Breast augmentation

Breast enlargement can be carried out by placing a breast implant or by the lipofilling technique. A combination of both is also possible. This is called the hybrid technique.

A breast augmentation or augmentation mammaplasty is a procedure that aims to give sufficient volume (again) to a breast that is too small, by placing breast implants. Injecting your own fatty tissue may be appropriate to add smaller volumes. 

WHAT IS A BREAST AUGMENTATION?

A breast augmentation involves increasing the volume of the breast. The classical method is the insertion of a breast implant. An alternative can be the injection of your own fat tissue (the lipofilling technique). However, this is only indicated for adding smaller volumes. It is also possible to combine both techniques. It is important to inform yourself well about the feasibility of the procedure and the impact of inserting a breast implant.

WHY A BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Breast augmentation is performed to add volume and improve the shape of the breast. One may have congenitally smaller breasts or the breast may have decreased in volume following pregnancy or weight loss. Asymmetry (congenital smaller volume of one breast compared to the other breast) is also often seen. 

BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

The surgeon will clearly discuss your expectations and the feasibility of the operation. Your medical history will be noted and a clinical examination of both breasts will be performed. If required, a mammogram will also be requested. Photos will also be taken for your medical file. During the consultation, the volume you desire will be determined. This can be determined with test implants or, if feasible, a 3D scanner. 

PROCEDURE

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and a breast implant can be placed in front of or behind the large pectoral muscle. The position of the implant is determined by the volume of the mammary gland and will often depend on the surgeon's preference. The best option will be discussed with you, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. The location of the incision will also depend on the surgeon's personal technique and preference.

VOLUME OF THE BREAST IMPLANTS

The volume of the breast implant will be determined by your wishes and your anatomical build. The surgeon will take specific measurements at the level of the breasts to determine which type of implant is best for you. Round and anatomical prostheses are available.

IS SILICONE SAFE?

Silicone for medical applications is safe. Your body's reaction to a prosthesis is to develop a capsule around the device. This capsule is scar tissue. Sometimes this capsule may thicken over time and change the shape of the breast or cause pain symptoms. If this is pronounced, a revision surgery may be considered. Breast augmentation with implants is not associated with the development of breast cancer. A very rare condition is the development of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Over time, silicone may leak from the implant and cause swelling or pain. The implant must then be removed and possibly replaced.

SHOULD I UNDERGO A BREAST LIFT?

A mild form of sagging breasts can be corrected by inserting a breast implant. If it is more pronounced, an additional operation may be necessary (mastopexy). However, if the volume of the breast is sufficient, a mastopexy may be performed without a prosthesis.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • poor wound healing
  • unfavorable scarring
  • bleeding
  • fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • infection
  • swelling, bruising or pain
  • hypersensitivity or decreased sensitivity of the nipple
  • asymmetry between both breasts
  • allergy.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS DUE TO THE IMPLANT

  • capsular contracture
  • on average, 10-30% of patients undergo revision surgery after 10 years (mostly due to capsule formation)
  • palpable or visible breast implants
  • ruptured implant
  • leaking implant
  • sagging of the breast.