Breast Augmentation & Breast implants most common questions

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure for the enlargement of the breast. In most cases the surgery involves the insertion of a breast implant.

In addition to augmentation, breast surgery may be performed to improve different aesthetic aspects of the breast, such as the breast shape and position (breast lift or mastopexy), or to achieve a more even look.

Mommy Makeover is a common name for a combination of plastic surgery and aestheticprocedures, designed to improve the body appearance after pregnancies and breastfeeding.

The combination usually includes breast aesthetic surgery (breast augmentation with or without breast lift) and can include more body shaping procedures such as tummy tuck and liposuction.

As in every surgery, breast augmentation requires recovery time. During the first few days or weeks you may experience some discomfort or pain, depending on the type and complexity of your surgery and your personal characteristics. It is important that you discuss your recovery with your surgeon and prepare your body, your state of mind and your home environment for the recovery period.

POLYTECH’s B-Lite® lightweight implants present advantages of reduced pain and faster return to regular daily activities after breast augmentation, consult your surgeon about your different implant options. ¹

Sources:

1. Govrin-Yehudain O, Matanis Y, Govrin-Yehudain J. Aesthetic Surgery 2018 Oct (10): 1092-1096

Recovery after breast augmentation usually takes a few weeks. The length is directly related to the type and the complexity of your surgical procedure.

The recovery plan should consider the immediate recovery (immediately after the surgery you may not feel well due to the remaining effects of the anesthesia), the first few days (where some discomfort and limited arm movement can be expected) and the first few weeks (until you can fully resume your daily activities).

Remember: It is important to discuss your recovery period with your surgeon, prepare your home environment and follow your surgeon’s instructions.

The recovery time for light daily activities around the home can take a few days and up to a few weeks, depending on the type and the complexity of your procedure. Full recovery and return to activities such as driving, exercise and sports can be a few weeks after that.

POLYTECH’s B-Lite® lightweight implants present advantages of faster return to regular daily activities and reduced pain after breast augmentation, consult your surgeon about your different implant options. ¹

It is very important to consult your surgeon and follow the recovery plan and the follow-up visits as recommended by your surgeon.

Some swelling and feeling of tightness is to be expected in the first few days or weeks post-surgery. The time for any swelling or tightness to lessen and disappear is related to the type and complexity of your surgical procedure.

It is important to ask your surgeon what to expect and follow the post-surgery recovery plan.

Rest plays an important part in your post-surgery recovery. Immediately after the breast augmentation surgery there may be some discomfort and an elevated position on your back can help you sleep more peacefully.

Later in your recovery, if you prefer to sleep on your side, supporting your position with pillows can help you from turning to your stomach during sleep.

Consult your surgeon about your recovery plan and how best to support your body during this period.

Your surgeon may require or recommend that you wear a surgical bra (or compression bra) after your operation. When recommended, you should wear your compression bra in the first few weeks after your surgery, as it will help you limit the breast movement and any related discomfort also during sleep.

It is important to follow your post-surgery plan and your surgeon’s recommendations.

Breast implants are considered safe and are continually researched for long term safety and clinical outcome. Breast augmentation with breast implants is a procedure performed since the late 1960’s, and to date it remains one of the most common plastic surgery procedures globally.²

Certified under the strictest medical device category (CE Class III), each and every breast implant undergoes comprehensive quality and safety tests before being released for distribution.

POLYTECH breast implants were allowed to bear the CE mark since 1995, and in 2003 POLYTECH was the first company in the world to receive the Class III certification for breast implants.

As with any surgical procedure, it is important to be informed with the breast surgery process, any possible risks and complications, early detection and the recommended follow up with your surgeon, immediately after surgery and also in the long term.

To help you feel safe, we offer to patients our warranty programme “Implants of Excellence”.

The most common implant filling² is silicone gel (medical-grade silicone for long-term implantation). Another option for implant filling is saline (sterile salt water).

The basic structure of breast implants includes the implant shell and the implant filling.

The implant shell is a silicone elastomer with different layers, including a barrier layer, designed to reduce silicone diffusion from the implants (also known as “gel bleed”).

ISAPS international survey on aesthetic/cosmetic procedures performed in 2021 https://www.isaps.org/media/vdpdanke/isaps-global-survey_2021.pdf

The breast implant shape is defined by its base shape and the profile shape.  

A round implant will have a round base and a round profile. This type of implant provides a fuller look of the upper pole of the breast, that mimics the appearance of young women breast. 

Anatomical (or teardrop) implant will have a teardrop shaped profile, where the lower pole is larger than the upper pole. Anatomical implants also vary in the base shape, meaning you can have anatomical implant with a round base, or with an oval short or oblong base. Anatomical implants provides a fuller look of the lower pole of the breast, that mimics the breast shape of more mature women. 

This variety enables your surgeon to choose the implant that is most appropriate for your needs. 

The difference between smooth implants and textured implants is related to the implant shell-surface or shell-cover. The implant shell is comprised of several silicone layers, including a barrier layer. The shell can have a completely smooth exterior or a textured exterior for greater tissue adherence.

The implant shell can also come with a micro-polyurethane foam shell-cover.

Following implantation, the contact area between this implant cover and the surrounding tissue provides a transition layer into which the natural healing process develops, creating high adherence between the implant and the tissue.

For traditional silicone breast implants, the implant weight corresponds to its volume, with slight approximation. For example, a 350cc implant will weigh ~350gr.

For lightweight breast implants the implant weight is up to 30% lighter, for example a 350cc lightweight implant will only weigh ~270g.

• You may be interested in reading about B-Lite® lightweight implants

Though breast implants are not intended as lifetime devices, you will not need to replace them as long as you do not experience any problems and no complications are diagnosed in your annual exams.

For your long-term health, it is important that you routinely visit your surgeon (at least once a year).

To help you feel safe, we offer to patients our breasts implants warranty programme “Implants of Excellence”.

Many people believe that breast implants have a lifespan of ten years and then will need to be replaced. As mentioned above, that is simply not true – make sure to follow your post operation aftercare plan and the long-term follow up (at least once a year). This will ensure your surgeon can evaluate your condition on a regular basis.

As mentioned above, there is no set timeline that require you to replace your implant. A common reason for implant replacement surgery is the wish to change the size or shape of the implants. It is important to have your regular check-ups with your surgeon (at least once a year).

In most cases women with breast implants can breastfeed, as breast surgery usually does not compromise the areas of the breast involved in milk production and transport. It is important to inform your surgeon before your surgery that you consider breastfeeding in the future, to ensure your wishes are taken into account in surgery planning and implant positioning.