Breast Augmentation

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is an aesthetic surgery procedure that increases breast volume and improves breast shape. It is suited to women who wish to:

• correct breast volume they consider insufficient,

• restore a harmonious figure after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss,

• restore natural fullness after asymmetry or a congenital malformation.

The goal is not simply to increase size, but above all to create a balanced silhouette adapted to each patient's morphology.

This page presents general information about the procedure. It does not replace a personalised medical consultation.

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The Different Breast Augmentation Techniques

Two main techniques exist:

1. Augmentation with breast implants (prosthesis)

• Silicone or saline: the most commonly used implants today are filled with cohesive silicone gel, offering a natural, long-lasting result.

• Shapes and volumes: round or anatomical — the choice depends on the patient's anatomy and wishes.

• Surgical incision: access may be via the inframammary fold (sub-mammary), around the areola, or in the axilla.

• Positioning: the implant may be placed in front of or behind the pectoral muscle, depending on tissue thickness and the desired outcome.

2. Breast fat grafting (lipofilling or lipostructure)

This technique uses the patient's own fat, harvested by liposuction (hips, abdomen, thighs), purified, and then re-injected into the breasts.

• Advantages: very natural result, dual benefit (improved silhouette + breast augmentation), no foreign body.

• Limitations: modest augmentation (often a maximum of one cup size), sometimes multiple sessions required.

In some cases, a combination of implants + fat grafting may be proposed for an optimal result.

Consultations allow the most appropriate technique (implants or fat grafting) to be determined and realistic goals to be set.

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Pre-operative Consultation

The consultation allows a personalised surgical plan to be established. It includes:

• a thorough medical history,

• an examination of the breasts and tissues,

• if necessary, medical photography,

• a discussion about the choice of breast implants (shape, size, position) or the feasibility of fat grafting,

• provision of a quote and an information leaflet.

A mandatory 15-day reflection period is required before any aesthetic surgery.

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Procedure

Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia, on a day-surgery basis in the majority of cases. The operating time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Breast implants:

• A discreet incision at the level of the inframammary fold, around the areola, or in the axilla.

• Placement of the prosthesis in front of or behind the pectoral muscle depending on tissue thickness.

Breast fat grafting:

• Fat harvested by liposuction (abdomen, thighs, hips).

• Purification and re-injection of fat into the breasts.

Implant traceability is ensured in accordance with applicable regulations.

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Post-operative Recovery

• Moderate and transient pain, relieved by appropriate analgesics.

• Wearing a support bra for 4 to 6 weeks.

• Return to work between 5 and 10 days depending on the activity.

• Progressive resumption of physical activities after approximately 6 weeks.

Regular monitoring is provided to track progress and support healing.

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Results and Limitations

The final result is visible after 3 to 6 months, once the breasts soften and the scars fade.

Breast augmentation provides a long-lasting result, but this may evolve over time with pregnancies, breastfeeding, or weight changes. A revision may be considered in some cases (persistent asymmetry, long-term implant replacement).

The lifespan of a breast implant averages 10 years according to the ANSM, although this estimate may differ from one patient to another.

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Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries risks:

• haematoma,

• infection,

• hypertrophic scarring,

• temporary alteration of sensitivity,

• implant displacement or rupture,

• capsular contracture,

• anaesthesia-related complications.

These complications remain rare and will be detailed during the consultation. They are also described in the SOFCPRE information leaflet.

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Alternatives and Non-surgical Options

The main alternative to breast implants is fat grafting, a technique without foreign material but offering more limited augmentation. In some cases, it is possible to combine the two methods.

To date, hyaluronic acid injections into the breasts are not recommended due to risks and the absence of scientific validation.

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FAQ

Does breast augmentation leave visible scars? Scars are discreet and generally concealed within natural folds (under the breast, at the areola, or in the axilla).

How long does a breast implant last? The ANSM recommends a lifespan of 10 years for a breast implant, but this period is variable.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation? In most cases breastfeeding remains possible, but this may vary depending on the technique used.