DR VIVIEN MORIS
Breast silicone implant
Silicone implant
I use round, smooth silicone implants for breast augmentation. I work with top-quality labs such as Motiva, Mentor, Eurosilicone, and Sebbin
Hospital stay
The patient is able to return home on the same day of the surgery, as it is an outpatient procedure
Surgical technique
The implant will be placed under the pectoralis muscle with a dual-plane technique
Post-operative care
The patient will have a protective dressing on the wound until the next consultation. No shower during 7 days. A compressive bra must be worn for one month.
Time
The surgery last around 1 hour under general anesthesia
Sports / Daily life
The patient should avoid lifting weights, including children, for one month. Normal sedentary activities can be resumed on the day of the surgery.
Is breast augmentation painful?
This is most common concern. The straightforward answer is yes, there is some discomfort associated with the procedure, but it is typically minimal. I prioritize patient comfort and utilize advanced techniques to manage pain effectively. My special technique involves the use of a long-lasting local anesthetic, specifically designed to numb the breast and muscle areas for up to 24 hours post-surgery. This approach significantly reduces the intensity of any discomfort experienced after the procedure, often making the need for strong pain medication unnecessary. In most cases, my patients find that over-the-counter pain relief like Paracetamol is sufficient to manage any post-operative pain. This commitment to patient comfort is just one of the ways we ensure a positive and comfortable experience for our breast augmentation patients.
Round or Teardrops silicone implant?
When considering breast augmentation, one of the key decisions involves choosing between round and teardrop silicone breast implants. Round implants are known for providing a fuller appearance at the top of the breasts, often resulting in a more pronounced cleavage. They are generally considered to give a more symmetrical and balanced look. On the other hand, teardrop implants, also known as anatomical implants, are designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast, offering a more gradual taper towards the top. These implants are often chosen by those seeking a more subtle enhancement, replicating the natural contours of the breast. The choice between round and teardrop implants depends on individual aesthetic goals and the specific body type of the patient.
Which scar?
In breast augmentation, the placement of the surgical scar is an important consideration. There are three primary incision sites: inframammary, peri-areolar, and axillary. The inframammary incision is made in the fold under the breast, allowing the scar to be well-concealed beneath the natural breast contour. This approach offers excellent access for the surgeon and is often preferred for larger implants. The peri-areolar incision is made around the edge of the areola, blending the scar with the natural transition in skin color. This technique is beneficial for patients seeking minimal visibility of the scar, and can be associated to a mini breast-lift. Lastly, the axillary incision is made in the underarm area, completely avoiding scars on the breast itself. While this method offers the most discreet scarring, it can be more challenging for placing certain types of implants and is less and less used by doctors.
Will I be able to breastfeed in the future?
One frequent concern among women considering breast augmentation is the impact of silicone implants on breastfeeding. The good news is that, in most cases, breast implants do not hinder the ability to breastfeed. The placement of implants, typically either beneath the breast tissue or under the chest muscle, generally does not interfere with the milk ducts or nipples. However, it's important to note that the specific surgical technique used can affect this. For instance, incisions made around the areola have a slightly higher chance of affecting breastfeeding capabilities, compared to under-the-breast or underarm incisions.
Do silicone implants cause breast cancer?
This is a common question, whether silicone breast implants are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The answer, based on extensive research and clinical studies, is reassuring: there is no scientific evidence to suggest that silicone breast implants increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These implants have been rigorously tested for safety and are approved by major health regulatory agencies. It's important to note, however, that all breast implant patients are encouraged to continue regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms, as recommended for their age and risk factors. Regular monitoring is crucial for all women, irrespective of whether they have breast implants.
But what is ALCL?
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a very rare medical condition first identified in 2011, specifically associated with breast implants. This condition is a type of cancer that affects the membrane surrounding the silicone implant, rather than the breast tissue itself. To put its rarity in perspective, there have been about 900 reported cases of ALCL among the approximately 40 million women worldwide with silicone breast implants. It's important to note that ALCL has been predominantly correlated with macro-textured implants, such as the Allergan Biocell implant, which has since been banned and removed from the market due to these concerns. My commitment to patient safety is paramount, and as such, we exclusively use smooth implants, which have not been associated with ALCL
Should I do babies before breast surgery?
A frequent question we encounter from women considering breast augmentation is whether they should have children before undergoing the procedure. This is an important consideration, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect breast size and shape, potentially altering the results of the surgery. While breast implants do not typically interfere with the ability to breastfeed, pregnancy can lead to natural changes in the breasts that might impact the aesthetic outcome of the augmentation. If you plan to have children in the near future, you may wish to postpone the surgery until after completing your family. However, if pregnancy is not planned for several years, you might choose to proceed with the augmentation.
When can I resume sport activities?
It's important for patients to understand that the recovery period can vary, and returning to physical activity should be a gradual process. Typically, light activities, such as walking, can be resumed within a few days post-surgery, aiding circulation and recovery. However, it's crucial to avoid strenuous activities, especially those that involve the chest muscles like weight lifting for at least four to six weeks. This allows the implants to properly settle and the incision sites to heal. High-impact activities, such as running or jumping, should be reintroduced slowly and only after one month after the surgery.
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Understanding the possible complications of breast augmentation is crucial for anyone considering this procedure. While breast augmentation is generally safe, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, poor scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant leakage or rupture, and capsular contracture, where scar tissue around the implant tightens and causes discomfort.
How long last the silicone implants?
Breast implants are designed for durability, they are not considered lifetime devices. On average, breast implants can last between 10 to 15 years, although this can vary based on individual factors and the type of implant. Over time, implants can undergo changes, and issues such as implant rupture or capsular contracture may necessitate replacement or removal. We encourage regular check-ups to monitor the condition of the implants and address any concerns promptly. It's also important to note that individual lifestyle, age, and hormonal changes can influence the appearance and integrity of implants over time.