Augmentation of the breast can greatly influence women's self-confidence, making them feeling better about themselves. Breast enhancement can dramatically affect the body image and self-esteem. Women who are not satisfied with the shape and size of their breasts can enhance their feminine appearance and will be able to harmonize their proportions by an augmentation of their breasts.

Indication
Atrophic, small or asymmetric breast are often genetically predetermined.
After pregnancies and breast-feeding it often happens that breasts markedly lose in shape, volume and tonus (known as post-lactation-hypoplasia). Breast augmentation after childbirth and breastfeeding is a very common procedure.

Consultation
Patients are taking a more active role these days in the decision-making processes involved with breast augmentation surgery. It is important to invest time to ensure patients are fully aware of all the options. In order to determine the size of the desired implant, it is possible to wear implant "samples" inside the bra and decide in front of the mirror, which size and form of implants are indicated. When selcting the right implant size, it is important to take into considerationthe patient's natural body size and shape.

What the proceure involves
Implants can be inserted through an incision in the crease beneath the breast (infra-mammary), around the nipple (peri-areola) or in the armpit (trans-axillary). The transaxillary incision is the only approach that does not leave a scar on the chest wall or the breast itself.

Operation
Breast augmentation is a very specific procedure that must be individualised for each patient. After careful preparation a "pocket" is formed under or above the chest (pectoralis) muscle, depending on the thickness of the skin. The chosen inlay is then placed into this pocket. One needs to know, that all commercially available breast implants are made of an outer silicone-rubber shell, which contains either a cohesive silicone gel (silicone implants) or salt water (saline implants). The incision can be placed in a natural crease in the armpit or axilla (least obvious), in the submammary-fold or in the areola. Regarding the site of the incision, your plastic surgeon will help you in chosing the appropriate location for your needs.

Special instruments
For the axillary operation technique, Dr. Solz developed a selection of special surgical instruments. These are sold by Medicon all over the world. With the help of these, a tissue sparing surgery is possible. This results in lower bleeding during and after the operation, a shorter time of healing and faster recovery. By using these instruments and high quality breast implants from Mentor or Allergan, we are able to obtain very good results in breast augmentation / breast enlargement.

There are different types of implants:
Round implants - These are the most popular implants. The drape of the implants simulates a natural-looking breast shape when the patient is lying down and standing. If they are placed above the muscle, moderate profile or moderate plus should be chosen. If the placement is under the muscle, moderate plus profile (TRM) or high profile (TRF) are indicated.
Contour (anatomical) implants - These are shaped to simulate the breast shape while in a standing position. Howewer, there is a tendency for this shape (tear drop) to be maintained when lying down, which can look unnatural. Also, contoured or anatomical implants contain a highly cohesive gel, which can feel unduly firm. Insertion of these implants requires a bigger incision in the crease beneath the breast and they are not suitable for the trans-axillary technique.

Anaesthesia
Breast augmentation is a relatively short procedure and is most often performed under general anaesthesia.

Duration of stay in the clinic
Breast augmentation requires an overnight stay in the clinic. Most women find it comfortable to stay for 1-2 days.

After the procedure
The recovery period is approximately one week. No sports for about 2 weeks.
A particular bra or a special chest girdle should be worn for 4 - 6 weeks.

Before and after pictures
Since April 2006 it is forbidden by law to show before-after fotos in the internet.

Prices and Costs
Prices are very individual and can be determined after consultation.