Overview
Breast augmentation using breast implants is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to increase breast size, improve their shape, or correct breast asymmetry. It is intended for patients who wish to achieve a bust that is more in harmony with their figure, while seeking a natural, proportionate, and long-lasting result.
In Paris, Dr. Alexandre Vairinho offers personalized care based on a thorough clinical examination, an analysis of body shape, and a careful assessment of your expectations. The goal is to develop a comprehensive surgical plan that takes into account the quality of your tissue, the shape of your chest, your lifestyle, and your aesthetic preferences.
The breast implants used today are medical devices that most often contain cohesive silicone gel, which is valued for its soft feel and long-lasting durability. Comprehensive information is provided before any procedure, so that your decision is based on clear, honest, and understandable facts.
Explanation of the technique
The procedure involves inserting a breast implant to increase breast volume. The surgical approach is determined during the consultation, based on your anatomy and the desired outcome.
Choosing implants: volume, shape, and projection
Choosing an implant is not just a matter of cup size. It depends on several factors:
- the width of the breast base and the chest
- existing breast volume
- the thickness of the tissues (skin, fat, glands)
- skin quality and elasticity
- the position of the areola and symmetry
- your expectations (discretion, shape, projection)
This planning process helps ensure a harmonious result by minimizing the risk of an artificial or disproportionate appearance.
All breast implants used by Dr. Vairinho bear the CE mark (European Union) and have been approved by the ANSM (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety).
A breast implant is defined by several characteristics:
- The shell: made of a smooth silicone elastomer. Dr. Vairinho does not use textured implants or polyurethane implants.
- The material: The implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. The gel is cohesive, meaning that if the implant ruptures, the silicone does not leak out. The implants feel soft to the touch, giving them a natural feel. Implants filled with saline solution are becoming less and less common these days.
- Shape: The implants Dr. Vairinho uses are round, creating a beautiful cleavage. The implant projection can be low (very useful for reconstructive surgery), moderate (used in most cases), or high (useful when there is associated breast ptosis).
Dr. Vairinho does not use anatomical implants, which carry an increased risk of rotation. Furthermore, these implants require a textured surface. Although the risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma is rare, this condition is primarily associated with textured implants.
Different types of scars
To insert the breast implants, a custom-made pocket will be created. Several surgical approaches are possible for this:
- Periareolar scar (around the areola): The incision is made in a semicircle around the areola. Because of the difference in color between the areola and the breast skin, this scar is barely visible—or virtually invisible—to someone who is not a surgeon. Breastfeeding remains possible.
- Inframammary scar: The incision is made along the inframammary fold. This approach is particularly useful for women with small areolas that do not allow the implant to pass through. When the patient is standing, the scar is not visible, as the breast slightly sags over it. It is only visible when the patient is lying down.
- Scar in the armpit: The incision is made under the arm. This technique has the advantage of leaving no scars on the breast, but the scar may be visible in the armpit when the patient is wearing a swimsuit or a tank top.
Each technique for placing breast implants has its own advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Vairinho will help you choose the option that is best suited to your breasts.
Position of breast implants
The pocket that the surgeon will create to fit the implant will depend on several factors specific to each patient: implant size, skin thickness, glandular volume, musculature, and the shape of the breast and chest…
There are three types of lodges:
- Retro-pectoral placement: the implant is placed behind the pectoralis major muscle. The advantages of this technique include placement of the implant behind the muscle, as well as a more natural-looking result (the muscle presses against the implant, giving the breast a pear-shaped appearance, and the implant is less palpable, resulting in a natural feel).
- Retroglandular or pre-muscular pocket: the implant is placed behind the breast gland and in front of the pectoralis major muscle. This technique is suitable for athletic women and for patients with sufficient breast tissue to soften the edges of the implant.
- Dual-plane placement: This is the most advanced technique. The upper part of the implant is placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle, while the lower part is placed beneath the breast gland. This results in a natural, teardrop-shaped appearance with less palpable implant contours.
Overview of the procedure
The process begins with one or more surgical consultations. These appointments allow us to assess your body type, conduct a comprehensive clinical examination, and take the necessary measurements to determine the most appropriate technique for your situation. This consultation is also an opportunity to discuss your expectations, goals, and the various options available in detail.
You will receive detailed medical information to help you understand the benefits, limitations, and potential outcomes of the procedure. A personalized estimate will be provided, and the legally required cooling-off period will be observed. As part of the preoperative evaluation, an anesthesia consultation will be scheduled, and certain tests may be ordered, including a mammogram depending on your age and medical history.
Breast augmentation with implants is performed in a clinic, usually under general anesthesia. The procedure typically lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the technique used and the patient’s anatomical characteristics.
The incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize scarring. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis or with a brief period of observation. At the end of the procedure, a compression bandage is applied and will be removed the following day during the follow-up visit with Dr. Vairinho.
BEFORE / AFTER
Postoperative Care and Expected Results
Postoperative symptoms vary from patient to patient, but certain symptoms are common in the first few days:
- transient edema (swelling)
- a feeling of tightness in the chest
- moderate bruising
- variable breast tenderness
You can usually take a shower the day after the procedure.
A compression bra is prescribed for several weeks to keep the implants in a stable position and aid in healing.
Activities are gradually resuming :
- Light activities: after a few days, depending on how you feel
- desk work: usually after about a week
- sports and strenuous physical activity: generally after 4 to 6 weeks
Regular post-operative follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, changes in volume, and proper integration of the implants.
The volume is visible immediately, but the results continue to improve as swelling subsides and the tissues soften.
Over the coming weeks:
- the chest becomes more supple
- the curve is stabilizing
- the implants gradually integrate
- the result looks more natural, even when in motion
The final results are usually visible after several months. The goal is to achieve a bust that is proportionate, natural, and in harmony with your figure.
Breast Implant Replacement
Breast implant replacement is a different procedure from the initial breast augmentation. It may be considered for medical, technical, or cosmetic reasons.
Over time, the breasts and surrounding tissues naturally change due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. In some cases, implant replacement may be recommended to improve comfort, safety, or the aesthetic appearance of the breasts.
The decision to replace breast implants is made following a thorough clinical evaluation, which may be supplemented by imaging tests (breast ultrasound or MRI).
When should you consider replacing your dentures?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no universal rule requiring systematic replacement after 10 years. However, replacement may be considered in the following situations:
- rupture or suspected rupture of the implant
- changes in the shape or position of the breasts over time
- problematic periprosthetic shell (hardening, pain, deformation)
- implant displacement
- discomfort or functional impairment
- desire to adjust the volume (quieter or louder)
- seeking a more natural look following physical changes (pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging)
The goal of the replacement is to improve comfort, safety, and/or aesthetics, while respecting the current anatomy.
Explanation of the replacement technique
The postoperative course depends on the complexity of the procedure.
In the case of a simple implant replacement, the recovery process may be similar to that of a first breast augmentation. When additional procedures are performed (capsulectomy, breast lift, repositioning), recovery may take a little longer.
In the days following the procedure, the following may be observed:
- breast swelling
- bruises
- a feeling of tension
- transient sensitivity
A compression bra is typically prescribed for several weeks to help stabilize the position of the implants and support the healing process.
Regular post-operative follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor:
- healing
- the position of the implants
- changes in the shape and firmness of the breast
Expected outcomes following prosthesis replacement
The expected results vary depending on the reason for the replacement.
In particular, the intervention can help:
- to improve comfort or alleviate discomfort
- to restore a more harmonious breast contour
- to adjust the size of the implants to current preferences
- to improve breast symmetry
- to optimize the aesthetic results over time
The results gradually improve in the weeks following the procedure, as swelling subsides and the tissues soften.
Like any surgical procedure, breast implant replacement carries certain risks, although complications are rare. Possible complications may include: postoperative hematoma or bleeding, infection, delayed healing, changes in breast or nipple sensitivity, implant displacement or malposition, recurrence of capsular contracture, and persistent asymmetry
These situations are discussed during the preoperative consultation to ensure that patients receive clear and comprehensive information.
Regular medical follow-up allows for monitoring the implants' progress over time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implants
No, there is no automatic requirement to replace the device after 10 years. In the absence of symptoms or complications, regular clinical monitoring is recommended.
When the implant is selected based on the patient’s anatomy and tissue thickness, the result is generally natural-looking, including to the touch. The choice of volume, projection, and placement plane is critical.
The incisions are made in inconspicuous areas. The appearance of the scars also depends on individual factors (skin quality, healing, sun exposure, smoking).
In most cases, breastfeeding is still possible. Each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis during a consultation.
As with any surgery, there are risks, including hematoma, infection, periprosthetic capsule formation, displacement, or rupture. Detailed information is provided prior to the procedure.
Yes. When replacing implants, it is often an opportunity to adjust the volume—either increasing or decreasing it—based on your current preferences and your anatomy.
>> This page is intended to provide general information. Only a consultation with Dr. Vairinho will allow for an accurate assessment of your situation and the recommendation of an appropriate treatment plan. A personalized quote is provided only during a consultation.
