Sub-Fascial Breast Enlargement | Nürnberger Klinik for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Before a sub-fascial or any other breast enlargement, a careful examination of the breasts is essential. The purpose of this is to identify any changes in tissue. The usual methods are ultrasound examinations and mammography. Since some medication such as blood-thinning substances can have a negative impact on the operation process, it is important to inform the respective doctor about any medication you take. It may be necessary to stop taking such medication prior to the operation for a while or to exchange them for alternative medications. Moreover, patients should refrain from taking any sleeping medication or drinking alcohol, and they should not smoke for at least 10 days prior to the operation.

After a breast enlargement, there will be some pressure pain at the ribs (costal arch), and sometimes also below or beside the breasts. However, the perception of pain is very different from person to person. Compared to other methods, the sub-fascial breast enlargement is considered to come with very little pain. Since the implant does not have any impact on the pectoral muscle and does not expand it – as other methods do –, there will be less post-operative pain. In general it already helps to cool the hurting areas during the first days following the operation, and to take pain medication as needed. In most cases, neither will be necessary any more after a few days already.

A sub-fascial breast enlargement is an interesting alternative to the traditional operation methods, especially for sportive and athletic patients. Since the implant is held by the muscle fascia, it is not necessary to include the pectoral muscle. The benefit: When flexing the muscle, the implant will not “jump”. Also, the healing process is often faster, and the patients can take up their sports again earlier.

However, this method can only be used for smaller or medium-sized implants. Also, patients must have a sufficient layer of tissue on top of the pectoral muscle (at least 2cm). Whether this is a suitable method for a patient has to be decided in each individual case. During a detailed personal consultation appointment at our Nürnberger Klinik for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we will be happy to advise you on the respective benefits of each operation method and will analyse which versions are best suited for you.

Generally speaking, breast implants can be positioned at their desired location by different access routes: via the fold beneath the breast; via the edge of the areola; or via a hidden cut in the armpit (axillary incision). In the case of a sub-fascial breast enlargement, the implant is positioned via in incision at the breast fold.

Through this incision, the operating surgeon will place the implant underneath the fascia of the pectoral muscle which he or she needs to lift in order to achieve the correct position for the implant. For a sub-fascial breast enlargement, we at the Nürnberger Klinik for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery use silicone implants with a structured surface. These present a reduced risk of causing an induration (capsular fibrosis) later on. Once the surgeon has positioned implant correctly, he or she will close and dress the wound.

As with any operation, especially following a breast enlargement with implants, it is important to keep a period of physical rest, also after a sub-fascial breast enlargement at our Nürnberger Klinik for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. During the first 4–6 weeks, patients should wear a special bra that supports and promotes healing. For 6 weeks, they should refrain from doing any sports or exercise, or any other exerting physical activity for that matter which might negatively affect the healing process.