Frequently Asked Questions

What is breast augmentation?

What happens in an initial consultation?

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

What implants and implant fills are there?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of implant fill?

Which implant is right for me?

Can an implant leak?

Do implants last a lifetime?

Do the implants have to be replaced after a certain amount of time?

What happens during a breast augmentation operation?

How long does the procedure take?

When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?

How bad is the pain during and after the operation?

Is breast augmentation always possible?

Does an inpatient stay have to be scheduled?

What precautions should be taken after the operation?

Will there be any visible scarring?

Are there any risks or side effects?

What type of anesthesia is used and will I have to stay overnight?

Can I see before and after photos?

Plastic and Cosmetic Operations / Breast Augmentation

What is breast augmentation?
In a breast augmentation procedure the size, mass and height of the breasts are increased.

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What happens in an initial consultation?
The patient and the doctor discuss the problems and wishes of the patient. The treatment options are then discussed. The options depend on breast shape, whether there is enough extra skin, whether there is sagging, whether the chest is flat and whether the ribs are visible etc. The diverse methods are explained in detail; whether the operation will be made over or under the muscle, over or under the glands, with or without tightening, with or without a reduction of the areola etc. The patient is also shown pictures and is given implant samples to feel to understand better just what an implant is if she wishes.

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Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Anyone who would like enlarged breasts is normally a good candidate. There are patients who only want to have the mass of their breasts increased. It must be clarified if this is necessary or not. Breast reconstruction and tightening are ideal for women who have «empty» breasts after pregnancy and breast feeding.

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What implants and implant fills are there?
There are diverse implant systems and forms available on the marke--saline and soybean oil to the well known silicone gel implant. Saline implants are not necessarily the best for breast augementation. There are advantages and disadvantages. Saline implants are not good for form. Soybean oil implants have been taken off the market. Most implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel does not leak unless the implant is cut through the middle. Modern implants are not to be compared to the implants of yesterday. New implants do not burst even if run over by a car.
We use only silicone filled implants.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of implant fill?
Saline implants are rarely used in Europe. In our opinion they are not a good solution because they are water based, and so do not properly emulate tissue.
Most implants used in Europe and in other places in the world besides America are filled with silicone.

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Which implant is right for me?
This is different for each patient. This can only be determined in the initial consultation wherein the patient learns about all the advantages and disavantages of each type of implant as well as what form we implant, what projection can be developed and what aesthetic results are expected.

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Can an implant leak?
Silicone implants do not leak and cannot burst.

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Do implants last a lifetime?
Implants last a long time. We use implants with a porus surface instead of a smooth one minimizing the development of capsules to 7 to 8%.

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Do the implants have to be replaced after a certain amount of time?
This depends on the patient and their actions—if there is to be one or more pregnancies following the augmentation and if they plan to breast feed etc.
These are questions which the individual patient decides in the future.

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What happens during a breast augmentation operation?
First the doctor and patient have an intensive discussion wherein the desired size and shape are decided. Then the patient is put under anesthesia. The incision is made in the fold between the breast and the chest and neither in the areola nor the underarm area since scars in those areas would be visible. Once the patient is under anesthesia the incisions are made according to planned lengths, the position around the muscle is deterimined and preparation is made on both breasts. Then test saline implants are put in place before the actual implants are inserted. Once we are happy with the size, shape and aesthetic made using the saline implants, we remove them and insert the silicone implants. As soon as the silicone implants are fixed in their positions the incisions are stitched up as aesthetically pleasing as possible. At this point the procedure is complete.

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How long does the procedure take?

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When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?
If the implants are inserted underneath the beast muscle, it will take 2-3 weeks for the patient to get back on her feet; the muscle preparation of the muscle necessary for this operation causes the shoulders to ache and the upper arms to hurt when moved. This does not normally cause a major problem.

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How bad is the pain during and after the operation?
Sensitivity in the area subsides after 2-4 weeks. During this time the body adapts to the new structure. The wounds heal in about a week. Scars should not be strained for about six weeks following the procedure.

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Is breast augmentation always possible?
No, it is not possible for every patient. It depends on the patient.

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Does an inpatient stay have to be scheduled?
An impatient stay is always necessary after breast augmentation—usually 1-2 days in our clinic. It is usually included in the price.

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What precautions should be taken after the operation?
If the Patient has children, she should not look after them for the week following the operation. Physical strain should be avoided. A special bra must be worn for 6-8 weeks for support.

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Will there be any visible scarring?
There is usually minimal scarring in the crease between the breast and chest after the operation. Scarring is hardly visible after 1 to 1.5 years.

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Are there any risks or side effects?
There is a risk that the implant be put in the wrong position. Side effects like swelling and inflammation can occur.

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What types of anesthesia are used and will I have to stay overnight?
General anesthesia is used.

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Can I see before and after photos?

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