Breast implants: what you need to know
The size and shape of the prostheses (pre-filled with silicone gel) are rigorously studied by the surgeon according to the patient's wishes.The procedure involves the insertion of breast prostheses to correct breast hypoplasia, i.e. insufficient breast volume in relation to morphology. Hypoplasia can occur immediately (small breasts since puberty) or secondarily, following significant weight loss or pregnancy followed by breast-feeding.
Breast implants: practical information
- Type: placement of implants to increase breast volume
- Anaesthesia: neuroleptanalgesia or general anaesthesia
Discover your future appearance with 3D consultation
Thanks to Crisalix 3D technology, you can simulate different options for your future surgery and choose the one that suits you best.
Breast hypoplasia is defined by breasts whose volume is insufficient to match the patient's figure.
It often results from poor development of the gland during adolescence, or occurs later, for example after hormonal upheaval, pregnancy or weight loss, all of which reduce the volume of the gland.
Breast hypoplasia is sometimes accompanied by ptosis(drooping breasts due to a sagging mammary gland, distended skin and an areola positioned too low).
As it affects femininity, this defect is generally resented by the patient, both physically and psychologically, to the point where she sometimes feels very self-complexed and loses self-confidence. Breast augmentation with a prosthesis can solve the problem of too-small breasts.
This surgical procedure can be performed from the age of 18, and throughout a person's life. Minors are generally considered unsuitable for cosmetic breast implants.
It should be noted that health insurance does not cover this procedure, the motivation being purely aesthetic. The only cases where partial reimbursement is possible, and subject to prior agreement, concern a few very specific cases of complete breast absence (breast agenesis).
Thanks to a wide range of shapes and volumes (silicone gel, saline, hydrogel, inflatable and adjustable during the operation...), the choice of implants is optimal: they can be virtually tailor-made to suit each patient's specific silhouette and expectations.
First of all, the surgeon ensures that there are no contraindications that could affect the outcome of the operation.
A consultation with the anaesthetist is scheduled no later than two days before the operation.
He analyzes all the patient's physical characteristics: height, weight, thoracic and breast morphology, musculature, amount of fat and gland volume, skin quality, pregnancies, breastfeeding, etc.
The surgical procedure is determined according to a number of criteria, including the patient's wishes, the surgeon's working method and the anatomical environment. The choice and positioning of the prostheses in relation to the muscles, as well as the location of the scars, can therefore be defined prior to the operation (see below).
Beforehand, blood tests are carried out to check that there are no contraindications to the procedure.
Mammography and ultrasound of the breasts are also performed in certain cases.
It is strictly forbidden to take any medication containing aspirin for ten days prior to the operation. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you may have to fast (no solid or liquid food) for six hours before the operation.
Breast augmentation surgery with prostheses requires general anesthesia: the patient is put to sleep for the duration of the operation.
A single day's hospitalization is usually required, with admission scheduled for the morning (or afternoon of the previous day) and discharge scheduled for the following day.
In some cases, the operation is performed on an outpatient basis, with discharge scheduled for the same day after a few hours' monitoring.
