Breast augmentation with breast prostheses

By their very nature, breasts symbolize everything that makes a figure feminine, and very often sensual. That's why breast augmentation surgery is in such demand the world over.

The latest-generation breast implants offer maximum safety, with an anatomical shape and a cohesive shape-memory gel that enhance lines, and a textured envelope that limits the risk of rotation. So every woman can achieve the breast of her dreams, working on volume, shape, projection, décolleté...

Defects in breast development, whether real or relative, may be acquired or constitutive.

Breast prosthesis insertion in Paris is indicated for the treatment of breast hypoplasia, characterized by insufficient breast development in women. Breast hypoplasia can also be the result of moderate breast development at puberty, loss of breast volume following pregnancy, significant weight loss or hormonal disturbance.

In some cases, breast prostheses can be complemented by a mastopexy or breast lift to perfect the result.

In most cases, the patient's request is based on an aesthetic need: in this case, the fitting of breast implants is not covered by social security, and no time off work can be requested.

It is therefore advisable to allow several days' rest, approximately one week, after the operation.

Reimbursement of breast prostheses by the social security system is only possible, after prior agreement, in the following cases: "bilateral breast agenesis and severe bilateral hypoplasia with cup size below A, or for malformative syndrome (tuberous breast and Poland syndrome)", i.e. when there is a total absence of breast development.

Dr Christelle Santini will tell you at the end of your first appointment whether you fall into this category.

One or two medical consultations are legally required. Dr. Christelle Santini will perform a clinical examination with breast palpation to ensure that there are no abnormalities, and an artistic examination to ensure that your project is in perfect harmony with your figure.

It's important to understand the patient's expectations in order to offer her the best solution: today, medical photos and 3D simulation allow us to better project the best choice of breast prosthesis for each patient.

This surgery can only be considered once pubertal breast growth is complete.
During pre-operative consultations, you and Dr. Santini will work together to define the best option for you, according to your expectations and morphology:

• Shape: round or anatomical (pear-shaped) prostheses
• Envelope texture: smooth or textured
• Prosthesis size, in terms of cup size, projection, height...

A signed estimate is always provided, and the patient has at least 15 days (the legal deadline) to make up her mind.

As a precautionary measure, Dr. Santini will order a breast ultrasound and mammogram to rule out any abnormalities. This assessment is essential if you are to benefit from this procedure.

A pre-operative check-up will also be prescribed, as well as an appointment with the anaesthetist at least 48 hours before surgery.

A compression bra will also be prescribed and must be worn for 6 weeks after surgery, acting as a compression bandage to help deep tissue heal.

As with all surgical procedures, Dr. Santini will explain the precautions to be taken before fitting prostheses to ensure a successful operation:

• Aspirin must not be taken for 10 days prior to surgery, with the cardiologist's agreement in the case of chronic treatment.
• Body and hair must be washed with Betadine on the morning of the operation.
• You must fast for 6 hours before the procedure.
• It is strongly recommended to avoid smoking the month after and the month before the operation, to avoid altering the scarring result.
• To avoid the risk of thromboembolism, you should stop taking the pill.

Breast augmentation by implant requires a 24-hour hospital stay, so it is necessary to spend one night at the clinic. Depending on how the tissue is progressing, Dr. Santini will agree to discharge the patient the following day.
The entire operation is performed under general anaesthetic, so you are completely unconscious and feel no pain.

Among the different types of implants, the breast implants used by Dr. Santini are pre-filled with a cohesive, shape-memory silicone gel of premium medical quality.

The approach, which determines the final scar, depends on the prosthesis, its size and the patient's morphology, with three possibilities sometimes combined:

• axillary route (incision made in the armpit),
• areolar approach (horizontal incision made on the lower part of the areola),
• submammary route (additional incision made under the breast at the sulcus)

The positioning of the prosthesis depends as much on the prosthesis as on the morphology of the bust. The aim is to achieve the best possible result with minimal post-operative effects, with three possibilities:

• premuscular breast implant (prosthesis placed behind the gland, in front of the muscle);
• retro-muscular breast implant (prosthesis placed behind the pectoral muscles);
• dual-technique breast implant, partly in front of and partly behind the muscle.

The procedure ends with a drain and a contention dressing.

This procedure lasts an average of 1h30.

Breast augmentation with implants is a procedure that may present some rare complications. On the other hand, edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising) of the breasts are common, and disappear in about 20 days. To avoid the risk of hematoma, suction drains will be put in place until the day after the operation, when the drains and dressing are removed simultaneously. Pain is relatively mild, and is immediately soothed by painkillers.

Once discharged from the clinic, a compression bra should be worn and a light dressing applied. As the operation often leaves the patient feeling very tired, we recommend that you bring a friend or relative to accompany you home.

Several days' rest will be required before resuming socio-professional activities, and it will take around 4 to 6 weeks to return to sport.

The final result of the operation can be seen after 6 months, the time needed for the body to heal completely. The skin scar is only stabilized after a year, and must be perfectly protected from UV rays during this time.

That's why you should never judge the result at first, when the tissues are still inflamed and swollen.
The sutures inserted by the surgeon are absorbable, so there's no need to remove them, offering greater comfort.
However, Dr. Christelle Santini performs several post-operative consultations to monitor the progress of scar tissue and breast remodeling.

The first of these visits is usually 7 to 10 days after surgery.

Breast cancer screening is in no way affected by breast implant surgery. As a precautionary measure, however, we recommend a postoperative mammogram as a reference. Finally, breast-feeding is not affected by the operation, but it is advisable to wait until healing is complete before considering pregnancy.

• Tailor-made results
• One night at the clinic and 4 to 7 days of professional downtime
• Final result at 6 months

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts, often using implants or lipofilling. Results are visible immediately after the operation, but it takes around 3 to 6 months to appreciate the final result once the swelling has subsided.

These results are long-lasting, but implants may need to be replaced after 10 to 20 years, depending on implant type and body changes.

What should I do before breast implant surgery?

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including medical photography and 3D simulation
• delivery and signature of the estimate, respecting the 15-day legal delay between the first consultation and the fitting of the breast prostheses
• anaesthesia consultation, blood test, mammogram as required.
• choose the most suitable prosthesis with your plastic surgeon: round or anatomical prostheses, smooth or micro-textured prostheses, silicone prostheses (virtually no saline solution required)...

How is a breast prosthesis fitted?

• General anesthesia.
• 1h to 1h30 of surgery depending on the technique used (dual-plan breast prostheses, retro-muscular prostheses, ...)
• Overnight hospital stay usually after prosthesis fitting.
• We give you a card with the references of the breast implants fitted.

What is the post-operative course of breast augmentation with implants?

• Wear a medical support bra, sometimes with a breast brace, for 4 to 6 weeks.
• 4 to 7 days' leave after breast implant surgery
• Follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon 7 to 10 days after the procedure (absorbable threads).
• Stopping sport after breast augmentation with prostheses for 1? months.
• Final result after 6 months, UV protection of the scar for 12 months
• Follow-up consultation to monitor breast implants for one year, then every two years