Breast augmentation with implants

Implants for breast augmentation

In most cases, breast implants consist of a silicone shell and a silicone core. A new type of gel is the "cohesive" gel, which guarantees the shape of the breast implant. These breast implants can also be filled with a saline solution (saline) or a combination of both. The surface of the implant can be either smooth or rough.

As every woman and every breast is unique, breast implants are available in different shapes and sizes. As we always endeavour to achieve the most natural result possible, we always advise our patients to choose the implants that best fit their silhouette. However, the patient's personal wishes ultimately determine which implants we place within the medical possibilities.

There are round implants and teardrop-shaped (so-called anatomical) implants, which are more reminiscent of a natural breast in terms of their shape.

• Round breast implants are the most commonly used breast implants as they are less expensive and less prone to complications. However, they look somewhat unnatural as the breast is given a uniformly large volume.
• Anatomical implants are very narrow in the upper area and widen towards the bottom. This shaping allows an extremely natural result to be achieved during breast augmentation, as the implant imitates the natural shape of the breast and therefore adapts perfectly to the typical female silhouette.

Whether round or anatomical: both types of implants increase the breast circumference and it depends on your personal preference which type of implant you choose.

Our breast implant manufacturers

Euromi

Euromi is a Belgian company specialising in medical devices for aesthetic and plastic surgery. Among other things, it manufactures CEREFORM® breast implants, which are used for breast augmentation and reconstruction. These implants are recognised for their high quality standards, natural appearance and innovative production techniques.

Euromi is characterised by the use of advanced technologies and safe materials, which means that the company's prostheses offer a long service life and high wearing comfort. Thanks to its expertise in the medical field and constant innovation, the company is a reliable supplier for surgeons worldwide.

Further information: https://www.euromi.com/en/

Polytech

POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics is the only German manufacturer of breast implants and other silicone implants with more than 35 years of experience in this field. The company offers a wide range of implants for breast augmentation and reconstruction with more than 2,000 options to suit individual preferences and medical needs. One of their innovative products is the B-Lite® Lightweight Implant, which is up to 30 % lighter than conventional implants, reducing stress on breast tissue. POLYTECH attaches great importance to quality and safety and offers the "IMPLANTS OF EXCELLENCE" guarantee programme to increase patient confidence and satisfaction.

Further information: https://polytech-health-aesthetics.com/de/

Breast augmentation with implants

Breast augmentation is always performed under general anaesthetic. Your doctor will discuss the breast surgery procedure and the implants that will be used with you again. As a rule, the incision is made in the skin fold under the breast. In exceptional cases, the incision can also be made around the areola or in the armpit.

A so-called "pocket" is then made in which the breast implants are placed. This is the cavity in which the implants are inserted. You can decide for yourself where the "pocket" should be made. During breast augmentation, the breast implant is placed either under the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the pectoral muscle (subpectoral).

As soon as the pocket has been modelled, the implants are inserted. The wound can then be sutured. This is done in several layers to minimise the risk of the wound rupturing. The wound is also covered with adhesive plasters and a wound dressing. The breast operation takes between one and one and a half hours. After the operation, we will take you to the recovery room where you can recover from the procedure and the anaesthetic. If necessary, you will be given additional painkillers. A breast augmentation is a so-called day admission. This means that you may leave the clinic on the same day if the anaesthetist in charge and your attending doctor agree.

Regeneration

For the first few weeks after breast augmentation, you will need to wear a special support bra that both supports the new shape of your breasts and reduces swelling. We recommend that you wear the bra for at least two weeks (day and night) and a further two weeks during the day. For the first few days after the breast augmentation procedure, you will feel a painful, squeezing sensation in your breasts. This pain can usually be kept under control with painkillers, which you will be prescribed before the procedure. You will also be given medication to minimise swelling.

The swelling usually begins to subside after 3 days. You can shower 24 hours after the breast operation, but you can take off your bra at this point. We recommend that you rest for one week to ten days after your breast surgery. You can then resume your daily activities. However, try to avoid strenuous activities in the first few weeks. It is important that there is no pressure or tension on your breasts during the first few weeks. The stitches that are used are self-dissolving. You therefore do not need to come to the clinic to have the stitches removed.

The swelling will subside completely after two to six weeks. The first time after the operation, your nipples may feel different than normal. This can range from very sensitive to numb. Gradually, however, the normal feeling of your nipples will return. How long this will take is difficult to determine as it varies from person to person.

While the scars may still be visibly reddened in the first few months after the operation, they will gradually take on the natural colour of the skin as the healing process continues until they eventually become almost invisible. It is very important that you do not expose your scar to direct sunlight in the first year after breast surgery. If this is unavoidable, protect your scars with Sun creamwhich has a very high sun protection factor. For proper healing and to avoid the complications mentioned above, it is necessary that you take care of yourself after breast augmentation:

• two weeks do not work or drive a car
• six weeks Avoid any sporting activity

To ensure the best possible healing process, we ask our patients to come to our clinic at least once more for a follow-up check after breast surgery.

Risks and complications of breast augmentation with implants

Infections are very rare, but as an implant, i.e. a foreign body, is inserted, you will be given a five-day course of antibiotics as a prophylactic measure. Haematomas and swelling are quite common in the first few weeks after breast augmentation. A fresh wound can also bleed a little and the scars can become red and thick.

As a patient, you are also significantly involved in the final aesthetic result of your operation. In your own interest, we ask you to carefully follow and apply all our aftercare tips. Failure to do so may result in a wound healing disorder, which can lead to wide, unsightly scarring.

Excessive connective tissue capsule formation (1-2%): The body reacts to the breast implants by forming a wafer-thin capsule around the implant. This is a natural process of the body that occurs in every patient after breast augmentation with implants. In some cases, the body reacts too "strongly" and forms a relatively stiff and hard capsule. The causes of this are still unknown. The implant is moulded into a firm ball by the capsule. This can be sensitive and painful, but does not mean that the implants are rejected by the body or that an infection has occurred. One reason for this reaction of the body may be that your body is not getting the rest it needs for the wound healing process.

Results of breast augmentation with implants

To achieve a natural result, your "new" breasts must form a natural overall picture with your body. The result of breast augmentation is visible immediately after the procedure. However, the final result can only be seen after six to eight weeks. The incisions will gradually become less visible and after a maximum of one year, only small lines will remain.

You can breastfeed without any problems after breast augmentation. Breast examinations and radiological examinations are also still possible.

FAQ - Breast augmentation with implants

Below you will find some questions that we are often asked by patients in the run-up to breast augmentation. However, if your question remains unanswered, please simply contact us and we will be happy to take the time to advise you in detail.

Is it still absolutely necessary to change implants nowadays?

In the past, it was generally recommended to change implants after about 10 years. But things are different nowadays. The modern, high-quality implants that we use only need to be replaced in the event of complications or in special situations. These include, for example, asymmetry of the operated breasts, pain, as can occur with capsular fibrosis, or if the implant has shifted. Other indications for an implant change may include nipple discomfort and swelling. However, a change does not necessarily have to be related to medical indications. If you would like a different shape or size years after breast augmentation, this can be achieved by inserting new breast implants.

What is the difference between breast augmentation with implants and breast augmentation with autologous fat?

In the Acura clinic in Weert we rely on various breast augmentation options. The procedure of harvesting autologous fat from one area of the body, preparing it and injecting it into the breast is particularly suitable for patients who want a natural breast augmentation without foreign material. It requires several sessions and the breast can be enlarged by 1-3 cup sizes with this method. You can find more information here: Breast augmentation with autologous fat.

Breast augmentation with implants enables a major visual change. Patients who want a significant increase in breast size usually opt for breast implants. Not only the size can be customised, but also the shape. With round implants, for example, we can achieve a plump breast including a voluminous upper area, while anatomically shaped implants look more natural. They are slightly flatter at the top and fuller at the bottom. We will be happy to discuss which implant is suitable for you in a personal consultation.

What implant sizes are available?

The sizes for implants are given in millilitres. One cup size corresponds to approximately 200 millilitres. The common size spectrum ranges from 80 to 800 millilitres.

How is the right implant size determined for me?

If you want a more natural-looking result where it is not immediately obvious that you have had something done, then you should have your breasts enlarged by a maximum of two bra sizes.

Your body proportions must also be taken into account in order to choose the right implant size for you. The existing size of your breasts and the width of your ribcage are important here. The amount of skin around your breasts also plays a role in choosing the right implant. If the implants are too large or if you have too little skin, this could lead to stretch marks. Furthermore, the implant may be visible from the outside as it is too tight under the skin.

Which is the right implant shape for me?

Which implant shape you should choose depends on your individual wishes and expectations. If you desire full breasts that are the same size or round on all sides, then it makes sense to insert round implants. If you are looking for a larger cup but want a natural look, then anatomically shaped implants are recommended.

How can the implants be placed?

There are two options for placing the implants during breast augmentation: above or below the pectoral muscle.

If we place the implant over the pectoral muscle, it may be easier to feel later. Any deformities that may occur will also become visible more quickly. However, the advantage is that we can generally achieve a better result with a greater height in women with weak connective tissue or slippery glandular tissue.

When placed under the pectoral muscle, the breast usually feels more natural. The risk of capsular fibrosis is lower. If the implant becomes deformed due to any influence, this is less noticeable.

We will decide which placement of the implant is better in your case during the consultation or after the preliminary examination.

How can the breast implants be inserted?

The most common and safest way to insert the implant under the breast is through the underbust crease. However, this leaves a scar that can be slightly visible, at least when lying down.
Another option is to insert the implants through a crescent-shaped incision through the areola. This procedure usually leaves no externally visible scars. It is only an option for smaller implants.
Alternatively, breast implants can also be placed through an incision in the armpit. As a rule, no visible scars remain here either.

How do breast implants behave during pregnancy?

If you have already undergone breast augmentation, there is no need to doubt: breast implants do not affect pregnancy!

However, we cannot predict whether the result of breast surgery can be maintained after pregnancy. Your breasts change during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In some cases, the shape and/or size of the breast may change after breastfeeding. It can happen that the implants no longer fit as well after pregnancy as they did before. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, it may therefore be necessary to insert smaller or larger implants.

Does breast augmentation affect the ability to breastfeed?

During breast augmentation, we "only" change the shape and size of your breasts - but the function remains the same. This means that, as a rule, your mammary glands remain functional - also because the breast implant is usually placed under the mammary gland tissue. At the Acura Clinic, we use particularly gentle surgical methods so as not to restrict your ability to breastfeed. In individual cases, the implants may impede the flow of milk because they reduce the space for the fine milk ducts. If this is the case, you should supplement your baby's diet with bottle feeding.

Can silicone implants reduce the quality of breast milk?

You can also safely breastfeed your baby with silicone implants. These are classified as safe for babies by medically recognised specialist associations. What's more, silicone is not toxic.

Further questions about breast augmentation with implants?
Do you have any questions that are not listed here? You are welcome to contact us Contact us.

Before and after pictures breast augmentation with implants

You can find more before and after pictures on the website of our aesthetic surgeon Dr Van Zele.

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