Frequently Asked Questions

BREAST

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for breast aesthetic surgery?

Ideal candidates are generally healthy, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations. My main criteria are:

  • Stable weight of minimum 3 months

  • A BMI below 35

  • Non-smoker

  • No untreated comorbidities, such as heart or kidney disease

  • A clear understanding of your goals and the limitations

Aesthetic breast surgery includes a wide variety of procedures. In addition, your final results can be influenced by your previous history and operations. During the consultation, it is important to provide me with all the information you have, so that I can set up a personalized plan for you and ensure the best results possible.

How long is the recovery period after breast surgery?

The recovery time depends on the type of surgery performed:

  • Breast aesthetic surgery: Typically requires 1-2 weeks of recovery time.

  • Breast reconstructive surgery: Recovery usually takes 6 weeks.

Usually, you are quite mobile and pain-free after 2 weeks, but there are still rules to follow the first 6 weeks after surgery. These mainly include:

  • Avoid heavy physical activity

  • Avoid lifting weights

  • Wear specific compressive garments

  • Follow the post-operative protocol with lymphatic drainages and dressing changes

Each patient gets specific, personalized instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Can breast surgery affect breastfeeding or nipple sensation?

  • Breast Augmentation: Usually does not interfere with breastfeeding, especially if the incision is made in the breast fold and the breast gland is not violated. However, any surgery involving the breast carries some risk of affecting nipple sensation or milk production.

  • Breast Reduction: This may impact the ability to breastfeed, as the surgery may involve removing tissue and altering milk ducts. However, in case of a wish to breastfeed, I can adjust the surgical technique to increase the chance of breastfeeding capabilities significantly. Nipple sensation is usually preserved but may be diminished in the first months after surgery.

  • Breast Lift: Depending on the surgical technique, the impact on breastfeeding may be limited or a bit higher. Nipple sensation is usually preserved but may be diminished in the first months after surgery.

It's important to discuss breastfeeding plans before surgery if this is a concern.

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants never last for a lifetime. While the newest breast implants can last for up to 20 years, they may need to be replaced at least once or twice, depending on your age. Reasons to change or remove breast implants may include:

  • Implant rupture

  • Capsular contracture

  • Implant displacement

  • Breast changes (including pregnancy of weight changes)

  • Breast Implant Illness Syndrome

  • Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

I advise you to come for e yearly check-up to ensure that all remains fine with your implants and a possible intervention can be planned in time, if needed.

What are the benefits of lightweight breast implants?

Heavier breast implants increase the stress on the surrounding tissues and may increase the risk of breast ptosis over time. Therefore, choosing a light-weight implant has several benefits over traditional breast implants:

  • They exert less pressure and stress on the tissues, therefore reducing the impact of gravity as a woman’s breasts age

  • They reduce the dynamic forces on the breast tissues, resulting in less stretching from dynamic movement

  • The patients report less post-surgical pain and a shorter recovery time

  • They may provide greater daily comfort

  • the patient can have the desired increased breathing volume with less total weight

Do breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer?

The extensive studies currently available show that women with breast implants are not subject to a higher risk of breast cancer than women without breast implants. In other words, a breast implant does not influence the occurrence of breast cancer. Breast cancer as a direct result of smooth, textured, or micro polyurethane-covered implants has not been observed in human beings or studies on animals. In addition, cancer screening is not a problem after breast implants.

What is BIA-ALCL?

BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma) is a subtype of lymphoma that may arise in connection with breast implants. It is not breast cancer, and it is very rare: its incidence is 33 in 1 million lifetime risk for women with breast implants (or 1 in 30.000), compared to breast cancer with a lifetime risk of 1 in 8 women (with or without breast implants). It happens between 8 to 25 years after implant placement. The reason why it develops is still unknown, but it has become easy to diagnose and treat it effectively with an excellent prognosis.

How can I prepare myself for surgery?

Once you book your surgery, you will get a complete information brochure with all the info you need for before and after the surgery. Preparation is key, so make sure you think about these guidelines:

  • Make sure you have asked every question about your surgery and don’t hesitate to contact my team in case of doubts or any remaining insecurities

  • Follow specific pre-surgical instructions, such as stopping smoking or avoiding certain medications. We will discuss this during consultation.

  • Arrange for someone to assist you after the surgery, especially during the initial recovery period.

  • Make sure your home is set up for a comfortable recovery with the necessary supplies.

  • Make sure you have all the medication and dressings at home before your surgery.

  • Clean your body with an anti-septic soap, starting 2 days before surgery.

  • Shave the surgical areas 3 days before surgery.

  • Avoid putting body lotion on the day of surgery.