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Breast augmentation (Implants)

Improving breast shape and volume
Table of Contents

Practical Information

  • Type of treatment: Plastic Surgery
  • Main objectives: Increase breast size; Correction of asymmetry.
  • Average duration of surgery: 2 hours
  • Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
  • Hospitalisation: Outpatient care or a 1-day hospital stay, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation.
  • Average recovery time: 1 to 3 weeks
  • Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho

 

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What is Breast Augmentation and how is it performed?

Augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation or breast enlargement are the designations for breast surgery that aims to increase the volume of the breast and improve its shape by placing breast implants (silicone prostheses).

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves placing a breast implant under the mammary gland, beneath the pectoral muscle fascia, or partially under the pectoral muscle. The surgeon determines the most suitable placement based on the patient’s anatomy and the existing breast volume.

To achieve this, a small incision is made in the breast areola, the fold under the breast, or the armpit crease.

Once the breast implant is in place, drains may or may not be required. At the end of the procedure, a compression bra is applied.

Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia and typically lasts around 2 hours. It can be done on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay, depending on the surgeon’s recommendations.

 

Who is it for?

Breast augmentation is most often performed on people with small breasts who want to increase their volume for aesthetic reasons.

This type of breast augmentation is also indicated for women with asymmetrical breasts or who have suffered a marked decrease in the size of one or both breasts due to pregnancy or significant weight loss.

In addition, breast implants can be the solution for women with sagging or tuberous breasts.


Breast augmentation healing

Like any surgery, breast augmentation also leaves scars. The incision can be peri-areolar (around the areola), infra-mammary (breast crease) or axillary (transverse incision in the armpit).

 

Before and after Breast Augmentation

See the full clinical case in Breast Augmentation Before and After.

 

Testimonials

‘Dr Francisco Martins De Carvalho doesn’t overlook the smallest detail. He seeks perfection and finds it. A unique and sublime talent. I woke up with the body of a teenager (I’m 41). Thank you for making me smile’

Sofia Dias

‘Dr Francisco Carvalho is undoubtedly the best Plastic Surgeon with a very promising future ahead of him. His dedication, responsibility, professionalism, concern for the patient, sensitivity and humility are second to none. I highly recommend him. Thank you Dr Francisco and the whole team for everything. But in particular Dr Francisco Carvalho. I would recommend this plastic surgeon to anyone who wants to change their life and self-esteem. Eternal gratitude!’

Paula R.

‘One of the best surgeons, I really appreciate the excellent work he did with me! A perfectionist! I couldn’t be happier with the result! Thank you Dr Francisco Carvalho!’

Marysa R.

 

Expected results

After breast augmentation, the goal is to achieve larger breasts while maintaining harmony and balance with the patient’s physical structure. The expected results are, therefore, as natural as possible.

Generally, the results are noticeable immediately after surgery, although the breasts may still be slightly swollen at this stage. For this reason, the final and definitive results are typically visible only after 6 to 9 months.

 

Breast Augmentation Post-Surgery and Recovery

Generally, 24 to 48 hours after being discharged from hospital, the patient should return to the clinic to have the drains removed, after daily monitoring by the surgeon. On his recommendation, the patient can also have her first lymphatic drainage.

In the post-operative period, it is essential to wear a compression bra. The compression bra should be worn day and night for 6 to 8 weeks.

Drainage can be done twice a week.

All scar care will be explained in detail by the surgeon.

The period of inactivity varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient’s type of activity. During the first month, you shouldn’t do violent exercises or lift weights. Work can be resumed an average of 10 days after the operation, depending on the type of work done.

Although breast implants do not increase the risk of developing any breast pathology, annual monitoring is recommended.

 

Breast Augmentation Price

The price of breast augmentation varies depending on a number of factors, so a specific assessment of the patient is required. Book an appointment to get a quote and clarify all your doubts.

 

Plastic Surgeon

About Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho

[Ordem dos Médicos 53318]

Dr Francisco Martins de Carvalho specialises in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He graduated in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto and completed his Internship in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Hospital de São José (Lisbon) and the Hospital de São João (Porto).

He completed several internships, including Oncological Surgery of the Head and Neck at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology – Porto and a fellowship in Hand Surgery organised by the Portuguese Society of Hand Surgery. He has also completed international internships in Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Reconstruction and Lymphoedema at the Planas Clinic – Barcelona, the University Hospital of Brussels and the Villa Sant’Apollonia Clinic – Bergamo, having had contact with leading plastic surgeons such as Dr Jaume Masià, Dr Moustapha Hamdi and Dr Enrico Robotti.

He currently works at the Hospital de São João – Porto, and is also a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto.

In the field of aesthetic surgery, he has a special interest in facial aesthetic surgery, breast aesthetic surgery, body contouring surgery and female intimate surgery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL PAGE

 

Where to have breast augmentation in Porto?

Have breast augmentation with Dr Francisco Martins de Carvalho at Living Clinic! We’re at Av. da Boavista 117 6º, Sala 607, 4050-115 Porto, Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic. The operation can take up to 2 hours.

It can be done on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation.

No, as long as the size of the implants is appropriate for the patient’s physical structure. That’s why it’s very important to take the surgeon’s recommendations into account and choose implants that suit the body.

Yes. Placing breast implants either above or below the muscle generally does not interfere with the milk ducts (galactophore ducts). Therefore, you will most likely be able to breastfeed.

The breast implants used today are of high quality and highly durable. One of their main features is the outer coating, which helps reduce the likelihood of capsular contracture (the formation of hardened tissue around the implant).

However, it is always important to monitor for this and other potential risks.

For this reason, determining the exact lifespan of implants can be difficult. The brand of implants selected by the surgeon typically offers a lifetime guarantee in case of rupture and a 10-year guarantee against capsular contracture.

Breast augmentation is contraindicated in cases such as:

  • Reduced blood flow to the breasts
  • Immune system disorders, blood clotting issues, or impaired healing
  • Cardiovascular or endocrine conditions that increase surgical risk

Additionally, this surgery should not be performed on pregnant women, postpartum women, or nursing mothers.

 

As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries some risks, although they are rare. These include:

  • Infection
  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant rupture
  • Haematoma
  • Seroma
  • Changes in nipple sensitivity
  • Unsightly scarring
  • Asymmetry

Other potential risks will be explained in detail during preoperative consultations.

Yes. Breast augmentation can benefit those with sagging breasts due to breast laxity and volume loss. This procedure helps restore volume and improve breast shape.

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