Breast augmentation (breast augmentation) with implants
Breast augmentation with silicone implants is the most common aesthetic surgical procedure of all.
Most patients want to correct small breasts due to hereditary factors. The tissue can also lose strength after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. Other reasons for breast augmentation can be asymmetries and malformations. The aim of breast augmentation is to improve individual self-esteem and well-being. Regardless of the reasons for the procedure, your anatomy and the condition of your skin and tissue as well as your individual wishes will be analyzed and discussed during an examination and an individual consultation.
Together we can determine the most suitable implant for you, the ideal incision and implant position.
Frequently asked questions:
- Who is suitable for breast augmentation?
- What should be considered before breast augmentation?
- Is there a consultation?
- How does breast augmentation with implants work? What techniques are available?
- What should I bear in mind after the operation?
- What are the risks of breast augmentation?
- How important is the quality of the implants?
- What alternatives are there to breast augmentation with implants?
- What do I need to consider before and after the operation?
Who is suitable for breast augmentation?
Any healthy woman who is dissatisfied with her breasts can have them enlarged with implants. Nevertheless, attention must generally be paid to a realistic overall picture of the body. Not every change desired by the patient should be carried out. Excessively large implants in the breast can also endanger the patient’s health, which is why it is the task of every responsible surgeon to match the hoped-for wishes of some patients to the realistic possibilities.
What should be considered before breast augmentation?
To ensure that the procedure is as successful as possible, a number of points should be considered before the operation date. The healthier the body, the less risky the treatment. It is therefore advisable to maintain a healthy diet and avoid large fluctuations in weight, especially before the operation. Please refrain from smoking one week before and two weeks after the operation. Blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin, should also be discontinued before the appointment.
Is there a consultation?
Of course, it is important to consider all the consequences of the procedure in advance. I will be happy to advise you on any questions you may have. As a plastic breast surgeon with many years of experience, your doctor understands your wishes and can show you the most suitable surgical options for your body type.
Together we will discuss which implant shape (round, teardrop-shaped), size and position suits you best. We can also choose between soft, firmer or very stable implants.
How does breast augmentation with implants work? What techniques are available?
The incision through which the implant is to be inserted is discussed with the patient. We most frequently choose the incision at the edge of the nipple (perareolar incision) and the incision in the lower breast fold (inframammary incision), less frequently the axillary incision and the incision across the nipple (transareolar incision). Each of these incision techniques is well-tested and leaves inconspicuous scars.
If the skin mantle is too loose to be filled by the implant after pregnancy, for example, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift at the same time. Depending on the findings, a purely periareolar lift (incision exclusively circular around the nipple) or a classic lift with a T- or I-shaped scar may be necessary.
Depending on the quality of the skin tissue and the patient’s build, the doctor must decide together with the patient whether the implant should be inserted under or over the breast muscle.
Breast augmentation with implants is performed under general anesthesia. The implant is inserted using the “no touch” and “minimal scar” technique with the use of a funnel. The procedure is usually completed after approx. 1 hour. The stitches can be removed after 2 weeks. To protect the operated tissue, a special supportive bra with an additional Stuttgart belt should be worn for 6 weeks.
What should I bear in mind after the operation?
After the outpatient procedure and a good night’s sleep in the recovery room, the patient can leave the clinic. The patient should now take it easy for a while. She is given a special supportive bra for the healing phase, which should be worn day and night to support the newly operated tissue. To ensure optimal wound healing, sport and physical exertion should be avoided for the first few weeks.
Scar creams can also be prescribed to support scar healing. The desired shape is achieved after about three to four months. The scars fade after 6-12 months.
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
As with any surgical procedure under general anesthesia, the risks and side effects of breast augmentation with implants cannot be completely ruled out. However, the individual risk can be assessed well through preliminary examinations and consultations.
If the operation is performed by an experienced surgeon using high-quality products, the risk of complications in a healthy person is relatively low.
However, post-operative bleeding, infections or capsular fibrosis can occur. Occasionally there are changes in sensitivity in the breast, but this usually subsides after a few weeks.
How important is the quality of the implants?
Modern implants are very safe, even if the media often portray this in a different light. Bursting or tearing of a quality product is an extremely rare complication. Thanks to a special mixture inside, the latest generation of breast implants cannot leak, even if the shell is damaged. Today, manufacturers assume that the implants will last a lifetime.
I only use quality implants from Motiva, Mentor or Polytech to ensure a safe and long-lasting result for my patients.
What alternatives are there to breast augmentation with implants?
In some cases, there are alternatives to breast augmentation with implants. Lipofilling (autologous fat grafting) can also be performed to compensate for asymmetries or to slightly enlarge the breast.
For this purpose, unwanted and excess fatty tissue is removed from the known “problem areas” of the abdomen, thighs or buttocks (liposuction) and implanted in the corresponding area of the breast.
However, if an enlargement of more than one cup size is required, breast augmentation with implants must be used or a combination of both procedures must be performed.
Any further questions?
Are you dissatisfied with your breasts and interested in breast augmentation with implants? Then arrange a personal consultation at our practice in Cham.
Brief information
OP duration: | 1.5 hours |
Stay: | Usually outpatient |
Workable: | After approx. 3 to 4 days, with heavy physical work longer incapacity to work must be expected |
Sport: | After approx. 4 to 6 weeks |
Follow-up treatment: | Compression bra for 4 to 6 weeks |
Dr. med. Dorrit Winterholer
Specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive facial and breast surgery.
- Over 20 years of experience as a surgeon.
- Over 12 years of experience as a specialist in plastic and aesthetic medicine.
- Head of Plastic Surgery Lucerne since 2021.
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Make a no-obligation appointment to find out how Dr. Winterholer can help you.