Breast implants

Breast augmentation surgery is carried out under anaesthesia, i.e. under general anaesthesia. The exact procedure depends on the patient’s individual needs and condition, tailored to the patient during the medical consultation.

Two types of breast implants are used in breast augmentation – round or anatomical (tear-shaped). The anatomical shape gives a more natural effect, while breasts augmented with a round implant appear fuller. There is also a distinction between high, medium and low profile filling. The profile here refers to the form that the breast ultimately takes – convex or more flattened.

The specialist surgeon makes an incision in the skin (in the sub pectoral fold or around the areola) to get under the pectoralis major muscle. Usually, the muscle is cut at the bottom, where it adjoins the ribs, and a so-called pocket – a lodge – is created underneath, into which the implant is inserted. The lodge must not be too large so that the implant cannot move during healing. All blood vessels must also be closed, preventing bleeding around the implant. The tissues and skin are then sutured together.

The procedure itself takes approximately 1-2 hours. After the procedure, the patient is taken to the recovery room located in the operating theatre and remains there for about two hours under the care of the anaesthesiologists and nurses who supervise the recovery.

First of all, it is necessary to find a specialist plastic surgeon who is experienced and qualified to perform breast augmentation. The operation must be planned and performed properly, and then the patient must be guided in the post-operative period so that there are as few complications as possible and the results are as satisfactory as possible.

During the consultation, the patient has the opportunity to discuss their expectations in detail with the plastic surgery specialist and receive information about the procedure. Before the operation, tests must be carried out, the results of which are usually awaited for several days. Some examinations may be needed to be repeated or clarified. A breast ultrasound is always necessary. Most often, a set of about 15 screening tests is recommended, which give an indication of the patient’s health status, such as blood count, blood clotting and sugar levels. If there is a previous history of a serious chronic illness that may affect the patient’s current state of health, an additional consultation is needed. Blood group is also one of the mandatory tests – according to the regulations, this test must be performed twice. Many patients plan to take a holiday after the procedure.

Patients qualified for the operation come to the clinic on the morning of the operation. The patient should be fasting, without food. The patient ought to remember to take their test results and any medication they are taking. Before the operation, there is time for a second consultation with the surgeon, a talk with the anaesthetist and signing of consent for the operation. The patient then goes to the ward where a professional photograph is taken to later assess the outcome of the procedure. A map drawing of the procedure is then made on the patient’s body, in a standing position. The next stage is premedication and the administration of tranquillising medication.

After breast surgery, the effects are noticeable immediately. The patient will certainly notice that their breasts have become fuller and larger. However, you will have to wait a few weeks for the final results. After this period, we can expect the breasts to be definitely lifted, modelled and, above all, firmer.

Throughout the entire recovery period, we recommend eating a balanced diet with plenty of fluids.

It is possible to feel soreness in the breast area after the operation.  The discomfort may be present for the first few days and will gradually diminish with each passing day.

A few days after the operation it is possible to feel swelling or bruising in the upper abdomen. This is the result of the swelling moving from the breast area to the lower parts under the influence of gravity. As a temporary symptom this sensation usually disappears after about a week. Sensory disturbances of the lower part of the breast may also occur. This symptom also disappears over time, after a few months at most. Sometimes one breast may be more sore than the other, but this should not be a cause for concern.

You can take your first shower at the earliest 24 hours after the operation.

We advise patients to avoid exposing their scar to strong sunlight for at least 12 months after the operation. Please always use a high sunscreen if sun exposure of the scar is unavoidable.

Patches applied to surgical wounds must remain intact until the stitches are removed. It is recommended to wear a suitable bra for at least six weeks after the operation.

Patients should keep the dressing clean and dry at all times.

During the recovery period, it is recommended that patients take only the medicines prescribed by the doctor and avoid taking aspirin and medicines that cause clotting disorders and bleeding. Patients should not drink alcohol for at least three weeks after the operation and should not smoke or be around people who smoke until healing is complete.

The indications are the desire to enlarge, improve the shape or symmetry of the patient’s breasts.

There are no strict aesthetic standards giving clear indications for breast augmentation surgery. However, not every patient who wishes to enlarge her breasts undergoes breast augmentation surgery.

It is the task of the specialist surgeon to assess both the shape and size of the breasts, as well as the patient’s general state of health and her mental state and expectations. Breast augmentation is fully justified in young women with underdevelopment of this gland. However, the final decision should wait until after puberty. The procedure should not be performed in women under the age of eighteen.

A common indication for breast augmentation is a slight sagging and reduction of the breasts after childbirth and breastfeeding, as well as age-related sagging. If a woman is planning to become pregnant again, it is better to postpone the procedure until after childbirth and breastfeeding. This is because any subsequent pregnancy may adversely affect the shape of the breasts and make it necessary to replace the prosthesis again.

How should I choose the right size and type of implant?

During the pre-procedure consultation, the right type and size of the breast implant is adjusted. It is important to best present your goals and expectations, for example in the form of a photo. You can also bring a flexible sports bra to try on different implants and decide which implants are the most suitable.

How will you help me choose the right size?

The right implant size is extremely important because too small implants can be associated with patient dissatisfaction after surgery. On the other hand, too large breast implants can have a negative effect on our health and cause numerous complications after surgery. To avoid this, shoulder width, chest height and chest width are measured during the consultation. Thanks to this, it is possible to choose implants that will match the patient’s figure, meet the patient’s expectations, but above all reduce the risk of complications and increase the level of safety.

Do breast implants need replacing?

If the capsule is leaking or contracting (hardening around the implant), the implants may need to be replaced. This is decided by the surgeon during medical consultation.

Is breastfeeding safe after breast augmentation?

Yes. Studies show that breastfeeding a baby after implants does not pose a risk to the health of the baby or mother. They also showed that in mother’s milk bought in the store is more silicone than in mother’s milk from women with implants. In addition, it has been shown that the vast majority of women who try to breastfeed after having their breasts enlarged are able to do so successfully.

Do implants require a massage?

Depending on the type of implant, you can start massaging your breasts routinely one week after surgery to minimize the risk of hardening. Dr. Marta is a very experienced authority in the field of breast implants and will show you the appropriate techniques. However, if you have an implant in the form of coherent tear-shaped gel joints, a massage is not necessary.

Can I do mammography or magnetic resonance imaging of the breast after having augmented with implants?

Yes. However, be sure to inform the technician about your breast implants prior to testing. It is important to be able to see the structure around the implant for a contrast study. Technicians in every hospital will know how to make additional views correctly.