BREAST AUGMENTATION USING IMPLANTS

Is it for you?

Breast augmentation procedures are best suited for women who fit one of the following criterias:

• A breast size smaller than B-cups
• Asymmetric breasts
• Breasts that appear “emptied” by pregnancies, weight loss and/or time

Technique

The technique used has to be adapted to each patient’s morphology and habits, and each technique has its advantages and drawbacks. There are also a number of types of implants. You can find the description of each technique on the SSCPRE information page.

My favorite technique is the dual plane placement of pre-filled, round silicone implants through the axillary region. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and personal preferences, I can also use techniques involving other approaches, implants, and placement. I sometimes offer to combine the placement of the implant with the grafting of fat tissue to cover it (composite breast surgery)

Procedure

The operation is always performed after at least two consultations and one mammography or breast ultrasound.

The first consultation
During the first consultation, we will be discussing your desires and assessing whether implant breast augmentation is adequate for your situation. After completing an examination, I may advise against the surgery if the procedure may not fix your problem or if I feel that your breasts are already perfect. If the operation is adapted to your situation, we will then determine what cup size is most adapted for your desires and anatomy, but no decision is final until the second consultation and the ultrasound are done.

The second consultation
The second consultation is meant to finalize our decisions regarding the size desired and the technique that will be used. You will have more insight on what results can be obtained after reading the material provided during the first consultation.

Questions
If you still have questions after the second consultation, I will be in contact with you via email or phone calls, and I can see you as many times as you would like.

The operation

It is usually carried out under general anaesthetic because this is more comfortable for the patient. A flexible implant is introduced through a very small incision and pushes the mammary gland forwards. The incision is hidden in the armpit, or made around the nipple or under the breast. It will not be longer than 4 or 5 cm and will not be noticeable. The procedure lasts one to two hours and you will have to stay at the clinic for 12 to 36 hours. I will inject a pain-relieving serum to ensure that you don’t feel pain when you wake up after the procedure. You will already be wearing a supportive bra and will be able to shower that same day.

After the operation

You will need a week of rest with no driving and a gradual resumption of physical activities. Any pain during the first week is easily relieved with regular pain killers. Because the operation will be conducted in a smooth, gentle way, subsequent pains will already be greatly reduced if not completely avoided.

Results

Results are immediately visible and evolve over the first two months as swelling reduces. You will need to wear an appropriate bra for 4 to 8 weeks.
Postoperative follow-up is especially important for breast augmentation surgery with implants, I usually offer annual consultations and a systematic ultrasound starting 8 years after surgery. I change the implants only if necessary but keep in mind that you will most likely have to get them changed eventually, at least once in your life.