In this section you will find common questions related to breast surgery and implants in general.
For your convenience, many of our answers prompt further reading in the relevant section of our website.
We encourage you to consult with your surgeon on the information you read here, the advice and instructions of your surgeon should always be prioritized.
Your surgeon will present you with different types of breast implants and explain surgical techniques. Together, you can weigh the pros and cons and choose the best breast implants for your needs. During the consultation, speak openly with your surgeon and communicate your personal wishes and goals from the procedure. This is the only way to create realistic expectations.
When it comes to the ideal volume, you should not think in cup sizes – millimetres and milliliters (or cc) are an accurate unit that you and your surgeon can use to determine the size for your breast implants.
There are external implants that you can place in a bra, so you can see which shape and size provides an aesthetic look. Some surgeons use 3D visualisation tools to help you review the possible outcome.
The B-Lite® implants are available in a variety of different surfaces, sizes and projections so your surgeon may choose, with you, the appropriate implant for your body to achieve the look you desire.
Chosen by leading surgeons, serving satisfied patients around the world.
The myth of the 10-year breast implant replacement. Many people believe that breast implants have a lifespan of ten years and then need to be replaced. But that is not true - if you do not have any problems with your breast implants and there are no complications diagnosed in your annual exams, you do not need to replace your implants. Incidentally, when it comes to replacement, the most common reason is that patients want to change the size or shape of their breasts.
One of your most important decisions is choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon that you trust. Your personal feeling is a valuable indicator - you should be comfortable with your decision. Surgeons associations are a good starting point for searching. Friends and acquaintances often have a recommendation, patient review sites provide additional information from other patients.
You should never choose plastic surgery to please someone, but only to feel more comfortable with your body. It is your health - and that is your most valuable asset. Therefore, you should not be tempted by cheap breast surgery costs. If you are looking for cheap deals on cosmetic surgery, remember that you should never skimp on safety, your health, or the quality of the surgery. Do not compromise your health - even if the cost of breast surgery is extremely favourable.
As with any surgical procedure, risks are also involved with breast augmentation or reconstruction, and complications may occur. These can include the risks of anaesthesia, asymmetry, implant dislocation, increased scarring, sensory disturbances, capsular contracture, infection, seroma, loss of shell integrity (rupture). These complications may result in the need for re-operation, or implant removal with or without replacement. You should always discuss the possible risks and outcomes of implant insertion with your surgeon prior to breast surgery. Surgeons have a duty to illustrate the risks of breast surgery and answer to your questions.
Breast reconstruction is a procedure that is carried out to restore breast shape and replace breast tissue that is lost during a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The goal is to create breasts that look symmetrical, close to the original appearance and shape, and as natural as possible.
Whether or not a breast reconstruction is performed depends on several factors: your personal decision, your physical condition and medical requirements. It is important that you understand every option available for breast reconstruction. Having the right information as a starting point for a full and frank discussion with your surgeon can help you in the journey to reconstruction.
Any patient who underwent a surgery (breast / gluteal) with POLYTECH implants, may register to the programme within 6 months post-surgery. Registration to Implants of Excellence and taking part in the annual patient survey are preconditions to benefit from the programme and its implant-replacement policy.
Registration is free and must be completed within 6 months post-surgery.
To register CLICK HERE More
This warranty covers implant replacement in cases of material related rupture for lifetime and capsular contracture (Baker grade III &IV) up to 10 years after surgery (lifetime for Microthane®). The contralateral breast is included when diagnosed by a surgeon. Any costs of surgery are excluded.
Your surgeon will present you with different types of breast implants and explain surgical techniques. Together, you can weigh the pros and cons and choose the best breast implants for your needs. During the consultation, speak openly with your surgeon and communicate your personal wishes and goals from the procedure. This is the only way to create realistic expectations.
More
When it comes to the ideal volume, you should not think in cup sizes – millimeters and milliliters (or cc) are an accurate unit that you and your surgeon can use to determine the size for your breast implants.
There are external implants that you can place in a bra, so you can see which shape and size provides an aesthetic look. Some surgeons use 3D visualisation tools to help you review the possible outcome.
More
There are many different implants available, because every woman is unique, and each body is different. In general, the implant shape is divided into two main categories:
Round Implants
Round implants simulate the breast of a young woman. They are evenly shaped in the upper and lower half.
Anatomical Implants
Anatomical or teardrop shaped implants replicate the chest of an adult woman. Their upper half is a bit flatter, the lower half is rounder.
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Breast implant projection means how much the breast implant extends forward in front of your chest. It generally can be low, moderate, high or extra high.
Breast implants are available with a smooth, textured or micro-polyurethane foam-coated surface. Why is that?
The first breast implants were manufactured in the 1960s and had a smooth surface. A polyurethane foam covering was introduced in the 1970s to minimize the event of capsular contracture as well as implant dislocation and rotation. Textured implants were introduced in the late 1980s, to mimic the effect of the polyurethane layer.
What is capsular contracture?
As part of the body's natural reaction, a capsule of connective tissue is formed around any foreign body inserted into the tissue, including around breast implants. The undesired tightening of this capsule (capsular contracture or capsular fibrosis) can result in changes to the shape as well as to the position of the implant, and so to the shape of the breast. Additionally, the capsule can become very hard and cause pain. Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast implant surgery and is classified using the Baker scale (see the section Risks and complications with breast implants).
Baker scale for capsular contracture
A capsular contracture may never occur, or it may occur after weeks, months or years. It cannot be predicted if or when a capsular contracture will occur and, if it does, how pronounced it may be.
Capsular contracture rates, as well as rates of other complications such as rotation and dislocation, vary in relation to the implant surface:
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The myth of the 10-year breast implant replacement. Many people believe that breast implants have a lifespan of ten years and then need to be replaced. But that is not true - if you do not have any problems with your breast implants and there are no complications diagnosed in your annual exams, you do not need to replace your implants. Incidentally, when it comes to replacement, the most common reason is that patients want to change the size or shape of their breasts.
More
Post-operative check-ups are the way your surgeon can ensure you are properly healing, reducing the risk of complications. You should also have your health and the condition of your implants checked annually.
After the procedure you will receive an implant passport from your surgeon or clinic. Please carry this important document with you at all times. In emergencies, for example, emergency physicians need to know that you are wearing implants before they start a heart massage.
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Can I have screening tests with breast implants?
Early detection is key for positive prognosis of breast cancer. For that reason, it is recommended for all women, including women with breast implants, to undergo breast screening tests.
One of the more common screening tests is mammogram. Mammograms with implants are possible with a special technique, and the specialist should be alerted in advance. Inform the mammogram technologist you have breast implants before your mammography.
Plastic surgery is divided into two categories – aesthetic and reconstructive:
The goal of aesthetic plastic surgery is to shape parts of the body differently. In most countries, the costs of these procedures are paid privately by the patients.
The aim of reconstructive plastic surgery is to restore the form, function, and the aesthetic appearance of the body, following trauma, cancer, or congenital malformations. As the surgery is associated with health issues, the costs of interventions in many countries are covered by health insurance.
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One of your most important decisions is choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon that you trust. Your personal feeling is a valuable indicator - you should be comfortable with your decision. Surgeons associations are a good starting point for searching. Friends and acquaintances often have a recommendation, patient review sites provide additional information from other patients.
MoreLocate a surgeon: Clinic finder
Everyone has their own definition of beauty. That is why it is important for a surgeon to share your aesthetic sense. Before / after pictures of previous patients show you the work of a surgeon and shed light on their vision of a beautiful body. In addition, these photos help you gain a realistic picture of the result of an intervention.
Breast implants can be inserted and placed in different ways. Where the incision is made depends on the results of your preliminary examination. The type of insertion and how the implants are positioned is determined by several factors: your anatomy, your personal preferences and your surgeon's recommendation.
INFRAMAMMARY INCISION:
The most common incision for breast augmentation. It lies in the fold below the breast.
TRANSAXILLARY INCISION:
A surgical incision in the armpit.
TRANS-AREOLAR INCISION:
A surgical incision at the areola.
PERIAREOLAR INCISION:
A surgical incision around the areola.
You should never choose plastic surgery to please someone, but only to feel more comfortable with your body. It is your health - and that is your most valuable asset. Therefore, you should not be tempted by cheap breast surgery costs. If you are looking for cheap deals on cosmetic surgery, remember that you should never skimp on safety, your health, or the quality of the surgery. Do not compromise your health - even if the cost of breast surgery is extremely favourable.
As with any surgical procedure, risks are also involved with breast augmentation or reconstruction, and complications may occur. These can include the risks of anesthesia, asymmetry, implant dislocation, increased scarring, sensory disturbances, capsular contracture, infection, seroma, loss of shell integrity (rupture). These complications may result in the need for re-operation, or implant removal with or without replacement. You should always discuss the possible risks and outcomes of implant insertion with your surgeon prior to breast surgery. Surgeons have a duty to illustrate the risks of breast surgery and answer to your questions.
The more you know, the better you will feel about your breast augmentation. Take your time and learn about the surgery, the risks, the anaesthesia, the duration of anaesthesia and the quality of your implants.
For your convenience, we have assembled tips to help you prepare yourself and your home environment for your surgery.
When choosing the date for your cosmetic surgery, it is important to plan for a sufficiently long recovery period after the procedure. Breast augmentation is a real surgery - with the possible related risks and consequences, including pain or scarring. And just like any other surgery, your body needs to heal afterwards.
You may not feel well immediately after the operation. That is a normal response and is primarily caused by the remaining effects of the anaesthesia. The important thing is to give your body time to heal.
Do not try to speed up the healing process. This is critical in any kind of surgery.
Breast reconstruction is a procedure that is carried out to restore breast shape and replace breast tissue that is lost during a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The goal is to create breasts that look symmetrical, close to the original appearance and shape, and as natural as possible.
Whether or not a breast reconstruction is performed depends on several factors: your personal decision, your physical condition and medical requirements. It is important that you understand every option available for breast reconstruction. Having the right information as a starting point for a full and frank discussion with your surgeon can help you in the journey to reconstruction.
Different reasons may motivate you to decide for or against reconstruction. The benefits of a reconstructed breast may include:
1. Roje et al., Breast reconstruction after mastectomy, Coll Antropol. 2010 Mar;34 Suppl 1:113-23. Trejo-Ochoa et al., Impact on quality of life with breast reconstructive surgery after mastectomy for breast cancer, Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2013 Sep;81(9):510-8.
2.Bajaj, The importance of Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, American Society of Plastic Surgeons,
www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/the-importance-of-breast-reconstruction-awareness-day
There are several disadvantages and problems that may occur with breast reconstruction that need to be taken into account before making a decision to go ahead 1:
For more information on the complications that you may encounter in case of breast reconstruction with implants, see the ‘Risks and complications of an implant’ section.
1. American Cancer Society. Should I get breast reconstruction surgery? Available at www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/reconstruction-surgery/should-i-get-breast-reconstruction-surgery.html [accessed 6th September 2020]
Breast reconstruction can take place at two different times, depending on your medical condition, planned therapy, and where possible on your wishes:
The choice between immediate or delayed reconstruction is often determined by the need to undergo therapies that may negatively affect the outcome of reconstruction.
The B-Lite® implants are available in a variety of different surfaces, sizes and projections so your surgeon may choose, with you, the appropriate implant for your body to achieve the look you desire.
Chosen by leading surgeons, serving satisfied patients around the world.
Increased weight equals increased gravitational pull, which increases stress and strain on the breast and surrounding tissue. This can ultimately lead to sagging, as well as cause back and neck pain. Breast movement during activity exacerbates the effect of weight which can cause discomfort and increase the stress and strain on the breast tissue. Less weight equals less strain. It’s that simple.
The B-Lite® gel is created by permanently bonding tiny hollow spheres within the standard implantable-grade silicone gel, which makes the implants significantly lighter. Microspheres are widely used in a range of applications. They are biocompatible and can be found in medical devices and cosmetics.1 The microspheres are integrated within the cohesive gel and their bonding to the gel remains intact even in the unlikely case of the implant rupturing. The B-Lite® gel incorporates technology used in space technology, offering significantly less weight. Microspheres are biocompatible and used in many kinds of medical applications e.g. in urology, oncology, gastroenterology, orthopedics and more1.
1 Govrin-Yehudain, Jacky et al: Lightweight Breast Implants: A Novel Solution for Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction Mammaplasty, Aesthet Surg J. 2015 Nov; 35(8): 965–971. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjv080
B-Lite® implants were developed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, scientists and engineers, then extensively tested over the course of 10 years before being offered to patients.
All materials used in the production of the CE marked B-Lite® implants are well documented, safe, inert, biocompatible, and have a long history of use in medicine.1 B-Lite® implants employ the clinically proven POLYTECH shell, used in hundreds of thousands of procedures.
1 Govrin-Yehudain, Jacky et al: Lightweight Breast Implants: A Novel Solution for Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction Mammaplasty, Aesthet Surg J. 2015 Nov; 35(8): 965–971. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjv080
The B-Lite® microspheres are small microscopic balls that are very strong yet extremely light. The microspheres are biocompatible and very stable.
Yes. Microspheres are already widely used in a range of applications. They are biocompatible and can be found in medical devices and cosmetics. Microspheres are common in urology, oncology, gastroenterology, orthopedics and more.1 The microspheres are integrated within the cohesive gel and their bonding to the gel remains intact even in the unlikely case of the implant rupturing. Crush strength tests demonstrated that the borosilicate microspheres in B-Lite® can withstand pressures of over 200 psi (>13 atm), far beyond the pressure ranges women are predicted to be exposed to following implantation, including during flight and recreational diving.
1 Govrin-Yehudain, Jacky et al: Lightweight Breast Implants: A Novel Solution for Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction Mammaplasty, Aesthet Surg J. 2015 Nov; 35(8): 965–971. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjv080
It is the reflection of light on the microspheres within the gel.
Any patient who underwent a surgery (breast / gluteal) with POLYTECH implants, may register to the programme within 6 months post-surgery. Registration to Implants of Excellence and taking part in the annual patient survey are preconditions to benefit from the programme and its implant-replacement policy.
Registration is free and must be completed within 6 months post-surgery.
To register CLICK HEREMore
Yes, patients with Baker grade III or IV capsular contracture who are participating in the Implants of Excellence programme are eligible for a free replacement implant according to the following:
Up to 10 years post-surgery for all breast implants including B-Lite®, with the following surfaces: MESMO®, POLYtxt®, POLYsmoooth™
For lifetime post-surgery, including rotation, for all breast implants with a Microthane® surface.
Patients who underwent breast surgery with B-Lite® implants, and are registered in the Implants of Excellence programme, are eligible for a free replacement implant in cases of Baker grade III or IV capsular contracture.
Your surgeon will need to take photos of the breast with capsular contracture and submit the photos alongside a detailed report prior to explantation.
This warranty covers implant replacement in cases of material related rupture for lifetime and capsular contracture (Baker grade III &IV) up to 10 years after surgery (lifetime for Microthane®). The contralateral breast is included when diagnosed by a surgeon. Any costs of surgery are excluded.
The implant for the contralateral breast will be also provided under the implant-replacement policy, in case of material-related loss of shell integrity (rupture), when its replacement is recommended by the surgeon.
Yes, the programme covers both gluteal and breast implants in cases of material-related loss of shell integrity (rupture).
Yes, the programme is valid under the conditions described in the programme brochure for both primary and secondary surgeries.