Breast Procedures

Our experienced specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Craig Layt, offers a variety of breast surgery procedures that can help our patients change the shape, size or position of their breasts. Breast augmentation and enlargement uses breast implants to add volume to the breasts, while breast lift surgery can remove excess skin to reposition the nipple and areola and change the shape of a ptotic breast. Both men and women can benefit from breast reduction procedures, which are designed to reduce the size of the breasts and reposition the nipple and areola.  In addition to our breast procedures, Dr Layt offers a range of breast reconstruction techniques that can help women who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy after breast cancer, as well as those who have been affected by breast injury or deformity.

At the Layt Clinic, our Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Craig Layt, can surgically change the appearance of the breasts. Please follow the links below for more information on procedures such as male and female breast reduction, breast reconstruction, breast enlargement, and breast lift surgery. Contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr Layt.

Breast Surgery Procedures and Information

• Breast Augmentation or Enlargement
• Breast Lift
• Breast Augmentation & Lift
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Reconstruction
• Capsular Contracture (‘Implant Hardening’)
• Implant Removal
• Revision Augmentation
• Tuberous Breasts
• Breast Asymmetry
• Areolar & Nipple Surgery
• Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
• Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
• Breast Implant Illness
• Vectra 3D Imaging

The Layt Clinic is a proud contributor to the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR). The registry provides an opportunity for surgeons and healthcare operators to contribute to the continued safety and quality of breast device surgery in Australia.

Risks and Complications

Surgery is not an exact science. Incisions and scars are part of any surgery and the location and extent of the incisions will be discussed with you. Every effort is made by the surgeon to minimise scarring. Scars will fade over time, but they are permanent. They can also become hypertrophic or keloid. Scars vary from person to person and are related to each individual’s skin type, genetics and the ability of their skin to heal.

Every surgical procedure involves certain risks and complications (as per the ASPS brochure) including, but not limited to:

Asymmetry is evident physically in every person.  No two sides of the body are ever exactly symmetrical in shape, position or size and the surgeon will make every effort to achieve as close to symmetry as possible but some asymmetry is normal.

Delayed Healing, Infection and Suture Reactions can all be possible healing issues and may require antibiotics or in some cases surgical exploration.

Bleeding, Haematoma or Seroma Collections may resolve themselves but, in some cases may require further surgery.

Loss of Sensation and Numbness may also be experienced. In most cases this will improve over time on its own. In some cases this can be permanent.

Bruising and Swelling may also be a short term effect from surgery and will usually settle in one to two weeks.

Allergies to dressings, medical lotions, sutures or other materials can occur with some patients. You will be advised to cease the use of the dressing, lotion or material that is causing the reaction. In some cases anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed.

Breathing Difficulties may be due to a general anaesthetic or breathing tube during the operation which has caused some swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort.

Blood Clots can also occur in some surgeries and may require urgent treatment and hospitalisation.

Pain thresholds vary from patient to patient. This may lead to different pain management and/or different recovery times to resume normal activities.

Achieving excellent results with minimal risk is a joint effort. It is important to disclosed to the surgeon and clinic and understand the following:

Full disclosure of your medical history including: allergies, personal, physical and mental history, previous surgeries, current medications and co-morbidities (including but not limited to, smoking, vaping, diabetes, prescription and illegal drug addictions, blood or heart disease, obesity or anorexia).

Co-morbidities may impact on outcome and healing post surgery.

Smoking, vaping, or taking recreational drugs must be ceased in the 6 weeks prior to some operations and during the healing phase. Failure to do so may increase the risk of complications, decrease your healing ability and affect your surgical outcome.

You should not take aspirin based prescription drugs 14 days prior to surgery and during the healing phase of the operation unless advised otherwise by the surgeon.

As per the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), all non-rebatable (cosmetic) procedures require a validated screening of Body Dysmorphia to be undertaken.

If Dr Layt is concerned about your mental state or physical state prior to the procedure, he may request evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist, general practitioner or other specialist. This referral is to assess your suitability, increased risks during surgery or any underlying physical or psychological problems which may affect your recovery or mental health.

In some cases this may require surgery to be postponed or cancelled by the doctor in his primary role to consider your care and personal well-being.

Complications with Breast Implants

Pregnancy may cause breast enlargement, cause breast tissue to stretch and a degree of ‘drooping’ of the breast tissue. This may require the breast to be surgically lifted however some poor skin integrity may have a tendency to stretch and continue to ‘drop’.

Capsular Contracture (less than 1%) occurs when the scar surrounding the implant thickens and tightens around the implant. This can make it feel hard, look unnatural, feel uncomfortable and may occur months to years later. Should this occur, a capsulectomy and a remove and replacement of implant/s may be required in the future.

Implant Rupture can occur after injury or years of repetitive action in the same part of the implant.  MRI is the gold standard to assess this as Ultrasound shows a false positive reporting for rupture in approximately 30% of cases. A ruptured or leaking implant will require surgery of removal and replacement of the implant.

Implant ‘Wrinkles’ and Palpability  can also be noticed. All implants ripple to a degree. If there is reasonable tissue coverage this will not be noticeable. If there is little overlying breast tissue and fat this is more likely.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare tumour of lymphoid cells in the breast which has recently been found to have an increased incidence in patients with textured breast implants. ALCL relates to a patients genetics, a textured implant and bacteria being present.  This may present as a unilateral swelling of a breast due to fluid accumulation. When detected early, this is treated by removing the fluid and the implant. Dr Layt has and continues to perform this procedure utilising the 14 point plan to minimise the risks of ALCL, capsular contracture and other complications relating to using an implant.

In summary, the risks of bleeding, haematomas, capsular contracture, ALCL, infection, asymmetry, scarring, seroma, pain, palpable implant, loss of cleavage, sensation, implant malposition, implant rupture/leakage and breast feeding are discussed through the ASPS and The Layt Clinic information on Breast Augmentation. Implants may be removed and replaced over time and they are not lifetime devices. Implants used are registered with the Therapeutic Goods of Australia (TGA) and patients will be sent Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) regarding the implants chosen.

All surgery carries risks and it is important to understand these.

Every patient is an individual and therefore final surgical results will vary from patient to patient. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner.

The Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR) is a Commonwealth-funded Monash University-led health initiative that records health data relating to breast device surgery. The registry is designed to track patient health outcomes, monitor the long-term safety and performance of breast devices and benchmark the quality of surgery involving breast implants, breast tissue expanders and acellular dermal matrices.

Video Courtesy of ASAPSAU