Many patients desire naturally looking, larger, and well-shaped breasts. Breast augmentation with silicone implants remains one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. Both young women who have small breasts after their breasts have finished developing and women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding and suffer from sagging breasts desire a natural breast augmentation. This can be achieved with implants and/or Autologous fat possible. Depending on the initial situation, in addition to breast augmentation, a Streamlining of the skin flap and repositioning of the nipple may be necessary.
Key Points at a Glance
Scar Care Starting at 3 Weeks
Consultation for Traditional Breast Augmentation with Implants
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.
Before a traditional breast augmentation, two in-depth consultations usually take place. It is very important to us that you are well-informed about the procedure, that all your questions are answered, and that your wishes are taken into account.
Dr. Lüdi will discuss with you the surgical technique, the exact incision site and placement of the implant, potential risks and complications, as well as postoperative care. Dr. Lüdi will also be happy to show you before-and-after photos of breast augmentation procedures.
Alternatives to traditional breast augmentation:
Choosing Breast Implants
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 as well as 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).
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?".
The Process of Breast Augmentation with Implants in Basel
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
Traditional breast augmentation with silicone implants can be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia at our clinic in Basel and takes approximately 90 minutes.
The breast implants are inserted through a small incision in the inframammary fold or at the lower edge of the nipple and, depending on the patient's individual circumstances, are placed either above the pectoral muscle (epectoral) or below the pectoral muscle (subpectoral).
A traditional breast augmentation with implants may also involve an additional procedure, depending on the indication. Autologous fat transfer can be combined (known as hybrid breast augmentation). Depending on the initial situation, in addition to breast augmentation, an additional Breast lift of the skin flap and repositioning of the nipple may be necessary.
Immediately after breast surgery
After your surgery, you can recover in our beautiful patient rooms with a view of the Rhine, where our team will take care of you. After another checkup with Dr. Lüdi, you can have a companion pick you up 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 6-week recovery period to support optimal healing. This means that during this time, you should avoid sports, carrying or lifting heavy objects, and sleeping on your stomach. Sports such as rock climbing, scuba 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 avoid wearing a push-up bra for 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 Surgery with Implants
In principle, every surgery carries certain risks; however, breast augmentation with implants is generally a low-risk procedure, and complications are very rare. In addition to the general risks associated with surgery (e.g., bruising, wound healing complications, scarring issues), there is a rare risk of infection or postoperative bleeding.
Any changes in sensation around the nipple usually subside on their own after a certain amount of time. After about 6 weeks, the body forms a thin connective tissue capsule around the breast implants. If this capsule thickens and hardens after several years, this is referred to as capsular contracture. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, hardening, and distortion of the breast shape; in such cases, the breast implants should be replaced.
Modern silicone implants, such as those used by Dr. Lüdi, have a nanotextured—that is, very finely roughened—surface. Compared to smooth breast implants, this reduces the risk of capsular contracture. During the consultation, Dr. Lüdi will discuss the potential risks and complications with you in detail and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Alternative Methods to Traditional Breast Augmentation
Cost of a Traditional Breast Augmentation in Basel
The cost depends on your preferences, the type and extent of the surgery, and the materials required (including implants). During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to you and provide you with a personalized cost estimate. Generally, health insurance does not cover the costs of breast augmentation, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Dr. Simona Lüdi, M.D., is a board-certified specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery (FMH, EBOPRAS)
She grew up in the Basel region, studied medicine at the University of Basel, and has many years of surgical experience in the field of cosmetic surgery, with a focus on cosmetic breast surgery.
Traditional breast augmentation requires precise surgical planning and a thorough understanding of breast anatomy. At the Zum Goldenen Schnitt Clinic in Basel, the procedure is performed in the clinic’s own operating room, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Dr. Lüdi provides personalized, honest, and individualized advice—woman to woman—with a focus on natural and harmonious results.