Breast Surgery

Arguably no part of a woman’s anatomy defines her femininity and her persona quite like her breasts. As one of Australia’s foremost and respected plastic surgeons for breast surgery with over 20 years experience, Dr Buckland offers women a reassuring sense of confidence, particularly for those affected by breast cancer. So before considering your body profile, review the profile of a highly qualified surgeon who can help achieve your goals.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction isn’t simply reconstructing a part of your body, it’s about rebuilding your self esteem after breast cancer surgery, perhaps to correct a previous surgical procedure or even to address congenital breast deformities.

Dr Garry Buckland believes that reconstructive surgery can restore a more natural appearance to breasts disfigured by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, cancer or other diseases.

Every woman is different, so every breast operation is unique. Dr Buckland is immensely talented in all forms of breast surgery having performed a wide range of procedures in many of Sydney’s leading hospitals. Dr Buckland works closely with breast cancer surgeons and is experienced in all the current re-constructive breast surgery techniques.

Post-cancer breast reconstruction can be performed either at the same time as mastectomy, or afterwards depending on underlying factors relating to your particular type of breast cancer. A range of surgical techniques are used, such as implants, using a women’s own tissue, or a combination of the two.

Reconstructive surgery may also address congenital breast problems such as asymmetry, underdevelopment or inverted nipples.

Naturally it is essential for women considering breast surgery to be fully informed, which is why a personal consultation with Dr Buckland will help you determine the optimum solution for your individual circumstances, body shape and desired outcome. Your decision to have surgery requires careful consideration and Dr Buckland will be more than happy to answer the many questions you may have to help you decide whether breast reconstruction surgery is right for you. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

When Should I Think About Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

For total peace of mind, it’s essential that you fully understand the role of breast reconstruction in the overall management of your breast cancer. The highest priority is to treat the cancer, so while reconstruction is important, it’s very much a secondary priority. Dr Buckland will liaise with your breast surgeon and advise whether your reconstruction is best performed at the time of your mastectomy or as a delayed procedure.

What Types Of Procedures Are There And What’s Best For Me?

There are 3 main options for breast reconstruction:

• Implant
• Lattismus dorsi flap plus implant
• “TRAM” (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous) Flap

Determining which is best for you depends on a number of factors. Dr Garry Buckland will openly discuss all the options; their pros and cons, to help you decide which procedure is best for you. Considerations may include whether you are having chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the type of breast cancer, your body shape and lifestyle factors. Every patient is different so it’s vital that you have a personalised reconstructive programme designed specifically for you. For more information on breast reconstruction surgery, please contact our helpful staff for an appointment on 02 8969 2400.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

The unfortunate effects of age, gravity, weight loss, breastfeeding, even childbirth, can result in sagging, less shapely breasts. A breast lift can help you achieve a firmer, more youthful figure, elevating your bustline and lifting your inner confidence at the same time. Here’s how.

A breast lift or ‘mastopexy’ is a procedure which elevates a sagging bustline by removing excess skin from the lower portion of the breast. This has the effect of raising, reshaping and increasing the firmness of your breasts. The nipple/areola complex is repositioned or sometimes reduced in size to achieve a more youthful, natural appearance. You also have the option of having implants inserted in conjunction with the procedure to increase breast volume.

Since every woman is an individual, every breast operation is unique. Dr Buckland has earned an enviable reputation for breast surgery and has performed numerous procedures in leading hospitals across Sydney. Dr Buckland believes it’s essential for women considering breast surgery to be fully informed. An honest and open consultation with Dr Buckland will help you decide what is right for your individual circumstances, body shape and desired outcome.

Naturally your decision to have surgery should not be taken lightly, and Dr Buckland will be more than happy to answer the many questions you probably have, and to help you decide whether a breast lift is right for you. Further information on breast lift surgery is just a phone call away, simply contact our helpful staff for an appointment on 02 8969 2400.

What Is Involved?

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic in hospital as either a day surgery procedure or an overnight stay and takes around 2-3 hours. During your consultation Dr Buckland will advise what technique will produce the best outcome for your breast and body shape.

Depending on the amount of drooping (also referred to as ‘ptosis’) and the amount of extra skin you have, the operation can begin using either a vertical pattern or an inverted “T” incision. The nipple is repositioned into the centre of the breast, while the breast itself is reshaped to achieve a more youthful, shapely figure.

The procedure is performed to maintain sensation, blood flow and the connections to the milk ducts, meaning that breast feeding is still possible later on.

Who Are The Ideal Candidates For A Breast Lift?

Women who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and who understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for a breast lift. The best results are usually achieved in women as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or breast feeding.

Does It Reduce Or Eliminate Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are scars resulting from skin being stretched. After a breast lift, certain stretch marks will be eliminated with the removal of the extra skin, especially in the lower part of the breast, while those on the upper breast will remain. However, any stretch marks still evident may be tightened and will appear slightly smoother.

What Happens After The Operation?

The wounds are closed with internal dissolving sutures to minimise scarring. Waterproof dressings are used, so you’ll be able to shower normally once you are up and about. It will be possible to return to most jobs one week after the surgery. However we recommend you reduce any lifting, straining, reaching and upper body exercise for a month afterwards.

Will Any Scarring Be Visible?

Scars are an inevitable result of surgery. But as a highly accomplished and immensely qualified plastic surgeon, Dr Garry Buckland has the skills to keep them to a minimum and help conceal scars within the natural lines and creases of the skin. It’s a fact of nature that scars fade over time, and Dr Buckland will advise you of techniques to further reduce any long term effects. For more information on breast lift surgery please contact our helpful staff for an appointment on 02 8969 2400.

Breast Reduction

Perhaps you’re seeking relief from the discomfort of neck pain, skin irritation or back ache? Or maybe you simply want a figure with better proportions and symmetry? For many women, a breast reduction instils a welcome sense of liberation that comes with feeling less self conscious.

A range of techniques may be used to reduce breast size in order to achieve a more comfortable, natural shape and size. Quite simply, it entails the removal of excess breast tissue and skin, while the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) may be reduced and repositioned.

You are an individual, so your procedure will be tailored to suit your unique body shape and expectations. Dr Buckland has a wealth of experience and highly sought after talent in breast surgery having performed the full spectrum of procedures in leading hospitals across Sydney.

When you’re considering breast reduction, it’s essential you’re fully informed. You’ll find an informed and open consultation with Dr Buckland will set your mind at ease, dispelling any uncertainties and determining the optimum approach for your unique circumstances, body shape and desired outcome.

Naturally, a decision to have any form of surgery should be taken lightly. Dr Buckland will be more than happy to answer the many questions you will probably have, and will ensure you’re totally comfortable that breast reduction is right for you. For more information on breast reduction surgery, our team is just a phone call away.

What Is Involved?

Breast reduction surgery is performed in hospital under a general anaesthetic, with the entire operation taking between 3 and 4 hours, usually followed by an overnight stay.

During the procedure the breast is reduced in size, the nipple is positioned in a more central location and the breast is shaped to achieve a more natural contour. Dr Buckland also aims to ensure sensation and blood flow to the nipple is maintained, keeping the connections between the milk ducts and the nipple so it won’t affect breast feeding later on. The operation is preferably done through a vertical incision, though depending on your breasts’ shape and size, an inverted T incision may be necessary.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Breast Reduction?

It’s preferable that you’re physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, making you an ideal candidate for a breast reduction. The best results are usually achieved in women with large breasts which are causing backache, neck aches, general discomfort and who may be displeased with the size of their breasts from an aesthetic perspective.

How Do You Minimise Scarring?

It’s a fact of life that scars are an inevitable result of surgery. However, as a highly skilled and eminently qualified plastic surgeon, Dr Buckland is highly skilled at minimising their effects and ensuring that any scars are inconspicuous by placing them discreetly along the natural skin lines and creases. Scars do fade over time, and Dr Buckland will advise you of scar treatment techniques to further minimise their visible effects.

What About Recovery?

Internal dissolving sutures are used to achieve the neatest, least visible scar. Drains are placed overnight and removed the next morning. Since waterproof dressings are used, you’re able to shower normally and postoperative surgical bras are provided for support. You may be able to return to most jobs 1-2 weeks after surgery, we simply recommend no lifting, straining, reaching or upper body exercise for 4 weeks. For more information on breast reduction surgery, contact our friendly team today.

Breast Enlargement

It’s about an extra feeling of self confidence. The added poise that comes with having fuller, more elegant figure. Or maybe you wish to counteract sagging or loss of volume due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding? A breast enlargement can really help.

Put simply, breast enlargement or ‘augmentation’ is a surgical procedure which increases the size, firmness and enhances the shape of the breasts.

Breast enlargement is performed in various ways, because each woman’s body and the effect she seeks is very much a personal choice. There are options for incision sites and implant placement. Breast implants themselves vary by contents, the outer surface, overall shape and size, enabling you to achieve precisely the look you desire.

Dr Buckland’s wealth of experience is your guide to determining the optimum technique that’s right for you. His depth of training and skills give him a particular expertise in breast surgery, having performed numerous procedures in leading hospitals across Sydney.

When you’re considering breast enlargement, you’ll want to be fully informed. So Dr Buckland insists on a personal consultation to help determine the optimum method and type of implants best suited to your individual circumstances, body shape and desired outcome.

Your decision to have surgery should not be taken lightly, and Dr Buckland will be more than happy to answer the many questions you’re bound to have to help you decide whether breast enlargement is right for you. Remember, we’re as close as your phone or email, so contact us to learn more.

What’s Involved?

Breast enlargement surgery is performed under general anaesthetic in hospital, either as day surgery or an overnight stay. While the operation itself is tailored to your body shape and the look you are trying to achieve, usually the incisions are made either in the crease under the breast, or on rare occasions, around the areola (nipple) or under the arm.

Breast implants may be placed either underneath the pectoral (chest) muscle or beneath the breast, depending on your body shape and the shape and position of your natural breast.

What Type Of Implants Are Used?

Dr Buckland prefers to use cohesive silicon gel implants with a textured surface. These can be either a teardrop or round implants in shape. Deciding on which is best for you will depend on your breast’s natural contours and the look you are trying to achieve. It is important that all these variables are tailored to suit your unique body profile and a personal consultation with Dr Buckland will help determine the optimum approach.

Your Safety And Health Are Paramount.

Silicon breast implants are freely available in Australia, and extensive clinical trials have been performed on tens of thousands of women to investigate their efficacy. The results have subsequently dismissed any association between silicon breast implants and increased risk of breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or mixed connective tissue disease.

Can It Affect Breastfeeding Later On?

Breast enlargement will not interfere with your ability to breastfeed as the implants are always placed behind the breast tissue and not into the breast tissue itself.

What’s It Like Living With Silicon Implants?

Silicon gel implants have been proven to be generally well accepted by a woman’s body. Dr Buckland insists on using implants of the highest quality which have been extensively proven through rigorous clinical testing.

What About The Recovery Process?

The use of internal dissolving sutures ensures any visible scaring is minimised. After the operation, waterproof dressings are placed over the top allowing you to shower normally. All our patients are provided with post-operative bras for support. You’ll typically be able to return to most jobs one week after your operation but it’s important to limit lifting or upper body exercise for a month after the operation.

If you are considering breast augmentation it’s essential that you have all the information you need. So we invite you to contact our staff for an appointment and we’ll be only too happy to answer all your queries.

Gynaecomastia

We don’t always grow into the body profile we desire. For certain men, excess volume above (on top of) the pectoral muscles can be a source of embarrassment and emotional discomfort. So when nature or personal endeavours have failed to deliver the body profile you seek, gynaecomastiacan help, boosting your levels of confidence and rebuilding your self esteem.

It’s a little known fact that 40 to 60% of the adult male population is afflicted with a certain degree of ‘gynaecomastia’- a term which loosely translated means ‘women-like breasts’. Gynaecomastia can be emotionally challenging for a man or boy and most commonly becomes evident during puberty.

It’s remarkably common, as up to 90% of adolescent boys will develop some form of male breast enlargement, which is resolved in the majority of men as they grow into adulthood. Yet for others, residual breast tissue does not go away during puberty. There are even instances where certain drugs (prescription and “recreational”) and hormonal medical problems can cause gynaecomastia.

Fortunately Dr Buckland offers a solution. Gynaecomastia surgery involves removing fat or some glandular tissue from the breasts, or both. In extreme cases, excess skin is removed as well, resulting in a firmer, flatter, better-contoured and more masculine chest. Which means you no longer need to feel self-conscious about this condition.

Dr Buckland offers a solution as a leader in male breast reduction surgery. Naturally you’ll want to find out more, so we invite you to a personal consultation with Dr Buckland. You’ll find him easy to talk to in utmost confidence, simply contact our staff today to make an appointment.

What’s involved?

The procedure involves an incision around the nipple followed by liposuction which removes excess breast tissue, resulting in the optimum chest profile. Gynaecomastia is performed under general anaesthetic, typically in the one day or sometimes requiring an overnight stay in hospital.

How Is Scarring Minimised?

Scars are an inevitable result of surgery, but as a highly skilled, highly-qualified plastic surgeon, Dr Buckland has the skills and the level of training to keep scarring to a minimum. To ensure scars are as inconspicuous as possible, Dr Buckland places them along natural skin lines and creases. Scars do fade over time and you’ll be advised of effective treatments to further reduce the long-term effects.

What Happens During the Recovery Process?

You will go home with a compression garment on your chest. If drains are used they will be removed a day or two after the surgery. It is not a particularly painful procedure and oral pain killers are more than sufficient to control any discomfort.

Revisional Breast Surgery

As time has passed, perhaps you want to fine tune a previous implant procedure. Or maybe revisional measures are required after a previous cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. Dr Buckland can help.

It may be part of the inevitable aging process, as previous implant may no longer be providing the body profile you desire. In addition, breast implants do have a life expectancy and there have been occasions when issues have arisen.

Revisional surgery of the breast requires the skills and experience of a highly trained and professional surgeon. Dr Buckland’s many years’ experience with revisional breast surgery will offer the assurance you need. After a thorough assessment and planning, and informed discussions of the potential risks and benefits, Dr Buckland will provide you with a considered and realistic approach to your condition. Feel free to contact our friendly staff to arrange a consultation.

Vectra 3D Imaging

We have Vectra 3D Imaging Technology available at our Mosman rooms which provides patients with a 3D simulation of breast procedures and the results which are achievable.

There is an informative 2-minute video clip available to patients on request. While it is not available on the website, patients will find this demonstration of Vectra 3D Imaging particularly informative in helping understand mastopexy.