A natural looking, larger and shapely breast is the wish of many patients. Breast enlargement (mammary augmentation) is still one of the most frequently performed aesthetic operations. Both young women, who have only small breasts after the completion of breast growth, and women who have less breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding and suffer from sagging breasts, desire a natural breast augmentation. This is possible with implants and/or autologous fat. Depending on the initial situation, in addition to enlargement of the breast, a tightening of the skin mantle and repositioning of the nipple may be necessary.
The consultation for breast augmentation
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lüdi specializes in breast surgery and will be happy to advise you personally, woman to woman, on the subject of breast augmentation at her clinic in Basel.
As a rule, two detailed consultations take place before a breast augmentation. It is very important to us that you are well informed about the procedure, that all open questions are answered and that your wishes are addressed. Dr. Lüdi will discuss with you the surgical technique, the exact incision and placement of the implant, possible risks and complications as well as the aftercare. Dr. Lüdi will also be happy to show you before and after pictures of a breast augmentation.
The implant selection
During the second consultation, Dr. Lüdi will work with you to determine your desired future breast size and shape. For this purpose, special bra inserts and a 3D simulation (Crisalix) so that you can better visualize the result.
For breast augmentation, we only use the most modern, high-quality implants from renowned companies (including Motiva).
You can also read our Journal article on the topic "Breast augmentation - How do I find the right breast implant size for me?".
On the day of surgery
On the day of the operation, Dr. Lüdi prepares a photo documentation before the operation and makes the markings on the breast. You will then be prepared for the upcoming operation and accompanied to the operating room.
The operation - breast augmentation in Basel
Breast augmentation can be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia at our clinic in Basel and takes approximately 90 minutes.
The implants are inserted through a small incision in the crease under the breast or at the lower edge of the nipple and, depending on the individual requirements of the patient, are placed either above the breast muscle (epipectoral) or below the breast muscle (subpectoral). Breast augmentation with implants can also be combined with additional autologous fat transfer, depending on the indication (so-called hybrid breast augmentation). Depending on the initial situation, in addition to enlargement of the breast, tightening of the skin mantle and repositioning of the nipple may be necessary.
Immediately after surgery
After the operation, you can recover from the procedure in our beautiful patient rooms with a view of the Rhine and will be looked after by our team. After another visit by Dr. Lüdi, you can be picked up by an accompanying person and return home the same day.
The aftercare
- The first follow-up visit by Dr. Lüdi takes place the very next day.
- For 6 weeks, you should wear a well-fitting sports bra during the day and at night.
- We recommend a rest period of 6 weeks to support an optimal healing process. This means that you should refrain from sports, carrying and lifting loads and sleeping in the prone position during this time. Sports such as climbing, diving, golf, tennis and PowerPlate should even be avoided for the first 3 months after surgery to support optimal healing of the implant. You should also not wear a push-up bra until 3 months after surgery.
- Pain intensity after surgery is generally moderate and well controlled with common analgesics.
- From the second day after the operation you may shower again with a special waterproof plaster.
- Scar care can be started from 3 weeks postoperatively. Dr. Lüdi will instruct you accordingly at the appropriate time.
Risks and complications of breast augmentation
In principle, every operation involves certain risks, but in general breast augmentation is a low-risk procedure and complications are very rare. In addition to the general surgical risks (e.g. bruising, wound healing problems, scar problems), there is a risk of infection or post-operative bleeding in rare cases. Any sensory disturbances in the area of the nipple usually subside on their own after a certain time. After about 6 weeks, the body encases the implants in a fine capsule of connective tissue. If this capsule thickens and hardens after several years, this is called capsular fibrosis. Symptoms such as pain, hardening and distortion of the breast shape can occur, so that in these cases the implants should be changed. Modern implants, such as those used by Dr. Lüdi, have a nanotextured, i.e. very finely roughened surface. Compared to smooth implants, this reduces the risk of capsular fibrosis. During the consultation, Dr. Lüdi will discuss the possible risks and complications with you in detail and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Alternative treatment methods
An alternative to breast implants is the Own fat treatment in which fatty tissue is extracted from another area of the body, processed and inserted into the breast. In order to achieve the desired breast size, sometimes several procedures (2 to 3 sessions) are necessary at intervals of about 3 to 6 months.
Costs
The cost of breast augmentation depends on your wishes, the type and extent of the operation and the materials required (including implants). During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will put together a treatment tailored to you personally and provide you with an individual cost estimate. As a rule, health insurance does not cover the costs of breast augmentation, as it is an aesthetic procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Also read the Journal articles "Shapes and sizes of breast implants" and "Breast augmentation - How do I find the right breast implant size for me?".
Simona Lüdi, MD, will be happy to welcome you for a personal consultation for breast augmentation at our clinic in Basel. We look forward to seeing you.