Breast Implants in Vienna: Augmentation Surgery

There are several types of mammoplasty: augmentation (bigger volume with implants), reduction (removal of excess tissue and skin), mastopexy (a lift for sagging), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and correction of asymmetry. The best approach is chosen individually, considering your wishes and the surgeon's recommendation.

Following all recommendations makes complications rare. Still, they may involve hematoma or seroma, infection of the wound, decreased or increased nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

The effect of mammoplasty lasts for years: about 10–15 years after augmentation (until the implants are replaced) and 5–10 years after a lift or reduction. Duration depends on weight, pregnancy, skin aging and gravity. Supportive underwear and a stable weight help the result last.

Whether breastfeeding remains possible after mammoplasty depends on the type of operation. With augmentation via an under-breast or armpit incision and the implant beneath the muscle, lactation is usually preserved, as the glandular tissue is spared. After a lift or reduction the risk is higher because ducts may be cut. Talk it through with your surgeon beforehand.

In choosing implants, the surgeon considers material (silicone looks most natural, saline is less common), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile, and selects the best option for your anatomy and wishes.

Under general anesthesia the patient feels nothing during the operation. Some moderate discomfort can appear in the first 1–3 days and is controlled with painkillers. By day 5–7 pain lessens markedly, and discomfort ends by weeks 2–3. Tell your doctor right away if the pain is severe.

You may go back to work (with no physical exertion) after 7–14 days, take light walks after 1–2 weeks, and do fitness and swimming after 4–6 weeks. Strength training is allowed after 3 months, pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Compression garments stay on for 4–6 weeks. Timing depends on your recovery.

There is no scientific proof linking mammoplasty to a higher breast cancer risk. Implants do not cause cancer. Continue regular screening after surgery, including self-exams, mammography and ultrasound, and always inform the examining doctor about your implants.

You can have mammoplasty after a C-section, though your body needs to recover completely first. Wait a minimum of 6–12 months after childbirth and the end of breastfeeding. Before surgery, a surgeon's consultation and examination are mandatory.

Mammoplasty does leave scars, but with a skilled surgeon they are minimal. Incisions are made in hidden areas — under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. In the first months scars are reddish, but within 6–12 months they fade and become almost invisible.

Slight asymmetry early on, in the first weeks after surgery, is normal and is due to swelling and uneven healing. If the difference in shape or size persists after 3–6 months, get examined by your surgeon to identify the cause.

After mammoplasty, sensitivity of the nipples and breasts may change for a while, becoming lower or higher. This is due to irritation of the nerve endings. In most cases sensitivity comes back within 3–12 months. If nothing improves after a year, see your surgeon.

Although hormonal drugs (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) have no direct impact on implants, they can produce swelling or changes in breast tissue volume, temporarily affecting appearance. Be sure your surgeon knows about such medications before surgery.