being used for procedures that Medicare perceive to be ‘cosmetic’ rather than ‘medical’. Representatives from the plastic surgery community were involved in the taskforce that contributed to these changes, but not all of their requests and recommendations were implemented or observed in the resulting criteria amendments. Changes to MBS item numbers that impact plastic surgery have been a focus of government cost-cutting in recent years and this may continue. It’s important to remember that when you receive an informed financial consent document, it is based upon the information available to your surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and health fund at the time; if the government decides to make changes to the item numbers and rebates after your estimate is provided, they are able to do so, and are not required to provide a grace period for people who have already received quotes.
I haven’t booked my surgery yet; is there still time to have surgery before the changes occur?
Out of pocket fees are understandably an important component of your surgical decision making process, however costs alone should not be a reason to rush into elective surgery before you are ready. Currently Dr Sharp’s theatre lists are fully booked beyond the 1st of November at all hospitals, so while we’re able to place you on a waiting list for surgery before this date (if you’ve already had your initial consultation with Dr Sharp and had time to consider your informed consent documents), there is no guarantee your surgery can be performed by the 31st of October 2018.
Please contact Carol at manager@drdavidsharp.com.au if you have any queries or concerns.
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What is rectus divarication?
Diastasis recti (also known as rectus divarication or abdominal separation) a gap (usually greater than 2.5cm) between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle.
The distance between the right and left rectus abdominis muscles is created by the stretching of the linea alba, a connective collagen sheath (see right).
In pregnant or postpartum women, the condition is caused by the stretching of the rectus abdominis by the growing uterus. It is more common in women who have had multiple pregnancies, but can occur after just one. Sometimes, the uterus can be seen bulging through the abdominal wall, beneath the skin.
Women are more susceptible to develop diastasis recti when over the age of 35, high birth weight of child, multiple birth pregnancy, and multiple pregnancies. Abdominal muscles separation can appear as a ridge running down the midline of the abdomen; it becomes more obvious with straining and may disappear when the abdominal muscles are relaxed.
In an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, diastasis recti is corrected by creating a plication or folding of the linea alba and suturing together. This creates a tighter abdominal wall and restores the stomach to a flatter, more aesthetically pleasing appearance while most importantly restoring core strength, and often, pelvic floor integrity.
Sometimes, hernias may also be present alongside abdominal wall weakness. In most cases, Dr Sharp’s abdominoplasty procedures include the repair of any hernias as well.
To find out if you have muscle separation after pregnancy, speak to your GP. If this is causing back ache, urinary incontinence, poor core strength or difficulty with certain exercises, ask for a referral to a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss whether or not post pregnancy abdominoplasty surgery might be right for you.
Contact us
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Safe breast augmentation surgery – the 14 Point Plan Pledge
Breast augmentation surgery is a very safe procedure. Statistically it has a low rate of complications and research shows it provides measurable improvements for women’s quality of life and sense of wellbeing. Despite this, safety is at the forefront of women’s minds when considering a breast augmentation - and so it should be!
Key considerations pertain to the choice of surgeon, selection of implant, the facility where the surgery is performed and the technique used. It’s important to put your safety interests ahead of finding the cheapest ‘deal’ or a surgeon that can perform your surgery asap! Optimal safety measures take time, and steps such as using an accredited hospital and anaesthetist - or taking extra precautions to avoid bacterial contamination - might add to the costs involved, but they can also significantly impact your short and long term outcomes.
Macquarie University has put together a 14 Point Plan which offers proven strategies for surgeons to use when they are inserting a breast implant. Published in 2013, it is now adopted around the world as best practice for plastic surgeons who frequently perform breast augmentation surgery. Each step aims to reduce bacterial contamination, which in turn minimises the risk of breast implant complications.
Dr Sharp is one of the specialist plastic surgeons in Brisbane and Ipswich who has chosen to taken the 14 Point Plan Pledge. This means he has committed to using techniques and practices that help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination (listed below) including the use of a Keller funnel to deliver the implant into the breast pocket, using form stable breast implants and submuscular placement. While it isn’t possible to completely eradicate the chances of complications, these factors have all been shown to help lower the risk.
The Macquarie University 14 Point Plan:
- Use intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of anaesthetic induction
- Avoid peri-areolar incisions
- Use nipple shields to prevent spillage of bacteria into the pocket
- Perform careful atraumatic dissection to minimize devascularised tissue
- Perform careful hemostasis
- Avoid dissection into the breast parenchyma.
- A dual plane pocket has anatomic advantages
- Perform pocket irrigation with correct proven triple antibiotic solution or betadine
- Minimise skin-implant contamination
- Minimise the time of implant opening, reposition and replacement of implant
- Change surgical gloves prior to handling the implant. Use clean or new instruments that were not used in the pocket dissection
- Avoid using a drainage tube, where possible
- Use a layered closure
- Use antibiotic prophylaxis to cover subsequent dental or surgical procedures that produce bacteremia, and have lifelong follow-up
To ensure your surgeon is following best practice it’s important to:
- check they are a qualified specialist plastic surgeon using the RACS Find A Surgeon portal
- confirm they are a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
- see if they have taken the 14 Point Plan pledge
want to know more about Dr Sharp's approach to breast augmentation?
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GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME
There are some inconvenient truths when it comes to plastic and cosmetic surgery that should be part of the decision making process when considering surgery. Behind the exciting before and after photos - and happy outcomes - there’s a massive amount of discipline, patience and consideration that goes into each procedure. Healing takes time. Scarring doesn’t always behave as we want it to; in each body it can evolve, change and mature differently. Recovery can be painful. Friends and family can be judgemental. Surgery can trigger anxiety. And if you are aiming for perfection, you will always be disappointed (in life, and in surgery).
Some patients find it easy. We had a visit this week from one of our beautiful patients, who had undergone a breast reduction with Dr Sharp three months ago. She wanted to let us know she’d breezed through the entire process - felt great after surgery, bounced in for all of her post op appointments and patiently waited for her results to settle in. But the same procedure for another patient can be a difficult journey overwhelmed by anxiety and uncertainty - which is why it’s important to embark upon surgery with an open mind and an understanding that the process can be a marathon rather than a sprint.
Over the years we’ve noticed some commonality between patients who enjoy the process of surgery, and the results they achieve in the end:
They have reasonable expectations
They have sensible expectations of how their body will heal and recover from surgery. If their bodies don’t behave exactly as they imagined it would after surgery, they nurture it and are patient with their bodies, rather than engaging in negative self-talk. Likewise, they have reasonable expectations of their outcomes. Absolute perfection is a myth; if you are considering surgery in order to look ‘perfect’, you will always feel disappointed. Discuss your honest expectations with your surgeon - and likewise let them know that you expect honest feedback and guidance by them. It’s important for your surgeon to understand the key reasons why you wish to have the procedure, and the outcome you are hoping to achieve. Dr Sharp’s pre operative consultation process is very detailed and covers an exhaustive list of risks, complications and potential outcomes. If you are having a cosmetic procedure, you will have at least two of these consultations before your procedure. Even after these consults, if you have any doubts, ask for another pre operative consultation to discuss any concerns - they are free of charge, as we want to encourage patients to have as many as they need in order to feel fully informed!
They understand the uniqueness of each body
The advent of online surgery forums has in most part been a wonderful thing for patients, enabling them to find information and first-hand accounts that were never accessible in the past to people considering surgery. However, the flip side of this is that there’s a lot of misleading, inaccurate (and sometimes, dangerous) medical information shared between users. Every single body is beautifully unique, and what worked for one forum member might not work for another, for many reasons. In addition to starting off with different anatomy, proportions or disease progression, how your body responds to surgery after the procedure can be totally different to the next person on the forum. Some people are unlucky to be more prone to swelling, infection or suboptimal scar healing. While forums are a great way of doing ground work, it’s important to understand that everyone will have different outcomes.
They adhere to post op instructions
Your recovery is a team effort, often involving you, Dr Sharp, our post op care nurse and - sometimes if you live regionally - your local general practitioner. Before surgery, your informed consent process will include two written documents that clearly outline what to expect after your procedure; it is important to go through these with Dr Sharp and then go home and read through them again at least twice! Particularly observe the post operative information, risks and potential complications. This greatly assists patients in understanding what to anticipate from their procedure. On the day of your surgery you will receive a post operative care envelope containing your post op instructions and another copy of the appointment schedule you will have received earlier. Your post op instructions can’t cover off every possible scenario, they also rely on common sense - such as, if you have had surgery on your right ear today, don’t lie on that side when you go to bed tonight. Keep your support garment on for as long as Dr Sharp recommends after surgery (and even longer if you can), even when its cramping your style and you think you’ve healed enough to stop wearing it. Use your judgement and if you are unsure, call your post operative care nurse on the number we provide you with on your day of surgery; she’s available to talk to you anytime. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it come to post operative care - so stay in touch! Most importantly, if you haven’t adhered to your post op instructions and something has gone wrong, don’t be too nervous to get in touch and tell us; we aren’t here to berate you, we just want the best result possible for you - and the sooner you ask for help, the better your outcome will be.
They attend their post operative appointments
Our post op appointments with Dr Sharp are free of charge for twelve months after surgery - to encourage patients to come back in and receive optimal post op care and support with us. Before you undergo surgery, we will schedule your post operative appointments with you. In our experience, patients who attend their post operative appointments are more satisfied with their outcomes in the long term. Attending these free sessions ensures your healing progression is monitored, keeping healthy lines of communication with your surgeon open and enabling your care team to observe your results and support you through the recovery process.
They are patient!
It’s very understandable for you to want to cast off your dressings or support garments and see a swelling-free, scarless result smiling back at you. It’s also understandable to wish that your bruising, swelling, scars or irregularities would just spontaneously disappear tomorrow. The reality is, time is a wonderful healer, and patience is incredibly important. Some procedures are more prone to having more high risk or lengthy recovery periods that others. The amount of swelling you accumulate can vary greatly, depending on your body. And it can take longer to subside, depending on your body and your post operative activities. Scars can heal at breakneck speed, and they can also grumble along and develop nuances, discolouration, puckering and tethering. Have faith that your body will heal over time, with the ongoing monitoring and care from our surgical team and our post operative recommendations. Follow Dr Sharp’s instructions - and know that we feel just as invested as you are, in your end result - whether that be a journey of weeks, months or years.
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Question of the week: what ingredients do wrinkle injections contain?
I’d like to have cosmetic injections to reduce my crows feet and the lines on my forehead but I’m worried about the toxins and chemicals in them. What are wrinkle injections made of and are they safe?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
It’s always important to understand the ingredients that go into anything you are putting into your body. The active ingredient is a neurotoxin. The toxin is made by the bacteria clostridium botulinum which is extracted using a fermentation process. Botox also contains two inactive ingredients called human albumin and sodium chloride.
Human albumin is a common protein in blood plasma which is produced by the liver. Sodium chloride is salt, and this is used in the dilution process with sterile water. It does not contain animal products, but has been tested on animals, so that’s an important consideration to make if you are vegan, or do not use products that have been developed through animal testing. In terms of safety, it is important that the active ingredient is stored and transported correctly by a reputable supplier - and then diluted accurately with saline by a qualified clinician. And that’s before its injected.
When injected, this extremely small amount of toxin attaches itself to nerve endings, temporarily stopping the synapses that trigger muscle action and reducing the activity of the muscle. This causes a temporary reduction in muscle activity lasting 3 to 6 months.
Wrinkle injection therapy is very safe if administered correctly. The product we use for wrinkle injections in our clinics is the longest standing product in the market, with a remarkable safety record and TGA approval and a scheduled therapeutic drug. These muscle relaxing injection are also used clinically to treat migraines, muscular disorders and excessive sweating.
To ensure patient safety, the injections should be administered in a clinical environment (not a home, hair salon or beauty salon) and by a doctor - or a skilled nurse who is under the supervision of a trusted qualified doctor. The main risks of wrinkle injections exist with injector error, which is why it’s important to choose the right clinician.
Side effects are usually limited to a small mosquito-bump like lump over the injection site, which subsides within 15 minutes – or small bruise at the injection site. Sometimes patients report a mild headache after having the injections. Misplaced wrinkle injections can cause droopy eyelids or overly-arched eyebrows, a crooked smile or drooling. It’s important that injections be placed precisely in order to avoid side effects.
Ask us your cosmetic injectables question!
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Question of the week: can I increase my implant size after breast augmentation?
I had a breast augmentation 5 years ago and after putting on a bit of weight, it feels like my breasts are now too small for the rest of my body. Is it possible to increase the implant size, and how do I find out the biggest possible size, without looking ridiculous?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
It is certainly possible to increase your breast implant size after having a breast augmentation. This procedure is called breast implant removal and replacement surgery, and involves a very similar process to your primary (first) augmentation, occasionally with the additional removal of implant capsule, or creation of an internal sling or support to provide additional structure at the base of the breast.
Often, patients undergo this procedure primarily to remove ruptured implants or to address capsular contracture, and decide to increase their implant size at the same time. Other patients are dissatisfied with the appearance of their original implants and wish to increase their size.In most cases, an implant size increase is not an issue, especially when a patient wishes to have a moderate size increase; I frequently perform this surgery in my practice. [Right: before and after breast implant removal, replacement and lift surgery with Dr Sharp].
To ensure the best possible outcome, there are some important considerations to make before undergoing removal and replacement surgery to increase your implants size:
- If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts due to normal anatomical anomalies such as asymmetry, large areolas or chest wall deformities, increasing your implant size may make these more obvious, as they are being magnified by the additional size of the implant. Your surgeon will take steps to mitigate this, but it’s important to weigh this up against your desire for a larger implant. Your breasts will look bigger in clothes, but they may not look as you’d hoped, when naked.
- Increasing your implant size may cause your breasts to sit higher on your chest, and create a more unnatural appearance. Some women like this look, but it is important to decide if this is something that may bother you in the future.
- A larger implant will place additional strain on your supportive tissues and stretch your skin; this is something to consider down the track, as breast lift (mastopexy) surgery may be required if you wish to downsize or remove your implants in the future.
- Larger implants can impede on physical activities, sports and even sleeping positions; discuss this with your surgeon.
- Anecdotally, we find that the larger the implant size, the greater risk of revisional surgery; it’s important to consider if your budget and lifestyle will be able to accommodate this if the need arises in the future.
These considerations are not intended to sound negative or foreboding, but it’s far better to let them run through your mind before having surgery, than after!
Part of a surgeon’s job is to counsel patients to make sustainable, sensible decisions about surgery – this should be explained at length during the pre-operative process. Simply putting in oversized implants might please patients in the short term, but in the long term we know this is not always the ethical choice. Sometimes that means the end result is a compromise in the middle between what a patient wants, and what is safely achievable.
During the pre operative consultation process, your surgeon will take your individual chest measurements and use the clinical guidelines based upon these to arrive at the ideal implant size ‘range’. This guideline determines the maximum implant size that your breast base anatomically will accommodate; it protects patients from potentially long term implant complication, and based on this, your surgeon will work closely with you to formulate an effective plan to achieve optimal breast augmentation results.
If you live in or near the Brisbane or Ipswich areas, or if you are considering traveling to these cities to receive treatment for breast augmentation revision, Dr Sharp would be more than happy to speak with you about your various options and help you make the correct decision for your unique situation. To book a consultation, please call 3202 4744.
Ask us your breast augmentation question!
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Breast augmentation question of the week: the difference between an augmentation mammoplasty and augmentation mastopexy
What’s the difference between a breast augmentation mammoplasty and breast augmentation mastopexy, or are they both the same thing (BAM)? I’ve been told I might need the mastopexy version with my implants.
- patient
Dr Sharp:
A mastopexy is another word for a breast ‘lift’. A breast augmentation mastopexy is a combined breast enlargement and lifting procedure; it involves the placement of an implant to increase breast size and fill out the skin, while excess skin is removed and the nipple is lifted to sit higher on the new breast shape. Incisions are made around the nipple, with a single vertical incision down the middle of the lower breast, and in the inframammary fold.
A breast augmentation mammoplasty, on the other hand, is commonly referred to as a ‘BAM’ involves the placement of an implant, normally using a single incision in the inframammary fold of each breast.
Mastopexies can be performed on their own to lift a breast, or in combination with an augmentation to lift and enlarge.
There are a few reasons why your surgeon may recommend a mastopexy with your augmentation. For some women, the position of their nipple and areola complex sits lower on their chest.
This can be due to weight loss, genetics, breastfeeding or the natural ageing process.
If the nipple and areola sits below the inframammary fold (see right), this is classified as ‘nipple ptosis’. There are various grades of ptosis.
When seeking breast augmentation, it is often the case that an implant alone will not move the nipple upward enough so that it’s centered on the implant, forming a more pleasing shape. A mastopexy may be recommended as part of your surgical plan. Mastopexy removes skin, lifts the nipple and reshapes the breast; there are various techniques for mastopexy and it’s important to ask your surgeon to explain and show you a picture of their recommended approach, and scar placement, so you know what to expect. My typical incision placement is shown in the first set of before and after images below.
Patients often wish to avoid a mastopexy for understandable reasons, and shop around for surgeons to find one willing to do the augmentation without a lift. However, if your specialist plastic surgeon has advised you that a lift is indicated to achieve a good result, it’s because they’ve seen enough to know that both you, and your surgeon, will eventually be disappointed with the outcome of an augmentation alone. While your scars will always be visible, if you are concerned about scarring after a mastopexy, ask your surgeon to create a scar reduction plan for you to commence straight after your surgery. Our mastopexy patients receive a scar reduction treatment plan included as part of their surgery with us, however many indicate that they don’t even feel the need to utilise the full program, as they’re satisfied with how their scars have matured and faded with just the use of topical scar reduction products, massage and time.
A final note about ‘borderline’ or ‘pseudoptosis’ - whereby the nipples/areola is sitting lower on the breast, but not entirely below the inframammary fold. After discussing the pros and cons, your surgeon may be able to use a well-chosen implant and pocket placement to utilise the augmentation for a slight lift of the nipple/areola, instead of performing a mastopexy. In these cases, it’s important for the patient to understand that they may require a mastopexy further down the track if the ageing process or weight fluctuations cause more sagging.
These photos show a patient who had clinical ptosis and wanted a fuller breast with a higher-sitting nipple/area complex. She underwent a breast augmentation mastopexy as a combined procedure, with a typical ‘lollypop’ scar. Photos show results at 6 weeks post surgery.
Ask us your breast augmentation and breast lift question!
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A Contemporary Approach to Breast Reduction Surgery
Excessively large breasts create both physical and psychological problems, including severe neck and back pain, bra strap indentations, skin irritations and embarrassment. Today, breast reduction surgery is widely accepted as a solution to treat ‘macromastia’; but our mature-aged patients tell us it was not alway so. Previously, breast reduction surgery was considered taboo and embarrassing, and often hidden from family and friends. [Left, before and after breast reduction with Dr Sharp].
Thankfully times have changed, and the social environment in which women undergo plastic surgery has evolved. Although it offers cosmetic improvements, breast reduction surgery also follows reconstructive principles and techniques, involving flaps and medical indications - that is, it is considered medically required due to the health benefits it brings.
This means that the procedure is listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule and in most cases, an item number applies to the procedure. Women are able to claim a rebate on some of their costs, both via Medicare and their health fund, if applicable.
This has been one of many contributing factors that have seen breast reduction surgery rates increase significantly. As these rates have increased, surgical techniques have been refined and improved.
Dr Sharp is skilled in modern breast reduction techniques, enabling him to treat breasts of all sizes. By employing advanced techniques, Dr Sharp is able to help patients achieve physical relief from the weight of exceptionally heavy breasts, while creating a natural looking, rejuvenated overall appearance.
Breast reduction surgery requires an astute aesthetic eye as well as extensive expertise in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Dr Sharp takes pride in being able to offer this procedure to patients seeking to alleviate the physical and psychological impact of disproportionately large breasts. [Right, before and after breast reduction with Dr Sharp].
Want to learn more about breast reduction? Call to book a consultation with Dr Sharp
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Dr David Sharp Plastic Surgery featured in Style Magazine’s Brisbane A to Z Style Guide
Style Magazines featured Dr David Sharp Plastic Surgery in its 2018 A to Z Style Guide for luxury services in Brisbane. The feature points out that Brisbane is very fortunate to have a wealth of “amazing” options, and it showcased an ultimate edit of 26 favourites; “the best retailers and services in Brisbane…to help you live your best, most fabulous, life”.
From reconstructive and skin cancer surgery through to breast augmentation, facelift and cosmetic injectables; the team at Dr David Sharp’s practice are all about providing holistic solutions, natural results and prevention over cure. They thrive on diversity and are the experts in combining surgical procedures and non-surgical therapies for optimal results.
- Style Magazine, A to Z Style GuideWe were especially chuffed that the feature celebrated our modern approach to giving patients the tools to embrace their individual beauty - whatever that may mean for them - saying it flouted “preconceptions” of plastic surgery.
From reconstructive surgery and skin cancers through to abdominoplasties, facelifts and breast augmentation, providing a personalised approach to plastic surgery - in a compassionate, supportive environment at our Brisbane and Ipswich clinics - is at the core of why we love what we do!
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Breast augmentation – question of the week: internal support
I’m worried about the implant slipping or internal structures being weakened by a breast augmentation. One of my friends said her sutures came apart while she was lifting weights in the gym and now one of her implants has moved out of the pocket. Can this happen?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
It’s great to hear you are thinking about these factors before your augmentation surgery, as they are important pre operative considerations.
Sometimes due to a patient’s anatomy or previous breast surgery, the surgeon will need to apply additional inframmammary support for the implant. This can come in the form of additional sutures, or even an internal sling using a dermal matrix. It’s important to ask your surgeon should be experienced with these techniques, and will be able to advise upon examination if this was required for your augmentation.
An implant will inevitably add additional weight to your internal structures, and that’s why we advocate a very thorough and careful selection process for the right implant, and pocket plane placement, for your body. Lifestyle factors - such as regular weights sessions at the gym, heavy lifting in your job or repeated movements with hefty objects at home/caring for children or elderly need to be considered as well, because yes, in some cases there can be too much pressure on the internal structures and the implant can ‘bottom out’ or migrate. While this is rare, it does happen.
There are a number of decisions before your surgery that can help reduce this chance, as well as lifestyle/activity considerations to make after your augmentation that can mitigate the risks of this happening.
Ask us your breast augmentation question!
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Dr David Sharp Plastic Surgery in Queensland Times
Dr Sharp was featured on the front page of Saturday’s Queensland Times in a special feature about the new plastic surgery procedures and services he performs in the region that spans between Brisbane and Toowoomba.
In the feature Dr Sharp discussed the skin cancer surgeries he performs often due to high UV exposure levels - as well as the cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, abdominoplasty (tummy tucks) and facelift surgery. He also explains the advanced training that plastic surgeons undergo to specialise in their field.
LIFE in plastic might be fantastic for Barbie, but for Ipswich’s leading plastic surgeon, there is a much more human focus at the heart of breast augmentations and tummy tucks.
Plastic surgeon Dr David Sharp has been changing the lives of Ipswich patients for two years - his work fundamental in helping cancer patients recover from treatment, those who have lost excessive weight take the final step in their health journey and trauma victims return to normality.
He said plastic surgery included everything from breast enlargements and reductions, tummy tucks and face lifts to re-construction following cancer treatment and skin cancer treatment.
Queensland TimesDr Sharp discusses the fact that while breast augmentation is one of his most popular procedures, there is a perception that plastic surgery is only about making breasts larger - whereas in reality, many women who suffer from the size of their breasts are actually reducing their size, in record numbers.
One in eight women in their lifetime will be affected by breast cancer, and Dr Sharp also spoke to the newspaper about the flap reconstructions that local patients once had to travel elsewhere to undergo - which are now available closer to home.
The article features one of our amazing patients, Jenny, who underwent breast reconstruction with Dr Sharp last year, after a 20 year journey.
Ms Dixon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991 and had a mastectomy on one of her breasts and only opting for re-constructive surgery with Ipswich plastic surgeon Dr David Sharp last year. She said there were limited choices for breast cancer patients before Dr Sharp opened his practice and, not wanting to have silicone in her body, waited more than 20 years to have her breast re-constructed.
Ms Dixon said she opted for a new breast reconstruction technique that took tissue from her abdomen and used it to mold a new breast.
Queensland TimesDr Sharp explained that the plastic surgery industry did not gain its name from creating a Barbie-like effect in patients, but instead derived its origins from the Greek word ‘plastikos’ which means to shape or mould.
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What is the Golden Ratio or phi – and what does it have to do with modern beauty trends?
Despite the sensationalised celebrity headlines that dominate a lot of cosmetic surgery media coverage, the overriding goal of modern plastic surgery is to attain age-old natural beauty. Trends may come and go, but the formula of natural beauty - of at least, what the human eye is designed to calculate as such - hasn’t changed over millenia.
Described as the Golden Ratio or Golden Triangle, the numerical definition of ‘perfect’ beauty dates back over 2500 years, as a ratio of 1:1.618, known as ‘phi’.
The ratio refers to a ‘triangle’ of aspects for facial beauty; the width of the mouth to the width of the cheek, the width of the nose to the width of the cheek and the width of the nose to the width of the mouth. The result is a healthy, natural appearance - not over-enhanced or age-defying. It might sound like a cookie cutter version of beauty, but in application by a skilled surgeon, it tailors the objectives of the surgery around the proportions of - and distances between - each patient’s unique characteristics.
It’s often joked that plastic surgeons should be into the ‘face protection’ - not the witness protection - program. And most progressive plastic surgeons don’t want their patients to look unrecognisable or significantly altered by their surgery; they just want them to look as good on the outside, as they feel on the inside. The overdone, over enhanced look of the past is a relic of the past, and timeless beauty is in.
In our clinics, we aim to achieve this by adhering to several principles:
- We perform age appropriate plastic surgery and non surgical procedures
- We have confidence and expertise in tailoring our treatments and surgical techniques so that the patient and their plastic surgery will age well
- We work with what the patient has; their natural proportions
- Sometimes the best thing to do, is nothing at all
- We are willing to say no if a patient has unrealistic expectations of their face, breasts or body. Yes, this has disappointed and frustrated some patients, but we’d rather deal with their anger now, rather than perform a procedure that isn’t in their best interest. We’re wiling to accept that even if they vent their frustration with a nasty comment online, at least we can sleep at night knowing we’ve done the right thing!
- Unique asymmetries and facial quirks can be beautiful; some of the most universally recognised beautiful people naturally have disproportion and nuances that make them far more intriguing and interesting to look at than a formulaically beautiful person.
- We never aim to make our patients look like someone else. If they bring in a photo of a celebrity, it’s a red flag that their expectations may not be met by their end result.
- A holistic approach is always best; there’s no point having great bone structure if your skin doesn’t look healthy - or perfect symmetry if premature ageing or hollowing has taken effect. The true value and longevity of surgical results can only be realised when there is a foundation of good health and lifestyle, optimal skin care and dermal support.
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Dr David Sharp before and after photos 2017 highlights
This is a small selection of our before and after photos from 2017! Thanks to all the lovely patients who permitted us to share their images this year, to help educate others about plastic surgery and the outcomes that can be achieved.
Our patients come in all shapes, sizes and ages - and from the young to the mature aged, we believe it’s important to provide insight into the ‘real’ faces of plastic surgery; everyday patients!
Despite the fact that much of what we see on social media probably reflects otherwise, the average plastic surgery patient is not a size 8 model with perfect breasts, a blogger’s body or celebrity with deep pockets; they’re everyday people investing in their health, wellbeing - and aligning how they look on the outside, with how they feel on the inside.
This video provides an insight into the spectrum of procedures Dr Sharp performs every week.
Happy New Year to all of our amazing patients, and thank you for making us part of your journey in 2017!
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The Aston Baker Cutting Edge 2017 Highlights
The Aston Baker Cutting Edge Aesthetic Surgery Symposium has been running for 37 years and brings together some of the world’s leading aesthetic plastic surgeons. This year, Dr Sharp and practice director Liz Washington joined hundreds of plastic surgeons and their clinic teams to learn more about the innovative techniques for facial and body rejuvenation.
The program featured 94 instructive surgical videos, 26 presentations, 13 expert panels and 8 debates. Dr Sharp loves being abreast of the latest advancements in plastic and cosmetic surgery, and these forums provide a valuable opportunity to hear about the techniques, trials, anecdotal experiences and standards from across the world.
The overall message from the symposium was: aesthetic surgery has changed, and the over-stretched, over-enhanced, over-done look is a thing of the past. Progressive surgeons are working together to develop new techniques to approach cosmetic surgery to achieve a more balanced, proportionate and natural look than ever before.
We thought some of our patients may be curious to hear more about the ideas discussed, so in these videos, Liz briefly covers some of the symposium topics that often arise in our discussions with patients.
Fat grafting
Fat grafting has been used for reconstructive purposes for many decades, but its use for rejuvenation and enhancement is still a relatively new concept, and something that surgeons are still experimenting with to perfect and hone the right technique for different areas of the body. We saw some exciting results from the panel, and of particular interest was ‘micro’ and ‘nano’ fat grafting for facial rejuvenation, which is providing not just volume replacement, but also dermal rejuvenation. The faculty also addressed the hype surrounding stem cell enriched fat grafting, urging caution until there is more peer reviewed research on the treatment.
There’s still a lot that is scientifically unknown about fat grafting and the general message was that we still don’t know enough about the long term risks of stem cell enriched fat grafting for aesthetic purposes. It’s hoped that current research being undertaken will shed more light.
The longevity and potential complications of both fat grafting and dermal fillers was also discussed, with some surgeons indicating a preference for fat injections for facial rejuvenation and others favouring the predictability of dermal fillers.
Panellists generally agreed that – while fat grafting results can look great for the first 4 - 6 months – about 50% of transferred fat dies off after the procedure, additional fat transfers are often required to achieve the patient’s desired result.
Brow lift vs muscle relaxing wrinkle injections
Traditional invasive brow lift procedures are reportedly dropping by 70% in the US, with some surgeons stating that cosmetic wrinkle injections are helping to stave off surgery by smoothing the forehead and subtly lifting the brow - along with a preference towards less invasive endoscopic brow lifting techniques. This discussion underlined the importance of choosing a surgeon who is familiar with progressive techniques.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction)
Upper lid blepharoplasty discussions focused on the aesthetic goals for different ethnicities to retain a natural look, and the resection of skin, fat and muscle depending on the patient’s anatomy. It emphasised the importance of tailoring each procedure to the patient, and having a surgeon that feels confident with a range of techniques to make small adjustments to the structures and tissues around the eye, to provide an optimal result. Lower lid blepharoplasty (or canthoplasty and canthopexy) is performed less than upper blepharoplasty surgery; it carries greater risk of complications and disfigurement. Nonetheless it is in demand, particularly among patients who want to address sagging and hollowing under their eyes. It was interesting to hear the panel discuss their varying approaches - some of which are hybrids of common techniques - to help reduce the chance of complications and provide a natural looking result.
Facelift
Modern facelift surgery has moved leaps and bounds beyond the former ‘stretched back’ look seen in decades past, evolving into a more technically complex and nuanced procedure, so this was a very exciting segment of the program. In facial aging, changes are commonly represented by ‘vectors’, of which gravity, actinic damage, and natural aging contribute to soft-tissue ptosis (sagging). The panel shared their preferred optimal incision points, repositioning of fat pads, the use of flaps and the various depths and vectors they use for different facial types and age groups.
Also discussed was the use of laser for both scar reduction and dermal rejuvenation in conjunction with facelift surgery; something our patients routinely undergo as part of their facelift journey. It was also great to see that the SMAS technique most commonly used by Dr Sharp is considered the gold standard.
Necklift
A sagging neck and undefined jawline is one of the first signs of ageing that people notice; and one of the most commonly enquired about facial areas in our clinics. Creating noticeable, but natural, results in this area can be challenging due to the underlying structures and the fact that large, visible incisions in this area aren’t desirable and residual skin laxity and visible bands can cause dissatisfaction post operatively. The panel discussed both open and endoscopic techniques for neck lift (or platysmaplasty) to sculpt the neck, and demonstrated some hybrid techniques to provide skin reduction and contouring without large visible incisions.
Breast augmentation and implants
The second day kicked off with debates about the functional and aesthetic benefits of smooth vs textured implants, and then a discussion about subpectoral (under muscle), subglandular (above muscle) and dual plane placements . It was interesting to hear about the increased use of a combination of both implants and fat grafting for selected patients - the benefits, and the challenges that fat graft reabsorption can pose for long term results. Fat grafting is also used sometimes for mastopexies where upper pole fullness is often lacking; certainly amongst the US panellists it appeared that fat grafting is currently being used more commonly than it is here in Australia for cosmetic breast enhancement. There was an update on BIA-ALCL, with rates continuing to remain extremely low. The faculty reported that there had been 360 cases and approximately 15 deaths worldwide. The importance of following the 14 point plan pioneered by Australian plastic surgeons, and which Dr Sharp has committed to, was emphasised as a way to reduce the risk of BIA-ALCL occuring. Dermal matrix, which Dr Sharp uses for reconstructive as well as breast augmentation revision surgery, was discussed as its uses for a wider range of applications in breast surgery continue to be explored.
Breast lift and reduction
Patients often ask us if it’s possible to perform a breast reduction or lift using a periareola incision (an incision around the areola only). While the appeal of this incision is understandable, resulting in less scarring, it was emphasised that this technique is rarely suitable for large breast reductions or lifts, and often results in dissatisfaction as it limits the amount of breast tissue and skin that can be reduced. It was interesting to observe techniques being used to utilise existing breast tissue to build shape and volume during a breast reduction or lift.
Liposuction
Liposuction is commonly performed Australia, but greatly eclipsed by the scale of the procedures performed in the US. It was interesting to note that it was more routinely performed under twilight or sedation and local anaesthetic, whereas in Australia it is usually performed in accredited hospital facilities under general anaesthetic. Anecdotally, it was noted that contour deformities (the irregularities that can sometimes be observed after liposuction) occur in up to 20% of patients and that patients should be prepared for the possibility of two liposuction procedures to achieve the look they desire. With the emergence of high profile SnapChat and Instagram lipo sculpting surgeons in recent years, it was good to note that most speakers emphasised that the great before and after results we see are usually only achieved through a combination of weightloss, workouts, diet and lifestyle change and liposuction - rather than purely being in the hands of the surgeon alone. Being motivated and investing in lifestyle change as well as surgery was integral to good results.
Buttocks
The benefits and challenges of large volume fat grafting and buttock implants was discussed on day three of the symposium, with different liposuction methods compared and discussed. It was recognised that different ethnicities and body shapes compliment different buttock ideals, and that aiming to sculpt a typically Latino shaped buttock on a Caucasian male or female is unrealistic. This procedure is more popular in the US than Australia, and it was interesting to hear surgeons who see large volumes of buttock augmentation patients evaluating the risks of this procedure, and the long term results.
Thanks to the Cutting Edge faculty for hosting a highly informative and thought provoking event.
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Question of the week: do cosmetic injectables contain animal products?
I’d like to have wrinkle injections and dermal fillers but I am vegan and don’t want to use products that contain animal derivatives. Do these cosmetic injectables contain animal products, and if so, which ones?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
The products we use for wrinkle injections (muscle relaxing injections) and dermal fillers do not contain animal ingredients. Some of the first fillers did have animal origins, using cow cells.
But the modern dermal fillers we use don’t contain ingredients derived from animals.
Cosmetic injectables are TGA regulated drugs, meaning that they are medical products that require animal testing in order to be approved as safe for human use in many countries. Therefore, the cosmetic wrinkle injections and dermal fillers we use have been tested on animals, as are most medical products. Ultimately you will need to choose whether you feel comfortable having cosmetic injections, and if the procedure is aligned with your lifestyle and ideals.
Ask us your cosmetic injectables question!
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Question of the week: how many liposuction sessions will I need?
I’d like to have liposuction but I’m not sure how many treatments I will need to get a good result. I’ve also been looking into fat freezing and I’m weighing up the general anaesthetic against the number of treatments I’ll need. Will I need to have regular treatments with liposuction to maintain the results and how does it compare to non invasive options?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells; so once those cells are gone, they can’t return. However, if you gain weight after surgery, the remaining fat cells can grow larger, impacting your results. So maintaining a stable weight after surgery should ensure you don’t need repeat treatments in the future. Most patients with small to medium pockets of stubborn fat only require one liposuction treatment to achieve their ideal result.
The jaw-dropping total body makeover liposuction results you see on celebrities and social media are sometimes the result of multiple treatments in multiple areas, so patients can sometimes understandably have unrealistic expectation about what liposuction can achieve in one session! Patients looking to debulk entire areas such as the thighs or abdomen will sometimes require more than one session of liposuction to achieve their desired result.
In terms of fat reduction options, a number of non surgical modalities now exist that use cryolipolysis or lasers, including CoolSculpting, Clatuu, TruSculpt and SculpSure.
Whereas liposuction produces immediate fat removal with a short downtime (usually a few days to 1 week off work), non surgical fat reduction usually involves no downtime, but multiple treatment sessions with 1-2 month intervals in between; meaning the final result takes much longer to achieve.
Both can result in contour irregularities and loose skin where the fat has been removed. However, I find the ability to use a liposuction cannula to fine tune the amount of fat removed, offers unparalleled control over the final result.
Non invasive fat removal is certainly appealing for patients who have small pockets of fat, time up their sleeve to wait for results to appear - and who don’t want to undergo a general anaesthetic or downtime.
If you have loose stomach skin or muscle wall separation (rectus divarication), neither liposuction or non surgical fat removal will address your concerns and an abdominoplasty might be required.
It’s good to hear you are considering these aspects prior to having surgery; understanding the uniqueness of your body and the areas that you want to focus on is vital to choosing the right treatment plan. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your desired results and the best way to achieve your goals.
[Below: before and three months after liposuction with Dr Sharp]
Ask us your liposuction question!
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Facial Ageing Series: Upper Face Ageing
The signs of ageing are often caused by invisible changes beneath the skin’s surface. Anti-wrinkle injections can reduce fine lines and deep furrows in the upper facial area by relaxing the muscles underneath, while dermal fillers can restore lost volume. The aim is to create a relaxed look - not frozen or puffy!
SKIN
Lines appear on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes, causing frown lines and crows feet - and a sagging appearance that can give a tired, worn look. Prolonged sun exposure causes pigmented age spots to appear, while skin around the eyes can become darker in colour and start to ‘hollow’. Wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, laser therapy and the right combination of active skincare ingredients can address these concerns.
MUSCLE
Repeated muscle action from expressions like smiling or being angry causes wrinkles to appear around the forehead between the brows and around the eyes. These wrinkles can then deepen and become more permanent - they are called ‘static’ lines, and can be softened through the use of cosmetic wrinkle injections. Likewise, as we age, we loose muscle tone in our face, which changes the shape and firmness; this can be replaced by dermal filler.
FAT PADS
The smooth, full curves that give our face a healthy, vital appearance are largely due to fat pads under our skin, which shrink and move south as we age. Diminishing fat pads cause a reduction in facial volume and the hydrated appearance of our skin. As a result, it also creates hollowing around the forehead, eyes and temples, giving a ‘sunken’ look. Dermal fillers restore lost fat, with a soft range of gel options, mimicking lost volume.
BONE
Just like other areas of the body, our facial bones also begin to diminish as we age. Even the healthiest people find that the actual structure that once provided support to the skin, muscle and fat pads decreases, loosing shape, firmness and volume. Bone loss around the eye and temples area contributes to the formation of hollows that give a sunken appearance. A firm dermal filler can be strategically placed to replace lost bone structure in the upper face.
What causes upper face ageing?
Lines on the forehead, crow’s feet and those deep furrows between the eyes are the result of repeated muscle contractions from our facial expressions.
When our skin loses elasticity as well, these lines stay put, even when our face is at rest - these are called static lines. These lines can prematurely age the face, making us look older or more worn than we feel. Consequently, they’re an areas that areas many women and men would like to do something positive about. [Right: before and after wrinkle injections for crows feet].
Will I look frozen puffy or fake with cosmetic injections?
Our approach to upper face ageing is committed to producing natural-looking results. This is achieved through our techniques, the type of product injected - and the amount used.
What is it like to have cosmetic wrinkle injections or dermal fillers?
Anti-wrinkle injections are a quick, safe, non-surgical option for smoothing out the upper face area. For muscle relaxants, minute injections into the muscles underneath cause them to temporarily relax. The treatment takes a few minutes, and over the coming days and weeks you’ll notice a softening of the appearance of lines and creates smoother looking skin. Dermal fillers can also be used to restore the volume and moisture loss that also accompanies the passage of time, creating a plumper, more hydrated look. Around they eyes they can add volume above your eyes to achieve a less tired look and, when combined with anti-wrinkle injections, contribute to an overall rejuvenation of the upper face. Dermal fillers are injected using a fine needle or cannula, and create an immediate result.
Simple and in most cases very tolerable, anti-wrinkle injections have a greater effect when they are done regularly - every 3 to 4 months preferably.
How long will the treatment last?
Fillers last up to 24 months, and anti-wrinkle injections last 3 to 4 months.
Which cosmetic injections are right for me?
Consult an experienced and qualified clinician before undertaking any cosmetic facial changes; despite being non-invasive, incorrectly administered wrinkle injections and dermal fillers can still create undesirable alterations to the face. Dermal fillers and wrinkle injections should only be prescribed after a facial assessment has been undertaken to ascertain the best products, and placement, for your long term results. To talk to a clinician about your areas of concern, and which treatment plan is best for you, call our friendly team on 3202 4744 or email info@drdavidsharp.com.au
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The Difference Between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants
Breast augmentation surgery increases the volume of the breast for women with naturally small breasts, as well as replacing depleted volume following breastfeeding or weight loss.
It can also be used to change the breast shape for women who have developmental and chest wall deformities, such as tubular breasts or asymmetry. We often get asked about the difference between saline and silicone implants, and their risks and benefits.
The ‘shell’ of a breast implant is made from an inert polymer called silicone; this can be either smooth or textured. Smooth walled implants move around subtly in the breast pocket, which means they can mimic the movement of a natural breast - and textured implants encourage soft tissue ingrowth into their small surface interstices, keeping the implant more stiffly in place.
Breast implants have a variety of base widths, projection amounts and volumes (measure in ‘cc’). There’s no one size fits all approach to breast augmentation; the best implant for each breast is thoughtfully selected and matched to the corresponding space to achieve the specific goals for each patient; indeed, sometimes two different implants will be selected for one patient, as each breast can be different.
What are breast implants filled with?
Silicone gel breast implants
Silicone gel is an inert polymer with no known human allergies, sensitivities or reactions. Likened to the consistency of turkish delight or gummy bear sweets, the molecules are stuck to one another in a cohesive matrix. In comparison to saline, it flows differently within its shell and can often create a more natural look and feel to the breast, like breast tissue, while retaining more form and shape. These are by far the most-commonly used type of breast implants in Australia.
Saline breast implants
Saline is sterile water. These prosthesis consist of a silicone shell containing saline water. Underneath thin skin, folds of a saline implant might be seen or felt more easily, causing a rippling or wrinkling appearance. These implants are less commonly used in modern plastic surgery.
How have breast implants improved or changed over the years?
Silicone gel implants were first created in the late 1960s and have undergone several different evolutions, with modern generation implants featuring technological improvements. Saline implants are an alternative to silicone, becoming popular in the 1990’s, and decreasing in popularity since the early 2000’s. Over the last 20 years, significant advances have been made in silicone gel implants; both in safety and function, but also in their physical characteristics, options and the aesthetic result they produce. Contemporary silicone implants have a slightly higher fill (96% fill versus the previous generation’s 85% fill) and more cross linking of the silicone molecules, increasing the cohesiveness of the silicone.
What variants of silicone implants are available?
Variable cohesiveness of silicone implants
Different degrees of cohesiveness (cross linking of the silicone molecules) are now available in silicone gel breast implants. The least cohesive implants are softest and flow most easily, and are most commonly used for routine breast augmentation using round implants. Higher cohesive silicone implants tend to hold their shape most firmly, with potential advantages for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. For anatomical implants, a higher cohesive gel is used in order for them to hold their shape, and achieve the specific projection or balance of fullness that the patient requires to achieve their desired result.
How do we know breast implants are safe?
Silicone gel breast implants are the most widely studied medical device in the history of medical devices; primarily because so many women have them (last year 1.5 million implants were implanted worldwide). Historically, silicone gel implants received negative publicity in the 1980s and 1990s, with apparent claims of adverse associated health problems, prompting removal and replacement of older silicone implants with saline filled devices. But since that time, silicone implants have changed dramatically - and extensive clinical research with long term follow up has confirmed no association between silicone gel implants and breast cancer or chronic autoimmune disease. In more recent times, breast implants have been linked to anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL); a very rare cancer of the implant capsule (not cancer that originates in breast tissue) and that can be effectively treated, when detected early. Recent media reports may have caused confusion amongst women who have - or are considering getting - breast implants for augmentation or reconstruction. This post clarifies what we know about BIA-ALCL.
The breast implants Dr Sharp primarily uses are of extremely high quality, and carry the lowest possible risk of ALCL forming.
For more information about breast augmentation, breast implant science and safety, visit a RACS qualified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member - and #doyourhomework before having any cosmetic surgery procedure.
Ask us your breast implant questions!
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Can I Breastfeed After A Breast Reduction?
Research shows that when women who have had a breast reduction are compared to a group of women of similar weight who haven’t had a breast reduction, their breastfeeding rates are about the same (approximately 65%).
It is important to remember that breast reduction surgery involves the nipple being moved to a new position, which can result in disruption of the nerve supply to the nipple and areola. It can also disrupt the milk glands and milk ducts.
%
can breastfeed
However, it’s important to note that nerves can regrow, albeit slowly - and glandular tissue can develop during pregnancy. In most cases, we find this occurs and patients are able to breastfeed successfully.
If you are having a breast reduction and plan on breastfeeding in the future, you should discuss this with your surgeon. [Left: breast reduction before and after surgery with Dr Sharp].
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BIA-ALCL breast implant associated cancer update – August 2017
Breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a very rare cancer that can be effectively treated, when detected early. Recent media reports may have caused confusion amongst women who have - or are considering getting - breast implants for augmentation or reconstruction. This post seeks to clarify what we know about BIA-ALCL.
Last year 1.5 million implants were inserted worldwide. The number of people having breast implant surgery in Australia has risen by more than 1,000% since 2005, from approximately 4,000 per year - to over 40,000. More people have implants now than ever before, and so we would expect the number of people reporting complications now to be proportionally higher than what they were 5, 10 or 20 years ago.
The TGA has been posting updated information about BIA-ALCL since 2011. As of August 2017, we haven’t seen one case of BIA-ALCL in our clinic, nor amongst our patients.
What is BIA-ALCL?
It is a cancer of lymphatic cells; a form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (not breast cancer).
What causes BIA-ALCL?
Media focus has concentrated predominantly on implants, but there’s actually 4 unifying factors that contribute to an increased risk of BIA-ALCL:
• Textured implants with a high surface area texture
• Bacterial contamination at the time of surgery
• Patient genetic predisposition
• Time for the process to develop
How long does BIA-ALCL take to develop?
An average of 7-10 years after implant insertion. But women who have breast implants should regularly check their breasts for changes at any stage after breast augmentation surgery - most of all for actual breast cancer, which occurs in 1 in 8 women, whether they’ve had augmentation surgery or not.
What is the treatment and prognosis?
Early stage disease is curative with surgery alone. Advanced disease requires chemotherapy. Disease which has spread through the capsule and formed a mass - or which has spread to local lymph glands - has a worse prognosis. There have been 12 deaths world wide; 3 of these were in Australia.
How common is BIA-ALCL?
It is a very rare cancer. Patients who have the implants in place that Dr Sharp predominantly uses (see below) have a 1 in 60,000 chance of developing ALCL.
If I have textured implants, do I need to have them removed?
If you have no symptoms, you do not need to have your implants removed.
Do some implants have a reduced risk?
Yes; as mentioned above, according to the current available data, the chance of developing ALCL if you have the textured cohesive gel implants that Dr Sharp predominantly uses, is 1 in 60,000. For other brands of implants, this rate can be as high as 1 in 4,000.
What are the symptoms of BIA-ALCL?
The common presentation is fluid swelling around the breast implant and in the space between the implant and breast implant capsule – called a ‘late seroma’. The diagnosis of the tumor is made by examining the seroma fluid.
Is BIA-ALCL breast cancer?
BIA-ALCL not breast cancer. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 Australian women
How common are textured breast implants?
There are approximately 60 million textured breast implants implanted in women. Of these, there have been only 388 independent confirmed cases of BIA-ALCL. 55 of these were in Australia.
Which breast implants does Dr Sharp use?
It is important to know the name of your breast implants, however TGA regulations prevent us from naming the brand publicly. Dr Sharp’s patients receive their breast implant identifying details (including brand name, style, size and lot/reference number) after their surgery. If you can’t locate this information, we are able to provide the implant details if you send us an email or call us on 3202 4744. The implants Dr Sharp uses are backed by substantial clinical data demonstrating safety. The evidence continues to support the safe use of these implants, which have the lowest rate of BIA-ALCL.
What does Dr Sharp do to reduce his patients’ risk of developing BIA-ALCL?
ALCL has been associated also with bacterial infection at the time of surgery. Dr Sharp upholds the highest hygiene standards when implanting. He only performs breast augmentation surgery in accredited hospitals. He has committed to the Macquarie 14 Point Plan which is a series of steps that can be taken by surgeons to reduce infection risk for implant cases. The names of the surgeons committed to these risk reduction measures in their operative techniques are publicly available here.
Further information from the TGA, ASPS (Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons) and ASAPS (Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) is located in this media release and information sheet.
If you have had breast augmentation surgery and have any concerns, it’s important to:
- Promptly discuss any concerns you have with your treating surgeon.
- Be informed about the type of implants you have had placed; your surgeon should be able to provide you with this information.
- The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons urges women with breast implants to be vigilant in monitoring for any changes or swelling in their breasts and to contact their doctor if this occurs.
BIA-ALCL is a very rare disease, but as always, it is important to know your breasts, monitor them and if you notice changes, promptly speak to your surgeon – we encourage regular self examination and prompt investigation of any concerns. We always set aside consultation time for urgent concerns, to ensure our breast augmentation patients are offered a consultation with Dr Sharp as quickly as possible if they are worried about their implants.
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery and have any concerns:
- Ask your surgeon as a first point of contact; with so much information online, it’s easy to consult forum chatter before your surgeon! Your plastic surgeon is being kept up to date with the latest facts and research, so they have the most accurate information available.
- Don’t proceed with surgery if you have doubts or concerns. Breast augmentation surgery isn’t medically required or something you have to do in a fixed time frame. It’s important to feel 100% comfortable and confident before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure, so don’t hesitate to postpone or cancel your plans if you are unsure of, or uncomfortable with, the risks.
- Book additional consultations with your surgeon if you need more information.
If you have any concerns, please contact us on 3202 4744 or info@drdavidsharp.com.au
Ask us your questions here!
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Researchers reveal the ‘ideal’ breast
Size doesn’t matter, but shape does.
Beautiful breasts come in all shapes and sizes, but there is an undeniable, natural tenancy for the human eye - and brain - to register certain proportions as more ideal than others. Scientists now claim to know exactly which breast type the human eye prefers, and apparently it is not only about size.
Conducted by British researchers, the population analysis was published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, with the aim to shed light on the size and shape objectives for breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomies and breast augmentations. Researchers found a preference for shapely, perkier breasts - instead of the larger kind.
Of the 1,315 respondents asked to rank the attractiveness of images of four women with varying breast proportions, 87% of women, 90% of men and 94% of plastic surgeons scored breasts with an upper pole–to–lower pole ratio of 45:55 as the aesthetic ideal. The ‘upper’ pole of a breast sits above the areola/nipple complex - with the ‘lower’ pole sitting below. The study confirmed previous research that found the 45:55 ratio had universal appeal in defining the ideal breast.
Breast shape and size can vary significantly during a woman’s lifetime as they go through puberty, gain or lose weight, have children, breastfeed, age or fight cancer. The purpose of the study was to define aesthetic ideals and goals, particularly for breast reconstruction following mastectomy surgery, as well as the (increasingly popular) breast augmentation and breast lift/reduction procedures.
Modern advancements in breast surgery, including the availability of various flap and implant reconstructions, acellular dermal matrix for inframammary support, a wider range of breast implant profiles and the evolution of the dual plane technique of augmentation have provided surgeons with more tools than ever before, to achieve a more natural-looking outcome for surgery patients.
So the message is: bigger isn’t always better - it’s more about shape, healthy proportions and natural-looking curves!
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Breast implants: how young is too young for breast augmentation surgery?
Despite the fact that most breast augmentation patients are aged 30-plus, we still receive a lot of interest in this procedure from young women and sometimes teens. During 2015 in the United States, 279,143 women had a breast augmentation procedure - of these,
7,840 were girls and young women aged 13 to 19 years old, with an additional 1,797 teens receiving breast lifts.
Although Australian data isn’t available, interest in breast augmentation surgery amongst adolescent females is thought to be associated with increased social media pressure and easier access to cut-price surgery, which places procedures that were once cost-prohibitive, within closer reach of younger people.
When considering breast augmentation, Dr Sharp asks young women to think about the following questions:
- Have your breasts stopped developing? Your breast size should have remained unchanged for 12 months prior to surgery - this can happen anytime up until your early 20’s.
- Do you have a lack of breast development - or are they a proportionate size for your body, but you’d like them to be bigger?
- What factors are driving you to have the procedure; is it your own perception of your breasts - or your boyfriend seems to prefer large-breasted women, or your friends have commented about your breast size?
- How long ago did you start considering plastic surgery?
- What’s your ideal shape and breast size; what do you hope your body shape looks like in 5, 10 or 20 years?
- What will happen if you need revisional surgery in the near future? Who will fund this, and will you have private health insurance to cover some of your costs?
- What are the risks involved in this surgery? How do those risks make you feel?
It’s normal for a teenager to want larger breasts, or to wish they felt more womanly and developed. In some cases this is well-founded, as normal breast development does not occur, or only partially occurs, for some females.
But conversely, it’s important not undertake cosmetic surgery while the body is still developing - and equally as important - still emotionally maturing. In addition to development that may occur in the late teens, growth charts indicate that the average young woman gains weight between the ages of 18 and 21, and that is likely to change her desire or need for breast augmentation.
A longitudinal study that followed Norwegian male and female individuals between 13 and 30 years of age found a significant growth in self satisfaction and positive body image as the participants progressed through the teenage years, followed by a general stabilisation of body image satisfaction in adulthood. This indicates that many adolescents who are dissatisfied with their appearance will feel more satisfied a few years later, whether or not they undergo surgery.
It is also important to consider complications. Many women who have breast implants experience including infection, hematomas and seromas, capsular contracture, loss of nipple sensation and hypertrophic or keloid scarring. A teenager may require repeated surgeries throughout her lifetime to replace implants or revise her breasts.
Dr Sharp does operate on teenagers who have breast issues, but he does not offer cosmetic breast enhancement for young women under the age of 18. The exception to this is rare cases whereby breast surgery it is part of a reconstructive procedure - and even then, most will be delayed until breast growth has well and truly finished.
For these reasons, sometimes Dr Sharp will also recommend that the patient consults a psychologist prior to having surgery to assess the patient’s self perception and appropriateness for body-changing procedure.
The excitement and perceived glamour of cosmetic surgery can sometimes overwhelm good judgement - at any age. But the risks of performing cosmetic surgery on bodies that have not reached maturation make the stakes even higher for teens. The operative complications and long term physical changes created by these procedures - and the psychological implications of surgery on a developing body image - must be considered first by teenagers and their families before taking the first steps towards cosmetic surgery upon completion of their breast development.
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What is a dermal matrix and how is it being used in breast surgery?
What is an allograft?
Allograft is an organ or tissue donated from one individual to another.
What is an acellular dermal matrix?
It is an allograft made from donated human dermis (skin). An acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is a soft tissue substitute that can replace or support tissues; in plastic surgery they are increasingly being used for breast implant revision and breast reconstruction surgery. Derived from donated human skin, it looks like a thin layer of white leather. The matrix undergoes a number of processes to remove the epidermis, sterilise the matrix and reduce the likelihood of a rejection response.
How does Dr Sharp use ADM?
Dr Sharp uses the latest generation of ADM, developed specifically for restorative breast surgery. It provides lower-pole support for women having an implant placed in their breast that may require additional tissue to support the lower portion of the implant - for example, in breast reconstructions or breast implant revision surgery. The mesh is attached to the pectoralis muscle in the chest – increasing the size of the pocket in which the implant is placed - acting as a hammock, cradling the breast implant and helping to create a more natural breast contour. The use of an acellular dermal matrix offers a number of advantages as it provides structural support for the breast, acts as tissue matrix for the body’s own tissue ingrowth, produces consistent results and is available in multiple sizes to meet the needs of each patient’s surgery.
How is ADM used in breast implant surgery?
ADM can be used as a support ‘sling’ for the breast implant, where natural tissue is lacking or deficient. This is increasingly common among women who have had large breast implants in the past; their internal tissues are unable to cope with the weight and strain of the oversized implants, and in some cases, the implants ‘bottom out’ or form a double bubble deformity. ADM can be used to provide additional breast implant support during revisional surgery, helping to restore the inframamary fold.
How is ADM used in breast reconstruction surgery?
ADM can be used for patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy, acting as a scaffold to create a more natural looking breast. The matrix allows the placement of a breast implant immediately after a mastectomy is completed, and is suitable for women who have different types of mastectomies. The technique facilitates additional implant coverage and support while enabling larger implants to be placed.
Is ADM safe?
Advanced processing and testing ensure that patients receive healthy tissue that has been produced to the highest standards, and supplied with the same sterility assurance as injectable medications. ADM’s are increasingly used by surgeons internationally to provide implant or tissue expander coverage. A survey of surgeons in the US showed that greater than 50% of American Society of Plastic Surgeons who perform implant based reconstructions use ADM.
What does acellular dermal matrix cost?
ADM is now listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, meaning that where its use is deemed medically required, it is accompanied by an item number and rebate. If you have private health insurance and ADM is required to complete your breast reconstruction or implant revision procedure, your health fund may cover its cost.
Possible risks of using ADM include:
- Infection
- Dehiscence and/or necrosis
- Immune response to some component of the graft
Ask us for more information about the use of alloplastic dermal matrix in breast surgery...
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5 things to think about before you have a breast reduction
In a recent interview, 18 year old actress Ariel Winter described her breast reduction surgery - which took her from a painful 32F cup size to a 34D - as “an instant weight lifted off my chest, both literally and figuratively”.
[right: before and after breast reduction surgery with Dr Sharp]
With breast sizes increasing, breast reduction surgery has also grown in popularity along women and men. Between 1997 and 2013, the number of breast reductions rose by 157%, according the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
The increase is not just due to increasing cup size, but also because people are becoming more informed as to what their options are, more people have private health insurance - and the stigma that was once associated with plastic surgery has dissipated.
Dr Sharp recommends that people considering breast reduction surgery should consider five things before undergoing surgery:
1. The impact of pain or discomfort caused by large breasts
Carrying extra weight on your chest can cause significant discomfort. Ariel Winter said the physical pain is what ultimately led her to choose surgery. Typically felt in the lower back, neck or shoulders - as well as headaches and chest pain - the discomfort of large breasts often necessitate the use of regular painkillers. Chronic pain can impact a woman’s ability to undertake healthy physical activity, their sleeping patterns, sex life and also their mental health. A study published in 2013 found that patients who underwent breast reduction surgery not only experienced less pain, but also a significant improvement in the quality of their sleep and their ability to exercise.
On a 100-point scale, patients reported that their satisfaction with breast appearance increased from 20 (prior to surgery) to more than 80 afterward the procedure. Sexual wellbeing increased from a rating of 40 to 78 and physical wellbeing from 43 to 81.
2. The impact of size on your self esteem and confidence
Second to complaints about neck and back pain, this is one of the main frustrations for women with excessively large breasts. Often they find it difficult to source clothes that feel comfortable and look good, and they feel self conscious when trying to exercise, swim or even doing normal interactions, such as hugging someone. Overly large breasts can also attract unwanted attention or comments. Sometimes in an attempt to hide the size of their breasts, women slouch or acquire poor posture habits, which only exacerbates their shoulder, neck and back pain.
Plastic surgery will never ‘fix’ low self esteem, but it can contribute to changes in lifestyle, self image and daily habits that culminate in a more positive outlook and higher confidence levels.
3. Your expectations and likely results
Every breast reduction is unique, as is every body. Sometimes patients have an ‘ideal’ breast size and shape in mind that may not be realistic on their frame. While your surgeon can estimate your final size, the actual cup size and breast shape is not something that can be absolutely guaranteed prior to surgery. Swelling or scar development and maturation can mask the final result for some time, so patience is vital. Patients can find it difficult to adjust to their new size and position. Before you undergo surgery, it is very important to have an honest discussion with your surgeon about how reduction surgery will change your breasts, what’s realistically achievable and the anticipated results.
That said, breast reduction surgery has one of the highest post operative satisfaction levels. According to consumer forums, 97% of patients who undergo breast reduction surgery rate it as worthwhile. In a 2012 study, 80% of patients rated their results as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ one year after surgery.
4. Cost
Despite being listed on the MBS, breast reduction surgery still involves significant out of pocket costs due to low health fund rebates. If you have private health insurance with eligible level of cover, a portion of your surgeon’s and anaesthetic fees will be rebated by your health fund and Medicare, and all of your hospital fees (minus your excess payment) should be covered, representing a saving of anywhere between $2,400 to $9,000 depending on your chosen hospital and length of inpatient stay (i.e. day surgery or multiple nights). So it is worthwhile checking to see if you are covered. To confirm your cover, ask your fund if item number 45520 is covered by your policy.
If you don’t have private health insurance, but you are eligible for Medicare, you will still receive a partial rebate on your surgeon’s fee and anaesthetic fee - however your hospital fee will be 100% out of pocket. Day surgery rates for breast reduction surgery start at $2,400.
5. Recovery and complications
Dr Sharp performs breast reduction surgery as both day surgery or with an inpatient stay, depending on the suitability of each patient. If you go home on the day of surgery, you will have drains in place which will be removed in our clinic in the first few days after your surgery. You will then return at 1 week, 6 weeks and 20 weeks post operatively for check ups (or more if needed). If you have an inpatient stay in hospital, this can involve anywhere from 1 to 5 nights as an inpatient. The early recovery period takes up to 2 weeks; during this time you will need assistance with driving/transport and will need to take time off work, or work from home if your job permits. During the first 6 weeks you must avoid heavy lifting or exertion, and limit yourself to gentle, light activities. After the 6 week mark, you can begin to ease back into normal activities. Potential breast reduction post operative complications include infection, seroma (a collection of fluid), haematoma (a collection of blood), fat/skin necrosis or wound ‘breakdown’ at the T junction (where the vertical and horizontal scars meet). These complications usually resolve without requiring admission to hospital, but if you don’t have private health insurance to cover further private hospitalisation, it’s worthwhile considering how you will afford the cost of potential complications should they arise. Before your surgery it’s also important to consider these short term impacts, as well as the long term effect on things such as breastfeeding, sensation.
Once you have considered the above factors, schedule a consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to discuss whether the operation is right for you.
Considering breast reduction surgery? Ask us for more information!
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What you need to know about chin implants
Genioplasty - or chin augmentation surgery - is one of the fastest growing procedures in the US and UK. Although Australia does not record genioplasty rates, chin augmentation surgery is one of the procedures men enquire about most commonly in our clinics.
In males, the chin is one feature of sexual dimorphism (a distinct difference in appearance between males and females). Usually patients are seeking to create a more balanced profile, or a sharper jawline.
Sometimes patients feel their nose projects too far, when in fact it is their recessed or small chin creating an unbalanced profile, enlarging the appearance of their nose. By enhancing their chin, their nose is balanced out and appears less prominent.
Marilyn Munroe reportedly had cartilage inserted into her chin to redefine her profile in the 1950’s, however modern genioplasty accentuates the chin utilising advanced implant technology. Dr Sharp sculpts the implant during the procedure to fit the patient’s individual jawline. Under general anaesthetic, the implant is inserted into the chin via a small incision under the chin. Initial swelling abates after about 2 week, with the final result visible approximately 6 weeks after the surgery, when the residual swelling has resolved.
The procedures is sometimes combined with rhinoplasty or facelift surgery to harmonise the face and define the patient’s jawline.
In most cases, genioplasty is performed as a cosmetic procedure - but it can also be utilised for reconstructive facial surgery, to restore a jawline that has suffered a traumatic injury or cancer. As with all operations, there is a risk of potential complications such as infection, bleeding and altered sensation.
How much does chin implant surgery cost?
The procedure usually costs between $6,000 to $7,000 - and is most commonly performed as day surgery.
Enquire about chin augmentation surgery with Dr Sharp
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Tips for healthy winter skin
Queensland winters are typically mild, and although our skin does not suffer the extreme cold of other climates, winter can still leave us with dry, unhappy skin. As we move into the warmer months, Dr Sharp and our dermal clinician Deborah have 4 tips for restoring a luminous complexion, ready for summer…
1. Resurface
During winter you may notice the evidence of last summer’s sun exposure coming through, with sun spots and pigmentation. Resurfacing the skin by removing its upper layers through Fraxel laser has a dual effect, both lifting off old, pigmented skin and precancerous skin growths (actinic or solar keratosis) while stimulating fresh healthy skin growth and collagen production. Fraxel laser is a safe and effective way of reducing discolouration, in addition to targeting fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment takes about 45 minutes and requires strict sun protection in the days following as the old skin flakes off, and the new skin is revealed, making the pre-summer months an ideal time to undertake this treatment.
2. Regenerate
Fractionated treatments - which utilise laser or micro needling technology to strategically penetrate the skin - creates microscopic columns of safe trauma. The body’s natural response to this trauma is to produce collagen; something our body reduces its production of as we enter our 30’s. Collagen levels deplete from this time onwards, contributing to the formation of lines, wrinkles, a thin or lacklustre appearance. By stimulating new skin growth and collagen production, fine lines are reduced and a healthy, luminous complexion is restored. Fraxel and Dermapen can also be effective treatments for acne scarring and congested skin. The effects of these treatments is noticed within weeks, however the collagen-stimulating results are noted from about 6 weeks onwards. For ongoing skin maintenance, look for products that include vitamins A and E, as well as beta glucan and hyaluronic acid.
3. Nourish
Our skin condition is often reflective of our diet, hydration and stress levels - so good nutrition, lots of water and stress-reduction activities always top the list of ways to improve the appearance and resilience of our skin. Antioxidant-rich diets packed with fresh fruit, vegetables and omega-3’s have been proven to result in healthier skin. Dehydration, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption prematurely age the skin, but the effects of poor lifestyle and diet can be reversed by adopting good eating and drink habits - and as we age - the sooner, the better!
4. Protect
In Queensland our high UV levels year round makes the sun our greatest cause of premature ageing. Even during winter, we are exposed to damaging UV levels during the middle of the day. So if you plan on being outside, observe sun safe measures and wear a hat and SPF 50 sunscreen. In the short term, you will reduce unwanted pigmentation and the appearance of age spots - and in the long term, you may save yourself the avoidable skin cancer surgery that most Queenslanders undergo at some point in their lives.
To obtain a treatment plan customised to your skin, book a free consultation with our clinician Deborah – 3202 4744
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5 questions to ask before you have a breast augmentation
The process of preparing for breast augmentation surgery can be overwhelming, with a plethora of information, personal anecdotes and images available online - paired with a mix of excitement, nerves and sometimes, trepidation! Amidst this information overload, it’s important to remember some basic truths about breast augmentation surgery. Before your procedure, ask yourself five important questions to see if you’re prepared and ready for surgery:
1. Do I have realistic expectations?
Your surgeon wants you to love your breasts after your surgery, but they also need you to be realistic. Every woman, and every pair of breasts, is different - and so your results will be too! Your original breast shape, nipple position, droop, natural asymmetry etc will impact your end outcome. Do you expect the surgery to address self esteem or anxiety issues; and have you considered how your self esteem will feel if the results don’t live up to the ‘dream’ breasts you imagine? Understanding the results we can sensibly achieve for you, what your optimal implant size is, the restrictions involved in your recovery process and the time required to let your implants settle, is the best way to ensure your satisfaction after surgery.
2. Is achieving a specific cup size the most important thing?
In a world that measures women’s breasts in cup sizes, it’s easy to obsess over the ‘dream’ cup size you want to achieve. But the best thing you can do before your augmentation surgery is to focus more on your ultimate post-surgery ‘look’ rather than a specific cup size. What do you want your overall appearance and proportions to look like after breast augmentation? Which implant size will best suit your current breast shape and chest width? During the consultation process your surgeon will measure your chest. This will give you both an idea of the standardised ‘ideal’ breast implant size range for your body. Choosing an implant that exceeds this range can increase your risks of post operative complications, posture and back problems and further surgery in the future. Bigger is definitely not always better, and cup size can be deceptive.
3. Am I patient enough to wait for my breasts to settle into their final result?
It will take about six weeks to heal from your breast augmentation, but your breasts will continue to change long after this period. While you’ll notice an immediate difference in their appearance straight after surgery - in the months following your surgery, your implants will settle into position; it can take up to a year for you to see your final result. So patience is vital!
4. What factors matter when choosing the right surgeon for me?
Breast augmentation surgery changes your body forever; even if you have your implants removed at some stage in the future, your breasts will never look exactly the same as they did before your surgery. It’s a big decision, and your relationship with your surgeon should be life-long; choose carefully. Any registered doctor in Australia can legally perform breast augmentation surgery, but not all are Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) qualified, denoted by the ‘FRACS’ you see after a surgeon’s name. You can confirm your surgeon’s qualifications here. The priority when selecting a surgeon should never be how cheap they are, what credit plans they offer or how quickly they can do the surgery; none of these are the key factors that predict a good surgical outcome. Choose a surgeon that you’ll want to stay in touch with for ongoing care and concerns into the future; one that is RACS qualified - and who is approachable and respectful throughout the consultation process (it’s a good sign of the compassion and care you’ll receive during, and after, surgery).
5. Are I ready to care for and maintain my breast implants?
Breast implants are low maintenance - they’re very easy to take care of, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require any maintenance at all! Following your surgery, you will receive information about how to care for and monitor your implants, these include:
- Self examination: your breasts will feel different after the surgery - and once you’re healed, you’ll need to become familiar with your new breasts. If you feel an irregularity or change in your breasts, don’t presume it’s just your implants and brush it off; make a prompt appointment with your GP. Regular self checks are an important habit each month, even when you have breast implants.
- Screening: if you’re at the age where you require screening, or have a family history that makes you a candidate for early screening, don’t overlook this important detection tool. Let the imaging centre know that you have implants when you book your appointment, and mention it again to the technician on the day.
- Watch for changes: ruptures are uncommon with modern implants, but they do happen. If you notice irregularities, unusual firmness, changes to your breast shape and position - or experience discomfort, ask your GP to examine them and refer you for imaging, and if applicable, back to your surgeon.
Call 3202 4744 today to schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr Sharp.
Ask us you breast augmentation questions...
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Breast size and exercise: are your breasts a barrier?
If just the idea of a vigorous session of lunge-jumps makes you protectively clutch your breasts in pain, you aren’t alone. Nearly one in five women feel that the size of their breasts is an obstacle for exercise.
Research conducted by the University of Portsmouth in 2014 revealed that 17% of surveyed women said their breasts discouraged them from participating in physical activity. Breasts were ranked the fourth highest barrier to exercise after “lack of energy, time constraints and health reasons”.
Researchers found that breast size ranked above other obvious barriers, such as the cost of exercise or access to facilities.
Many of Dr Sharp’s breast reduction patients have experienced chronic skin irritations, chaffing and sometimes infections or bleeding of the skin under the breasts due to excessive breast size, with these problems often being exacerbated by exercise. Large breasts can also cause chronic back and shoulder pain, compounding the discomfort involved with exercising. But it is because of these factors why exercise is so important for large-breasted women - a fact that frustrates many of our patients, who want to exercise to help build up core strength and posture, but are held back by the limitations that breast size imposes on their activity.
Selecting the right sports bra can reduce the impact of exercise on breasts and surrounding tissues, but for some women, breast reduction surgery is the only way to reduce the strain that their breasts place on their bodies. Breast reduction surgery can also provide a sense of weight literally being ‘lifted’ off the chest, so that breathing feels easier and lighter when exercising.
While patients are encouraged to undertake gentle activities during the first 6 weeks post operatively, after this they can begin to ease into a more normal workout regime. These lifestyle improvements often have side benefits, such as overall weight loss, as the cycle of exercise, discomfort, inactivity and weight gain is broken.
Breast reduction surgery is a major procedure and involves a lengthy recovery period and significant breast scars, which heal over time but will always visible. As with all surgery, it also carries risks and complications. However plastic surgeons often consider it to be one of the most satisfying procedures to perform, as the lifestyle improvements are almost instantaneous and can transform the way a woman lives, exercises and perceives her body shape.
Contact us below to find out more about what breast reduction surgery can do for you...
before and after breast augmentation surgery with Dr Sharp
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What is the dual plane technique for breast augmentation?
The dual plane technique is a form of subpectoral - or ‘under the muscle’ - breast implant placement. There are two main kinds of implant placement:
- Above the muscle, whereby the implant is completely above the muscle
- Under the muscle, whereby the implant is placed under the pectorals muscle, in varying degrees
During a dual plane augmentation, the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle at the upper, and sometimes mid, part of the breast, but the lower part of the implant is not covered by the muscle. The varying different degrees of muscle coverage over the implant depends on the patient’s current breast shape and desired result, and that’s why it’s important to choose a surgeon that is experienced in this technique, as the ratio of muscle-covered implant to uncovered implant makes subtle adjustments that impact your result.
The dual plane technique is a form of under-muscle augmentation, but that is not its only defining attribute. The ‘dual’ in ‘dual plane’ actually refers to the fact that the surgeon dissects (or cuts) a pocket out for the breast implant under the muscle, but also dissects off a portion of the breast tissue that’s connected to the muscle. So a dual plane augmentation involves dissection under the muscle, and above the muscle.
Below: breast augmentation results using the dual plane method, performed by Dr David Sharp
What happens during a dual plane augmentation?
The surgery itself is very similar to a classic breast augmentation. Your surgeon will dissect a ‘pocket’ under the pectoral muscle, lifting the muscle off the chest wall and making space for the implant. Where it veers from a traditional augmentation is that the surgeon will also detach a portion of where the breast tissue connects to the top of the muscle, leaving a dissection on two planes: above the muscle, and below the muscle.
The purpose of this dual dissection is to detach part of the muscle from the overlying breast tissue, so the breast implant and muscles can relax into a natural shape without holding it to the position of the upper breast tissue, areola/nipple and skin.
The implant is positioned and any adjustments made before suturing the breasts closed.
During the post operative healing period, the pectoral muscle and implant is allowed to find their own natural resting position, relative to the overlying breast tissue. That’s why the final result of dual plane breast augmentations can take some time to reveal themselves, as these tissues go through various healing stages during the post operative period until they settle into place.
Is the dual plane technique right for me?
This technique was developed for women with low grade breast droop, or ptosis - as well as those desiring a more natural, lower fullness in their final result. In a classic breast augmentation, the pectoral muscle would restrict the adequate expansion of the overlying sagging breast tissue. This is seen most commonly in women who have lost weight, breastfed or found that ageing lead to excess lower breast (called ‘lower pole’) skin.
Patients who have constricted breast deformity, or tuberous breasts - where the distance from the lower edge of the areola to the lower breast crease is smaller (and often, the nipple is pointing downwards) - can also benefit from this technique. They find that as the lower pole of the breast expands to accommodate the breast implant itself, the implant sits in a more natural position relative to the overlying breast tissue. This can benefit women with tuberous breast deformity as well.
By strategically releasing the muscle, and allowing it to act as an apron the implant can sit in a more natural position, avoiding the ‘bolt on’, overly high appearance of breast implants, and reducing the chance of having excess breast tissue ‘falling off’ off lower portion of the implant (or a ‘snoopy’ nose appearance).
After assessing your breasts and discussing your desired result, your surgeon will explain whether the dual plane technique is right for you.
Does the dual plane method replace the need for a breast lift (mastopexy)?
Not if you have true breast ptosis. The dual plane technique can be adjusted to fill out the lower breast pole in women who might have ‘borderline’ ptosis, or psudeotosis - whereby their nipples don’t actually sit below their inframammary fold - where there is breast droop and skin laxity that creates the appearance of a ‘sagging’ breast. For women with actual ptosis, the dual plane technique will not replace the need for a breast lift. While a well-chosen and strategically placed implant will give the breast a lifted appearance and raise the position of the areola/nipple on the breast, in cases of clinical ptosis, a breast lift with your augmentation will achieve the best long term results.
In a dual plane augmentation, what is holding the implant up?
The network of supporting tissue along the inframammary fold helps reduce the risk of bottoming out. Once the implant ‘drops’ into place, the lower pole of the breast will enlarge due to implant volume, placing pressure on the lower pole and causing the skin to stretch. The surgeon keeps their pocket dissection above the inframammary fold, and does not cut through the strong attachments of that fold to the underlying chest wall. The dual plane technique exposures the anatomical landmarks like the lower and lateral edge of the pectoral muscle, so the surgeon has better control of the critical boundaries of the pocket dissection. In some cases, women require adjustment of the inframammary fold placement if it is too high, or if when the lower pole tissues are constricted (for example, tuberous breast deformity).
Are there different types of dual plane augmentation?
Depending on which surgeon you speak to, there can be 2 or 3 different types of dual plane placements. A standard subpectoral implant pocket is often referred to as a dual plane type 1 placement.
A type 2 is for very mild ptosis, and type 3 is for mild to moderate (or ‘borderline’) ptosis. Dr Sharp uses some variation of the dual plane method in most cases to create a more natural result.
Type 1 dual plane technique
In a type 1 placement, the lower end of the pectoral muscle is detached from the chest wall to make space for the implant. The muscle remains attached to the overlying breast tissue and is not raised up very far. The pocket is then created under the muscle to accommodate the implant. In a type 1 placement, only the lower part of the implant is not covered by muscle. Because the muscle is left attached to the breast tissue above it, women may find that when they contract their pectoral muscle, it pulls the skin around the lower portion of the implant, in causing a groove along the breast curve, which is very common, and referred to as a flexion/contraction deformity or ‘dynamic’ double bubble because you only see it when contracting this muscle.
Type 2 and 3 dual plane technique
Unlike the dual plane type 1, the breast tissue is detached (or dissected) away from the pectoral muscle, up to around the same level as where the nipple sits, depending on the degree of breast droop. The pocket under the muscle is created, and the lower end of the muscle detached from the chest wall, allowing it to move, or retract, upwards. The implant is placed in position, and the breast closed. As a result, the lower half of the implant is only covered by breast tissue, reducing the possibility of dynamic double bubble and creating a more filled-out appearance in the lower half of the breast.
Will I still be able to exercise after a dual plane breast augmentation?
In the case of dual plane types 2 or 3, patients can find that the detached segment of pectoral muscle is weakened, so some reduction in pectoral muscle strength may be expected. However most of our patients find that after they begin to gradually ease into normal workouts/physical activity 6 weeks post operatively, the reduced muscle strength is not noticeable.
What are the risks of the dual plane technique?
The main risks and complications are the same as any breast augmentation surgery. Specific to dual plane augmentation, if the muscle is not released to the correct degree (even for a submuscular pocket), it can result in a high-riding implant with a droopy breast, or ‘snoopy nose’.
There are benefits and negatives to each breast augmentation technique. Speak to your plastic surgeon to find out what will give you the best result.
Would you like to know more?
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Australia’s most popular cosmetic surgery procedures
The people over at Whatclinic.com have revealed the top procedures that Australians are requesting in their plastic surgeon’s office - according to the most common enquiries received by the clinic comparison website. The top 5 were:
1. Breast implants
2. Liposuction
3. Blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction)
4. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
5. Rhinoplasty
Breast implants are still the most highly sought after cosmetic procedure, while gynecomastia procedures - which remove male breast tissue - made it into the top 10, recording a 6% increase in popularity.
four of the favourites: before and after abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and liposuction with Dr Sharp
What's on your list of most-wanted procedures?
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15 Things You Should Know Before Getting Lip Injections
If the pout that mother nature gave you is looking a little thin or terse these days, here’s some inside tips to consider before getting dermal lip fillers…
1. Not all fillers are created equal. Do your research and choose a reputable dermal filler product that’s high quality and comes with a long, well documented track record. When you’re placing a filler in your body that’s going to change your appearance - and be there for a long time - don’t cut corners for the sake of convenience or a few dollars!
2. It isn’t forever. Because hyaluronic acid is eventually metabolised by your body over time, it isn’t permanent. You can remove hyaluronic acid fillers if you don’t like your results, by having an eraser enzyme injected, which dissolves the filler.
3. Cheap might not leave you cheerful. Dermal filler injections are a medical treatment, but just like buying a bottle of milk or new mascara, people can now access dermal lip fillers in their local shopping centre. The medical training of those administering the dermal filler - along with the clinical standards upheld by the clinic - is of upmost importance.
4. Fillers last 10-12 months. It will depend upon how your body metabolises the filler. Some people notice a reduction within 6 months, while others feel revolumised for up to 18 months. Thinner people tend to metabolise the filler faster.
5. You will see the results immediately; although they might be slightly over-inflated to start! Your lips will be swollen at first, but you’ll see the effects of the fillers quickly. The swelling can take 1-3 days to go down.
6. If done correctly, injected lips don’t feel any different to real lips; even when you are kissing (once the swelling goes down).
7. You can choose to have topical anaesthetic applied to your lips before your treatment, to dull the sensation. The injection itself feels like a pinch, followed by a sting as the filler is being injected. The derma filler gel itself is infused with a local anaesthetic, so its numbs your lips as it’s injected, providing additional comfort.
8. You can go about your daily life afterwards but don’t have a treatment immediately before any big events (like a wedding or important function) - allow at least five days in case you bruise or have lingering swelling.
9. Don’t exercise on the day of the treatment. You especially should avoid activities that increase blood flow to your face, like getting a massage or a facial.
10. You might look like you’ve done a few rounds in a boxing ring. Some people walk away from their treatments without a mark, while others can look bruised and swollen for a few days after treatment. If you’re prone to bruising, cease the use of fish oil and vitamin E supplements a week prior. We also offer bruise-reduction cream for those who wish to minimise bruising. Most bruising can be easily covered by concealer and lipstick, and subsides after 5-7 days.
11. Copycat injecting leads to higher dissatisfaction. It’s ok to be inspired by large-lipped actresses like Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts, but ultimately you’re unlikely to leave your first treatment looking like them! You and your injector will decide what’s best for your unique facial balance.
12. Massage lumps and bumps. As swelling subsides, it’s normal to sometimes feel small lumps or irregularities. Your clinician can show you how to gently massage these to smooth them out. The filler is malleable after treatment and can be moved around, so be careful to smooth it out, rather than push too hard and displace it.
13. If you have a history of cold sores, we recommend taking prevention medication two days before the procedure. Injections could trigger a cold sore.
14. Don’t go too far. Aim for a hydrated, natural look that you can sustain for years to come - rather than Goldie Hawn in First Wives Club. And on that point…
15. Choose an honest clinician. It’s important to select a clinician that will give you an honest indication of the results you can expect - who can tell you if they can’t achieve what you want, and can suggest that you pull back when you might be going a bit too far! All of us have seen those celebrities who have overdone fillers and thought “why didn’t their doctor tell them they looked ridiculous?” The more filler you have, the more money your clinician makes - so you want one that aims to achieve natural results, and is willing to refuse to take your money if you’re suffering from a bit too much lip-greed (it happens to the best of us).
above: before and immediately after 1 ml lip filler
Book a free lip enhancement consultation here:
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Question of the week: can I combined liposuction with other procedures?
I’d like to have liposuction surgery. Is it possible for me to also have other procedures at the same time; like an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation?
Are there any safety issues with having more than one at the same time?
- patient
Dr Sharp:
Liposuction takes 30-60 minutes depending on how many areas are treated, so it is a short procedure that is usually very safe to combine with other operations.
More than half of my liposuction cases are performed at the same time as other procedures such as abdominoplasty, breast augmentation or facelift.
Liposuction can add the finishing touches to abdominoplasty surgery, smoothing pockets of fat that aren’t addressed by tummy tuck surgery, such as the flanks or deposits of fat underneath the bra line.
Your initial consultation will involve a discussion with your surgeon about the area/s that you’d like to target, your expected results, risks and potential complications as well as the recovery process. At this consultation your surgeon will step through the informed consent documents, and will discuss the risks and potential complications specific to your combination of treatments.
You will usually have another consultation prior to your surgery, to revisit the information discussed during your initial consultation and discuss any questions you might have. I encourage patients to bring a support person along for this consultation, if possible, as there’s a lot to take in, and a second set of ears can help patients recall the information discussed when they go home!
Sometimes combining liposuction with other treatments will make your recovery slightly more uncomfortable; for example, if you are having liposuction on your flanks along with an abdominoplasty, lying on your back while sleeping (which you will have to do after a tummy tuck) could cause discomfort in the flank area. While it’s important to think about these factors before surgery, in most cases this discomfort is short lived, and well managed with pain relief.
After your surgery, you will go home wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling and ensure optimal results; this garment will stay on for 6 weeks after your surgery. Some swelling, bruising and tenderness can be expected for several weeks, sometimes longer, but this is usually very well managed by painkillers and our post operative care kit, which contains products that help speed up your recovery. You’ll be able to return to light work duties after 1 week and gym work and exercise after 6 weeks. Liposuction is considered a very versatile procedure.
[Images below: before and three months after surgery]
Ask us your liposuction question!
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New research suggested makeup helps fight skin cancer + signs of ageing
New research from the Australasian College of Dermatologists suggests that cosmeceuticals - or functional coloured cosmetics - such as foundation, eyeshadow and lipstick are the second most important anti ageing products to use after sunscreen.
ACD dermatologist Dr Phillip Artemi said some makeup products offer benefits that are more than just aesthetic – reducing the incidence of skin cancer, especially around the eye.
“We now know that it isn’t just solar radiation such as UVB and UVA that is bad for the skin,” he said at the ACD’s Annual Scientific Meeting this month.
“The sun also emits infrared radiation and visible light, which can lead to damage resulting in dull skin, wrinkles and unsightly pigmentation.
“Pollution, too, has been shown to cause wrinkles and skin ageing and, with increased urbanisation, traffic pollution is set to become a major skin toxin.”
Due to properties such as SPF ingredients, pigments and reflectors of solar radiation, functional coloured cosmetics can offer protection against the ageing - and cancer causing - impact of sun exposure. But Dr Artemi said lipgloss provided little protection, suggesting that coloured, long lasting lipsticks afforded better protection.
He said that while sunscreens go a long way to helping prevent sun damage, “we now advise that functional coloured cosmetics should be added to the long-standing advice in order to further reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing as well as protecting against the increasing danger of air pollution”.
PRAHS Cosmetic and Rejuvenation Clinics dermal clinician Deborah Seib-Daniell recommends a daily routine of cleansing, then applying an antioxidant-rich serum, moisturiser and SPF 50 sunscreen – after which functional cosmetics such as foundations, powders and contouring products can be used.
Want to know more about the right products to use for your skin type? Book a complimentary consultation by calling 3202 4744 or contact us below.
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What is a preventative mastectomy?
Angelina Jolie brought preventative mastectomy surgery into the public spotlight in 2013 when she underwent the procedure following genetic profile testing, which confirmed that she was carrying the BRAC-1 gene mutation. Her mother’s death due to breast cancer prompted her to have the testing - and subsequent surgery to remove her breasts in an aim to prevent the disease from forming in her body. Jolie opted to have a breast reconstruction to replace the lost breast tissue. The BRAC-1 gene mutation is linked to the development of breast cancer in women and men, and many are now choosing to have both breasts removed, in what is described as a bilateral preventative mastectomy.
This is a deeply personal decision and one that is made after testing, counselling and consideration. You may consider having a preventative mastectomy if you have a strong family history of breast cancer and/or if genetic testing suggests a strong likelihood that you may be diagnosed with breast cancer in future. Preventative mastectomy is a big decision. It involves much consideration, consultation with healthcare professionals and genetic counselling.
Preventative mastectomies remain a contentious issue amongst many medical professionals, as there is concern over health breasts – that may never develop cancer – being removed ‘just in case’, particularly at a young age. The overwhelming feedback from women who have chosen to undergo a preventative mastectomy is that what they have lost in breast form or function, they have gained through relief from the anxiety and constant fear of developing the cancer that has often robbed them of a close family member.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PREVENTATIVE MASTECTOMY SURGERY + RECONSTRUCTION
Are there different types of preventative mastectomies?
The procedure can be performed as nipple-sparing (whereby the nipple is left) or total, or ‘radical’ whereby all tissue and skin – including the nipple – are removed. In these cases, the nipple can be reconstructed using tissue from elsewhere on the body, which is expertly transplanted onto the reconstructed breast and then 3D tattooed by a medical cosmetic tattooist to resemble a nipple. After a preventative mastectomy, women cannot breastfeed as their milk ducts are removed, so this is one of the many issues women must consider when undergoing a preventative mastectomy prior to having children.
What are the first steps if I want to talk to a professional about this procedure?
Dr Sharp recommends anyone with a family history of breast cancer who is considering preventative mastectomy surgery to discuss this option with their General Practitioner, and if they are interested in investigating this further, request a referral to a genetic counsellor. If you test positive for the gene, you can be referred to a breast surgeon and reconstructive plastic surgeon to discuss your removal and reconstruction options.
What reconstructive options are available after preventative mastectomy surgery?
There are many different options available for reconstruction - and many different factors to consider - especially in the early period after confirmation that you are carrying the gene mutation. Understandably, this can be an overwhelming period, which is why it’s important to find a treating team that will take time ensure you are properly informed of your options, listen to your concerns and allow you the space and time to make your decisions. As part of this, you may ask for a referral to a plastic surgeon to discuss what is best for you and connect with other women who have had a reconstruction.
Surgical reconstruction techniques can differ between surgeons. You should never feel uncomfortable or embarrassed asking your surgeon about their training and experience with each technique, particularly the more modern, advanced microsurgical procedures now available. It’s your body, and you’ll be the one living with the outcome of their expertise, so ask your surgeon as many questions as you need – even the uncomfortable ones!
Women who decide to have a breast reconstruction after a preventative mastectomy most often choose to have their breast reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy, this is called an immediate reconstruction. However, you may not feel ready to make such a commitment at the time of your mastectomy - and some women decide that they do not want to have a breast reconstruction at all. If this is your choice, you have the option of using an external breast prosthesis. Having a breast reconstruction later on - months or years after a mastectomy - is called delayed breast reconstruction. It is always option later, if you change your mind.
If you choose to have a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, the surgeon may remove the breast skin, areola and nipple. If you decide to have a breast reconstruction later, the remaining skin may need to be stretched to accommodate a breast shape. Alternatively, skin and tissue from another part of the body can be used to replace the skin that has been removed surgically.
Will I have both or just one breast removed?
Most women who have a preventative (prophylactic) mastectomy have both breasts removed (bilateral mastectomy).
What will I look like following a preventative mastectomy?
If you are having a preventative (prophylactic) mastectomy, it is usually possible to preserve the skin over the breast, the areola and the nipple. Breast reconstruction following preventative mastectomy will usually involve replacing the underlying tissue only. This means that the reconstructed breasts are likely to look more similar to the original breasts. There will always be some differences in shape and feel, depending on the type of breast reconstruction. Having both breasts reconstructed means they are more likely to be more symmetrical.
It is important to remember that the aim of breast reconstruction surgery is to create a natural shape when you are clothed; your new breast will not look the same, or feel the same, as the breast you have had removed.
Can I access breast reconstruction publicly or privately?
Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy for breast cancer is available in the public hospital system as well as through the private health system. It is considered a medical procedure, not cosmetic surgery. If your treating team has not discussed the full spectrum of reconstructive options available, ask to be referred to a specialist plastic surgeon in your area. Dr Sharp performs breast reconstruction surgery at private hospitals in Brisbane and Ipswich.
Would you like to find out more about breast reconstruction surgery?
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Why we choose fractionated Fraxel laser
Fraxel fractionated laser resurfacing addresses 7 key facets of facial ageing
Fraxel laser resurfacing was one of the first on the market, and over the decades has refined its technology, continuing to be a leader in the laser rejuvenation field. Modern day Fraxel is comfortable, quick and gets maximum results with minimal downtime. After the treatment, our patients begin to notice the following improvements in their skin; these changes continue in the weeks and months following their treatment, to achieve their final result:
- Reduction of precancerous sun damage (actinic keratosis) that can lead to sun cancer
- Pigmentation and sun spots are eliminated
- Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced
- Skin texture and condition is improved
- Facial, neck and chest/décolletage skin feels tighter
- Pore size is reduced
- Scars and stretch marks are improved
Treatment intensity and depth is tailored to each individual patient
One of the best aspects of Fraxel is its ‘dual’ function; which gives it the ability to be varied in intensity, allowing us to modify the therapy depending upon whether the patient’s skin is quite healthy, or requires extensive resurfacing - and how long they want their downtime to last. A low intensity treatment helps to remove superficial sun spots and pigmentation, with only a weekend of coffee-grain like shedding. While a more intensive treatment will lift extensive sun damage and address deeper lines, and will involve shedding for about 5 days. Your Fraxel treatment will begin with a thorough skin analysis with our dermal clinicians, who will assess your skin, discuss your desired result and advise of the best intensity to achieve this for you.
The treatment doesn’t require a post-treatment product list as long as your arm
Many laser, pulsed light and peel therapies necessitate a lengthy regime of costly skin care products before and after the treatment. Our Fraxel treatment does not require this. To maintain your results, your clinician may recommend a very simple ongoing skin care plan, which can include important anti ageing active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s), retinoids (vitamin A) and beta glucan - as well as an effective SPF 50 sunscreen.
Want to know more?
Each member of our team has tried Fraxel, and so we’d love to answer any questions you have about how the treatment feels, the recovery period and the results we have experienced using this leading laser technology. Call us on 3202 4744 if you have any questions!
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What is actinic or ‘solar’ keratosis?
An actinic keratosis (AK) is also known as a ‘solar’ keratosis. It has the appearance of a crusty, scaly growth and is caused by damage to the skin from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation; something we see a lot of in Queensland!
Can it cause skin cancer?
Actinic keratosis is considered a pre cancer because if it’s left alone it may develop into a skin cancer, most often the second most common form of the disease, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
What causes solar keratosis?
Sun exposure! Queensland has the dubious title of the ‘skin cancer capital of the world’, having the highest rates of skin cancer thanks to our high year-round UV levels, outdoor lifestyle and the predominance of people with light skin colour in our population.
The most common type of precancerous skin lesion, actinic keratosis appear on skin that has been regularly exposed to the sun or artificial sources of UV light, such as tanning machines.
Where does actinic keratosis form on the body?
They most frequently appear on exposed areas such as the face and body, including the scalp, ears, shoulders, neck, arms and back of hands. They can also appear on the shin, ankles and feet.
Which skin types are more likely to develop solar keratosis?
People who have fair complexions are more prone to AKs than are people with medium or dark skin.
What does solar keratosis look like?
They are often elevated, rough in texture and resemble warts or scabs. They often become red, and can range in colour from light or dark beige, white or pink. They can also change colour.
In the beginning, these growth are usually so small, you can feel them better than you can see them. To touch, they have a sandpaper like feeling. Actinic keratoses usually develop gradually, becoming more visible as they mature. Sometimes, they seem to disappear, and then reappear later. Occasionally they look like a stubborn pimple; they can be itchy or have a pricky sensation. They can also be inflamed and surrounded by redness, sometimes even bleeding (especially when caught by a shaver).
before and after Fraxel laser for sun damage and pigmentation
What is the treatment for actinic keratosis?
Although actinic keratosis is considered a pre-cancerous condition, it is very treatable. Standard therapies include topical ointments, freezing, surgical excision and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) . Now clinics such as ours are increasingly turning to lasers, such as Fraxel technology, to effectively treat AKs - because prevention is better than surgery!
In Australia, Fraxel fractionated resurfacing laser is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of solar keratosis. Our PRAHS Cosmetic and Rejuvenation Clinics in Brisbane and Ipswich were the first clinics of their kind in Queensland to offer the new generation of Fraxel technology.
Fraxel targets the area of skin that actinic keratosis forms in, providing noticeable results after one treatment - without the downtime of a CO2 laser.
As Fraxel is ‘fractionated’ it does not ablate 100% of the surface area of the epidermis (upper layer of skin); meaning that it is able to deliver reliable results with much less potential for side effects than older ablative lasers, which were not fractionated.
Fraxel provides treatment flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to vary wavelengths and intensities to tailor each treatment to meet a myriad of patient needs – even treating multiple indications for a single patient, with a single device (such as actinic keratosis as well as premature ageing or fine lines).
We are always exploring new ways we can put Fraxel to work for our patients. Currently we use it for:
- Fine lines and wrinkles, including peri-orbital wrinkles
- Acne or skin surface scarring
- Pigmentation such as melasma and age spots
- Sun damage and pre-cancerous indications (AKs)
- Reducing the appearance of old and new scars
WANT TO KNOW WHAT FRAXEL CAN DO FOR YOU?
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Research indicates confusion over ‘surgeon’ qualifications
According to a report in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a study undertaken by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has revealed widespread confusion around the titles ‘plastic surgeon’ and ‘cosmetic surgeon’.
In Australia, the Medical Board only recognises the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) as the training body for qualified surgeons. Upon completion of this training, the surgeons display the letters FRACS as their credentials, the ‘F’ standing for ‘Fellow’. However many doctors who have not undergone RACS training and examination, still openly call themselves ‘surgeons’, despite not having RACS qualifications.
Cosmetic surgery is no different to other surgery; it carries a risks of infection, complications, nerve injury and adverse anaesthetic events. And yet the study results showed significant misperceptions about the qualifications needed to perform this type of surgery:
- 87% of respondents believed that surgeons must have special credentials and training to perform cosmetic surgery, or to advertise themselves as aesthetic/cosmetic/plastic surgeons.
- More than half of respondents were unsure about the training needed to become a board certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon.
- Most respondents stated their discomfort with specialists other than plastic surgeons performing surgery to improve their appearance.
Here are some facts to help clarify the status of ‘cosmetic’ and ‘plastic’ surgeons in Australia:
- Plastic surgeons are also called ‘plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic - or aesthetic - surgeons’ because they have undergone advanced training in major public and private hospitals under a traineeship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic fields of surgical study; under the supervision and mentorship of experienced and RACS qualified surgeons.
- This training process generally takes 10 years from completion of medical school until the final obtainment of ‘fellowship’ qualifcations.
- Doctors can call themselves ‘cosmetic’ surgeons even if they don’t have the aforementioned credentials, supervision, experience or training.
- In Australia, doctors who do not have FRACS credentials cannot perform medically-required aesthetic procedures such as breast reductions, abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty or labioplasty surgery under the coverage of the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Patients cannot receive the applicable Medicare or private health fund rebates if they do not have the surgery with a RACS qualified surgeon.
- If you have a complication following your surgery, or require further revisional surgery, your RACS qualified surgeon has the expertise to perform these procedures, and you may have some of your costs covered by Medicare or your private health fund (if you are insured).
- You can find out if your surgeon is a RACS qualified surgeon by visiting their database here.
The results of this study form yet another reminder of the importance of research when choosing a surgeon. Being informed about the training, examination and ongoing professional development that your surgeon has been required to undertake before performing your procedure is an integral part of the decision process.
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Popular procedures for modern men
Men are more open to the options that aesthetic surgery and cosmetic medicine offer than ever before. And while women still comprise the majority of our patients, data from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery indicates that the number of men having cosmetic procedures increased by more than 106% between 1997 and 2012; an ongoing trend echoed by the growing number of men seeking cosmetic improvements at our clinics.
Often, male patients say they don’t like the tired, stressed or unhealthy appearance they see in the mirror - because they still feel young, strong and fit on the inside. Others are looking to freshen up their appearance before re-entering the dating scene.
And many mention a desire to stay competitive in the workplace, linking their looks to their recruitment and promotion prospects - something noted by London economics Professor Daniel Hamermesh in his study of the financial benefits of aesthetic appearance.
Here are some of the surgical and non-invasive treatments most commonly requested by men in our clinics:
Rhinoplasty
Nose jobs are a powerful way to change the entire dynamic of the face. Previous surgery, nose trauma or genetics can leave men with misshaped, prominent or irregular nasal characteristics. It can also cause breathing problems and snoring. Rhinoplasty surgery reshapes bone and cartilage, changing the underlying structure of the nose and creating functional improvements - such as improved breathing - while making aesthetic adjustments that improve its appearance and proportion with the rest of the face.
The surgery requires about 7-10 days off work while bruising and swelling subsides. Dr Sharp’s patients receive a post treatment care pack that assists with accelerating the recovery process. Swelling can take 6 to 12 months to completely subside, revealing the final result - so patience is a must if you are considering this procedure!
If you are considering rhinoplasty but not sure if you want to go under the knife, talk to us about non-surgical rhinoplasty, as our dermal fillers can subtly redefine the nose. Results last up to 2 years.
Body lift
An increase in the popularity of gastric sleeve and gastric banding surgery - and the massive weightloss that ensues - is leaving many men with large amounts of loose skin on their abdomen, thighs and arms. This loose skin places functional limitations on activity, clothing and exercise - alongside persistent skin irritations and embarrassing hygiene problems. Body lift surgery involves the removal of this loose skin and repair of any underlying structures that have been weakened. It can include circumferential abdominoplasty, brachioplasty (arms) and thigh lift/reduction.
Post operative infections and long term odema (swelling) are more common with body lift surgery than others, due to the amount of tissue and lymph glands (the body’s drainage system) that is removed. Dr Sharp frequently performs body lift surgery, and while the results are dramatic and offer significant improvement in the patient’s quality of life and appearance, he ensures the risks of the surgery and lengthy recovery period involved is carefully considered by his patients before undertaking this procedure.
SculpSure fat reduction
A healthy diet and active lifestyle can often still fail to budge stubborn pockets of fat that typically accumulate for men around the abdomen and lower back, forming ‘love handles’, ‘beer belly’ and ‘spare tyres’.
For many patients, liposuction or abdominoplasty isn’t required as they don’t have lots of loose skin or large areas of fat; they simply need the hard to budge handfuls removed, so the waist of their pants fit better, or to remove the bulges that sit above their waistline.
Gentle and non invasive, SculpSure uses laser technology to selectively target fat cells, which are then eliminated from the body permanently. A 25 minute treatment results in up to 24% reduction in fat, with no downtime required - making it an effective ‘lunch time’ treatment.
Blepharoplasty
Excessive eyelid skin can create a tired, cranky appearance - but most importantly, it can cause vision impairment that can affect the ability to drive or work. Men who require blepharoplasty surgery also often have deeper forehead lines (making them look more stressed or angry) because their forehead works overtime, raising their eyebrows to try and lift their eyelids so they can see! Blepharoplasty is performed as day surgery and involves a 1-2 week recovery period.
Gynaecomastia
Up to 50% of men suffer from various degrees of gynaecomastia (excess breast tissue). According to data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) male breast reduction surgery increased 13% in 2015. In the US, men comprised 40% of breast reduction patients in 2015. The procedure takes about 90 minutes and can involve a combination of liposuction and surgical incisions. The recovery period takes about 1-2 weeks, with limited activity recommended for 6 weeks after surgery.
Hyperhydrosis treatment
Wrinkle injections are increasingly being use to treat excessive sweating for men and women. The injections block communication between the brain and overactive sweat glands, found in the feet, hands, armpits or forehead.
The treatment takes about 30 minutes and involves tiny injections the treatment area; most people find this very tolerable, but we also offer anaesthetic cream for who wish to be numbed up. Results last up to 6 months.
Things men should consider before undertaking aesthetic procedures…
Have realistic expectations. If you bring in a photograph of Chris Hemsworth or Brad Pitt and ask what Dr Sharp can do to make you look more like him, you will probably be encouraged to adjust your expectations - or reconsider having surgery. We are honest and transparent with our patients about the results they are likely to achieve, and the risks and complications they may encounter.
Address body hang ups. Body image is a sensitive issue that affects everyone, in various degrees, as some point in their lives. Previously perceived as a female affliction, we are increasingly seeing men present with a history of hurtful teasing or bullying at school, work, in relationships or while participating in sports - and significant self image issues associated with the feedback they’ve received about their bodies. These patients often believe that their low self esteem, depression or anxiety will be addressed if they simply adjust their appearance. Interestingly, research shows that these patients are the most likely group to be dissatisfied with the results, due to their high expectations of the life-changes that will ensue. Seeking help through a counsellor or psychologist that is experienced in male body image issues is highly recommended before undertaking any surgery.
Be informed. All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks and should only be undertaken after serious consideration. Sometimes, revision (a second procedure to adjust the results) is required, which can result in further expense and time off work. It is vital that you have at least two consultations with your surgeon before undertaking cosmetic surgery, providing plenty of time for them to explain the procedure, risks and potential complications - and answer any questions that may arise during your decision-making process. We also recommend you seek the opinion of more than one plastic surgeon, as they can differ in their approach and it is most important that you feel comfortable and confident with your choice of surgeon!
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More than skin deep: the health benefits of plastic surgery
People seek out plastic surgery for a myriad of reasons. For some, it’s the correction of a trauma, accident or genetic deformity - for others, it’s reconstructive surgery for skin or breast cancer; replacing what previous surgery has taken away. Others want to restore what time has take away; growing old gracefully - and retaining a ‘natural look’ while ensuring they look as good as they still feel on the inside. [Right: before and after breast reduction surgery with Dr Sharp].
The health benefits of plastic surgery often go unmentioned in the world of glossy magazines that focus purely on cosmetic improvement, looking beyond the ‘skin deep’ image to see significant functional benefits, including:
- Rhinoplasty: can improve breathing and snoring
- Blepharoplasty: can improve vision
- Breast reduction and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): can improve back and neck pain
Non surgical treatments such as cosmetic wrinkle injections can also have little-known medical benefits, such as reducing headaches and treating excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Plastic surgery alone will not improve your confidence or self esteem; but it can be one of many decisions people make to improve their self image and align the face (or body) they see in the mirror with how they feel on the outside.
Elevated self esteem is associated with improved self confidence, which can have a powerful influence over relationships, job prospects and social networks; something noted by London economics Professor Daniel Hamermesh in his research into the link between appearance and employment.
Although plastic surgery is often thought of as nip-and-tuck procedures that are purely driven by aesthetics, it can also be a powerful tool to resolve functional problems and improve overall health and wellbeing.
It’s important to select a surgeon that is skilled in the latest advanced techniques to achieve optimal results - and trained by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), which is recognised by the Medical Board of Australia as the authority that provides the training required to achieve ‘surgeon’ status in this country. You can cross check Dr Sharp’s credentials with RACS here.
If you would like to explore how plastic surgery can create improvements for your form or function, please call us on 3202 4744.
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