Breast hypoplasia
The breasts are a key feature of the female body, and their size is genetically predetermined. Many women experience psychological distress because their breasts are too small or because there is significant asymmetry between the two breasts. In other cases, the breasts may not have developed normally or may have changed considerably in size and shape after major weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Breast hypoplasia is corrected through breast augmentation using specialized silicone implants placed behind the breast tissue. It is one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery, with an estimated over three million women worldwide having undergone breast augmentation in the past 35 years.
What are silicone implants?
Silicone implants are soft silicone shells filled with either cohesive silicone gel or saline solution. In Europe and Greece, silicone gel implants are preferred, as they provide a more natural look and feel.
What types of implants are available?
As mentioned, silicone gel implants are the most commonly used in Greece and are produced in two shapes: round and teardrop-shaped (also known as anatomical implants). Both types can achieve equally excellent aesthetic results, and the choice between them depends on your personal preferences and your individual anatomical characteristics.
How safe are they?
Silicone is biologically inert and extremely safe. It has been used in medicine since the 1960s and is also widely used in the cosmetics industry. Over the years, silicone implants have been accused of causing various diseases; however, extensive research involving hundreds of thousands of women has shown no association with any illness — neither for the women with implants nor for their breastfed children.
How long do silicone implants last?
Previous generations of silicone implants had an average lifespan of about 20 years. The latest generation of silicone implants is far more advanced, and leading manufacturers now offer lifetime warranties for their implants.
There is no risk of implant rupture during flying, swimming, diving, or other normal activities.
Are special tests required before surgery?
Before any breast surgery, the breasts must be evaluated to identify any potential issues. Depending on age and family history, a breast ultrasound, mammogram, or both may be required.
How is breast hypoplasia corrected?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The main step involves creating a “pocket” behind the breast where the implant will be placed.
This “pocket” can be created either directly behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle, which lies between the breast and the chest wall. The choice of the most suitable implant position depends on many factors and is entirely individualized.
Where are the incisions made?
The incisions are very small — approximately 4 cm — and are placed either directly beneath the breast, in the inframammary fold, or along the lower edge of the areola. In both cases, the scars fade over time and usually become barely noticeable.
What should I expect after surgery?
The operation lasts 1–1.5 hours and you can usually go home the same day. Stitches are internal and absorbable. You will need to wear a comfortable, wire-free support bra (sports or nursing-style) for about one month.
Initially, swelling is expected and the breasts may appear slightly larger and higher than desired. Over the next 2–3 months, swelling gradually subsides and the breasts settle into their final shape. Postoperative pain is usually mild and controlled with simple painkillers, like Depon or Lonarid.
Temporary changes in nipple and breast sensation may occur. Some patients experience decreased sensitivity, others mild reduction, and some even increased sensitivity. In most cases, sensation returns within a few months, although in a very small percentage it may be permanent.
What may happen if I become pregnant?
If you become pregnant after surgery, your breast glands will be affected by hormonal changes in the same way as if you did not have implants, and your breasts will increase in size. Likewise, after pregnancy and the completion of breastfeeding, your breasts will shrink to some extent. It is impossible to predict the degree of these changes, however the size of the implants will remain the same.
Breastfeeding is generally not affected, provided there is sufficient glandular tissue. However, not all women are able to breastfeed regardless of implants.
When can I return to normal activities?
You may walk and move freely from the first day, but household work should be avoided for about one week. Sexual activity should be avoided for at least one week. Light work can usually resume after 3–4 days, and full return to normal activities is expected after about one month.
To book an appointment, please contact us.
