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Breast augmentation or reconstruction |
General information about breast augmentationThe breasts are among the defining outward characteristics of the female body. Many women lack confidence regarding the shape and size of these image-determining organs. Consequently, breast correction (in this case breast augmentation) is the most frequently undertaken form of cosmetic surgery in the world. By means of a relatively minor procedure, we are often able to restore a woman's self-confidence. The Park Clinic specialises in corrective breast surgery, including:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift (e.g. following pregnancy)
- Breast reduction
- Breast reconstruction
- Correction of asymmetry
Breast augmentation under local anaestheticBreast-augmenting surgery is frequently performed at the Park Clinic. What makes the procedures undertaken at the Park Clinic unusual is that they take place without the use of general anaesthetic. For breast enhancement, a special fluid is injected into the tissue under local anaesthetic, thus anaesthetising the entire area. The surgeon can then carefully loosen the tissue without the patient suffering any discomfort. Once this has been done, the prosthesis or implant can be gently inserted, without damaging the surrounding tissue. This technique is a major medical breakthrough, since it removes the need for general anaesthetic. In most cases, the patient can leave the clinic a mere three hours after undergoing surgery. The Park Clinic’s use of local anaesthetic has the added advantage that patients can resume normal daily activities relatively quickly. Parkkliniek offers a comprehensive range of breast implants of various types and sizes. All breast implants comply with the American Standard Test (AST), and the equivalent European (EN) and ISO standards. Furthermore, the clinic pursues a policy of continuous quality control. Our implants all have textured outer surfaces in order to minimise the risk of capsule formation. However, there will always be some risk of capsule formation, since the procedure does entail the introduction of a foreign object to the body. If you are considering breast enhancement, we advise you to talk to one of our plastic surgeons about the type of prosthesis (e.g. silicon or water-filled) that is most appropriate for you. Your surgeon can also advise you regarding the size and shape (round or teardrop-shaped) of prosthesis to be used.
The surgical procedureThe prostheses can be positioned directly below the mammary gland (submammary positioning) or behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular positioning).
The implants can be inserted in three different ways:
1 Via the fold beneath the breast
2 Beneath or through the nipple
3 Via the armpit
After the procedureImmediately following the procedure, you will be fitted for a special compression vest (bra). You will need to wear this vest day and night for two weeks following the procedure. In addition, a wound drain is fitted, which can be removed again two hours after the procedure. The stitches used at Parkkliniek are dissolvable, so there is no need for them to be removed. Ordinarily, patients can return home on the very day of the surgery.
Which prosthesis?During your consultation, the doctor will show you all different prostheses described below and discuss with you which would be most appropriate. All the prostheses we use have a silicon envelope; they differ only in their shape and filling.
Silicon breast prosthesesSilicon breast prostheses are specially designed to optimise cosmetic outcome, patient comfort and safety. The main characteristics of such implants are the outline and suppleness, combined with the high viscosity (high level of cohesiveness). All implants are tested on their key physical properties, i.e. leakage, cohesion and compression. The silicon gel with which the envelope is carefully filled gives the implant its softness, enabling it to adapt its shape to yours and to simulate natural breast tissue as accurately as possible. The use of highly cohesive silicone gel prevents leakage and thus enhances your feeling of safety.
Teardrop-shaped (anatomical) silicon prosthesesThe naturally shaped teardrop silicon prostheses were originally designed for breast reconstructions. In some cases, however, they can be indicated for breast augmentation. The suitability of these prostheses for your personal situation can be discussed with the surgeon during your consultation. Anatomical prostheses are designed to more accurately 'mimic' the natural shape of the breast. They are filled with highly cohesive silicon gel. All implants are tested on their key physical properties, i.e. leakage, cohesion and compression. The silicon gel with which the envelope is carefully filled gives the implant its softness, enabling it to adapt its shape to yours and to simulate natural breast tissue as accurately as possible.
Salt water-filled breast prosthesesBefore silicon prostheses became available, breast prostheses were filled with salt water. The use of salt water-filled prostheses remains on option. Although it has never been proven that silicon is harmful to the body, with salt water you know exactly where you stand in the event of an implant rupture. If a salt water implant is ruptured, its contents will leak out and simply be absorbed by the body. The disadvantage of a salt water implant is that it lacks the suppleness of silicon, making it less suitable for women of a lean build. In a slightly thinner built woman, there is not a great deal of tissue between the mammary gland and the prosthesis, making the 'hardness' of the prosthesis more apparent. Generally speaking, salt water prostheses are filled only once they are in place. As a result, the risk of leakage (via the valve through which the water is injected) is significantly greater. For the reasons outlined above, this type of prosthesis is not normally our first choice.
Frequently asked questions on breast augmentation
Are there other methods of breast augmentation?Unfortunately, no. It is possible to do exercises to increase the size of the pectoral muscles, but this does not affect the size of the breasts themselves. The breasts are made up of fat and glandular tissue. Hormone creams affect the skin only - not the breasts.
Do the prostheses need to be replaced every ten years?Not unless problems arise. The most common problem is capsule formation. This is a physiological (natural) process brought about by the body's rejection of the 'foreign object' that has been inserted. It is known that silicon triggers only very mild response mechanisms. Nevertheless, 5 to 10 per cent of patients ultimately develop a hard capsule around the prosthesis. Where the associated problems are serious, the prostheses have to be replaced. Under such circumstances, your health insurance should cover the cost of replacement.
What is so special about Parkkliniek's breast augmentation method?Most surgical breast augmentation procedures are performed under general anaesthetic, requiring the patient's admission to an appropriate institution for one or more days. At the Park Clinic, however, breast augmentation work is carried out under local anaesthetic, in most cases enabling patients to go home the very same day.
Where will the scars be?Prior to the procedure, the surgeon draws lines on the breasts themselves showing where the incisions will be made. Depending on the circumstances of the case and subject to consultation with the physician, there are three possibilities: under the breasts, in the areola or in the armpit. Whichever option is chosen, the scars will cease to be visible after about a year.
What do augmented breasts look like?In the period immediately following the procedure, the breasts and nipples can feel somewhat hard and sensitive. After a few weeks, however, the breasts will look and feel more natural. Normal sensation will return to the nipples. Have a look at our photogallery for some reference pictures.
How safe are silicon prostheses?No scientific evidence exists linking silicon prostheses with the development of autoimmune conditions or related health problems. Silicon prostheses do not trigger cancer. Furthermore the presence of breast prostheses does not interfere with subsequent breast examinations.
Can I still breastfeed a baby?Yes, you can.
Can breast prostheses uplift sagging breasts?Yes, they can after a breast augmentation. However, normally it is necessary to remove excess skin at the same time (i.e. perform a breast lift).
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Plastic surgery
