Breast augmentation
Information on breast augmentation
Beautiful, well-formed breasts have always been the epitome of femininity and feminine eroticism. Many women complain about their breasts being too small, whether it is because they appear too small in relation to their shoulders and hips, because they have lost volume due to pregnancy and breastfeeding or significant weight loss, or because they simply want to emphasize this part of their body more.
This body image, which is perceived as disproportionate, can be corrected with breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic operations in the world. It is a very safe procedure when performed by a specialist with many years of experience. Who knows the female breast better than a gynecologist who is not only involved in diagnostics on a daily basis, but also masters all surgical procedures and has the best feel for female aesthetics?
Breast augmentation can only be seriously achieved with the help of a breast cushion (implant) or by injecting the patient's own fat. However, the increase in volume that can be achieved with autologous fat is limited, but is excellent for compensating for breast asymmetries. Only by inserting an implant that is similar to breast tissue in terms of consistency and feel can a natural-looking soft breast be achieved that corresponds to your individual body proportions, is accepted by you as part of yourself in the long term and optimizes your proportions.
Breast augmentation - the most important facts in brief
- Technical term: breast augmentation, breast enlargement, breast augmentation, implant insertion
- Anesthesia: general anesthesia
- Procedure duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Clinic stay: 1 overnight stay (outpatient for autologous fat)
- Aftercare: sports bra for 6 weeks, over-breast band for 2 weeks
- Socially acceptable: after 5-6 days
- Able to work: after approx. 1-2 weeks (depending on professional activity)
- Costs: approx. 11.000,- CHF
Further details on breast augmentation
Among the breast implants available today, modern silicone implants have proven themselves in terms of safety, reliability, durability and shape stability. Silicone cushions have been used since 1963, but it was the renewed discussion about silicone implants in 1991 that contributed to a significant boost in the further development of breast implants. It is important to know that, according to the latest scientific studies, silicone prostheses do not cause an increased risk of breast cancer and are not responsible for the development of autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatism, lupus erythematosus or scleroderma).
However, there are reports that in very rare cases the development of malignant lymphoma in the implant site could be triggered by implants (ALCL). However, this has mainly occurred with very roughened (macro-textured "biocell") surfaces. These implants from a specific manufacturer have long since been withdrawn from the market
We only use products from the world's most renowned and reputable manufacturers("Mentor", "Motiva", "Polytec"), generally using implants with a delicately roughened surface (microtextured) in round or teardrop-shaped models, which are filled with a gelatinous cohesive gel, whereby the risk of leakage is virtually eliminated. The surface structure bonds optimally with the body's own tissue, so that the risk of connective tissue capsular contracture is reduced to a low percentage. All these models comply with the strict safety regulations of the EU and the USA.
Alternative filling materials such as dextran, soybean oil etc. only caused euphoria for a short time, but did not fulfill expectations in the slightest and were quickly withdrawn from the market. The only alternative is saline filling, but it cannot compete with silicone fillings in terms of durability, dimensional stability and feel.
In all these questions regarding the choice of implant, manufacturer, shape and location of the implantation, you will receive detailed advice from us during the preliminary consultation regarding the best procedure for you.
In an intensive consultation, the first step is to work out the patient's expectations, the surgeon must clarify what can realistically be achieved and then select the best access route, the optimal implant in terms of size and shape and the correct positioning for the individual case.
In principle, there are four variations of access routes (the last of which is rarely used in Germany and is only possible with fillable implants):
- via the armpit (transaxillary)
- via the areola (peri-, infra- or transareolar)
- via the lower breast fold (inframammary)
- and via the navel (as an endoscopic procedure)
Each of these access routes has its advantages and disadvantages. We generally prefer the route via the areola or via the lower breast fold, as this is the most precise way to form the cavity for the implant and allows thorough hemostasis, although only an incision of approx. 4-5 cm is required.
The choice of implant shape depends very much on the patient's expectations: if the woman wants a more cleavage-emphasizing, youthful round breast, a round, hemispherical implant should be used. If a more natural, teardrop shape is desired, a biodimensional implant should be chosen. Furthermore, it must be clarified in which layer the implant lodge is formed: the implant can be inserted into a cavity in front of or behind the large pectoral muscle (pectoralis muscle). (This largely depends on how much of the patient's own breast tissue is available to cover the breast cushion.
Breast augmentation should be performed under general anesthesia, but can also be performed in twilight sleep with local anesthesia in exceptional cases. If desired, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, but we prefer an overnight stay so that the patient can be better cared for and looked after.
From a small incision at the lower edge of the breast or at the edge of the areola (areola edge incision), a lodge for the implant is prepared behind the mammary gland (in front of the pectoralis muscle) or behind the muscle in accordance with the previous consultation. The implant is then inserted into this and positioned precisely; the wound is closed in several layers. Only a tiny scar remains, which is barely visible after a few months.
Breast augmentation can also be combined with an autologous fat transfer if the skin is very thin, e.g. in the décolleté, or if there are discreet asymmetries.
Complications are extremely rare with breast augmentation or other breast operations. In very rare cases, post-operative bleeding or infections may occur, which require more intensive aftercare. Sometimes there may be hypersensitivity in the nipple area, but this quickly subsides on its own. After a few weeks, the implants are surrounded by the body with a fine connective tissue envelope that fixes and stabilizes the implant.
After several years or decades, capsular fibrosis (scarring and thickening of the connective tissue envelope) may occur in rare cases. It may then be necessary to replace the implants and remove the capsule. It is important to know that breast implants, regardless of the manufacturer, do not generally last a lifetime, even if this is often promised.
As with any cosmetic procedure, the cost of surgery depends on the type and extent of the operation. These are made up of the anesthesia fee, the duration of the operation and our fee note.
We will discuss these costs with you in detail beforehand and a fixed fee will be set, regardless of how long the procedure ultimately takes. This allows you to calculate precisely. As this is an elective procedure, the costs are not usually covered by health insurance.
Price for a breast augmentation:
from CHF 11,000 (including implants)
The cost of an initial on-site consultation is CHF 250. This amount can be credited towards your treatment if it takes place within 6 months. If you do not show up for the bindingly agreed initial appointment, a cancellation fee of CHF 150 will be charged.
The following rule applies to agreed surgery appointments: In the case of planned and scheduled operations, it is often not possible for Medicine&Beauty AG to find a replacement patient in the event of a cancellation. Due to these planning difficulties, it is only possible to cancel surgery appointments free of charge if this is done in writing by the customer at least 7 days (calendar days) in advance by e-mail or WhatsApp.
For cancellations made less than 7 calendar days before the planned operation, the customer will be charged 50% of the previously agreed operation costs. Appointments canceled by Medicine&Beauty AG for health, medical or technical reasons cannot be refunded or compensated. An alternative date will be offered at no additional cost.