Breast augmentation: modalities, techniques and before/after
Presentation of breast augmentation
A breast augmentation is a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery procedure. It is performed by a plastic surgeon under general anesthesia. The minimum age for requesting breast surgery is 18, but in some rare cases surgery can be considered as early as 15 years of age in the context of reconstruction of deformities.
Breast augmentation can be performed by 2 techniques:
You will find detailed information on these 2 cosmetic surgery procedures by clicking on the links above.
Why use a qualified practitioner for your breast augmentation?
Once you have decided to increase the size of your breasts, you should not rush into choosing a practitioner.
To perform this type of operation according to scientific and ethical standards, several criteria must be met. The surgeon must of course be authorized to practice in the field of plastic surgery by the National Council of the Order of Physicians. This authorization is issued following an internship in general surgery completed by a specialization in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery (DESC).
To be sure, you can consult the council of the order of your department or the site of the C.N.O.M.
The experience of the practitioner is important.
Choose the plastic surgeon who will combine qualification, experience and the ability to listen. We belong to this category.
We will do our best to meet your expectations and minimize the risks to make your procedure a success.
Avoid breast augmentation tourism
If you are only looking for the lowest price, there is no shortage of travel agencies and websites that offer all-inclusive "cheap travel and breast augmentation" packages. The uncertainties of making this type of choice are several, including:
The exact origin and random quality of the breast implants used. In the absence of certification bodies and reliable controls in the countries concerned, for this type of product, the risk of using implants from China cannot be completely ruled out.
- The absence or minimization of preoperative consultations and assessments.
- The absence or reduction of postoperative follow-up and unreliable guarantees offered to patients.
For breast surgery performed outside of Europe, there is no coverage by the health insurance or mutual health insurance. Is an apparent saving worth jeopardizing your health? What about postoperative care and the follow-up of possible complications? Do not play with your health!
What happens during the consultation before breast augmentation surgery?
In general, we will see you at least twice before the operation, although this is not mandatory. The second consultation can be done at the clinic in your room before the operation.
During the first visit, as part of the preparation of your medical file, you will answer a detailed questionnaire. Information regarding health problems experienced by you and your family, the type of medication used and any allergies are noted in detail. An examination will be performed including a morphological examination of the breasts, measurement of their size, examination of the mammary glands, thoracic muscles and skin (thin or thick).
We will summarize the data collected, the examinations performed and your wishes. This synthesis allows us to choose whether the breast augmentation will be based on lipofilling alone, implant placement or a hybrid technique (implants + lipofilling). In the case of implants, we select the type of breast implant that is best suited to your situation, the appropriate technique for its placement (behind the muscle or in front of it) and the location of the scars.
Then, together, in front of a mirror, we place test implants in a sports bra so that you have an idea of the final result on your silhouette. This is an essential moment that will help you choose the right implant size. Don't forget to bring a tight-fitting T-shirt for a better view (we can lend you one if you don't!!!)
At the end of the consultation, we will give you an information sheet and a detailed estimate including our fees and those of the anaesthetist, the costs of the clinic and the price of the prostheses by specifying their brand.
Afterwards, we may ask you to have a blood test and an imaging test (mammograms, ultrasound). Women over 60 years of age will be asked to undergo an examination by a cardiologist followed by a report (electrocardiogram, echocardiography) before the operation. In case of past urinary tract infections, a urinary ECBU test must be performed 2 to 3 days before the operation.
To give you time to reflect before making your final decision, the law states that your final decision and intervention can only take place within 15 days of the delivery of the estimate.
If you choose to have your surgery performed by our team, our assistants will organize the procedure by booking the surgery date at the clinic, making an appointment with the anesthesiologist and giving you a pre- and post-op prescription (medication, dressings, bra). A clinic reservation fee of 1000 euros will be charged at this time.
During the second consultation, which is free but optional, we answer any questions you may have, take pictures and discuss the practical aspects to be considered before surgery.
What are the tips and precautions before breast augmentation surgery?
A pre-anesthetic consultation is necessary between 28 and 2 days before the procedure. The anesthesiologist will screen for possible risk situations and may ask you for additional tests.
For a breast augmentation, smoking cessation is required for at least 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after the operation. During the 10 days preceding the operation, it is not recommended to take any medication containing acetylsalicylic acid or Aspirin. We prefer that you stop taking the pill in the month surrounding the operation to limit the risk of phlebitis.
It is preferable to wax the armpits 7 days before the procedure, regardless of the location of the scars.
Before going to the clinic, prepare your bag. Don't forget to pack your medications, bandages, sports bra, toiletries and a towel. To avoid touching your chest, take only clothes that open in the front (e.g. shirt).
How is the hospitalization and the anesthesia carried out?
In most cases, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. In exceptional cases, local anesthesia may be used. It will be reinforced by tranquilizers introduced by intravenous infusion (neurolepanalgesia).
Hospitalization varies from one day (ambulatory surgery) to one day and one night depending on the technique chosen.
In cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation acts on the shape and the base of the breasts.
It can eliminate "Ptosis" which is manifested by skin distension, sagging breasts and areolas downwards.
It can also treat problems of dissymmetry or asymmetry (the inequality of volume between the 2 breasts).
A woman who decides to increase the volume of her breasts wants to enhance her bust and align it with the general morphology of her body.
In reconstructive surgery, breast augmentation can meet the following 5 main objectives:
- To restore volume to breasts that have been considered hypotrophic (too small) since puberty.
- Correct congenital hypomastia or breast agenesis (total absence of breasts).
- Correct a congenital breast malformation (Poland syndrome).
- Correct defects in the development of the breast base (tuberous breasts).
Lipofilling breast augmentation before and after: natural results
Lipofilling breast augmentation is a natural alternative to implants, ideal for women who want a subtle, harmonious result. This technique involves injecting the patient's own fat to reshape and contour the breasts without foreign bodies. Before-and-after photos of breast lipofilling show a gradual transformation, offering a balanced silhouette and firmer breasts. Thanks to this approach, it's possible to achieve a natural result, with no visible scars and a supple feel. What's more, the refinement of donor areas, such as the tummy or hips, is an added aesthetic benefit.
Visit our page to learn more about the before-and-after results of lipofilling breast augmentation .
Before and after breast implants: photos of breast implants
For those seeking greater volume gain, breast augmentation with prostheses remains the reference solution. Before-and-after photos of breast implants illustrate significant results, tailored to the expectations of each patient. Depending on the patient's morphology and desires, the choice of breast implants (round or anatomical) and their positioning (subglandular or submuscular) enable the patient to obtain shapely, harmonious breasts. This technique is particularly recommended for correcting asymmetry, restoring volume after pregnancy or simply enhancing the décolleté with visible, long-lasting results.
Visit our page to learn more about the before-and-after results of breast augmentation with prostheses.
Price of breast augmentation: how much does it cost?
The price of breast augmentation varies according to several determining factors. Firstly, the technique used plays a key role: breast implants, lipofilling (fat injection) or a combination of the two will have different costs. Secondly, the surgeon's experience and reputation can influence fees, as can the clinic's location, with some major cities offering higher rates. Ancillary costs such as anesthesia, hospitalization, pre-operative consultations and post-operative care are also taken into account. As each operation is unique, a detailed estimate is systematically drawn up after an initial consultation with the surgeon.
To find out more about the procedure or the price of breast augmentation by prosthesis or lipofilling (fat injection), please contact us.
Find all the most frequently asked questions about breast augmentation on our dedicated page.
Have a question? Please contact us!
The firm
Docteur Yaël Berdah and Docteur Marc-David Benjoar
Plastic surgeons in Paris France