Breast Augmentation with Implants: How to Make the Right Choice ?

Before undergoing breast augmentation, at least two consultations with the surgeon are necessary to address key questions and choose implants suited to the patient’s body shape, skin quality, and lifestyle.

Round or Anatomical Implants?

Anatomical: Teardrop-shaped, offering a natural look with more volume in the lower part of the breast. However, they carry a risk of rotation, which may alter the aesthetic outcome.
Round: Provide a fuller upper cleavage. The difference with anatomical implants is minimal when standing, as gravity redistributes the silicone gel. They are also safer since rotation does not affect the breast shape.
Hybrid Alternative: Composite breast augmentation combines a round implant with lipofilling (fat injection) for a more natural appearance.

Implant Placement: In Front of or Behind the Muscle?

Three placement options are available:

Behind the muscle (submuscular): Suitable for patients with little breast tissue (cup size A or B). Produces a more natural result and lowers the risk of complications like capsular contracture.
In front of the muscle (subglandular): Suitable for patients with enough breast tissue to adequately cover the implant. Less painful, but with a higher risk of the implant being visible or palpable.
Dual Plane (most commonly used technique): The implant is partially placed under the muscle, offering a good balance between natural results and long-term durability.

How to Choose the Implant Size?

Three methods help determine the ideal volume:

Before/after photos: Compare with results from other patients.
Try-on with external implants: Allows you to visualize the look under clothing.
3D simulation (Crisalix software): Virtual modeling to anticipate the final result.

What Is the Lifespan of Implants?

Contrary to popular belief, implants no longer need to be automatically replaced every 10 years. Replacement is only considered in the case of:

Aesthetic concerns (e.g., breast changes due to aging, pregnancy, weight loss).
Medical complications (e.g., rupture, capsular contracture).

Regular follow-up is recommended, especially after age 45, with a mammogram every two years.

Is There an Increased Risk of Cancer or Autoimmune Disease?

Cancer : Macro-textured implants, especially ALLERGAN models, have been linked to an extremely rare form of lymphoma (anaplastic large cell lymphoma), leading to their ban in France. Current implants (smooth or micro-textured) do not present this risk.
Autoimmune diseases: No scientific study has established a link between breast implants and autoimmune diseases.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

The price varies depending on several factors:

Complexity of the procedure (asymmetry, malformation).
Additional procedures (lift, lipofilling).
Type of implant used.

Since it is mostly an aesthetic procedure, it is not covered by public health insurance, except in specific medical cases (e.g., complete absence of breast development, cup size smaller than A, malformation, post-mastectomy reconstruction).

A detailed quote is provided after the consultation with the surgeon.