What you need to know about breast implants
The aim of the procedure is to achieve a natural increase in breast volume with improved curvature and projection thanks to the implantation of prostheses.
The size and shape of the prostheses (pre-filled with silicone gel) are carefully studied by the surgeon according to the patient's wishes.
The procedure involves fitting breast prostheses to correct breast hypoplasia, i.e. insufficient breast volume in relation to the patient's morphology. Hypoplasia can occur immediately (small breasts since puberty) or secondarily, following significant weight loss or pregnancy followed by breast-feeding.
Applications
Breast hypoplasia is defined as breasts that are too small to match the patient's figure. It often results from poor development of the gland during adolescence, or occurs later, for example after hormonal upheaval, pregnancy or weight loss, all of which reduce the volume of the gland.
Mammary hypoplasia is sometimes accompanied by ptosis (drooping breasts due to a sagging mammary gland, distended skin and an areola positioned too low).
As it affects femininity, this defect is generally resented by the patient, both physically and psychologically, to the point where she sometimes feels very self-complexed and loses self-confidence.Breast augmentation with a prosthesis can solve the problem of too-small breasts.
This surgical procedure can be carried out from the age of 18 and throughout a person's life. Minors are generally considered unsuitable for cosmetic breast implants.
It should be noted that health insurance does not cover this procedure, the motivation being purely aesthetic. The only cases where partial coverage is possible, and subject to prior agreement, concern a few very specific cases of complete breast absence (breast agenesis).
Thanks to a wide range of shapes and volumes (silicone gel, physiological serum, hydrogel, inflatable and adjustable during the operation, etc.), the choice of implants is optimal: they can be virtually tailor-made to suit the shape and expectations of each patient.
Preparation
First of all, the surgeon ensures that there are no contraindications that could affect the outcome of the operation.
A consultation with the anaesthetist is scheduled no later than two days before the operation.
He analyzes all the patient's physical characteristics: height, weight, thoracic and breast morphology, musculature, amount of fat and gland volume, skin quality, pregnancies, breastfeeding, etc.
The surgical procedure is determined according to a number of criteria, including the patient's wishes, the surgeon's working method and the anatomical environment. The choice and positioning of the prostheses in relation to the muscles, as well as the location of the scars, can therefore be defined prior to the operation (see below).
Beforehand, blood tests are carried out to check that there are no contraindications to the procedure.
Mammography and ultrasound of the breasts are also performed in some cases.
It is strictly forbidden to take any medication containing aspirin for ten days prior to the operation. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you may have to fast (no solid or liquid food) for six hours before the operation.
Anaesthesia and hospitalization
Anesthesia features
Breast augmentation with prostheses requires general anesthesia: the patient is put to sleep for the duration of the operation.
Type of hospitalization
A single day's hospitalization is usually required, with admission planned for the morning (or afternoon of the previous day) and discharge scheduled for the following day.
In some cases, the operation is performed on an outpatient basis, with discharge scheduled for the same day after a few hours' monitoring.
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