Why do women choose breast augmentation?

There are various reasons for choosing breast augmentation with silicone implants. For many women, breast augmentation is a good solution when:

• The breasts are naturally small.
• You have lost volume and shape in your breasts after breastfeeding or weight loss.
• There are differences in breast size (asymmetry), tubular Breast, or natural differences in proportions that one wishes to correct.
• You want greater volume and a different shape.
• Correct the breasts so that they return to their original shape

Brief information about breast augmentation and the consultation

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures and one that has a very high satisfaction rate. Depending on your starting point, breast shape and glandular volume, and what kind of result you want, there are a number of choices to consider. That is why a consultation with our plastic surgeon will be of great value, where you will receive a recommendation, have the various options explained to you, try on and get a feel for different sizes, and have the opportunity for a 3D simulation. Together, we will go through your expectations and desired results for the procedure. This is important to us so that you, as a patient, are satisfied.

During the consultation, measurements are taken of the width of the upper body, the height of the chest, the thickness of the glandular tissue, and the elasticity of the skin. These measurements are then compared with the desired fullness of the cleavage, the shape and projection of the breast implant, the degree of firmness, and the different types of gel and texturing. We look at projections and concepts such as the difference between medium and high profile, which will result in different sizes. We must consider whether the implant should be placed above or below the muscle. In addition, we will consider whether it is necessary to perform a breast lift and where the scar can best be placed. You will have the opportunity to look at many before and after pictures, with different sizes, brands, and shapes of prostheses: round, anatomical, moderate, and high profile. Good planning is important to achieve a good result.

Many different terms are used interchangeably to mean much the same thing: breast reduction, breast augmentation, silicone implants, silicone prostheses, silicone breasts, breast implants, breast prostheses. In the US, saline implants were widely used in the past, but the safety of silicone implants and the fact that they feel much more natural, as well as developments in the shell and gel used in the implants, mean that silicone implants are now almost exclusively chosen.

What look do I want, natural or surgically enhanced? What are the advantages of breast augmentation?

There are many advantages to breast augmentation with silicone implants. Much depends on what you want and how you feel your breasts should be for your well-being. A rule of thumb is that approximately 100 cc constitutes one cup size, but this will vary depending on the height and width of the upper body. Some people want it to look as natural as possible, while others want it to look a little more artificial. We can adjust the breasts, and possibly the nipples at the same time, we can correct asymmetry, and you can achieve a more lifted and fuller profile. Whether the result looks very natural or more artificial depends on the size and shape of the implant and its placement. What women want is individual, so it is important that you think about what result will make you happy.

In general, the benefits can be:

• Increased volume and fullness.
• Improved breast shape.
• More defined breast profile.
• Correction of lost volume, shape, and lift.
• Corrected any asymmetry.

What types of breast implants are available?

There are many suppliers and a wide variety of implants, so which implant should you choose? This depends on your physical condition, i.e. the starting point of your breasts, and what kind of result you want.

Different silicone implants offer different advantages. Some are very soft and feel and move like a Breast. These are often good for primary breast augmentation in women with little glandular tissue. Others may have more glandular tissue and want more projection and may benefit from a firmer implant that provides more fullness in the cleavage, where an implant that is too soft may look too natural. Others have Breast benefit from an anatomical implant, for example, low-set Breast need more lift in the lower part, or if you have prominent ribs at the top that will give too much fullness at the top compared to the bottom. Which implant is best suited for you depends largely on your wishes and your physique (anatomy-based planning).

The importance of the implant depends, among other things, on where it is placed, how much glandular tissue you have, and how it feels. Some say that only one implant is best, but there are many different implants with different advantages and disadvantages. In most cases, multiple implants may be appropriate, and you can try them on in a bra, feel them, look at sizes, and also do a 3D simulation of how they will look. There will also be a price difference between some of the implants, which may be decisive for some people.

Because we know that all women are unique and that everyone has their own personal wishes and expectations when it comes to breast augmentation, we work with several recognized and certified breast prostheses.

Nordstrandklinikken you several options

At Nordstrandklinikken , you Nordstrandklinikken have several options to choose from and a breast augmentation that best meets your needs. We therefore offer breast implants from several suppliers and have breast prostheses from Polytech, Motiva, Sebbin, and Mentor with a capsule warranty.

If you are considering breast augmentation with silicone implants, we recommend that you contact Dr. Vigen for a no-obligation consultation. During the preliminary examination, we will go through the available options and explain the differences between them. You will be able to touch different breast implants so that you can feel how they feel, and you will be able to try out different implants and sizes.

One in seven patients at Nordstrandklinikken to us on the recommendation of one of our previous patients. Dr. Alexander Vigen has been a plastic surgeon for over 10 years and has been a senior consultant since 2016. Since then, he has mainly worked with breast reconstruction and breast surgery, as well as body contouring surgery.

During the consultation, he will determine which operation and type of breast implant is recommended for you.

How to find the right size?

During the consultation, you will be able to try out different sizes and projections, such as anatomical and round, moderate plus and high profile implants. We will show you before and after photos from operations with different starting points and different choices of prostheses.

In addition, you can do a 3D simulation to see how an implant will look on you. With us, you will receive excellent guidance where your wishes and needs are the focus. When determining the right size, we take your body proportions into account so that you have realistic expectations of which size is suitable for you.

When performing breast augmentation with silicone implants, there are natural limitations to how many sizes you can increase. However, with our expertise and our selection of breast implants, shapes, and methods, we are confident that we will give you the best results.

Placement of the breast implant above or below the chest muscle?

Breast implants can be placed either above (subglandular or subfascial) or below the chest muscle (partially below the pectoralis major muscle, known as dual plane). If we place them above the muscle, we usually place them subfascially. A fascia is a small, thin membrane that lies above the muscle and helps to hold the implant in place.

The best position for you is determined by factors such as the quality of your skin and how much natural breast tissue is available to cover the implant.

Placement under the pectoral muscle

In most cases, especially for those with little breast tissue, which is the majority of our patients, placement under the pectoral muscle is the preferred method for breast augmentation. This keeps the implant firmly in place and provides good shape and support for the implant. It also means that slim women or those with small Breast will Breast see the contours and edges of the prosthesis, and it also provides very stable long-term results. It is best suited for those who have small Breast little glandular tissue.

Placement above the pectoral muscle

Placing the implant above the muscle (subglandular or subfascial) is usually most appropriate for women who have enough breast tissue to cover the implant, typically a large B to C cup. This operation gives good results and causes little pain. Placement above the muscle is suitable for those who have good skin quality and glandular tissue to hold the implant.

In cases where you do not want such large implants, subfascial placement of implants gives very natural and good results, while large implants above the muscle will often give a more "operated look" and can more easily sag and hang more over time.

Beneficial for those who train their chest muscles a lot

An over-muscle approach may be beneficial for patients who exercise their chest muscles a lot. This placement will limit the movement of the implant when the chest muscle contracts. It can give a potentially artificial appearance in thinner women with small breasts, which has led to the use of smaller, more natural/softer implants with a moderate profile and, to a greater extent, subfascial placement of the implants.

Beneficial for those who are slim

If you have thin breast skin or a limited amount of breast tissue in the upper breast, placing the implant under the muscle will usually create a more natural aesthetic and reduce the risk of rippling*. To prevent the prosthesis from folding, known as rippling, it is therefore recommended to place the implant under the muscle. There are also implants available that cause less rippling, which are a good alternative for those who have had problems with this. Several studies have shown lower capsule formation with submuscular placement. In addition, it is possible to perform fat transplantation around the prosthesis, or so-called lipofilling, in cases where rippling has already occurred if you do not want to replace the prosthesis.

It is important to take into account that the choice of implant type and method must be assessed on an individual basis.

• Rippling occurs when the edges of the implant fold over and can be felt.
• Location of scars

There are three primary incision locations that Nordstrandklinikken ; the scar is either under the breast, which is most common, around the nipple, or through the armpit:

Under the breast fold: A small horizontal incision is made along the natural contour of the breast fold. The incision is between 3-5 cm long, depending on the size and type of implant, and becomes virtually invisible over time.

Periareolar: The incision is made around the lower edges of the areola (the colored area around the nipple).

Transaxillary/through the armpit: The incision is made along a natural fold in the armpit. The advantage of this is that there will be no visible scar on the breast.

How long is the recovery time after breast augmentation?

Since all patients are given pain relief at the end of the operation, most experience little pain after the procedure. This anesthesia lasts for several hours, and you may experience some more pain in the evening. You will experience pain for a couple of days before it starts to subside, so you will be given prescriptions for painkillers to pick up before the operation – and you can also take some stronger painkillers home with you after the operation.

After the operation, you will be given food and drink at the clinic and allowed to recover before being discharged approximately 1-2 hours after the operation. You can stay as long as you like that day, but most people feel well enough to go home after being observed for an hour after the operation.

What do I need to consider after breast augmentation?

Your breasts will feel quite "swollen" for the first few days, but this will subside during the first week. During the first few weeks after breast augmentation, you should lie on your back. You must also be careful when using your arms or if you receive a blow to your breasts. Keep your upper arms close to your body when using your arms. If you have small children, you should get help at home for 1-2 weeks after the operation. You should also be careful not to lift anything heavy during the initial period after the operation.

You should wear a good compression bra, which we sell at the clinic, for 6 weeks: 3 weeks day and night, and then 3 weeks during the day. We do not recommend sports bras, as these must be pulled over the head, and it is recommended that you do not raise your arms above your head during the initial period. For submuscular implants, we recommend a chest strap or so-called compression band for the first 2-3 weeks.

You can shower after 4 days. The tape covering the wound can then be dried with a hair dryer. This tape can be changed for the first time after approx. 10-12 days. It should then be changed weekly for 3-4 months to ensure that the scar heals as nicely as possible.

After breast augmentation with silicone implants, you will not be able to drive yourself and will need to be driven home. You will continue your recovery in your own home.

Patients who have lighter physical work, such as office work, are usually back at work after a few days. If you have heavier physical work, you should expect to wait two weeks before you can return to "normal operations." You can exercise after four to six weeks. Much of the swelling will subside after four weeks. However, the final result will be visible 3-6 months after the operation. Breast size does not constitute grounds for sick leave.

Can you breastfeed after breast implants?

The prosthesis is placed behind the mammary gland or behind the muscle, and a small membrane forms around the implant so that there is no contact between the implant and the mammary glands and it should not affect breastfeeding. In rare cases, if the nerve pathways are unusual, you may experience reduced sensation in the nipple or problems with breastfeeding, but this is extremely rare. In most cases, the inability to breastfeed has nothing to do with the prostheses. If you are considering having children in the near future, we recommend undergoing breast augmentation after breastfeeding, as you may find that your breasts sag a little more after breastfeeding and may need a different implant and sometimes a breast lift.

Can you have a mammogram after breast implants?

It is also possible to perform a mammogram with breast implants, but please inform the person performing the examination of this. This is because the examination will then be performed more carefully with less pressure when taking images, and more images will need to be taken. In some cases, you will also be offered a more detailed examination of your breasts using ultrasound or MRI.

Which breast prosthesis suppliers do we use?

We use implants from Polytech, Motiva, Sebbin, and Mentor, which are the world's largest implant suppliers. Most clinics have chosen one brand to simplify logistics, but we believe that you should be able to choose the implant you want based on your anatomy and customized measurements, regardless of brand. They have slightly different projections (different heights based on a certain width). During the consultation, we can show you the differences between them and see which one we think is best suited for you.

Mentor, Polytech, and Sebbin offer prosthesis warranties, and all the prostheses we use are of the highest standard in the world. Mentor and Polytech offer microtextured, recognized implants with good prosthesis warranties. They also have a much wider selection of different implants for different situations. Sebbin has something called semi-smooth and Motiva has so-called nano texturing, both of which are quite similar and have a smoother surface, in addition to the gel being somewhat softer and behaving more like a Breast softer and more mobile properties.

For those who exercise a lot

We have many patients who exercise a lot, and there are a number of considerations to take into account both in terms of implant placement, as described above, and in terms of implant selection. The Polytech B-lite series is a lightweight implant that is ideal for those who run a lot or, for other reasons, want prostheses that are as light as possible.

What types of implants are available?

• Silicone implants
• Round implants
• Shape-stable (anatomical/teardrop-shaped) silicone implants
• B-lite implants (from Polytech)
• Textured breast implants
• Polyurethane implants
• Smooth breast implants

Today, there are many methods and implants used in connection with breast augmentation with silicone prostheses.

Silicone implants

Silicone implants have been used for decades and were first developed in the 1960s. In the 1990s, silicone was approved by the FDA and has proven to be safe for breast augmentation and reconstruction. Over the years, the technology has evolved considerably, with the gel becoming softer and feeling more like a Breast. Over the last ten years, silicone implants have taken a quantum leap and now provide results that feel, behave, and look natural. In addition to feeling natural, you can drive a truck over an implant without it rupturing, and you can cut an implant in half without the gel leaking out.

Silicone is lightweight and has a feel and appearance similar to human breast tissue. It is hypoallergenic and maintains its shape and consistency over time, and silicone implants are the "gold standard" for breast augmentation. They come in round or anatomical/teardrop shapes, and there are advantages and disadvantages between these as described below.

Round implants

At Nordstrandklinikken , we Nordstrandklinikken approximately 70-80% round implants and 20-30% anatomical implants. In many cases, there is so much breast tissue or coverage over the prosthesis that there is no significant difference between round and anatomical implants. Studies have been conducted in which plastic surgeons attempt to determine whether the implants are anatomical or round, and it turns out that in many cases, especially under the muscle, there is little difference between the two over time. Round implants provide slightly more fullness and projection at the top, which is what many people want when they undergo breast augmentation. They are also slightly less expensive than anatomical implants.

The prostheses come in different projections or profiles that vary somewhat between different manufacturers (medium/mini, medium plus/demi, high/full, ultra high/corse) as well as different degrees of hardness – therefore, you should take your time during the consultation so that you can assess which shape and volume you want. If you want maximum projection and have some soft breast tissue outside, you can choose a harder implant to provide projection. If you have less glandular tissue and want the softest possible Breast , you Breast choose a softer implant.

Shape-stable (anatomical/teardrop-shaped) silicone implants

In our practice, we use approximately 20-30% anatomical implants. In some cases, these are most beneficial, especially when a natural result is desired and there is very little glandular tissue, or when, for example, after breastfeeding, the lower part of the breast needs to be lifted. A small breast lift can be achieved with anatomical implants by rotating the lower pole of the breast up and forward. Some people also have prominent ribs above the nipple, which means that round implants provide disproportionate fullness at the top compared to the bottom. Studies have been conducted, including by Malucci in England, which show that 55% of breast volume should be below the nipple in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing Breast 45/55 principle). In order to achieve a good shape, anatomical implants should therefore be chosen in some cases.

Shaped or form-stable silicone breast implants, sometimes referred to as gummy bear, teardrop-shaped, or anatomical implants, are FDA-approved for use in patients for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. They have been available in most parts of the world for over 25 years. At the hospital, we have mainly used these implants for reconstructions in recent years with very good results. Most of our experience with these implants has been with textured shaped implants, which are not available in a smooth version to prevent rotation, but are also available in polyurethane, which is more stable, does not rotate, and should not cause capsule formation. They have proven to be advantageous in terms of controlling the position of the implant and have little to no rippling in slim patients.

Shape-stable implants have proven to be of great benefit to breast reconstruction patients, providing a better and longer-lasting shape over time, less rippling, and a more natural appearance in those with little or no glandular tissue.

One disadvantage of teardrop-shaped microtextured implants is that they can occasionally rotate. This occurs in perhaps 1-3% of patients over a ten-year period. It is therefore important to perform very precise surgery and ensure the pocket is the correct size, but this may be less favorable in athletes or in secondary surgery, for example, as the prosthesis is more likely to rotate.

In recent years, round implants have been developed that behave more like anatomical implants, as the gel moves more like a Breast. Motiva Ergonomix is a popular implant for this purpose and is very soft and natural.

B-lite implants (from Polytech)

In recent years, Polytech has developed prostheses called B-lite, which are extremely lightweight. This is a major advantage for athletes and those who enjoy running and exercising. We regularly receive reports from aerobics enthusiasts, fitness fans, and others who enjoy intensive training that they find these prostheses lighter and better than traditional implants.

This also applies to those who want large implants. For smaller implants, the weight difference will not be significant, but for larger implants, especially those over 350 cc, there is a noticeable difference. Over time, heavy implants will be detrimental to neck and back problems, and these implants are therefore recommended where greater volume and low weight are desired.

Capsule warranty

The clinic offers a capsule warranty that follows the prosthesis manufacturer for the first 5 years after surgery, i.e. you will be covered for free reoperation by the clinic and prosthesis from the supplier if you develop a capsule, as this is extremely rare.

We offer 3D simulation

What if you could look in a mirror before a procedure and see the result right away? At Nordstrandklinikken , this Nordstrandklinikken actually possible with the help of Arbrea. Arbrea and their 3D technology will help you make the right choice, as you can see all the options available to you in advance. Magical! And, not least, reassuring and informative. With Arbrea, you can make the right choice for you. Simple, fast, and safe.

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Book a no-obligation consultation

During the consultation, Dr. Vigen will discuss your wishes and consider various options based on your anatomy and the possibilities available. We use 3D simulation to take a picture of your upper body and simulate how the various implants he recommends will look on you and compare this with what you want. This makes it easier to understand whether you want a moderate or high profile, for example, and to see how the different volumes will look. We stock most types of implants and can show you these during your consultation at the clinic, explain the advantages of the different types, and find something that suits your needs. You can try out different volume sizers and inserts to get an impression of the size of the implant inside your bra. We have these at the clinic, but you are welcome to bring a bra without inserts or a sports bra to your consultation.