Breast augmentation in Zurich

Common starting points are a volume felt to be too small, volume loss after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss, and marked differences between the sides.

Prerequisites are completed growth, a stable weight, an unremarkable breast examination and realistic expectations of the result. Existing illnesses, medication and smoking are discussed in advance.

An implant adds volume in a plannable way and in a defined shape. Your own fat can achieve small increases in volume and contour corrections, but requires sufficient donor areas and is limited and less predictable in its volume effect. If the concern is not volume but the position of the tissue, a lift is the more obvious option.

None of these procedures is fundamentally superior. What matters is which change is to be achieved and what the anatomy allows.

Size and proportion

The sensible implant size follows from breast width, chest shape, skin envelope and tissue thickness — not from a cup size. Implants that are too large place long-term strain on skin and tissue.

Shape and profile

Round and anatomically shaped implants differ in volume distribution, profile heights in projection. Which combination suits depends on the initial shape and the desired result; there is no general superiority.

Implant position

The implant can be placed in front of, partly under or under the chest muscle. The choice depends mainly on tissue thickness in the upper area and on activity and strain in everyday life.

Approach

Usual approaches are in the inframammary fold, at the edge of the areola or in the armpit. They differ in scar position and controllability during surgery.

The planning process

Examination and measurement, discussion of the desired result and its limitations, selection of size, shape, profile, position and approach, a written summary — and a conscious period for reflection.

Asymmetry

Differences between the sides can often be reduced with different implant sizes or additional measures. Complete symmetry cannot be planned.

After pregnancy and breastfeeding

Volume loss and a stretched skin envelope often occur together. The examination then determines whether an implant alone is sufficient.

When a lift is needed

If the nipple sits clearly below the inframammary fold, an implant alone will usually not change the shape satisfactorily. A lift — alone or in combination — is then considered.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, usually with a short inpatient stay. After surgery, swelling and the wound conditions are checked and the next steps are discussed.

First days: a feeling of tightness and swelling, physical rest, support garments as directed by your doctor. First to second week: gradual return to everyday life; sedentary work is often possible early. After several weeks: a staged return to sport, with strength training last.

Lifting — including children — strains the operated region and is cleared individually. The final shape becomes apparent after several months.

Every operation leaves scars. They usually fade over months; the final appearance can be assessed after about a year. Their course and quality depend on the approach, wound healing and individual predisposition.

Possible risks include postoperative bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, changes in sensation, visible or palpable implant edges, capsular changes, implant displacement or defect, and a result that requires further surgery.

Implants are not lifetime products. Your own tissue also continues to change through ageing, weight fluctuations and pregnancies.

Full information on risks is provided in the personal consultation.

Regular check-ups are planned after the procedure. An implant replacement can become advisable with symptoms, changes in shape, capsular changes or a desired change in size; removal without replacement is possible at any time and changes shape and volume depending on tissue quality.

Keep your implant passport — it documents the manufacturer, type and size.

The medical consultation for surgical procedures costs CHF 250. If you subsequently book an operation with us, the consultation fee is credited in full against the price of the operation. Following the examination, you will receive an individual cost breakdown that clearly states which services are included.

• Dr. med. Michael W. Payne

  Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

• Dr. med. Dr. Phil. Annemarie Nijboer

  Specialist in Surgery

• Breast surgery in Zurich — overview
• Breast augmentation with Preservé®
• Breast lift
• Breast reduction
• The breast after pregnancy and breastfeeding — decision guide
• Breast asymmetry — decision guide
• Breast lift or implant — decision guide
• Recovery after breast augmentation: a realistic timeline

The initial consultation is about clarification, not selling. It does not necessarily end with a surgery date — often it brings the realisation that a different approach, or no procedure at all, is the right choice.

The consultation process

1. 01

   Discussion

   We listen to your concerns, medical history, expectations and what you would like to change about your appearance.

2. 02

   Examination

   A careful clinical examination and assessment of your underlying anatomy.

3. 03

   Options

   Possible procedures, alternatives, limitations and risks — explained clearly and without time pressure.

4. 04

   Time to reflect

   You decide in your own time. Any outstanding questions can be addressed in a further consultation.