Breast augmentation is one of the three most frequently performed aesthetic surgery procedures, and the number of operations has grown steadily in recent years. It is one of the procedures Dr Brunelli performs most often.
Breast augmentation improves the shape and appearance of the breasts and can help a woman feel more confident. Quality results require sound judgement, impeccable surgical technique and great attention to detail for each individual patient.
Choosing the implants
There is a wide variety of implants. They differ in:
- shape: round or anatomical (teardrop)
- volume: expressed in cubic centimetres
- projection: for the same volume, there are low-profile and high-profile implants
- content: in Italy implants are almost always filled with cohesive silicone gel.
During the first consultation, Dr Brunelli will choose the type of implant together with you, based on your wishes, a number of measurements and your build. After taking the measurements he will suggest some trial sizers to place in a special bra: you will then put on a top and see immediately what the result will look like.
Incisions
There are three main access routes for placing the implants, each with advantages and disadvantages:
- axillary incision: through a small incision in the armpit
- periareolar incision: around the areola
- inframammary incision: under the breast, centred in the fold.
Dr Brunelli will take your wishes into account and guide you towards the most suitable choice.
Whichever incision is chosen, the basic procedure is essentially the same: Dr Brunelli creates a pocket for the implants and places them beneath the gland or beneath the pectoral muscle.
The operation
The operation can be performed under local anaesthesia with deep sedation and usually takes less than two hours. It can be done as a day case; for patients coming from far away, Dr Brunelli suggests spending one night in the clinic.
Recovery
At the end of the operation a light compression dressing may be applied. After a few days it is replaced by a front-fastening sports bra, to be worn for three weeks. Stitches are usually removed after about ten days.
A period of rest avoiding strain on the arms is advisable, especially when the implants are placed under the muscle. Normal daily activities are resumed gradually; physical exercise can be resumed after one month.
Before and after
Subglandular breast augmentation with round GCA Perle 340 cc implants. Three-month follow-up.
Subglandular breast augmentation with round GCA Perle 340 cc implants. Same patient as above. Three-month follow-up.
Subglandular breast augmentation with round GCA Perle 340 cc implants. Same patient as above. Three-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation, round GCA 365 cc implants. Six-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation, round GCA 365 cc implants. Same patient as above. Six-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation, round GCA 365 cc implants. Same patient as above. Six-month follow-up.
Subglandular breast augmentation with asymmetry correction, round GCA 430 cc implants. Seven-month follow-up.
Subglandular breast augmentation with asymmetry correction, round GCA 430 cc implants, three-quarter view. Same patient as above. Seven-month follow-up.
Subglandular breast augmentation with asymmetry correction, round GCA 430 cc implants, side view. Same patient as above. Seven-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 320 cc implants. 18-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 320 cc implants, three-quarter view. Same patient as above. 18-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 285 cc implants. 13-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 285 cc implants, three-quarter view. Same patient as above. 13-month follow-up.
Subglandular breast augmentation with round implants. 19-year follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with anatomical implants, front view. 15-year follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with anatomical implants, three-quarter view. 15-year follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 340 cc implants. Six-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 340 cc implants, side view. Same patient as above. Six-month follow-up.
Breast augmentation with round Motiva 285 cc implants and correction of marked asymmetry.
Submuscular breast augmentation with anatomical polyurethane Polytech 320 cc implants. Six-year follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with anatomical polyurethane Polytech 320 cc implants, three-quarter view. Same patient as above. Six-year follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 320 cc implants, front view. One-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 320 cc implants, three-quarter view. One-month follow-up.
Subglandular breast augmentation with anatomical polyurethane Polytech implants. One-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with round Motiva 320 cc implants. One-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation with anatomical polyurethane Polytech 220 cc implants. Nine-month follow-up.
Subglandular breast augmentation with left breast lift, round Motiva 425 cc implants. One-month follow-up.
Submuscular breast augmentation.
Submuscular breast augmentation.
Submuscular breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation with left breast lift.
Subglandular breast augmentation.