Breast augmentation: what you need to know before you decide

Are you considering a breast augmentation? Discover everything about implants, lipofilling, recovery and price at ACLINIC in Oostkamp (Bruges region). Honest, clear and personal.

A breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures in the world, and at ACLINIC in Oostkamp too it is a treatment that many women enquire about. Yet for many, taking the step towards a plastic surgeon does not feel self-evident. There are questions, there is doubt, and sometimes quite a few misconceptions that can stand in the way. That is entirely understandable. In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions in an honest and clear way, so that you can make a well-considered decision, well informed.

What is a breast augmentation?

A breast augmentation (also called augmentation mammoplasty or breast augmentation) is a surgical procedure in which the volume of the breasts is increased. At ACLINIC this is done in two ways, depending on what suits your body and your wishes best:

Using breast implants: silicone or saline filled prostheses are placed under or over the pectoral muscle. This provides a precisely tailored and consistent increase in volume.
Using lipofilling: here, your own fat cells are harvested elsewhere on the body by means of liposuction, purified and then injected into the breasts. This technique is ideal for a subtler, more modest increase in volume and gives a very natural result.
Using a hybrid breast augmentation: the hybrid technique combines the best of both worlds: an implant provides the desired increase in volume, while lipofilling is used around it to soften the transition and to achieve a result that is as natural as possible. This approach is particularly interesting for women with less breast tissue of their own, in whom an implant can sometimes be more visible.

All three techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends entirely on your body build, your wishes and your expectations. During a first consultation at ACLINIC, our plastic surgeons calmly take the time to look at which approach is most suitable together with you.

Who is a breast augmentation suitable for?

A breast augmentation can be the right choice if you recognise yourself in one or more of the following situations:

You experience your breasts as too small or out of proportion with the rest of your body.
There is a noticeable asymmetry between both breasts that bothers you.
You have lost volume after a pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss and would like to restore this.
You want to boost your self-confidence with a figure that better matches how you see yourself.

Something else that is important to know: a breast augmentation on its own is not a solution for breasts that have started to sag. When the skin has too little firmness, our surgeons often combine the procedure with a breast lift, also called mastopexy.

Implants or lipofilling: which do you choose?

The choice between implants and lipofilling is very personal and depends on your body, your wishes and the result you have in mind. Below we honestly set out both options for you.

Breast implants

Implants are the most frequently chosen option for women who want a consistent increase in volume. Modern silicone implants are safe, durable and available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and textures. At ACLINIC we work exclusively with high-quality, certified implants from recognised manufacturers.

Lipofilling of the breasts

Lipofilling is ideal for anyone who wants a subtler augmentation and at the same time wants to remove fat in other places (such as the abdomen or the thighs). The result is 100% natural, both in feel and in appearance, because only your own body cells are used. One disadvantage is that part of the injected fat can be reabsorbed by the body, which means a second treatment is sometimes needed to achieve the desired result.

Hybrid breast augmentation

The hybrid technique combines the best of both options. An implant provides the desired increase in volume, while lipofilling is used around it to make the contours softer and natural. In this way the volume of the implant can also be kept smaller.

Which technique suits you best is something we discuss together during a personal conversation.

How does the procedure work?

At ACLINIC we guide you step by step through the entire process:

Step by step

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Step 1: a personal conversation

Everything starts with an extensive and no-obligation conversation with the plastic surgeon. Your wishes and expectations are discussed, photos are taken and, if desired, a 3D simulation can already give you an idea of a possible result. This way you move on to the next steps well informed and with peace of mind.
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Step 2: careful preparation

You receive clear and personal instructions about how best to prepare: stopping smoking, avoiding certain medication in good time and not eating or drinking before the procedure. Good preparation contributes to a large extent to a smooth course and a good recovery.
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Step 3: the procedure

A breast augmentation takes on average 60 to 90 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia. Depending on the chosen technique, the incision is made in the fold under the breast, around the areola or, more exceptionally, in the armpit.
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Step 4: recovery and aftercare

After the procedure you wear a support bra that serves as a perfectly symmetrical dressing. Most patients can gradually resume their activities after 1 to 2 weeks. We follow up your recovery closely and are ready to answer your questions or concerns.

What is the recovery period?

In the first days after the procedure, swelling, a tight feeling and some pain are entirely normal. Your body needs time to recover. Fortunately, these discomforts decrease quickly and most women already feel a good deal better after about a week. You should avoid heavy lifting and intensive sport for the first 6 weeks, so that your body gets the chance to recover calmly and fully. The definitive result becomes visible after 3 to 6 months, when the implants have settled naturally and the swelling has completely disappeared. The most beautiful result therefore requires a little patience.

What does a breast augmentation cost at ACLINIC?

The price of a breast augmentation varies according to the technique, the type of implant and the complexity of the procedure. At ACLINIC you receive a transparent and detailed price quotation during the consultation. In most cases, a breast augmentation is not reimbursed by the health insurance fund.

Frequently asked questions about breast augmentation

Are breast implants safe?

Yes. Modern silicone implants have been extensively tested and approved by European and international health authorities. At ACLINIC we work exclusively with implants from recognised manufacturers with a long-term warranty, because your safety and peace of mind always come first for us.

How long do implants last?

Implants are not for life, but modern prostheses easily last 15 to 20 years or longer. They do not have to be replaced routinely, unless there is a medical reason for this. We inform you about this extensively during the consultation.

Can I still breastfeed after a breast augmentation?

In most cases, yes. The technique and the placement of the incision play a role in this. Did you know that about 15% of women are unable to breastfeed anyway, regardless of any procedure?

Are there scars after a breast augmentation?

Yes, but we do everything we can to place them as discreetly as possible. Moreover, the scars fade considerably during the first 6 to 12 months after the procedure. With the right scar care, the result can be optimised further.

Why choose ACLINIC?

ACLINIC in Oostkamp is specialised in plastic and aesthetic surgery and guides you with knowledge, care and attention from the first conversation onwards. Our team of experienced plastic surgeons, Stefaan Van den Berge, Pieter Vermeulen, Winston Wittesaele, Marc Vandevoort and Gerd Fabré, guides you throughout your process.

With more than 2,700 aesthetic treatments per year and a satisfaction score of 95%, you know you are in good hands.