Access and placement of the breast implant? Questions for PD Mathias Tremp, M.D

Partially behind the large pectoral muscle (subpectoral)

Here the upper part of the breast implant is behind the muscles and the lower part behind the mammary gland. This technique can be done with slightly sagging breasts and there are 3 possible degrees of preparation.

Aftercare for breast augmentation?

After a surgical breast augmentation, the breasts may be tense and painful for the first few days. However, these sensations usually subside by themselves. Overall, regular follow-up examinations are performed up to one year after the operation, then annually.

At least 5 years after breast augmentation, an MRI examination is recommended to evaluate the implants or possible capsular fibrosis. After that, an ultrasound examination every 2 years is sufficient if you have no complaints.

As a patient, you should observe the following rules of conduct after the operation in order to optimally support the healing process:

You should not work directly after the surgery. Depending on the activity, you can return to your job after 3 to 7 days. You can usually perform your everyday activities without restrictions after 7 days.

Depending on the type of sport, you should not do any physical activity for a week. However, to promote lymphatic drainage or decongestion and also as a thrombosis prophylaxis, you should exercise 5 – 6 times per day (light walking) directly after the operation. Sports that put too much strain on the chest and arm muscles should be avoided for approx. 4 weeks with round implants or 12 weeks with drop-shaped implants, depending on the choice of implant.

Patients should permanently wear a special bra for about 4 to 6 weeks, which provides the necessary stability. At the same time, you will receive a breast belt from us, which must be worn for 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the position of the implant. The compression garment can be removed for showering.

To check the results of the operation, weekly check-ups are carried out initially after a breast lift, followed by follow-up check-ups every 6 to 12 weeks.

How should I lie after breast surgery?

After breast augmentation, a sufficiently long sleep of at least 8 hours is necessary for further wound healing. During the first 4-6 weeks you must sleep on your back. The support bra or breast belt must be worn at all times. The compression garment reduces swelling and pain and stabilizes the implants. Ideally, when sleeping, the upper body should be elevated about 30° and the arms should be placed on pillows to reduce swelling and pain. You can place several pillows or ring pillows behind the neck and under the knees to relieve the back. If you normally sleep on your stomach, you can practice sleeping on your back before the breast surgery. There should be no pressure on the implants, otherwise the implants may shift. You can sleep on your side 3 weeks after the operation. It helps to put a pillow under your arms and to your side so that you do not turn unintentionally. If the wounds are completely healed, you can lie on your stomach again after 4-6 weeks for round implants or after 12 weeks for drop-shaped implants.

Breast augmentation in combination with a breast lift for sagging breasts

The breast is an important female feature. If they do not have the desired shape, this can have a negative impact on the self-confidence of the woman concerned. To correct a sagging breast with low breast volume, surgical breast augmentation and/or breast lift are suitable.

A breast lift (mastopexy) is performed to counteract sagging breasts. The breast lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 2 to 3 hours in total. During this surgical procedure, up to three incisions are made to remove the excess skin tissue on the one hand and to move the nipple into a higher position on the other. Depending on the incision technique, a distinction is made between different methods that are also used for breast reduction.

Side effects of breast lift?

Although complications are rare with a breast lift, the patient must still be informed about possible risks: After the operation, bruising (haematoma), infections, post-operative bleeding and swelling may occur.

In addition, the patient may experience numbness in the nipple and surrounding skin tissue. However, all these side effects usually disappear by themselves after 6 to 12 months and are no cause for concern.

The surgical breast lift also leaves visible scars in the incision area. These fade more and more with time, but they remain for the rest of the patient’s life. However, the scars are secondary for patients when the silhouette is good.