Breast prosthesis - Breast augmentation
The shape of the breast is mainly determined by the skin elasticity and the relation between fatty tissue and glandular tissue. As we get older, the glandular tissue is replaced by softer fatty tissue, causing the breast to start hanging. This is also influenced by gravity, decrease of skin elasticity, pregnancy and weight loss. A breast prosthesis can be a beautiful and permanent solution to this problem.
Breast augmentation: the procedure
Placing a breast prosthesis is done under general anaesthesia. Breast augmentation takes about an hour and you can go home the same day.
The breast prosthesis can be implanted in three different ways and be placed submuscular or subglandular. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages that will be discussed in detail during your first consultation with the plastic surgeon.
Breast augmentation: the incisions
There are different approaches to insert breast implants : through the breast fold, the areola or an incision in the armpit.
Through the breast fold
The inframammary technique is the most commonly used. Even bigger breast prostheses can be implanted by means of an incision in the breast fold. The scar is invisible as it is located in the breast fold.
Through the areola
An incision is made at the underside of the areola, where it touches the normal skin. This way, the scar is the least visible.
The size of the incision depends on the size of the areola, also determining the maximum size of the breast prosthesis.
This technique has, however, a slightly bigger risk at infections.
Through an incision in the armpit
This method, also called axillary, implies that the breast prosthesis is placed under the big pectoral.
As the scar is not located on the breast itself, it is barely visible.
Breast augmentation: the placing of a breast prosthesis
Breast prosthesis under the mammary gland (subglandular)
If there is enough mammary gland tissue, the breast prosthesis can be easily placed between the mammary glands and pectoral. This way, the breast prosthesis can move naturally with the breast. Recovery after a breast correction goes very quickly.
Patients who have little mammary gland tissue can feel the edge of the breast prosthesis at the top of the breast. A fluid breast implant can show wrinkles and there is also a bigger risk at getting capsular contracture .
Breast prosthesis under the pectoral (submuscular)
As the breast prosthesis is placed behind the pectoral, it is covered with an extra muscle layer, making the chance of feeling the edge of the prosthesis considerably smaller.
The muscle layer puts pressure on the top of the breast implant, causing a round breast prosthesis to take a more teardrop-like shape. Submuscular placing of the prosthesis reduces the risk of capsular contracture . Recovery takes a bit longer than with subglandular placing of a breast prosthesis.
Dual Plane Breast Augmentation
The Dual Plane method is nowadays most applied.
The upper part of the breast implant is placed under the muscle.
This dual plane method has become the most frequently used technique for breast implants of a higher volume.
- Read more about the first consultation for a breast augmentation
- Read more about the post-operative cares of a breast correction
- Read more about the possible breastimplants
- See the all-in costs for a breast augmentation
- See before and after pictures of a breast augmentation
- Know more about breast enlargement90k