BREAST
Breast augmentation
Description
The placement of breast implants corrects the shape of breasts through augmentation. It can be done in different situations:
- if the patient’s breasts are too small compared to the rest of her body (Breast hypoplasia)
- if she has a flat/sunken chest and breasts
- if she has drooping breasts with sagging glands, stretched skin and low areolas
The patient can choose between round implants (“filled” cleavage effect) and anatomic implants (more natural).
in practical terms
Before the surgery:
The patient schedules an appointment with the surgeon in order to find out about the patient’s requests. The surgeon also provides pre-operative assessment and care.
I usually prefer to see the patient twice before the surgery in order to do simulations on her body and on the computer (3D reconstructions with the Crisalix system). It helps her to have a better idea of the kind of implants she wants and how the result will look like.
The patient then meets the anaesthesist at least 48 hours before the surgery.
It is recommended not to smoke 30 days before the surgery and not to take any medication containing aspirin or anti-inflammatory 10 days before.
During the surgery:
Once the patient is aenesthetised, I perform another long local aenesthesia (8 to 12 hours) in order to increase post surgery comfort.
A 4 cm long incision is made in the skin fold right under the breasts. It is therefore hidden.
In cases where the areola needs to be repositionned, the incision is made around it, between the 2 colours. This way, the scar is almost invisible.
If there is an important ptosis, a pexy may also be necessary.
There are different ways to place breast implants: either right behind the gland (premuscular), or behind the pectoral muscle (retromuscular).
I prefer to use a type of bandage that pressures the scar. This makes the scar much less visible than with any other kind of bandages, making the surgery result much more beautiful!
After the surgery:
This type of surgery can be painful (breasts and back), especially when changing positions. There can be a temporary asymmetry due to swelling.
It is recommended to rest and to avoid any kind of violent effort during a few days after the surgery.
The bandage is changed between 4 and 7 days after the surgery. There is no need to remove the suture thread since it is absorbable and located below the skin. This technique is convenient and makes the scar almost invisible.
The patient will also need to wear a wireless bra for 6 weeks.
The patient can go back to professional activities once the bandage has been changed or later on, depending on the type of activities.
The final result may take up to 3 to 4 months to be fully visible.
The intervention increases the size of breasts, and it also has a very positive impact on the patient’s silhouette.
FAQ
From what age is it recommended to undergo a breast augmentation?
There is no legal age to undergo this surgery. It is however necessary to wait for the breasts to be fully developed (after 18 years old).
What is the implants’ life expectancy?
Implants do not have a defined life expectancy. Rupture rate is around 1% the first 10 years. I may increase later on.
What are the symptoms of an implant rupture or leak, and what do I do?
The main cause of rupture are a violent trauma on the breasts or wear after many years.
Ruptures are often asymptomatic and are diagnosed with a sonogram or a magnetic resonance.
Treatment: the implant is replaced.