Breast operations

Breast surgery operations aim to obtain a symmetrical, stable, and harmonious shape of the breasts adapted to the patient's morphology while reducing any physical or aesthetic disorders and taking care to minimize scarring.

Breast operations include 4 types of different surgeries:

  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast augmentation and uplift
  • Breast uplift
  • Breast reduction

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgery performed to enlarge the breast volume using implants, and it consists in correcting the uneven shape of the breasts, originating because of insufficiently developed breast volume, depending on the patient's morphology or sagginess.

Silicone breast prostheses are evaluated by the doctor, and the result will be based on the patient's visual preference and body structure. There are two types of implant shapes: teardrop and round prosthesis, silicone, and physiological serum content.

Round prostheses

Patients with apple-shaped breasts with an areola well centered on the mammary gland need a round prosthesis whose shape is particularly adapted to the breast, and which will project the areola at the most advanced point of the breast prosthesis.

For patients with empty breasts that are a bit sagging, and the areola has not descended, we suggest a round prosthesis to fill the breasts and project this areola well. The round prosthesis thus makes it possible to fill this hollow.



The anatomical or half-drop prosthesis

For patients with the areola very low on the breast (a distance between the areola and the breast folds short), we will propose an anatomical prosthesis that will allow the areola to be projected in the right place and not have an artificial breast impression.

Depending on the patient's profile, silicone breast prostheses can be placed sub-muscularly or supra-muscularly. The surgical cut can be placed in 4 different regions: under the breast, around the areola, the axillary, and the abdominal region. Each incision area has distinct advantages and disadvantages. To date, the safest and easiest option is the under-breast line.

Implants used in Breast enlargement surgery have a manufacturer's warranty of 10 years and are theoretically suitable for lifelong use. However, visual integrity can be compromised due to weight changes, aging, tissue loosening, and chronic disease. Regular medical check-ups and additional surgeries can protect it for a long time.

Breast augmentation and uplift

Breast augmentation surgery also offers the opportunity to correct mild sagging of the breast. However, it can be performed together with breast lift surgery in case of advanced sagging.

Many patients with sagging breast skin (after breastfeeding or weight loss) require a breast lift (pexia), which is performed at the same time as the insertion of the prosthesis. This lengthens the surgery time because the skin must be removed to prevent the breast skin from sliding down the prosthesis or the entire breast volume from being at the level of the navel. This means that a scar around the areolas and a vertical scar running from the bottom of the areolas toward the folds of the breast are required. If there is too much excess skin, it is sometimes necessary to remove the skin in the breast folds (T-scar).

CAUTION: This excess skin may recur in patients who fluctuate with their weight after surgery. At this time, the assessment of surgical revision should be discussed with your surgeon.

Many patients with sagging breast skin (after breastfeeding or weight loss) require a breast lift (pexia), which is performed at the same time as the insertion of the prosthesis. This lengthens the surgery time because the skin must be removed to prevent the breast skin from sliding down the prosthesis or the entire breast volume from being at the level of the navel. This means that a scar around the areolas and a vertical scar running from the bottom of the areolas towards the folds of the breast are required. If there is too much excess skin, it is sometimes necessary to remove skin in the breast folds (T-scar).

CAUTION: In patients who fluctuate with their weight after surgery, this excess skin may recur. At this time, the assessment of surgical revision should be discussed with your surgeon.

Breast uplift

A breast lift- also known as mastopexy- is a surgical procedure to lift the breasts up. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is reshaped to lift the breasts.

A breast lift will not significantly change the size of your breasts. However, it can be performed with breast augmentation or reduction.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. If you have large breasts, you may choose breast reduction surgery to relieve discomfort or achieve a breast size that fits your body.

Breast reduction surgery can also help improve your self-image and your ability to participate in physical activities.

Before the procedure

Before the operation, the necessary medical examinations will be made.

Day d - 30

Smoking cessation is strongly recommended as it delays wound healing and may prolong overall postoperative recovery time. Oral contraceptive discontinuation may be required if appropriate risk factors are present.

Day d - 10

Aspirin, herbal teas, vitamins and blood thinners must no longer be taken.

Day d - 2

Please do not drink alcohol 48 hours prior to surgery. Please remove your nail polish as oxygen levels can be measured on your nails.

- 8 Hours

Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to surgery.

Treatment details

Surgical scar A period of 6 to 12 months is required to evaluate the result.<br>A small scar remains in the area of the incision. The scar is usually inconspicuous, especially as it is hidden in a natural fold.
Duration + 2 hours
Type of anesthesia General anesthesia
Risk Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma).
Numbness
Bleeding
Infection: you may be given antibiotics during and after surgery to prevent infection. (Smoking increases this risk)
Side Effect Soreness,
Fatigue,
Nausea,
Tightness in chest,
Hypersensitivity,
Bruising,
Swelling,
Persistent pain,
Changes in skin sensation,
Allergic reaction
Recovery Time The healing processes take place in the following period:

- 7 days post-op:
You may continue to experience mild pain or discomfort. However, the intensity of the pain should have decreased.

At this stage, you may be able to return to normal activities if your surgeon so directs.

- On average, a full recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks. Bruising and swelling are usually gone.

After the surgery

In all cases, patients should rest as much as possible and avoid sleeping on their bellies. Patients should plan to take seven days off of work to recover. It is important to refrain from physical activity, lifting heavy objects.

It is essential that you follow all postoperative advice, such as massaging the breasts to relax the muscles and reduce swelling.

Stitches and bandages are removed 4 days after the surgery. A compression bra should be worn for at least 6 weeks after the procedure for proper healing and recovery.

Returning to work depends on the patient's activity, but it can be considered if the amount of work is light. Sporting activities can be resumed starting week 6.

What implants should I get?

Every patient is different. Each patient has a specific indication based on clinical examination of the breast and thorax and the patient's personal wishes.

What types of breast prostheses do we offer?

  • Allergan: microtextured, macrotexture, and smooth implants.
  • Mentor: microtextured and smooth implants
  • Motiva: smooth and microtextured implants
  • Polytech: smooth, microtextured, macrotexture, and polyurethane implants