Breast surgery in Alicante
Increasing the volume and improving the shape of the breasts with implants, choosing the size, shape and placement to suit your anatomy. Before recommending it, Dr Navarro talks through with you what result is realistic in your case.
Anaesthesia
General
Duration
1 to 2 hours
Hospital stay
Day case or one night
Support bra
Around one month
Back to work
Around 1 to 2 weeks
Final result
Around 3 to 6 months
Approximate figures. They are confirmed at your consultation for each case.
The technique
Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures. It involves placing a breast implant behind the breast tissue to add volume and improve the shape of the breasts and their proportion with the rest of the body.
The usual approach is through an incision in the inframammary fold, the crease beneath the breast, where the scar is fairly well concealed. Incisions around the areola are reserved for patients who also need a breast lift or an adjustment to the size of the areola.
The implant can be placed in front of the pectoral muscle, beneath the breast tissue; behind the muscle; or in a dual plane, where the muscle covers the upper part of the implant and the breast tissue covers the lower part. The choice depends mainly on the thickness of your tissues and the shape of your breasts.
There are round and anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implants, with a smooth or textured surface. In some cases they are combined with your own fat (lipofilling) to soften the contour, especially when there is little tissue covering the implant.
Many women keep their implants for many years without problems, but they are not lifelong devices. Over time they may need to be checked or replaced, and it is worth bearing this in mind when you decide.
Suitability
If the breasts are sagging and the areola sits low, an implant alone may not be enough: a breast lift (mastopexy) is sometimes needed, either on its own or together with the implant. It is also best to wait if you are planning a pregnancy soon, and you need to be at least 18 and have realistic expectations.
At your consultation, Dr Navarro will tell you clearly whether augmentation makes sense for you or whether another option would suit you better.
Before you decide
The size and type of implant are not chosen from a catalogue. At your first consultation, Dr Navarro sees you personally and takes the time to understand what you are looking for and what your body allows.
01
What you would like to change, what kind of breasts you would like to have and what you definitely do not want.
02
Examination of the breasts, the quality and thickness of the skin and breast tissue, and measurements of the chest and the base of the breast.
03
Sizers of different volumes are used to simulate the result, and before and after photos of similar cases are reviewed.
04
You take the proposal home in writing (incision, plane and type of implant), together with the quote and the risks. You can raise any questions before you decide.
On the day of surgery
Beforehand
Pre-operative tests and an assessment by the anaesthetist. Depending on your age and medical history, an ultrasound scan or a mammogram may be requested.
To begin
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia. Access is usually through an incision a few centimetres long in the inframammary fold.
Placement
The space is created in the chosen plane (in front of the muscle, behind it or dual plane) and the implant is placed. Before closing, the shape and symmetry of both breasts are checked.
To finish
The incision is closed with fine stitches and a dressing is applied. Drains are not usually needed, although this is assessed in each case.
Afterwards
Days 1 to 3
A feeling of tightness and discomfort, slightly greater if the implant is behind the muscle. This is controlled with the prescribed medication. You should avoid exertion and not raise your arms above shoulder height.
At 48 hours
The dressing is removed and replaced with a non-wired bra, which you will wear for about a month.
Weeks 1 and 2
A follow-up appointment with Dr Navarro. Many patients return to work that is not physically demanding after around one to two weeks.
Weeks 4 to 6
You gradually return to exercise, as Dr Navarro advises. Chest exercises and high-impact activities are left until last.
Months 3 to 6
The implant settles and the breasts gradually take on their final shape. The scars continue to mature during the first year.
Real cases
Real photographs of breast augmentation with implants, taken before and after surgery against the same background and in the same pose. They are published with consent and for guidance only: every body is different and results vary from person to person.
Before
After
Breast augmentation with implants. Left oblique view.
Before
After
Breast augmentation with implants. Front view.
Important information
Like any surgery, breast augmentation carries risks. Most are uncommon, but it is important to understand them before you decide:
There are also the risks associated with anaesthesia. Dr Navarro will go through them with you at your consultation, and they will be set out in the informed consent form.
Common questions
Bra sizes vary between brands and styles, so they are not a reliable guide. That is why the implant volume and sizers are used instead, so you can see the approximate result before you decide.
It depends mainly on how much tissue covers the implant. When there is little, placement behind the muscle or in a dual plane is usually recommended; when there is more, it can go in front. Dr Navarro will explain what he suggests and why.
Both can give good results. The choice depends on the shape of your breasts and the result you are looking for, and it is made at your consultation.
In specific cases, when a moderate increase is wanted and there is enough fat, it can be considered. Some of the fat is reabsorbed and more than one session is sometimes needed, which is why it is more often used alongside an implant.
There is no fixed expiry date. Implants are not for life, but if they are not causing problems there is no need to replace them on a schedule: it is advisable to have regular check-ups and to replace them if a complication appears or if you want to change the result.
In most cases, yes, especially when the incision is in the inframammary fold, because the breast tissue is barely touched. Even so, it is not possible to be certain in every case.
You can carry on with your usual breast screening. Just tell them you have implants, because extra views or an ultrasound scan are sometimes added.
It depends on the type of implant and what each case needs. You will receive a personalised quote after your first consultation.
Your surgeon
Plastic surgeon in Alicante, focused on facial, breast and body surgery. He sees you personally at the first consultation, during surgery and at every follow-up.
“Every procedure is unique. My commitment is to combine advanced technique with sound medical judgement, with one clear aim: natural results in harmony with your face and body.”
Clinic at Carrer de Velázquez, 2, 03560 El Campello (Alicante)
You may also be interested in
Replaces old or problematic implants and corrects the result.
