Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation – Useful Information for Patients
What is important to know about methods, implants, results, and possible risks
Breast augmentation surgery is performed to increase breast volume and improve their shape, proportions, and symmetry. The procedure may be performed for aesthetic or reconstructive reasons. The most appropriate breast augmentation method is selected individually, taking into account the patient’s health condition, anatomical characteristics, the condition of breast tissues, and the desired result.
Breast augmentation can be performed in different ways: using breast implants, transferring the patient’s own fat tissue, or combining breast augmentation with a breast lift procedure. Each method has its own indications, advantages, and potential risks, which are discussed in detail with the doctor before surgery.
The goals of breast augmentation may include:
increasing breast size and volume;
restoring breast volume reduced after pregnancy, weight changes, or other reasons;
improving breast shape and proportions;
reducing noticeable breast asymmetry;
restoring breast shape after partial or complete loss;
correcting the results of previous breast surgeries.
The final appearance of the breasts depends on individual tissue characteristics, the healing process, and the body’s response to surgery. Before the procedure, patients receive detailed information about the potential benefits, risks, complications, and alternative treatment options to ensure an informed decision.
Breast Augmentation with Implants (Implant Augmentation)
Breast augmentation with implants is a surgical procedure in which breast volume and shape are adjusted by inserting breast implants. Most commonly, implants filled with silicone gel are used. Implants are selected individually, considering both the patient’s preferences and anatomical and physiological characteristics. Therefore, a preoperative consultation is very important to discuss expectations, perform necessary measurements, and select the most suitable implants.
The goal of the procedure is to increase breast size and improve proportions, shape, and symmetry while considering the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.
During the surgery, an incision is made in a carefully selected location to keep the scar as discreet as possible (most commonly under the breast in the natural fold, less often around the areola or in the armpit area). The implant may be placed either under the breast glandular tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle. The choice depends on the thickness of the patient’s tissues, chest anatomy, and the planned implant type.
Although breast implants are widely used and the procedure is successful in many cases, it is important to understand that, as with any surgery, complications are possible. The most commonly discussed risks include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), pain, scarring characteristics, temporary or in rare cases long-term changes in nipple or breast skin sensitivity, tightening of the capsule around the implant (capsular contracture), implant damage or rupture, implant displacement, or asymmetry. Some complications may require additional procedures or revision surgery.
It is also important to understand that implants are not designed to last a lifetime—over time they may need to be replaced or removed. Patients should also discuss with their doctor how the surgery may affect future breast examinations and what monitoring may be recommended.
Breast Augmentation with Fat (Autologous Fat Transfer)
Breast augmentation with fat is a procedure in which breast volume is increased using the patient’s own fat tissue. First, fat is taken from another area of the body (for example the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) using liposuction. The fat is then specially processed and injected in small amounts into the breast tissues to create the desired volume and contour.
This method may be suitable for patients who want a moderate breast enlargement, improvement of breast shape, or correction of minor asymmetry, especially when a natural feel is important and implants are not desired.
It is important to know that some of the transferred fat may not survive, so the final result depends on the body’s individual response. In some cases, an additional fat transfer procedure may be needed to achieve the desired volume.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, seroma, pain, bruising, fat resorption (reduction), irregularities or asymmetry, fat cysts, calcifications, and in rare cases fat tissue necrosis. If lumps or firm areas appear, additional examination may be required to determine their origin.
Breast Augmentation Combined with a Breast Lift (Augmentation Mastopexy)
In some cases, breasts may not only have lost volume but may also have sagged. In such situations, breast augmentation alone may not provide the desired aesthetic improvement. Breast augmentation combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) is a combined procedure in which breast volume is increased while the breast position is corrected by removing excess skin and lifting the breast tissue.
This procedure may be suitable for patients whose breasts have sagged after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight changes, or due to aging. When breast augmentation is combined with a lift, the implant size or the extent of correction may be limited due to tissue tension and the need to ensure safe healing.
FAQ: Breast augmentation
FAQ: Breast augmentation
Who is breast augmentation with implants suitable for?
Breast augmentation with implants may be suitable for patients who:
want a more noticeable and predictable increase in breast size;
prefer a clearly defined breast shape and long-lasting volume results;
have insufficient breast volume due to congenital characteristics, weight changes, or after pregnancy and breastfeeding;
have significant breast asymmetry that cannot be corrected with other methods;
want to restore breast shape after previous breast surgeries or partial/complete loss of breast tissue;
do not have active infections, untreated breast diseases, and are in good overall health;
understand that breast implants are not lifetime devices and that additional surgeries may be required in the future;
have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery and potential risks.
This method is often chosen when a larger increase in breast volume is required, which cannot be achieved using fat transfer alone.
Who is breast augmentation with fat transfer suitable for?
Breast augmentation with fat transfer may be suitable for patients who:
want a moderate, natural-looking breast enlargement;
prefer to avoid breast implants;
have sufficient fat tissue in other areas of the body (e.g., abdomen, thighs, or hips);
want to improve breast shape, contour, or correct minor asymmetry;
would like an additional benefit—body contouring in the areas where fat is removed;
understand that some of the transferred fat may not survive, meaning the final result may change and sometimes a repeat procedure may be needed;
accept that the achievable increase in breast volume is more limited compared to implants.
This method is more often chosen by patients who value a soft, natural feel and a subtle aesthetic improvement.
Which breast augmentation method should you choose?
The most suitable breast augmentation method is determined during an individual consultation after evaluating the patient’s health condition, anatomical characteristics, expectations, and potential risks.
In some cases, fat transfer alone may not be sufficient (for example, when there is significant breast volume loss or pronounced sagging). Breast augmentation with implants may also be combined with other procedures, such as a breast lift, if the breasts have sagged.
What types of breast implants are used for breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery uses different types of silicone gel–filled implants, which vary in shape, weight, surface texture, and how they behave within the breast. The most suitable type of implant is selected during an individual consultation, taking into account the patient’s anatomy, the characteristics of the breast tissues, lifestyle, and the desired aesthetic result.
What are anatomical breast implants?
Anatomical implants (also called teardrop-shaped implants) are designed to mimic the natural shape of the breast, with more volume in the lower part and a softer slope in the upper portion.
These implants are often chosen by patients who want a particularly natural-looking result, have little natural breast tissue, or seek subtle restoration of breast shape.
Anatomical implants usually have a textured surface, which helps reduce the risk of implant rotation or displacement. The wide variety of anatomical implants allows surgeons to select different widths, heights, and projections (thickness), making it possible to better adapt the implant to the patient’s breast and chest anatomy as well as individual expectations.
How does breast augmentation with round implants differ?
Round implants provide a more even distribution of breast volume and often create greater fullness in the upper part of the breast. They are a popular choice for patients who want a more noticeable, fuller, and more defined breast augmentation result.
Round implants may be suitable when the goal is a clearly defined breast shape or when correcting breast asymmetry. Even if the implant rotates, the breast shape does not change because the implant is symmetrical.
What are B-Lite breast implants?
B-Lite implants are lightweight silicone breast implants that weigh up to 30% less than conventional implants. Because of their reduced weight, these implants may decrease long-term strain on breast tissues, as well as on the back and shoulders.
B-Lite implants are often recommended for patients who:
choose larger-volume implants;
are physically active;
want to reduce the long-term risk of tissue stretching and breast sagging.
These implants allow patients to achieve the desired aesthetic result while maintaining a lower overall implant weight.
What makes ergonomic breast implants different?
Ergonomic implants are designed to adapt to the body’s movements—when standing, the breasts appear more anatomical, while when lying down, the implants distribute more evenly, mimicking the natural behavior of breast tissue.
These implants are often chosen by patients for whom the following are important:
a natural look and feel;
a softer breast texture;
modern technology and advanced safety solutions.
Motiva implants feature a smooth surface and a specially designed silicone gel structure.
Is one type of breast implant “better” than another?
There is no universally best type of implant. The most suitable choice depends on individual factors, including the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, expectations, and medical indications. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon explains the advantages and potential limitations of each implant type to ensure that the decision is informed and well considered.
Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation – Useful Information for Patients
What is important to know about methods, implants, results, and possible risks
Breast augmentation surgery is performed to increase breast volume and improve their shape, proportions, and symmetry. The procedure may be performed for aesthetic or reconstructive reasons. The most appropriate breast augmentation method is selected individually, taking into account the patient’s health condition, anatomical characteristics, the condition of breast tissues, and the desired result.
Breast augmentation can be performed in different ways: using breast implants, transferring the patient’s own fat tissue, or combining breast augmentation with a breast lift procedure. Each method has its own indications, advantages, and potential risks, which are discussed in detail with the doctor before surgery.
The goals of breast augmentation may include:
increasing breast size and volume;
restoring breast volume reduced after pregnancy, weight changes, or other reasons;
improving breast shape and proportions;
reducing noticeable breast asymmetry;
restoring breast shape after partial or complete loss;
correcting the results of previous breast surgeries.
The final appearance of the breasts depends on individual tissue characteristics, the healing process, and the body’s response to surgery. Before the procedure, patients receive detailed information about the potential benefits, risks, complications, and alternative treatment options to ensure an informed decision.
Breast Augmentation with Implants (Implant Augmentation)
Breast augmentation with implants is a surgical procedure in which breast volume and shape are adjusted by inserting breast implants. Most commonly, implants filled with silicone gel are used. Implants are selected individually, considering both the patient’s preferences and anatomical and physiological characteristics. Therefore, a preoperative consultation is very important to discuss expectations, perform necessary measurements, and select the most suitable implants.
The goal of the procedure is to increase breast size and improve proportions, shape, and symmetry while considering the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.
During the surgery, an incision is made in a carefully selected location to keep the scar as discreet as possible (most commonly under the breast in the natural fold, less often around the areola or in the armpit area). The implant may be placed either under the breast glandular tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle. The choice depends on the thickness of the patient’s tissues, chest anatomy, and the planned implant type.
Although breast implants are widely used and the procedure is successful in many cases, it is important to understand that, as with any surgery, complications are possible. The most commonly discussed risks include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), pain, scarring characteristics, temporary or in rare cases long-term changes in nipple or breast skin sensitivity, tightening of the capsule around the implant (capsular contracture), implant damage or rupture, implant displacement, or asymmetry. Some complications may require additional procedures or revision surgery.
It is also important to understand that implants are not designed to last a lifetime—over time they may need to be replaced or removed. Patients should also discuss with their doctor how the surgery may affect future breast examinations and what monitoring may be recommended.
Breast Augmentation with Fat (Autologous Fat Transfer)
Breast augmentation with fat is a procedure in which breast volume is increased using the patient’s own fat tissue. First, fat is taken from another area of the body (for example the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) using liposuction. The fat is then specially processed and injected in small amounts into the breast tissues to create the desired volume and contour.
This method may be suitable for patients who want a moderate breast enlargement, improvement of breast shape, or correction of minor asymmetry, especially when a natural feel is important and implants are not desired.
It is important to know that some of the transferred fat may not survive, so the final result depends on the body’s individual response. In some cases, an additional fat transfer procedure may be needed to achieve the desired volume.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, seroma, pain, bruising, fat resorption (reduction), irregularities or asymmetry, fat cysts, calcifications, and in rare cases fat tissue necrosis. If lumps or firm areas appear, additional examination may be required to determine their origin.
Breast Augmentation Combined with a Breast Lift (Augmentation Mastopexy)
In some cases, breasts may not only have lost volume but may also have sagged. In such situations, breast augmentation alone may not provide the desired aesthetic improvement. Breast augmentation combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) is a combined procedure in which breast volume is increased while the breast position is corrected by removing excess skin and lifting the breast tissue.
This procedure may be suitable for patients whose breasts have sagged after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight changes, or due to aging. When breast augmentation is combined with a lift, the implant size or the extent of correction may be limited due to tissue tension and the need to ensure safe healing.