One of the most common procedures in the field of plastic surgery is breast augmentation. If you have asymmetrical breasts, have undergone a mastectomy or are very unsure about your breasts, you can consider this procedure. Although it is a minor operation, there is a lot involved and it is wise to deepen yourself a lot in the subject and get informed by a good plastic surgeon.

What is a breast augmentation?

A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that changes the shape or size of the breast. This is done by means of a prosthesis that is inserted into the breast and thus enlarges the breast. This procedure is performed by a plastic surgeon. Usually the patient is admitted for a day treatment and may return home the same day. The procedure takes place under a general anesthetic and is usually not reimbursed by an insurer.

Types of breast prostheses

There are many types of breast prostheses on the market that all differ in terms of shape, content, size and quality. It is very important to get a lot of information about the different types of breast prostheses. The shell of the prostheses are always made of silicone, but the difference is in the filling of the prostheses;

Prosthesis with liquid silicone gel

The oldest form of a breast prosthesis is the prosthesis with liquid silicone gel. This type of prosthesis gives the most natural result and feels the most natural. Disadvantage; If the prosthesis starts to leak, the liquid is difficult to remove. The silicone gel goes through the body. After much scientific research has shown that this can do no harm. However, this type of breast prosthesis is still little used now that there are prostheses with solid silicone gel that can not leak.

Prosthesis with cohesive (solid) silicone gel

This type of prosthesis gives almost the same result as the upper liquid variant. The advantage is that this prosthesis can not leak. For this reason, this type of prosthesis is increasingly being used.

Prosthesis with physiological saline

The advantage of this type of prosthesis is that the silicone filling is only filled when the prosthesis is already in the chest. This requires a smaller incision to place the prosthesis and thus a smaller scar. However, there is a chance that the prosthesis will leak, which in itself can not do any harm because the physiological saline solution is absorbed by the body. This means two unequal breasts, so a new intervention. This type of prosthesis can also feel unnatural.

Monobloc prosthesis filled with hydrogel

This type of prosthesis is a silicone shell that is filled with hydrogel. This consists of 95% water and 5% sugar. The disadvantage of this prosthesis is that the hydrogel can leak out of the prosthesis and end up in the body. The hydrogel can also absorb water from the body in the event of a leak, resulting in swollen breasts.

Capsular formation

After placing the prosthesis, the body starts to create scar tissue that forms around the prosthesis, this is called capsular formation. This is a natural process of the body that reacts to something that is not the body’s own, the prosthesis. If there is too much capsule formation, it may be necessary to have it removed surgically.