Breast augmentation by prosthesis provides an aesthetic solution to small breasts using silicone gel implants, or in some cases based on physiological saline. Breast augmentation is one of the most performed procedures in cosmetic surgery. It is practiced in patients who wish to improve or regain the volume of their breasts and the curve of their chest.
Do you need breast augmentation?
- If you want a breast that is more attractive or better proportioned to your body;
- If a breast lift alone will not achieve the shape you desire;
- If pregnancy, weight loss, or aging have changed the size and shape of your breasts;
- If your chest has asymmetry.
What are the advantages of breast implants?
The breast implant remains today the ideal lasting solution to increase breast volume. Breast prostheses make it possible to obtain:
- Better breast shape;
- Better symmetry;
- A fuller neckline.
What are the disadvantages of prosthesis augmentation?
- Breast implants can rupture over time;
- Breast implants require regular monitoring;
- The implants may eventually require a new intervention for a replacement.
What are the arguments for breast augmentation by prosthesis?
If you are dissatisfied with your breasts, find your breasts too small or unbalanced, if you lack self-confidence and the volume of your breasts has a significant psychological impact, breast implants may provide a relevant answer to your problems. . What are the reasons that may make you consider breast augmentation with prostheses?
- Your breasts have been small in size since your late teens;
- Your breasts have become smaller or less firm after pregnancy;
- Your breasts have become smaller after weight loss;
- One of your breasts is significantly smaller than the other.
If you are in good general health with realistic expectations, you are probably a good candidate for this procedure.
Information on breast augmentation surgery by implant:
How is a breast implant placement performed?
During breast augmentation with implants, a skin incision is made, a pocket is created under the breast, and an implant is placed in this pocket. The incisions called routes of approach are chosen according to the morphology and the desire of the patient. Four options are generally possible: 
- Areolar (intra-areolar) (incision in the nipple);
- Areolar (peri-areolar) (incision around the nipple);
- Axillary (under the arm at armpit level);
- Sub mammary (in the fold of the breast).
In front of or behind the muscle, what will be the position of the breast implants?
Multiple factors, especially the shape and size of your breasts, determine how your breast implants will be inserted and positioned. The natural aesthetic result and the quality of the neckline are the priority objectives. Implants are placed either: 
- In retro glandular (1): Above the pectoral muscle, preferred technique when there is already a large mammary gland;
- In retro muscular (2): Below the pectoral muscle, preferred technique when there is little mammary gland or when the desired increase is important;
- In retro-fascial (3): Above the pectoral muscle but below the fascia (green line) which is a rigid membrane above the pectoral muscle. Technique used for moderate augmentation with moderate mammary gland.
Breast implants filled with serum or silicone gel?
Depending on your medical history, your morphology and your aesthetic goals, Dr Desouches, cosmetic surgeon in Marseille, will recommend breast implants in silicone or physiological serum. Breast implants with physiological saline are filled with sterile salt water. They can be pre-filled to a predetermined size or filled at the time of surgery to allow for minor changes in the size of the implant. The advantages of this technique: harmlessness of the serum in the event of a leak, reduced incisions, fine balance of volumes in the event of asymmetry. This type of implant is nevertheless little used because it presents a less flexible and less natural aspect. Silicone gel filled breast implants are filled with a soft, elastic, non-toxic gel, and are available in a wide variety of shapes. All silicone gel breast implants are pre-filled and may require a larger incision for insertion. This type of prosthesis is the most used, its lifespan can reach 15 years. Based in Marseille, Dr Christophe Desouches can combine breast augmentation with prostheses with a breast lift if your breasts are sagging.
Breast augmentation techniques by prosthesis
Axillary breast augmentation
This technique consists of inserting the breast implant through the armpit, thus avoiding any scarring on the breast itself. It is a less invasive procedure with a quick recovery time, and is suitable for patients who wish to avoid visible scarring.
>>>More details onaxillary breast augmentation >
Sub-fascial breast augmentation
This involves placing the implant under the fascia (a fibrous sheath surrounding the muscle) but above the muscle. It is a suitable option for patients who already have a moderate volume of mammary gland, and it offers a very natural result with less post-operative pain and faster recovery time. This method avoids the appearance of implants that may appear too high, not natural enough, or even look deformed on movement.
>>>More details onsubfascial breast augmentation
Minimally invasive breast augmentation
This technique is characterized by very short incisions in the breast or under the arms and less tissue damage, resulting in faster recovery time. It is suitable for patients who want a less invasive procedure with minimal scarring.
>>>More details onminimally invasive breast augmentation
Dual plan breast augmentation
This method involves placing part of the implant behind the pectoral muscle and another part behind the mammary gland. It offers a more natural and harmonious result, reduces the risk of complications and can correct sagging breasts and breast asymmetry. It is generally recommended for large volume implants.
>>>More details ondual plane breast augmentation
Intra-areolar breast augmentation
This technique involves an incision made inside the areola, which allows for effective concealment of scars. It is particularly suitable for women who want discreet improvement with natural results.
>>>More details onintra-areolar breast augmentation
Breast augmentation without prosthesis, by lipofilling
This breast augmentation technique differs from the previous ones since it does not use a prosthesis. It involves injecting the patient's own fat into the breast to increase its volume. It is a natural alternative to implants and is suitable for patients who want moderate augmentation and have sufficient fat reserves.
>>>More details onbreast augmentation by lipofilling
You will explore these different breast augmentation techniques with Dr. Desouches, in order to find the one that suits you best.
What are the consequences of the breast implant augmentation procedure?
Dr Christophe Desouches will tell you how long it takes before you can return to your normal level of activity. This duration is 5 to 15 days depending on your professional activity. After surgery, you will receive detailed instructions on your post-operative care, including information on:
- The normal symptoms you will experience;
- Signs of possible complications.
Immediately after your breast augmentation
You will wear a medical compression bra for about a month. You can expect to have bandages, wear compression garments, and sometimes have surgical drains. When the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some pain. If the pain is severe or long lasting, you will be given pain relievers through the veins. You will also see redness and swelling after the surgery. Normal surgical suites include bruising, numbness or changes in nipple tenderness, and itching around the incision sites. These side effects should go away within the first few weeks, with some residual effects lasting up to three months after surgery.
What is the recovery time after implantation of the prostheses?
It is extremely important that you follow all care instructions provided by Dr. Christophe Desouches, your Marseille surgeon. This will include information about wearing a bra, compression garments, necessary dressings, and the level and type of activity that is safe. He will also provide you with detailed instructions on the normal symptoms you will experience and potential signs of complications. It is important to understand that the time needed for recovery varies greatly between individuals. The week following your operation, Dr. Christophe Desouches will carry out a control visit; it will take a month and a half to wait to resume sport. However, gentle activities are recommended from the first days (walking for example) to avoid the risk of phlebitis.
What are the risks of breast augmentation with prostheses?
All surgeries have some degree of risk. Some of the complications are:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia;
- Hematoma or seroma (accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin);
- Infection and bleeding;
- Sensitivity disorders;
- Hypertrophic or hyperpigmented scars;
- Allergic reactions;
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs (Phlebitis or pulmonary embolism)
Complications from breast augmentation are infrequent. The specific risks of breast augmentation are:
- Unsatisfactory results which may require additional interventions;
- Premature rupture of the implant;
- A shell around the implant;
- A seroma (fluid around the implant);
- Very rare cases of lymphoma of the capsule when envelopes are very textured.
How much does breast surgery cost?
the price of breast surgery with implant placement is €4,600.
The price remains the same regardless of the technique chosen (axillary, minimally invasive, dual plane, subfascial or intra-areolar).
The price of breast surgery for breast lipofilling (by autologous fat transfer, without implant) is €4,800.
