September 18, 2024
Dr. Horn Gary
Plastic Surgeon
Breast augmentation is one of the most requested procedures in cosmetic surgery. Despite being a well-established intervention, it remains highly popular today. Whether you’ve already decided to undergo the procedure or are simply curious about the process, here is the typical journey of a patient:
1. The first step is to schedule a consultation with a surgeon specialized in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery.
2. Two consultations are recommended, spaced at least 10 days apart with your specialist.
This interval allows you to fully absorb the information and ask all your questions regarding the procedure, its limitations, and important considerations. For example, there is always an upper limit to the implant size your body can tolerate without risk. Each individual’s morphology is unique, and the implant size must be chosen in harmony with the rest of your figure.
Another essential point is that breast implants only increase breast volume. They do not lift sagging breasts, unlike fat grafting or a mastopexy, which may be required in combination with augmentation.
3. During your first consultation, our physician may conduct a physical examination, take measurements, or perform implant fitting trials.
You will also receive instructions for any required preoperative tests (bloodwork, imaging, etc.). The potential risks (infection, hematoma, etc.) and how to minimize them will be discussed.
Surgical details will be explained, including the location and size of the incisions, implant placement (above or below the pectoral muscle), the use of absorbable or non-absorbable sutures, and whether drains or dressings will be used.
All our procedures are performed on a day-surgery basis. You will return home no later than four hours after your arrival.
You will also receive guidelines on the recovery period (what you can and cannot do for the next two to three weeks) and the schedule for your postoperative visits.
You will have the opportunity to ask all your questions. A detailed quote is provided, with a 25% deposit required to schedule the second consultation.
4. The second consultation
Once the deposit is paid, the second consultation takes place at least 10 days after the first. The purpose is to ensure you have received complete information and understood the answers provided.
The final implant size is confirmed at this stage (with options for slightly larger or smaller sizes available). The surgery date is confirmed, and anesthesia forms and consent documents are completed either in person or digitally.
The anesthesiologist will contact you after you submit these forms. If you are taking any medications, they will advise whether you can take them on the day of surgery or need to stop them in advance (e.g. anticoagulants). Arnica or oral iron supplements may be prescribed beforehand, discuss this with your anesthesiologist.
5. The day of surgery
General advice:
Take a thorough shower the morning of surgery, preferably with Iso-Betadine Scrub Uniwash 7.5% (red bottle, available at the pharmacy; two small bottles are sufficient). Brush your teeth as usual.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably buttoned tops rather than pullovers, as raising your arms may be painful or risky.
Bring the compression bra prescribed by your surgeon. If you don’t have one, we recommend MedicalZ bras: https://www.medicalz.com/fr/produits/zbrabretelles-reglablescontenseur-integre
Do not bring any valuables.
Anesthesia guidelines:
Arrive at the clinic fasting (no food for 7 hours, no liquids for 3 hours before your arrival time at Brussels Surgical & Esthetic Center).
You must be accompanied by an adult for your return home (not necessarily upon arrival). This is specified in your consent form.
A typical breast augmentation surgery day:
Your surgeon will review and confirm your informed consent, take preoperative photos, and mark the surgical areas on your skin.
You will receive detailed postoperative instructions and the schedule for follow-up visits (typically at 2 weeks for suture removal, then at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every two years thereafter).
Prescriptions and medical certificates may also be provided by the anesthesiologist.
Surgery begins approximately one hour after your arrival. A standard breast augmentation takes no more than one hour. Pain relief and antibiotic prophylaxis are administered.
You will spend no more than two hours in recovery. You will be discharged the same day, generally 2 to 3 hours after surgery, once cleared by the anesthesiologist.
A friend or relative must pick you up post-surgery, as agreed in the consent.
Before discharge, you will receive pain medication and antibiotics (if you do not have Belgian health coverage via INAMI or a mutual insurance provider).
If you live outside Brussels, arrange for a home nurse to change your dressings two to three times per week for 15 days. In Brussels, our nursing team can assist at a rate of €50 per visit.
6. After surgery, rest is essential:
Breast augmentation can enhance your figure, correct certain aesthetic concerns, and restore self-confidence. However, the postoperative process is just as important as the procedure itself.
By following these guidelines, and those provided by your surgeon, you can ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
If you have questions after undergoing surgery at Brussels Surgical & Esthetic Center, mandatory follow-up appointments are scheduled, and our medical team remains available to support and guide you throughout your recovery.
A specific question?
