bREAST AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS
Anyone considering a breast augmentation will thoroughly inform themselves in advance about what a breast augmentation entails. On this page we would like to support these women and help them make an informed choice for a safe and satisfying breast augmentation.
Also read here:
If you want to know more, do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment without obligation.
1. am i ELIGIBLE FOR A BREAST AUGMENTATION?
A breast augmentation is an aesthetic surgery intended to improve the size and shape of a woman's breasts, possibly after pregnancy, lactation, weight loss or aging.
If you also suffer from sagging breasts, then in addition to a prosthesis, a breast lift is often recommended. For this we refer to the information about breast lift.
Click here for further information about the question if you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation.
2. consultatiON BREAST AUGMENTATION
For more than 20 years (and hundreds of patients later) we still love nothing more than to guide you in your selection process and advise you as much as possible based on our great experience (because every body / every breast is different).
A thorough consultation with Plastic Surgeon Dr Nelissen personally, taking into account your body shape, current breasts and individual circumstances, is essential for mapping out your goals, desires and expectations.
During this consultation, the following points will be discussed with you:
- type (filling), shape, profile, size and placement of the implant:
You will be able to see, feel and fit multiple implants and we will find similar before and after pictures for you;
- whether you also need a breast lift for a good result:
Read also here further information about breast lift with implants and whether you also need a breast lift.
- your personalised operation plan and all the risks associated with this surgery.
It is important to know that a breast augmentation is based on your current physical characteristics and that perfection is not possible. The plastic surgeon will go through all aspects of the surgery with you in detail so that you understand your choices well and you can make an informed decision about your results.
3. Breast implant - filling
Silicone or saline?
Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nelissen prefers implants filled with cohesive silicone gel because they:
The risk of leakage is minimized because the gel is not liquid.
The gel has a viscous consistency that is thicker and more stable in shape, compared to the classic silicone implants.
If a puncture or rupture ever occurs (e.g. due to an accident), the gel will remain in the implant and will not run out or leak into the body.
Read more information about the safety of the breast implants we use here.
- look, move and feel natural:
Many patients feel that silicone implants feel softer and more like natural breasts than implants with, for example, saline.
The implants used also look more natural because they adapt to the natural movement of your breasts.
Click here to read more information about the question if your breasts will look and feel real and natural after the breast augmentation.
- have a long service life.
We only use 'A label' implants with the necessary guarantees from the manufacturer. During the consultation we discuss and compare the different brands of implants.
Click here to read more information about the materials used to fill a breast implant.
4. BREAST IMPLANT - SHELL
Smooth, textured or polyurethane implants?
- Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nelissen prefers implants with polyurethane or roughened/textured surface because they have a lower risk of capsule formation, compared to smooth prostheses.
- What is capsular formation?
Capsular formation is part of a normal healing process. Capsular contracture or capsular formation problems, on the other hand, means a tightening of the scar tissue around the implant (abnormal healing).
When an implant is placed in the body, the body recognizes it as a foreign object. To "preserve" the implant and prevent it from moving, the body makes a capsule of collagen fibers around the implant. This is a natural process and usually hassle-free. However, if this capsule contracts or thickens, the implant may be compressed, with the possible consequences: pain, deformation and hardening of the breast (capsule formation problems).
The risk of hardening or contracting is less than 0.5% with the implants we use. In addition, an extra guarantee is given (ask for this during your consultation).
- That is why Dr. Nelissen only uses roughened or polyurethane implants. Polyurethane prostheses are covered with a layer of styrofoam that is attached to the prosthetic wall. This layer is firmly encapsulated by the surrounding tissue.
- An additional advantage is that anatomical polyurethane implants are less likely to tilt (rotate) or move because they stick to the skin tissue (Velcro effect). Ideal for patients with stubborn capsule formation (after a previous breast augmentation) or with thin / loose skin.
5. shape AND PROFILE breast implantS
By shape we distinguish:
The round implants provide a higher top and a fuller appearance.
These are more similar to the natural shape of a breast (droplet shape).
These assume a different shape whether you are standing (teardrop shape) or lying down (round shape) and give a very natural look, both in terms of look and feel.
We also offer the latest generation of Ergonomic Implants (Ergonomix2 Joy).
Read more information about this new type of breast implants here.
The implants can also be obtained in different "profiles" (mini, demi, full or corsé).
- Anatomical implants are considered to look more natural because they copy the natural shape of the breast. But also with round prostheses a very natural result can be obtained, depending on the type of skin envelope and the placement technique.
- Anatomical implants show a greater risk of "tilting" (rotating), especially with larger volumes in a loose skin envelope. This can be avoided by using an anatomical polyurethane implant.
After performing various measurements, the plastic surgeon discusses which type of implant gives you the best result, taking into account your personal wishes.
6. VOLUME / SIZE / NUMBER OF CC of breast implants
After choosing the type of implant, choosing the desired size of the breast implant is often the most difficult decision for the patient.
Important to know:
- Breast implants are not expressed in bra cup sizes (A, B,C,...). At most, an estimate of cup size can be given, but even then every woman knows that her cup size can differ depending on the brand or model of lingerie.
- The volume of breast implants is expressed in cc (English word for cubic centimeters - cm³). But even that is not the only thing that counts because to get an increase of 1 bra size, for example 200cc will suffice for a small, slim person, while 300cc will be needed in case of a larger, less slim person or after weight loss or pregnancy.
Choosing the right size, together with the right profile, will be determined during the consultation on the basis of:
- your body shape
- the breast tissue
- your personal preferences.
The desired volume will be determined on the basis of:
- body measurements,
- adjusting the fitting implants and
- viewing before- and after pictures of breast augmentations in previous patients that were similar in size and shape before surgery.
Click here to read more information about the question what size implant suits you best.
If you still have doubts about your size, you can always book a 2nd consultation and / or directly book a 3D simulation (extra cost - see prices breast augmentation). With the special 3D glasses you can see your new breasts in the different sizes in virtual reality.
7. LOCATION OF THE INCISION - SCAR
What is the location of the incision / scar from a breast augmentation?
The incision in the breast fold is currently the most commonly used incision method for breast augmentations and has the following advantages:
- Better vision: during the operation, the plastic surgeon has a clear view of the cavity in which the implant is placed so that it can be perfectly tailored.
- With the latest generation of Joy Ergonomic implants, minimal incision (minimal scar) is possible depending on the number of cc.
- If necessary, we also use the "sleeve method" and the "no-touch method". The no-touch technique was introduced to avoid implant contact and thereby reduce skin/breast infection. This is done with the sleeve method, namely the insertion of the implant using a sterile container (sleeve).
- As a result, less blood loss will occur. The risk of bleeding decreases so that drains usually do not have to be placed.
- The scar is also less visible in the natural breast fold than in the armpit.
The incision around the nipple (peri-areolair) has the disadvantage that breast and glandular tissue is cut and that the sensitivity in the nipple can decrease.
The incision in the natural fold of the armpit (transaxillary) has the disadvantage that the distance from the incision in the armpit to the breast negatively affects the surgeon's ability to control the bleeding and to position the implant in the right place. If the scar in the fold of the armpit heals poorly, it is visible in bikinis or sleeveless clothing. If capsular formation were to occur, another incision (and therefore scar) would still be required.
The incision in the navel (transumbilical TUBA) is only used for saline implants. Again, the distance from the incision to the breast will negatively affect the surgeon's ability to control bleeding and position the implant in the right place.
Click here to read more information on how the scar after a breast augmentation will look like.
8. LOCATION OF THE IMPLANT - IN FRONT or BEHIND THE MUSCLE
The implant can be placed in different ways, depending on the type of implant, the desired enlargement, and the body proportions of a particular patient:
- in front/above the muscle (subfascial)
- partly behind /under the muscle (dual plane)
Plastic Surgeon Nelissen usually prefers the placement in front of/above the muscle with the type of implants he places for the following reasons:
- Smoother and less painful recovery
- More natural result because the implant moves with its own tissue.
- Less chance of the "double bubble" being a double fold because the own breast tissue drops over the implant.
Of course, there are always exceptions where a different type of placement is preferable based on the physique. Therefore, the placement of the implant (below or above the muscle) is decided in consultation with the patient during the consultation.
9. HOW MUCH DOES A BREAST AUGMENTATION COST?
Click here for the prices for a breast augmentation. A breast augmentation is already possible from € 3.630 incl. VAT.
10. BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES
Click here for
the before and after pictures of breast augmentation. During the consultation, we will show you more photos and we will also inform you about the trademark names of the used implants.
11. PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
Click here for the experiences and reviews about breast augmentation in the Global Care Clinic.
12. BREAST AUGMENTATION IN BELGIUM
Are you considering a breast augmentation but are you coming from a further distance, e.g. from the UK? Then be sure to read here the 10 reasons to have your breast augmentation done in Belgium (including Next Day Surgery).
13. YOUR SURGERY
A breast augmentation is done under general anesthesia by our very experienced permanent anesthesiologist and under full monitoring of all vital parameters. The patient wakes up quickly after the anesthesia and can quickly leave the recovery after discharge by the plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist.
We would also like to refer to our page about the treatment process where you can read in detail all the steps before, during and after your operation.
14. SIDE EFFECTS / POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS
This procedure has the same risks as any other operation. Read more about the possible side effects here. The specific risks and possible complications are explained during the conversation with the plastic surgeon.
Specifically for a breast augmentation, you should take into account that a breast augmentation with implants in itself will not change any difference between both breasts, such as asymmetry, difference in nipple height or loose skin envelope. If you want to correct these differences, additional surgical procedures and scarring will be needed.
Click here to read more information about the safety of breast implants.