What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation — also known as augmentation mammoplasty — is a popular cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. Whether you’re hoping to restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, balance out asymmetry, or simply feel more confident in your body, breast augmentation can help you feel more like yourself.
It’s one of the most requested aesthetic procedures worldwide— and Belgium is no exception — not because there’s anything “wrong” with natural breasts, but because our bodies change over time, and sometimes we just want a little help feeling at home in our skin again.
Breast augmentation involves placing implants beneath the breast tissue or muscle to increase size and improve shape. It is often chosen to:
- Add volume to naturally small breasts
- Restore fullness after weight loss or breastfeeding
- Improve symmetry
- Reconstruct breasts after surgery or trauma
Important note: If sagging is your main concern (rather than size), a breast lift (mastopexy) may be a more suitable procedure — or it can be combined with implants for both lift and volume.
Implant Types: Silicone, Gummy Bear, and Saline
All breast implants have a silicone outer shell, but the filling material and consistency vary — and these differences affect feel, shape, and long-term results.
Silicone Implants
- Filled with soft, cohesive silicone gel
- Mimic the natural feel of breast tissue
- Pre-filled and require a slightly larger incision
- Require regular imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to monitor integrity
- Popular brands in Belgium include Motiva and MENTOR, both known for safety and natural-looking results
Gummy Bear Implants (Cohesive Gel)
- A subtype of silicone implants filled with highly cohesive gel
- Maintain their shape even if ruptured
- Firmer than traditional silicone but more stable
- Ideal for patients seeking a more structured or teardrop-shaped look
- Often used in reconstructive surgery or for well-defined, anatomical enhancement
Saline Implants
- Filled with sterile saltwater after placement
- Firmer feel compared to silicone
- Require a smaller incision since they’re inserted empty
- If ruptured, they deflate visibly and the body absorbs the saline harmlessly
Implant Profiles & Shapes
Beyond filling, implants differ in profile (how much they project) and shape (round or teardrop).
Profiles
- Low profile – wider base, subtle projection
- Moderate profile – balanced, natural result
- High/ultra-high profile – narrower base with greater upper fullness (more dramatic look)
Shapes
One of the most important decisions when planning breast augmentation is choosing the implant shape. The two main options are round and teardrop (anatomical) implants — each offering distinct aesthetic outcomes.
- Round implants – even fullness all around; softer look if placed under muscle
- Teardrop (anatomical) – mimic natural breast slope with more volume at the bottom
Round Implants
Round implants are symmetrical and provide balanced fullness in all directions. When placed under the muscle, they often settle into a natural teardrop shape over time.
Best for:
- Those who want more volume in the upper part of the breast
- Patients seeking a fuller, more rounded appearance
- Individuals looking for a simpler and more affordable option
Advantages:
- Fuller cleavage and upper pole volume
- Easier to position during surgery
- Less risk if the implant rotates — since shape is uniform
Considerations:
- In very slim patients or when placed over the muscle, results may look slightly less natural
Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants
Teardrop implants are shaped to mimic the natural slope of the breast, with more volume in the lower half. They’re often recommended for a subtler, more anatomical look.
Best for:
- Patients with little natural breast tissue
- Those seeking a natural contour rather than visible upper fullness
Advantages:
- Closely mimics the natural breast shape
- Often used in reconstruction or subtle enhancements
- May offer better shaping in some body types
Considerations:
- Requires precise placement by a skilled surgeon
- Can be more expensive than round implants
- If the implant rotates, it may distort the breast shape
Surface Texture
Implants can also have smooth or textured surfaces:
- Smooth implants move more freely and are commonly used with round shapes.
- Textured implants are designed to stay in place, often used with anatomical shapes to prevent rotation. However, some textured implants have been linked to rare complications like BIA-ALCL (a rare lymphoma), and their use has declined in some countries.
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Placement Options
Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable placement based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired outcome:
- Subglandular (over the muscle): Faster recovery, more natural movement, but may be more visible in thin patients
- Submuscular (under the muscle): More coverage, lower risk of visible rippling or capsular contracture
- Dual-plane: Combines both approaches — upper implant under muscle, lower part under breast tissue
Incision Options
Implants can be inserted through several types of incisions:
- Inframammary – under the breast fold (most common and discreet)
- Periareolar – around the areola (blends well but may impact nipple sensation)
- Transaxillary – through the armpit (no breast scar, but harder for precise placement)
Choosing the Right Size
Implant volume is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) — not bra size. Here’s a rough guide:
- 150–250cc: Subtle enhancement
- 300–400cc: Noticeable but natural
- 450–600cc+: Fuller, more dramatic look
Size selection depends on:
- Your chest width
- Skin elasticity
- Existing breast tissue
Remember: cc ≠ cup size. A 300cc implant may look different depending on your chest width and tissue elasticity. Most surgeons offer 3D simulations or sizers during consultation to help you visualize the result.
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Visualize Your Breast Augmentation Results Before Surgery
Your surgeon will guide you through sizing during a consultation, often using in-clinic tools like sizers in a bra or 3D imaging systems. However, there are now EU-friendly options that anyone in Belgium or nearby can try:
- MENTOR™ Breast Implant Simulator App – available across the EMEA region, lets you upload photos and preview different sizes and shapes in real time Appstore / GooglePlay
- Crisalix – used by many European clinics (including in Brussels), this system creates 3D simulations from your photos, allowing live adjustments and detailed volume comparisons.
- Arbrea Breast Software (ABS) – a Swiss-made AR app that runs entirely offline on an iPad, offering quick and private 3D previews during your consultation.
These tools aren’t replacements for expert advice but can be a great way to explore what different implant volumes (in cc) look like on your unique body, helping you feel more confident and prepared.
What About Fat Transfer?
If you prefer a natural option without implants, you may want to consider Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation. This uses liposuction to move fat from areas like your thighs or stomach into your breasts. While it offers a subtle increase, results can be less predictable and are best for women seeking a one-cup-size enhancement.
The Surgery: What to Expect
Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Most patients go home the same day.
What recovery looks like:
“I wore a support bra day and night for the first few weeks and avoided lifting anything heavier than a laptop. It wasn’t painful — just tight at first.”
“At around 6 weeks, the implants started to soften and settle. By 3 months, they looked and felt really natural.”
After surgery:
- You’ll wear a support bra for 4–6 weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting and intense workouts
- Swelling, bruising, and tightness are common at first
- Implants may sit high initially, then “drop and fluff” over 6–12 weeks
Risks & Long-Term Considerations
While breast augmentation is considered safe, all surgeries carry some risk:
- Capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant)
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Infection or hematoma
- Sensation changes in nipples
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Some women report chronic symptoms they associate with implants: fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or skin issues. This is referred to as Breast Implant Illness, though it is not a formally recognized medical condition. Still, many women notice improvement after breast implant removal, and surgeons are increasingly open to listening and supporting patients with these concerns.
BIA-ALCL
Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a rare immune system cancer linked to textured implants. It typically presents as swelling or fluid buildup and has a very low but real risk — especially in textured models no longer used in many countries. Smooth implants (like most used in Belgium today) have not been linked to this condition.
If you currently have textured implants or symptoms like swelling, talk to a specialist. Removal may be appropriate in certain cases.
Can You Breastfeed After Implants?
Yes, most women can successfully breastfeed after breast augmentation — especially when implants are placed under the muscle and the incision is away from the nipple. However, some incision types (like periareolar) can potentially impact milk ducts and reduce milk production.
Important: If breastfeeding is a future priority, mention this during your consultation. Your surgeon can choose techniques that minimize any potential interference.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While many last 10–20 years or more, revision surgery may eventually be needed. This could include:
- Breast Implant Exchange
- Breast Implant Removal
- Breast Revision Surgery for complications or aesthetic changes
Regular checkups and imaging (especially with silicone) help catch issues early.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Belgium?
Typical costs in Belgium range from €3,500 to €6,000 for implants. Fat transfer procedures may cost between €4,500 and €7,500
Cosmetic augmentation is not covered by Belgian health insurance unless it’s medically indicated (e.g., after mastectomy or for severe asymmetry).
Setting Expectations
Breast augmentation can absolutely transform how you feel in your skin — but it’s not about perfection. Aging, hormones, and gravity still apply, and future adjustments may be needed.
The key is choosing a skilled surgeon, having honest conversations about your goals, and going into the experience informed and empowered.
You deserve to feel confident in your body — on your terms.
Ready to feel confident in your skin again?
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