Breast Augmentation

Choosing your breast implant

Breast augmentation is a procedure aimed at increasing the volume of the breasts by placing silicone or saline-filled breast implants, or by injecting your own fat.

This surgery can:

• Increase the fullness and projection of the breasts.
• Improve the balance of the breast contours.
• Enhance self-image.

The lifespan of implants varies from person to person. While no replacement is necessary, some new generation implants are designed to last longer. The choice of the implant and its size is a decision made in consultation with the surgeon, taking into account the patient's morphological characteristics.

Methods of Introducing Breast Implants

The insertion of breast implants can be done using three main techniques, each offering specific advantages depending on the patient's needs and characteristics.

Breast implant insertion methods

• Axillary Approach: The incision is made in the armpit, avoiding any scars on the breast. This method is particularly appreciated for its aesthetic aspect.
• Periareolar Approach: This method involves an incision around the areola. It is ideal for adjustments of the nipple or areola position, and the scar is often well concealed.
• Submammary Approach: The incision is made in the fold under the breast, allowing good visibility and easy access for the surgeon. It is often preferred for larger implants.

The prostheses can be placed behind the mammary gland or the pectoralis major muscle. There are three main surgical approaches for the introduction of implants: the periareolar route, the submammary route, and the axillary route.

Stages of Breast Augmentation Surgery

1. First step: Clinical Examinations - The doctor examines the breasts and determines the desired size, in accordance with the patient's body shape, to plan the breast augmentation surgery.
2. Second step: Necessary Tests - Blood tests are carried out to check blood sugar levels and exclude any pathology that may contraindicate the operation, such as diabetes, hypertension, or immunodeficiency.
3. Third step: Patient Preparation - The medical staff prepares the patient, then the anesthesiologist proceeds with general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free operation.
4. Fourth step: Surgical Intervention - The surgeon inserts the breast implants (either via the periareolar route, the submammary route, or the axillary route), or proceeds with breast lipofilling by reinjecting the previously filtered fat.

What implant size for which cup?

Cup size increase	Implant volume (cc)
From cup A to cup B	250 to 300 cc
From cup A to cup C	300 to 350 cc
From cup A to cup D	370 to 430 cc
From cup B to cup C	250 to 350 cc
From cup B to cup D	350 to 400 cc
From cup B to cup DD	400 to 450 cc
From cup C to cup D	300 to 350 cc
From cup C to cup DD	370 to 450 cc
From cup C to cup E	450 to 550 cc
From cup D to cup DD	300 to 400 cc
From cup D to cup E	450 to 600 cc

Breast implant placements

The placement of breast implants is done using three main approaches, each with specific implications on the appearance and feel of the breasts after surgery.

• Above the muscle (subglandular): The implant is placed between the breast gland and the pectoral muscle. This approach is often chosen for its quicker recovery and natural look, especially in women who already have a certain breast volume.
• Under the muscle (submuscular): The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle. This method is favored for women with little breast tissue, offering a more natural look and reducing the risk of implant palpability.
• Dual plane (mixed): This technique combines the previous two methods, where part of the implant is under the muscle and the other part is above. It is often used to optimize the appearance of the breasts based on the individual characteristics of each woman.

Dual Plane Placement of Breast Implants

The dual plane, or two-level, positioning is an advanced technique for breast implantation. It combines the advantages of submuscular and subglandular placements:

• Upper part of the prosthesis: Positioned behind the pectoral muscle, offering a natural appearance, especially in women with little breast tissue.
• Lower part of the prosthesis: Placed behind the breast gland, allowing for better filling and giving a more voluptuous look.

This dual plane method allows for a very natural result, especially thanks to a nice unfolding of the subareolar segment, which is the area between the areola and the submammary fold. This technique is ideal for patients who wish to combine the naturalness of submuscular placement with the volume and curvature offered by subglandular placement.