Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries worldwide. Especially young women and women after pregnancy resort to this treatment to enlarge their breasts, give them a new shape and indirectly tighten them. Breast augmentation, also called mamma augmentation, can give women more self-confidence and a new body feeling. The size and shape of the breast implants are selected in advance of the operation in close consultation between the doctor and the patient. Thus, the result of breast augmentation is easy to assess.

How does breast augmentation with implants work?

A breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. An inpatient hospital stay is not absolutely necessary, but is recommended in most cases. During surgery, the breast implants selected in advance are inserted into the breast. Three different access routes can be used for this purpose. Depending on the findings of the breast and the patient's wishes, the most suitable method can be selected. Usually the access in the lower chest fold is chosen. An implant pocket can be prepared and the implant inserted via an incision under the breast. Access via an incision at the areola or in the area of the armpit is also possible.

When placing the implant in the breast, there is the possibility to do this under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or between the mammary gland and the pectoral muscle (subglandular). We mainly use the two-layer dual plane technology. In the method, two 'pockets' are prepared, both under the pectoral muscle and partially between the pectoral muscle and mammary gland. For the most part, the implant is placed under the large pectoral muscle. This method creates a more beautiful décolleté. This method also offers the great advantage of minimizing the risk of implant movement through muscle activity in the chest area. However, which positioning of the implant is chosen ultimately depends on the findings of the breast. If it is a slim patient with little of her own breast tissue, a 'dual plane' method is recommended so that the implant is covered as well as possible and no implant edges appear under the skin. The subglandular positioning of the implant is therefore recommended with a sufficient proportion of autologous tissue in the breast. In the case of primary breast augmentation, drainage is usually not used. Due to the gentle preparation technique, this is not necessary. The incisions are sutured with self-dissolving stitches and a compression bra is applied immediately after the operation.

What should be considered after a breast augmentation with implants?

The fitted compression bra should be worn for a total of 6 weeks. The first 4 weeks continuously and the last 2 weeks during the day. It supports the healing of the implant and fixes it in the implant pocket. In addition, the bra protects against external influences and shocks and thus has a positive effect on recovery and the result of the operation. Physical protection is essential for a complication-free recovery. Light sports can be done from the 4th week and without restrictions from the 6th-8th week. The result of breast augmentation with implants is permanent. Depending on the choice of implants, an enlargement and reshaping of the breast is achieved. When using round silicone implants, the breast has acquired a plump, round shape. If anatomical, i.e. teardrop-shaped silicone implants were used instead, a very natural enlargement of the breast can be achieved. Since modern, high-quality breast implants today have a lifetime of durability, it is not absolutely necessary to replace the implants after a few years. If the patient has no complaints, the breast implants can easily remain in the breast for a very long period of time. If, on the other hand, complications such as capsular fibrosis occur or the breast loses its shape with increasing age, an implant can be changed.