Breast augmentation is a significant decision that deserves careful preparation. Before you undergo surgery, there are several important things to consider: your motivation, your expectations, the choice of implant, the surgeon's qualifications, and the clinic's safety standards. In this article, our specialists at Blooming walk you through everything you need to know before booking your procedure. From choosing the right size to understanding the recovery and the long-term commitment, being fully informed will help you achieve the best possible outcome and feel confident every step of the way.
A breast augmentation is bespoke. No two women are the same, and therefore neither is the treatment. This is precisely why it is so important that you have a consultation with the treating plastic surgeon prior to the procedure.
During this initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will carry out a thorough assessment of your breasts. This is done using measurements and photographs. It is very important that your breasts are carefully measured and that the quality of your skin and your own breast tissue are evaluated. These factors partly determine the type of implant you will ultimately choose.
Breast implants come in many different shapes and sizes. They also differ in volume, firmness, and texture. Choosing a good and safe implant is essential to achieving an excellent result.
Lifetime guarantee?
In the past, breast implants needed to be replaced after ten to fifteen years. This is no longer always the case. Manufacturers now offer a lifetime guarantee on the integrity of the implant. This does not mean that you will never need to have them replaced. There are other factors that affect the appearance and feel of your breasts, such as skin ageing, sagging, or capsular contracture. Please bear in mind that the placement of implants is not a one-time procedure, and it is wise to have your breasts checked if you have any concerns.
Choose an experienced plastic surgeon
Plastic surgeons in the Netherlands complete a specialised six-year training programme with the corresponding professional experience after their medical degree. The first two years are devoted to surgery, followed by a four-year further training in plastic surgery. This knowledge and experience are of great importance in practising the profession to a high standard. Always choose a plastic surgeon who has completed the full training including the specialisation, and not a doctor who has only completed the basic training.
There are many developments in the field of cosmetic surgery. A great deal of research is being conducted into the best possible ways to place breast implants. It is important that the plastic surgeon is up to date, as is the rest of the team. This is why it is important that they regularly attend further education.
Where will the procedure take place?
For a breast augmentation, it is very important that the procedure is performed in an operating theatre that meets all requirements and is regularly inspected by the Healthcare Inspectorate. Choose a safe environment — this contributes to a better result and a swift recovery. There are naturally often higher costs associated with this, precisely because the latest technologies and the highest standards of hygiene are maintained.
Allow yourself time to recover
When we talk about a breast augmentation, we are talking about the human body. The procedure can only go well once, and that is why it is so important to choose quality, certainty, safety, and health. You yourself also have a great influence on your recovery from a breast augmentation. Particularly in the first few days after the procedure, it is very important that you take it easy and give your body the time to recover. Do not schedule the procedure during a busy period or just before a holiday. Do not smoke. Only return to exercise when your plastic surgeon considers it safe to do so, and try to live as healthily as possible. Because your health is the most important thing.