Breast augmentation - how to choose the implant and method?

Goal first, technique second

For one patient, the most important thing will be increasing volume; for another, improving shape; and for yet another, regaining fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding or loss of firmness. Indications for breast augmentation include, among others, dissatisfaction with breast size and shape, asymmetry, loss of volume after pregnancy, and breast sagging related to age. That's why there's no single "best" implant for everyone.

Round or anatomical implant?

If you want a fuller, more lifted décolletage, we more often think about round implants. They provide greater volume in both the upper and lower part of the breast, and are symmetrical, so even if they rotate, they don't change the appearance of the breast. In many cases they allow a natural effect, especially if we choose a moderate size and the patient has good tissue coverage.

Anatomical implants are teardrop-shaped and closer to the natural shape of the breast. We usually recommend them when you want a more discreet augmentation, or when the breasts have lost firmness after pregnancy or changes in body shape. This type of implant is also more often used to correct more complex issues, such as pseudoptosis, tubular breasts, or a poorly developed lower pole.

In practice, though, this decision doesn't come down to a simple slogan: "round ones look fake, anatomical ones look natural." A well-chosen round implant can sometimes give a very similar effect to an anatomical one. That's why, during the consultation, we look not only at the shape of the implant itself, but also at your chest wall, the amount of your own tissue, and how you want your breasts to look in motion and in clothing.

Size and projection matter too

The shape of the implant is only half the decision. Its size and projection matter just as much, because they affect how the breasts will look in profile and how they'll fit into the proportions of your figure. We don't choose an implant "by eye" or based solely on a dream cup size. What counts is the whole picture: body build, chest width, skin quality, and whether the effect should be subtle or more noticeable.

A consultation with 3D visualization also helps with this decision. This solution lets you see what your figure might look like after the operation with different implant sizes. Such a simulation doesn't replace medical qualification, but it makes it much easier to talk about expectations and helps avoid a choice that would be too conservative or, on the contrary, too large for your anatomy.

Which breast augmentation method to choose?

Classic breast augmentation with implants is still the most commonly chosen method when you want full control over size and shape. We perform the procedure under general anesthesia; it usually takes about 60-120 minutes, requires one day in the clinic, and recovery takes about 14 days. The implant can be placed under the mammary gland or under the pectoral muscle, and the surgical access is most often made through the inframammary fold or around the areola.

If you want an implant but wish to limit the invasiveness of the procedure, it's worth considering the Preserve® system. This is a tissue-sparing technique: it doesn't damage the pectoral muscle or ligaments, uses a smaller incision in the inframammary fold, and applies a "no-touch" technique meant to reduce the risk of infection and capsular contracture. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, usually takes 40-60 minutes, the clinic stay takes up to 3-4 hours, and you can return to daily activities after just 1-2 days.

An even more subtle option is breast contouring with the Mia Femtech™ system. This is a solution for women who want to enlarge their breasts by 1-2 cup sizes, don't have sagging breasts, and are looking for a minimally invasive procedure without classic general anesthesia. This method uses implants with a volume of 150-195 ml, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, takes about 20-40 minutes, doesn't require hospitalization, and you can usually return to daily activities after as little as 24 hours.

Not every patient needs an implant either. An alternative is breast augmentation with your own fat tissue. This method is for people who want a subtle, natural effect along with additional body contouring through liposuction. However, keep in mind that the final result takes longer to appear, and sometimes 2-3 procedures are needed.

When is an implant alone not enough?

This is a very important decision point. If the breasts are not only small but also clearly sagging or "empty" after pregnancy or weight loss, an implant alone may not give you the result you expect. In such a situation, we more often recommend combining augmentation with a breast lift. This procedure includes implanting the implant, removing excess skin, and reshaping the gland, so the breasts become both fuller and firmer at the same time.

How to make a good decision?

It's best not to choose either the implant or the method based solely on photos found online. What looks good on one person doesn't necessarily work well with a different chest structure, skin quality or amount of natural tissue. That's why, during the consultation, we discuss not only size, but also implant shape, projection, method of implantation, scope of recovery, and whether classic augmentation, Preserve®, Mia Femtech™, fat transfer, or a combined procedure with a lift would be better.

A good decision usually looks like this: first you determine what result you really want, and then together we choose the path that makes sense for your anatomy and lifestyle. And that's exactly where it's worth starting.

FAQ

Which implant gives a more natural effect - round or anatomical?

‍It depends on your starting point. We more often choose anatomical implants when you want a more discreet effect and a natural breast shape. Round implants give a fuller décolletage, but with a well-chosen size they can also look very natural. The final result is determined not only by the shape of the implant itself, but also by your anatomy, the amount of your own tissue, and the implant's projection.

What's the difference between classic breast augmentation and the Preserve® method?

We perform classic breast augmentation with implants under general anesthesia; the procedure usually takes 60-120 minutes and involves about 14 days of recovery. Preserve® is a more tissue-sparing method: the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, takes 40-60 minutes, uses a smaller incision, and allows a faster return to daily activities. For many patients this is an important difference, especially if they want an implant but without a classic, more extensive operation.

Who is the Mia Femtech™ method better suited to?

Mia Femtech™ works best for women who want to subtly enlarge their breasts by 1-2 cup sizes, don't have sagging breasts, and expect a minimally invasive procedure with a very short recovery. This is a solution for people who don't want a classic operation under general anesthesia and who want a quick return to daily life along with a natural, not overscaled, effect.

When is it worth considering a breast lift with implant instead of an implant alone?

‍Most often when the problem isn't just low volume, but also breast sagging, excess skin, and loss of firmness. In such a situation, an implant alone may not be enough, because it won't resolve nipple position or tissue laxity. Combining augmentation with a lift lets you increase volume and improve breast shape at the same time.‍

Do implants need to be replaced after a few years, and can you breastfeed after the procedure?

Modern implants don't require routine replacement unless medical indications arise. Their presence also doesn't rule out pregnancy or breastfeeding - this applies both to implants placed under the muscle and under the gland. These are topics always worth discussing before the operation, especially if you're planning to have children.