The most important outcome for Dr Lee and his team is ensuring the safety and quality of procedures for all our patients. This information is for our breast enlargement and breast reconstruction patients who want to know how the most experienced surgeons reduce their risk of infection during surgery.

What is the 14-point plan and why is it important?

First published in 2013, the 14-point plan has now been adopted by Specialist Plastic Surgeon’s worldwide. The plan draws on proven strategies for surgeons to use during breast implant surgery to reduce the likelihood of bacteria attaching to the implants and therefore improve the chances of a stable, long lasting and successful outcome.

What is Biofilm?

Bacteria that come into contact with implants can become adherent and quickly secrete a thick sticky coating that binds them onto the surface irreversibly. The combination of bacteria and their protective coating is termed biofilm and can cause capsular contracture – hardening, pain and deformity following breast implant surgery.

Biofilms are now recognised as the leading cause of implant failure in medicine, affecting not just breast implants but orthopaedic implants, cochlear implants, contact lenses, catheters and heart valves.

By following the steps outlined in the 14-point plan, surgeons can combat the risk of bacterial infection.

Does Dr Mark Lee follow this plan?

Yes.

Dr Lee and his team pride themselves on outstanding patient care, both before and after surgery. His experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery spans over 20 years, remaining committed to the latest advances in technique and technology.

If you would like to learn more about the possibility of breast implant removal surgery, or have any concerns about your current breast implants, Dr Lee and his team are always more than happy to talk about your options. Choosing to have plastic surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Please be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

Dr Lee provides you with thorough instructions on post-operative care, which is critical to ensure your overall wellness and optimise the outcomes of your procedure.

Tips for self-monitoring

Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts and self-examine your breasts and surrounding area, including the armpits up to the collarbone, regularly. A good time to self-examine is when you are in the bath or shower. Things to look for:
• Swelling
• Fluid build-up
• Lumps
• Pain
• Changes in breast shape
If you believe there are any changes, or if you have any concerns, see your GP.

We won’t forget you once you’re fully recovered!

Ensuring your ongoing care is very important to Dr Lee and his team, and our care certainly doesn’t stop once you have fully healed. We are here for the long-haul and will always be here to answer any questions you have throughout the lifetime of your implants.

Ongoing check-ups

As breast implants are not lifetime device, they generally need to be replaced or removed after 10 to 15 years, but we understand circumstances change and sometimes complications can arise that may mean you need to act sooner than anticipated. We also know the risk of serious complications, such as breast implant illness and breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), increases with how long a patient has had an implant.

You can book a check-up with our team throughout the duration of your breast implant lifetime. At your check-up we will also let you know any new information on your implants and answer any questions you may have.

Contact our friendly team today to learn more.

Further reading

Therapeutic Goods Administration breast implant hub