Breast implants: Top 10 questions answered by Dr. Kierzynka MD, PhD

If you’re considering getting a boob job, you might have a few questions about the procedure. We collected the 10 most frequently asked questions on breast implant surgery by our patients and we asked Dr. Grzegorz Kierzynka, MD Ph. D. to help us answer them. This way, we hope to clear out some of your doubts. We’re always available if you want to know more about the procedure or want to plan your visit to KCM Clinic – get in touch anytime!

Dr. Kierzynka is a member of the Polish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, the Society of Polish Surgeons, the Polish Society of Burn Treatment and others. He is currently one of the main Plastic Surgeons at KCM Clinic.

Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast implant surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. The aim of the surgery is to adjust the shape and size of your breasts.

Women choose to have a boob job for a variety of reasons, including feeling more confident with how their breasts look. For others, it has a reconstructive purpose, such as after mastectomy for breast cancer.

1. Dr. Kierzynka, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. First of all, who is the ideal candidate for breast implant surgery?

“Breast implant surgery is generally recommended to individuals who are in good physical health, both physically and mentally. This means no active infections, untreated illnesses, as well as realistic expectations of what can be achieved with this surgery.

A boob job can help individuals who want to have bigger breasts or achieve more symmetry, volume, or who want to adjust the shape of their breasts after significant weight loss or pregnancy. In this case, a breast lift could be combined for optimal results.”

2. Can you tell us briefly how breast implant surgery works?

“Breast implants are placed under general anaesthesia, so patients will sleep throughout the procedure. There are three different types of incisions that the surgeon can do in order to insert the implant: inframammary (made in the crease underneath the breast), periareolar (made around the outer edge of the areola), transaxillary (made in the armpit). The implant will then be placed either above or under the pectoral muscle. Both the incisions and the placement depend on the type of implant selected, its size, and if other procedures are performed at the same time (e.g. a breast lift). We always discuss every detail with our patients during our first consultation.”

3. Is there an alternative to breast implants?

“Yes. A breast augmentation can also be performed with a fat transfer. In this case, the augmentation is achieved using fat from the patient’s body. The fat is extracted from specific areas, such as the belly or the thighs and is injected into the breasts in small doses to achieve the perfect contour. I will say that breast augmentation with fat transfer is recommended to individuals who are looking for subtle changes. If you want to see a more dramatic result, then breast implants are a better option for you. We will always consult with the patient beforehand to assess what procedure best works in their case. It’s mostly a matter of goals and expectations.”

4. What can patients expect after a boob job?

“After surgery, the chest will be covered in bandages and the patient will stay at our clinic for 1-2 days. There might be some soreness, bruising and swelling, but these are normal consequences of surgery and they should disappear in the following days. Results are immediately visible but full recovery may take several months. It is important that patients follow our post-op guidelines to ensure that the procedure is completely successful.”

5. Are there different shapes when it comes to breast implants?

“Yes, there are two main shapes available: the round and the teardrop shape. Round breast implants have a half-moon shape, which typically gives a rounder overall appearance. They are available in a wide range of sizes and widths. Teardrop breast implants are considered to be more anatomical as they are fuller at the bottom and taper upwards. Women who want to opt for a more natural look typically choose teardrop breast implants. Of course, we will consult and help our patients choose the right breast implant shape.”

6. How do you help patients choose the right size of their breast implants?

“Choosing the right size is very important! Breast implants that are too small or too big can both lead to dissatisfaction. Implants that are too heavy can also cause complications. We want to make sure that our patients choose the right implant size for their body as well as go for the safest option. In order to do so, we measure shoulder width, chest height and chest width during the consultation. Patients can also bring a flexible sports bra to try on different implant sizes to have a better idea of the results they want to achieve.”

7. Do breast implants need replacing?

“Many patients think that it’s necessary to replace their breast implants every ten years, but this is not necessarily the case. Implants may need replacing if patients are not satisfied with the shape or size of the breast implants they already have and want to change them. Additionally, if the breast implant ruptures, the implant will have to be replaced. The likelihood of the implant breaking is higher after ten years from the first surgery.

Lastly, patients might need to come back to us where there’s a capsular contracture: if the scar tissue that forms around the implant becomes too thick, the implant can cause pain. In this case, we need to repair the tissue and possibly change the breast implant with a new one.”

8. Is breastfeeding safe for patients after breast augmentation?

“Yes. There are studies showing that breastfeeding after getting breast implants does not pose a health risk. This means that breastfeeding is safe for both the mother and the baby. Some studies even showed that there might be more silicone present in the formula than in the natural breast milk of women with breast implants. Also in terms of functioning, the ability to breastfeed doesn’t seem to be compromised by breast implants.”

9. Do patients need to massage their breast implants after the procedure?

“Massaging the breasts after surgery can help minimise the risk of hardening. Patients are encouraged to do so once a week for the first few months. We will show them what’s the appropriate technique to massage their breasts the right way.

If the patient chose a coherent tear-shaped gel implant, a massage won’t be necessary.”

10. Can patients do a mammography or magnetic resonance imaging after breast implant surgery?

“Yes, patients can do both. They should just inform the technician about their breast implants prior to testing. They will know how to see the structure around the implant clearly and carry out the test correctly.”