Erwin Lemmens & Saskia De Smet

plastic surgeons

BREAST ENLARGEMENT

What does breast augmentation involve?

Breast augmentation aims to increase the volume of the breasts and improve their shape by placing an implant behind the mammary gland or pectoral muscle. This gives the breasts a harmonious and attractive appearance while respecting the proportions with your shoulders, thorax and hips.

What does a breast prosthesis consist of?

A breast prosthesis is made of synthetic material with a filler. This prosthesis can be inserted into the breast through your own breast fold, through the areola or through the armpit. For both the type of prosthesis and the surgical technique, there are several options depending on your physique and wishes.

Dr Lemmens only works with breast implants of the highest quality (CE and/or FDA mark) that contain stable fillers. After surgery, you will receive a certificate of the prostheses placed.

Why choose Bellevue Clinic for breast augmentation ?

The principle is simple :

At an initial consultation, You will be told everything about the prostheses, the procedure and aftercare. This consultation costs you 40 euros and is of course without obligation.

Our advice: choose the plastic surgeon you feel comfortable with !

From the second consultation to 1 year after the breast enlargement, everything is included !

  • the live sizing ( with different coloured T-shirts you choose your size yourself in front of the mirror ) ; this can be as frequent as you want ; by the way, you only choose the right prosthesis once.
  • advice on the best option by 2 plastic surgeons, Dr Lemmens and Dr De Smet.
  • Your sports bra (made to measure according to your preference) and scar gel are given to you for after the operation.
  • the operation (day hospitalisation, prostheses, all medicines, anaesthetic and surgery fees).
  • 15-year guarantee on the breast prostheses with manufacturer’s certificate.
    all follow-up examinations are free of charge up to 1 year after the operation.
  • If the surgery scar is less attractive, we offer customised laser treatments( also included ).
  • When stretch marks ( skin stripes ) appear on the breast after surgery ( fortunately rare ) , we offer a specific laser treatment to correct this ; of course included.
  • Bellevue Clinics has 6 lasers ( so for every indication there is a specific laser ) ; if you have a problem after the operation, you can always use this. Feel free to take a look at the overview ‘Our Lasers’.
  • Minor revisions, such as limited nipple corrections or scar revisions, are at our expense.
  • Dr Lemmens and Dr De Smet can be reached 24 hours a day on their private mobile phones; the telephone number will be given to you.
    A pleasant gift delivered to your home.

Veel gestelde vragen

How long do breast prostheses last?

Breast prostheses do not last for life. Therefore, it is prudent to assume that prostheses need to be replaced after 10-15 years. With the increase in implant quality, the life expectancy of implants does continue to increase. The lifespan of a breast implant often depends on circumstances and the patient himself. Usually, the end of the life of an implant is announced by the shape of the breast changing.

Is it true than breast augmentation increases the risk of cancer?

No, that’s not true. There was much speculation in the past about possible relationships between arthritis, muscle and collagen diseases and implants. It was also rumoured that breast implants could increase the risk of breast cancer. However, implants have never been shown to cause these conditions. Meanwhile, numerous large studies have shown that women with breast implants have no increased risk of connective tissue- or immune-related diseases.

For breast cancer screening, the same guidelines continue to apply after breast augmentation. As before the procedure, it remains possible to use your hands to examine your breasts. A mammogram and ultrasound are also done in the same way. However, it is best to inform the radiologist before undergoing a radiological examination.

What is ‘capsular contracture’ in breast implantation?

When breast implants are placed, an internal scar forms around the prostheses after the procedure. Depending on how persistent that scar is, the breast may feel harder than normal and even take on a bulbous shape. This is called capsular contracture.

Voor de screening van borstkanker blijven na een borstvergroting dezelfde richtlijnen gelden. Net als voor de ingreep blijft het mogelijk met de handen uw borsten te onderzoeken. Ook een mammografie en echografie gebeuren op dezelfde manier. Wel meldt u dit best aan de radioloog voor u een radiologisch onderzoek ondergaat.

What does a breast prosthesis consist of?

A breast prosthesis is made of a synthetic material with filler. This prosthesis can be inserted into the breast through your own breast fold, through the areola or through the armpit. For both the choice of prosthesis type and the surgical technique, there are several options depending on your physique and wishes.

Determining the type and volume of implant most suitable for you is a very important process. That is why it is very important to take plenty of time together to find out. During an initial consultation, Dr Lemmens and his team will thoroughly inform you about the most current and up-to-date options.For determining the intended volume, the centre has a ‘real life’ sizing system, so you can immediately see the result of different volumes of breast prostheses simulated.

The procedure is performed under anaesthesia in day hospitalisation. For this type of surgery, it is exceptional if patients have to stay overnight. You can usually go home the same day.

No drainage tubes are inserted and a support bra is applied immediately.

A long-acting painkiller is administered during the procedure to minimise postoperative pain.

There has been much speculation in the past about possible relationships between arthritis, muscle and collagen diseases and implants with synthetic padding. However, these implants have never been shown to cause these conditions. Also, numerous large studies have now shown that women with breast implants have no increased risk of connective tissue- or immune-related diseases. It is also important to note that there is no relationship between breast augmentation and breast cancer. For breast cancer screening, the same guidelines continue to apply after breast augmentation. As before the procedure, it remains possible to use your hands to examine your breasts. A mammogram and ultrasound are also done in the same way. However, it is best to inform the radiologist before undergoing a radiological examination.

Besides the general problems and complications that can occur with surgery, breast prostheses can also pose several specific problems. The body forms an internal scar around the prosthesis. Depending on the persistence of that scarring, the breast may feel harder than normal and even take on a bulbous shape. This is called capsular contracture.

Breast prostheses do not last a lifetime. Therefore, it is prudent to assume that prostheses will need to be replaced at some point. With the increase in implant quality, the life expectancy of implants does continue to increase.

Currently, we give a 15-year warranty on our breast prostheses. Therefore, this does not mean that after 15 years they will have to be replaced. Many of our patients have already had their breast prostheses for more than 20 years, without any problem!

The lifespan of a breast implant often depends on the circumstances and the patient himself. The end of the life span of an implant is usually announced by a change in the shape of the breast. At Bellevue Clinics, patients are advised to consult us for a check-up after a few years. Often, an ultrasound breast or a mammogram can already provide a screening. When a problem arises ( e.g. suspected leakage), an NMR examination is always prescribed for confirmation.