Breast augmentation
In a breast augmentation, a silicone implant is placed behind the breast gland or the chest muscle. Together we choose a size and shape that suit your body, so the result looks natural.
Where:Velthuis Kliniek Rozendaal, sometimes at the Alexander Monro Hospital
At a glance
- Duration
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Hospital stay
- Usually day surgery
- Back to work
- Light work after 2 weeks, heavy work after 6 weeks
- Exercise
- After 6 weeks
Who is it for?
- You feel your breasts are too small for your build
- Your breasts have lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Your breasts are clearly different in size
- You are healthy, ideally do not smoke and have realistic expectations
The procedure
You have a general anaesthetic. The incision is usually made in the fold beneath the breast, so the scar is well hidden later on.
The implant goes behind the breast gland, partly behind the chest muscle or completely behind the muscle. The best position depends on your skin, your breast tissue and the size you would like.
During the consultation we measure your chest and skin, and you try on sizers so you get a good idea of the result. I advise against a very large augmentation: it carries a higher risk of problems and rarely suits your body well.
Recovery, step by step
First 2 weeks
Take it really easy. You wear a firm sports bra day and night.
Weeks 2 to 6
You gradually build up your daily activities again. Keep wearing the bra day and night. No sport and no heavy physical work.
After 6 weeks
You can exercise and do heavy physical work again.
After 3 to 6 months
The implant settles into place and the scar fades. This is the final result.
This is a general guide. We will discuss your own recovery time in the consultation.
Risks and complications
Care matters in every surgical treatment. Complications cannot always be prevented, but we do everything we can to keep the risks as small as possible.
In the consultation I take the time to explain what you can expect from the treatment and which risks may be involved. That way you can make a well-informed, confident choice that is right for you.
- Bleeding after the operation or bruising
- Wound infection
- Slow wound healing
- Scars that stay thick or red
- Hardening of the scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
- Changes in nipple sensation
- A very rare type of lymphoma linked to implants (BIA-ALCL)
You can also read the official information from the Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery (NVPC). It is only available in Dutch:
- NVPC information leaflet on silicone breast implants (in Dutch)
- NVPC information on BIA-ALCL and breast implants (in Dutch)
In the consultation I always explain this further, in English if you prefer.
Insurance cover
A cosmetic breast augmentation is not covered by health insurance. Only in exceptional medical situations, such as a complete absence of breast tissue, can the insurer give approval in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do implants last a lifetime?
No. Modern implants often last a long time, but they may need replacing over the years. There is no fixed date for replacement. If you notice symptoms or changes, have them checked.
Can I still breastfeed afterwards?
Most women can still breastfeed after a breast augmentation, because the breast gland is not removed. Always mention it in the consultation if you would like to have children.
How high is the risk of BIA-ALCL?
The risk is small. Dutch research shows it affects about 1 in 7,000 women with implants by the age of 75. In the consultation I explain what is known and what to look out for.
Which implants do you use?
I mainly use Mentor implants, sometimes Polytech or Motiva. We decide together which implant suits you best.
Are my implants registered?
Yes. I record every implant in the Dutch Breast Implant Registry (DBIR), so you can be contacted quickly if there is news about a particular type of implant.
A good conversation is the first step.
In the consultation I take the time to answer your questions. You go home with honest advice and no obligation.