Breast augmentation / Breast enlargement

A breast augmentation operation can safely achieve augmentation of the breasts. The objective is to create an aesthetic and natural breast shape. A good nipple (mamilla) position is a prerequisite. If the nipple is too low, the patient generally requires an additional breast uplift (your doctor can explain this to you in more detail). This causes additional scarring. Different sizes of prostheses can be used for patients with breasts of varying sizes. However, it can be difficult to achieve absolute symmetry - something that is equally rarely achieved in nature, if at all. If the breast is only to be enlarged, a small incision is made along the underside of the breast, or along the areola.

A filled silicone pouch is normally used to enlarge the breast. The pouch is filled with saline solution or silicone gel. Anatomical breast implants are a recent development in this form of implant. They have more filling at the bottom and therefore create a better imitation of a natural breast shape. This can be especially beneficial for very slender women. This innovation has been made possible by the development of high cohesive gel (more cross-linked than standard gel). It is more form-stable and yet almost as soft as the silicone gel used in implants for many years. It is almost impossible for the silicone to leak from these prostheses. The use of polyurethane-coated implants brings a high level of comfort, and the best possible safety standards.

Is it necessary to change the prostheses after a few years?

There are no guidelines regarding the changing of prostheses. Modern prostheses can be left for 10 - 15 years without any problems. Regular monitoring is sufficient, provided the patient does not have any discomfort.

The patient has the opportunity to discuss the changes that they wish to carry out to improve the appearance of their breasts. Also discussed are the size and type of implant, the type of incision, the position of the implant, and whether an additional breast uplift is also required to provide optimum correction of the breast.

The doctor also asks questions about the patient's health, e.g. if she is taking any medication or if there is a history of breast cancer in her family etc.

During a breast augmentation, an incision is made in the skin and the breast tissue is lifted to create a pocket into which the implant can be inserted. The breast implants can either be placed under the pectoral muscle or under the mammary gland located above the pectoral muscle. The decision as to the position of the implant depends upon the shape of the breast, the type of implant, and other criteria.

Anaesthetic

In most cases the operation is carried out under general anaesthetic.

Length of the operation

A breast augmentation operation generally takes 2 hours. The length of the operation depends on the technique being used, and the position of the implants.

Is treatment on an outpatient or inpatient basis?

A breast enlargement can be performed on an outpatient basis. The patient can usually return home after a few hours of rest.

The dressing should be changed after approximately one week. It must be worn for 6 weeks in order to ensure optimal scar formation. The patient should also wear a support bra constantly for several weeks until the swelling subsides and the breast heals from within. Light physical activity can be resumed after just a few days. Major physical activity such as sport should be avoided completely for 3 months. This helps with scar healing.

During the first months after surgery some women report a small, sudden stinging sensation in the nipples and on the side of the breast. This pain is usually caused by reinnervation, which means that the skin nerves are starting to grow again, and the feeling improves with time.

It is possible to have a shower from the second day after the operation while wearing the adhesive dressing.

The ability to breastfeed generally remains, but this cannot be guaranteed. The scars will appear red for a few weeks, but they become paler after a few months. Any foreign body sensation gradually disappears.

The following complications are rare, but they may occur: post-operative infection, secondary bleeding with haematoma (an effusion of blood), loss of sensation in the breast skin and nipple, implant slippage. Capsular contracture occurs when the natural scar around the implant (the connective tissue capsule) contracts and causes a firm, painful swelling. The risk of this complication is lowest when a polyurethane-coated implant is used (according to scientific studies).

A loss of sensation in the breast or nipple usually improves within a few weeks or months, but in rare cases it can be permanent.

Ripples and creases in the skin may form, depending on the thickness of the skin and the type and size of implant. They mainly become visible when the implant moves.

Please remember!

Nicotine consumption should ideally be stopped for 3 weeks before and after the operation (this helps the wound to heal).

Please avoid blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, ASS and Marcoumar, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Your doctor will advise you.

Please arrange to be collected and driven home after the operation. Please inform us immediately if you notice any fever, redness, sudden pain or other symptoms of infection or any other problems after treatment.

Many wide-ranging studies have shown that breast cancer does not occur more frequently after a breast enlargement with silicone prostheses. It may even occur slightly less frequently. No link has been established between silicone prostheses and autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatism, lupus erythematosus or scleroderma).

Take a look at the pictures on our breast augmentation before & after gallery.