Breast augmentation with implants can be performed on women who have always had small breasts and on women who have lost breast volume due to childbirth and breastfeeding. It can also be performed on patients who have vastly different sized breasts in which case either different size implants can be used or only one implant can be applied in order to achieve the required symmetry.
The silicone implant can be placed directly below the breast (sub-glandular placement) or under the muscle (under the pectoralis major chest muscle- Sub-muscular placement). Implants can be inserted through a small incision more commonly in the inframammary fold. The advantages of these different options concerning both the approach and the placement of the implant are analyzed in detail below.
Following a detailed consultation and clinical examination, we will advise you on the ideal solution for your specific case, always acting with your safety and the best aesthetic result in mind. Placing the silicone implant under the muscle is usually recommended in patients whose skin is very thin and there is risk of the implant being visible.
This is the most modern silicone implant placement technique which has the benefits of both the above techniques. In this case, the silicone implant is placed half under the muscle and half under the gland, in order to achieve better lifting, but also better coverage of the implant.
Armpit
The incision in the armpit has the advantage that one avoids the formation of a scar on the breast, but is only suitable for submuscular placement of the silicone implant. It also has the disadvantage of a possible injury to many small sensory nerves thus causing local hypoesthesia.
Nipple
The periareolar incision is beneficial as long as the nipple is large and the breast is small. However, one should consider the rates of infection of the implant with this type of approach, as well as possible problems with the nipple sensation. However, if this incision remains your first priority, all aspects of this approach will be analyzed in our clinic.
Inframammary fold
The incision below the breast in the inframammary fold is the most widely used worldwide and can be used in any surgical placement plan of the implant . The incision (3 cm in length in most cases) heals very satisfactorily and is hidden in the fold of the breast.
The Hybrid Breast Augmentation is a combination approach of breast implants along with an autologous fat transfer to create even more optimal results in the breast shape, size and contour. Fat grafting refers to the process of “harvesting” fat cells from a part of the body where a patient stores their stubborn fat, such as the abdomen, inner/outer thighs. The fat cells are collected in a sterile container in the operating room and then washed and further prepared by gentle washing and straining to be reinjected into the breasts. Fat graft is transferred to small syringes and then directly injected into the breasts to camouflage contour irregularities and deformities. Fat can also be very effective in patients with very little breast tissue as a barrier between the implant and the overlying skin to decrease the chance of rippling.
FACT
During breast enlargement, implants are inserted through incisions to enhance size and shape.
There is not one ideal implant for all patients. The main differences between them lie in the shape, texture and composition of the silicone gel and their profile. Silicone implants are available in round or teardrop shape (anatomical implants). Silicone implants are also available in three different profiles: Moderate, Moderate Plus, and High Profile. The higher the projection of the implant, the greater the projection of the breast from the side. During your visit to our clinic you will try and see up close the whole range of implants, so that after a detailed discussion with the doctor you can come up with the ideal implant based on your body type.
Duration of the procedure
The surgery usually lasts from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the type of technique used to insert the silicone implants.
Hospital stay
The duration of hospitalization ranges from a few hours to one night.
Wound dressing
After the operation incisions will be bandaged using a small adhesive gauze which must remain for 2 days. Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed. The re-examination of incisions will be done in seven to ten days.
Bras
Immediately after the operation, you will need to wear a simple sports bra (without underwire). The measurement of the chest circumference does not change. After four-six weeks you will be able to wear a bra with an underwire which will have to be adjusted to the new shape and the size of your breasts.
Absence from work
It will generally take at least 2-5 days for a patient to be able to fully return to work. Patients whose work involves a lot of movement or manual labor may need more time.
Post-op instructions
From day one to day four, you should ideally avoid any activity. You should not take care of small children or do household chores without help. From day 5 to day 14 you can start exercising more, as for instance go walking for a longer period of time, go shopping etc. By the end of this period you will feel minimal pain. If all wounds seem to have been healed by day 10, it is rather unlikely that you increasing your level of activity could cause any issues. You should only resume your activities if you feel healthy. From the third week onwards you will be able to fully return to your normal pace of life and do whatever you want.
Get a Consultation
