Breast Augmentation

Plastic Surgeon
The consultation always takes place with the plastic surgeon who will be treating you. During this initial consultation, you can discuss your goals regarding breast augmentation. Your plastic surgeon will answer your initial questions and review your medical history with you. Afterward, photos will be taken for your medical record, and he will examine your breasts. He will measure the size of your breasts and the thickness of your skin. Based on this information, he can recommend a type of implant, whether the implant should be placed above (subglandular) or below the muscle (dual-plane), and which volume best suits your preferences.

In front of the mirror, you’ll then have the opportunity to “try on” the selected size so that you can make an informed decision about the implant to be used.

The plastic surgeon will show you before-and-after photos of breast augmentation results from procedures he or she has performed personally, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions. Afterward, your consultation will be summarized in a treatment plan, and the total costs will be discussed. The consultation lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is intended to provide you with as clear and complete information as possible.

Consultant
Following your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will have a (telephone) conversation with your consultant. The purpose of this conversation is to inform you about matters that need to be arranged prior to your treatment. You can read more information about your consultation at Boerhaave here.

3D Consultation
It can be difficult to realistically estimate the potential improvement beforehand. If you’d like larger breasts, it’s not always easy to visualize what that will look like. That’s why Boerhaave offers the option to have a 3D animation of your breasts created prior to your consultation. You can do this at home by taking a few photos and creating a simulation. You can discuss this with the doctor during your consultation, and the doctor can show you the possibilities. For more information, please visit our Crisalix information page.

In breast augmentation, the shape and/or size of the breasts are improved by inserting implants. These are placed above or partially beneath the pectoral muscle. The plastic surgeon makes an incision beneath the breast along the future breast crease. A pocket (space) is then created into which the implant is placed. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

Implant Placement
You can choose to have the implant placed entirely in front of, entirely behind, or partially behind the pectoral muscle. The latter is called “dual plane.” During your consultation with the plastic surgeon, you will discuss which placement will give you the best results.

The main reason for placing an implant behind the pectoral muscle is related to the amount of natural breast tissue. If this tissue is not thick enough, an implant may become visible when placed in front of the pectoral muscle, resulting in an unnatural appearance. After the implant is placed, the pocket is closed and the skin is sutured with dissolvable stitches. The incision is covered with Steristrips, topped with a water-repellent, transparent bandage.

After breast augmentation surgery, you will typically remain at the clinic for two to four hours, until the medical team determines it is safe for you to go home.

After your surgery, you may start with easily digestible foods such as water, tea, and crackers. You will also be fitted for a sports bra, which the clinic will provide free of charge. It is important that you wear this sports bra day and night for six weeks.

Recovery
After breast augmentation, you may experience the following:

• A feeling of tightness or pressure in your breasts;

• A burning sensation in your nipples;

• Numbness in your nipples or breasts; or

• One breast may be more swollen and painful than the other.

In general, it takes three to seven days to recover. Around the third or fourth day, you’ll notice that the swelling caused by the treatment slowly begins to subside. Do you have implants placed under the muscle or in a dual-plane position? If so, recovery may take a little longer.

Scars
The scars will be located precisely in the skin fold beneath the breast. The plastic surgeon will do everything possible to make them barely visible. At first, the scars will be red and swollen. After a few months, this will subside until they are barely visible. It may take a year and a half for the scars to fully settle. During that time, it’s important to take good care of the scars. You can do this with a special moisturizing cream provided by the clinic. In addition, always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during the first year to protect your skin.

Scar Cream
During your first follow-up visit, you’ll be given a scar cream to take home. As soon as the wound has closed and the scabs have fallen off, you can start applying the scar cream. By applying this to the closed wound twice a day, you’ll increase the chances of a smooth, even healing.

Boerhaave has helped thousands of women achieve their desired cup size. Curious about the results of breast augmentation at Boerhaave?

Click here to see before-and-after photos of breast augmentation.

It is important to realize that any surgical procedure can involve risks and complications. This also applies to breast augmentation. The risks and complications associated with this procedure are minimal, as it is generally performed on healthy individuals. Through thorough counseling, a comprehensive medical history (including details such as medication use, any issues with previous surgeries, and allergies), and our professional approach, we minimize these risks to an absolute minimum. You can also minimize the risk of complications by carefully following the instructions you received prior to your breast augmentation.

Possible complications include:

• Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that requires drainage)

• Adverse reaction to the anesthesia

• Postoperative bleeding

• Infection

• Capsular contracture

• Implant rupture

• Displacement or rotation of the implant

• Wrinkling and folding of the implant

• Change in sensation

• Tissue breakdown

• Permanent unsightly scars

• Allergic reaction to suture material and/or bandages

• Damage to underlying structures

• Unsatisfactory aesthetic result

• ALCL

• ASIA (unexplained symptoms associated with implants)
  
  

Every year, many people undergo successful breast augmentation at Boerhaave. The likelihood of a complication occurring is very rare.

Capsular contracture
After breast augmentation, scar tissue that forms around the implants can cause the breast to feel tighter, firmer, and painful. Excessive firmness can occur soon after surgery, but it can also develop years later. It is impossible to predict, but the risk of tightening does increase over time. After 10 years, the incidence rate is 10 to 12 percent. This condition, known as capsular contracture, can occur on one side or both sides and is more common when the implant is placed in front of the pectoral muscle. It is possible to treat capsular contracture through surgery or by replacing or removing the implant. However, capsular contracture may recur after surgery.

Smoking
Patients who smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products before and/or after treatment are at greater risk of complications, such as skin necrosis and impaired wound healing. People exposed to secondhand smoke may also be at increased risk of similar complications. Furthermore, smoking can have a negative effect on anesthesia, potentially resulting in an increased risk of bleeding. It is important to refrain from smoking for at least four weeks prior to treatment and throughout the entire recovery process.

People who are not exposed to tobacco smoke or nicotine products have a significantly lower risk of such complications.

Surgical Information Leaflet

This patient information leaflet, developed by the NVPC, provides you with valuable information about the use and potential risks of silicone-filled breast implants.

With this information at your disposal, you can be sure that you are making an informed decision.

It is important that you choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of the NVPC. You can then always contact them with questions or for information regarding this patient information leaflet.