Breast reconstruction with implants

Breast reconstruction with an implant is a procedure that restores natural breast volume and shape after a mastectomy. This technique is particularly suitable for women who have undergone a complete or partial breast removal and wish to achieve breast augmentation at the same time.

Breast reconstruction with an implant requires preserving a certain amount of skin during the mastectomy in order to cover the implant and allow some flexibility. It is an excellent option for women who have always had small breasts and would like an increase in volume.

It is also the procedure that is best tolerated in the short term. The use of breast implants provides immediate and long-lasting results while respecting the existing tissues.

Choosing the breast implant is an important step. Anatomical implants had offered the best results for the past 20 years. The very rare occurrence of lymphomas in patients with this type of implant now obliges us to use round implants, which carry a lower long-term risk. Fortunately, lipomodelling allows us to improve the final breast shape and achieve results as good as, or even better, than those obtained with anatomical implants.

Selecting the implant is a key step, but it is not limited to its shape (round or anatomical). The surface texture, projection and volume are also important criteria discussed during the consultation.

The implant is placed either under the skin or beneath the pectoralis major muscle depending on the case. Sometimes a prior fat grafting procedure (breast lipofilling) is necessary. In delayed reconstruction, the mastectomy scar is reused, meaning no additional scar is created.

In cases of insufficient skin or delayed breast reconstruction, a tissue expander is used for several weeks before placing the final implant. This expander is a breast-shaped pouch positioned under the skin where the future breast will be, and it is gradually filled with saline. The filling takes place at the medical-surgical practice and is painless. It allows the skin to stretch, similar to what happens during pregnancy. This technique prepares the skin and tissues to receive the breast implant under the best possible conditions.

Performed in a clinic under general anaesthesia. The procedure lasts 1h30 and the minimum hospital stay is 24 hours (one night).

A compression bra is placed immediately and must be worn for 3 weeks day and night, except for showers of course. Drains may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid accumulation. Pain is generally moderate and well controlled with the prescribed medication.

It is normal to experience some discomfort during the first few days, especially around the pectoral muscles. Returning home usually takes place the day after or two days after surgery. A sick leave of 3 weeks is ideal (minimum 10 days).

Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and adjust care if necessary.

The results of breast reconstruction with an implant are visible immediately, but several weeks are needed for the tissues to adapt and for postoperative swelling to subside. The volume is visible in the bra, restoring a natural décolleté. The final result refines progressively and is obtained after 2 months, with natural integration of the implant and a harmonious symmetry, although it takes about one year to almost stop thinking about it.

This procedure goes beyond aesthetics : it also helps restore self-confidence and improves everyday quality of life.