For many women, the decision to undergo breast augmentation is a very personal and often long-cherished wish. It is about a new attitude towards life, self-confidence and harmony with one's own body image. At LIVION in Hamburg, we know that this journey involves many questions and a certain amount of excitement. We believe that providing you with comprehensive information is essential to ensure that you feel safe and well cared for throughout the entire treatment process. In this article, we have summarised everything you need to know before taking this important step so that you can make a decision that perfectly suits your individual needs.
The choice of method: implant or autologous fat
One of the first points we'll discuss together is the question of materials. At LIVION, we offer three proven approaches, each with its own distinct advantages.
Traditional breast augmentation with implants remains the most popular method. It allows for very precise planning of shape and size. We exclusively use high-quality silicone implants from renowned manufacturers, characterized by a natural feel and maximum safety. Modern implants consist of a cohesive gel that does not leak, even if the shell is damaged.
A popular alternative is breast augmentation with autologous fat transfer . This procedure is ideal for women who desire a completely natural result and wish to avoid foreign materials. Fat is liposuctioned from another area of the body, such as the hips or abdomen, specially processed, and then injected into the breasts. A nice side effect is the contouring of the donor areas. However, with this method, the increase in volume per procedure is more limited than with implants.
In addition to breast augmentation with implants and the autologous fat transfer method, we at LIVION also offer hybrid breast augmentation. This procedure enlarges the breasts by combining implants and the patient's own fat. This allows for a very natural result that optimally combines shape, volume, and soft contours.
We will advise you honestly on which path is right for your anatomical conditions and your goals.
The importance of implant shape and profiling
When choosing implants, there's much more to consider than just the volume in milliliters. Projection and shape are also crucial. The fundamental distinction is between round and anatomical implants. Round implants often accentuate the cleavage and fill out the upper pole of the breast more. Anatomical implants are teardrop-shaped and mimic the natural silhouette of the female breast, resulting in a more natural appearance, especially for very slender patients.
Additionally, the profile plays a role. An implant can be flat, moderately profiled, or highly profiled. This refers to how far forward the breast is projected. During your consultation, we use special trial implants and visualizations so you can get a feel for how the different shapes would look on your body. It's crucial that the base width of the implant precisely matches your ribcage to avoid complications such as lateral displacement or unnatural merging in the middle.
The placement of the implant: above or below the muscle
Another key decision concerns the implant's placement. At LIVION, we carefully consider whether placement in front of or behind the pectoral muscle is more advantageous for you.
Subpectoral placement means that the implant lies beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This offers the advantage of additional cushioning provided by the muscle, which is particularly important for women with little breast tissue to make the edges of the implant less visible. Furthermore, this placement is believed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
Subglandular placement, meaning above the muscle and directly below the gland, is often possible in women with sufficient existing tissue. This procedure is usually less stressful for the muscles, and the result can appear very dynamic. Each method has its specific advantages, which we will discuss with you based on your tissue analysis.
Safety and Rapid Recovery Technology
Safety is our top priority at LIVION. A key component of our philosophy is the use of tissue-sparing surgical techniques. We focus on the concept of rapid recovery. Precise, low-bleeding procedures during surgery minimize trauma to the surrounding tissue. This results in minimal swelling and bruising.
For you, this usually means less pain after the operation and a significantly faster return to your daily routine. Many of our patients are mobile again after just a few days. Nevertheless, it is important that you allow your body the necessary rest so that the internal healing processes can proceed undisturbed.
Preparation for the day of surgery
Good preparation begins weeks before the actual appointment. There are several factors you can influence to support the success of the procedure. A crucial point is abstaining from nicotine. We strongly recommend not smoking for at least two to four weeks before and after the operation, as nicotine impairs blood circulation and significantly increases the risk of wound healing problems.
The intake of blood-thinning medications such as aspirin must also be stopped promptly. Plan your daily routine so that you avoid strenuous physical activity for approximately one to two weeks after the operation. Arrange for help with household chores or childcare so that you can focus entirely on yourself during the initial phase of your recovery.
Aftercare and the path to the final result
Patience is essential after breast augmentation. Immediately after the surgery, the breasts may feel tight and often sit high. This is completely normal. For the first six weeks, you must consistently wear a special compression bra. This supports the breasts, reduces swelling, and ensures that the implants heal optimally.
During this time, you should refrain from sports, saunas, and lifting heavy objects. If possible, sleep on your back for the first few weeks to avoid putting pressure on the fresh wounds. The final result can often only be assessed after several months, once the tissue has softened and the implants have settled into their final position. We will support you during this time with regular check-ups at our Hamburg practice.
Risks and realistic expectations
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries certain risks, which we will explain to you in detail. These include general surgical risks such as post-operative bleeding or infection, but also specific issues like capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is a natural reaction of the body in which the connective tissue capsule around the implant hardens. Thanks to modern implant surfaces, this risk is significantly reduced today, but it still exists.
Realistic expectations are also important. Breast augmentation can improve the shape and volume of your breasts and correct asymmetries. However, it cannot permanently stop the general aging process or the effects of gravity. We will advise you honestly about what is surgically possible and what will look beautiful and natural in the long term. Our goal is to create a result that accentuates your proportions, rather than making them appear artificial.
