Breast augmentation surgery with implants: what is important to know and what myths prevail.

Cosmetic plastic surgery has been around for many years, yet this field of medicine is still shrouded in distrust, and breast augmentation with implants could be nominated as the surgery that has garnered the most myths. Cosmetic plastic surgeon and founder of „GP Klinikos“ Gintaras Papečkys, drawing on his extensive work experience, decided to share his insights on breast augmentation with implants and debunk long-standing myths.

As a specialist in cosmetic surgery, which myth related to breast augmentation bothers you the most?

What bothers me the most is not so much the myths about the surgery itself, but perhaps the interference of men in the process that will be performed on a woman. Often they present their opinions as if they themselves were having their breasts augmented.

One of the most popular myths is that implants can affect breastfeeding. What is the reality?

It has been proven that implants have nothing to do with feeding a baby. The implant is placed under the muscle, often under the gland, and does not touch it at all.

If a woman is planning breast augmentation and also pregnancy, when is the best time to augment the breasts – before or after childbirth?

I usually recommend breast augmentation with implants before pregnancy, of course, if there is a problem, as in this case, the woman can avoid post-nursing breast „sagging.“ As soon as a woman finishes breastfeeding, she cannot immediately correct her breasts. For a while, a woman's breasts after breastfeeding may appear somewhat empty, influenced by breastfeeding and overall fatigue. With implants, the breasts stay in place, they just slightly increase during breastfeeding.

I have heard that after breast augmentation surgery, their sensitivity disappears.

This myth prevails, but it cannot be said that sensitivity disappears – it rather changes. Initially after the surgery, it can be the opposite – even greatly increased sensitivity, but later it stabilizes and remains the same, but this applies only to breast augmentation with implants.

There are also rumors that implants can even explode. Do they need to be replaced regularly?

They definitely cannot explode, but they can rupture. The cause can be various elements, such as direct trauma, or tissues damaging the implant during healing, but these are extremely rare cases. Currently, it is said that if there are no damages, implants do not need to be replaced.

How long are implants felt after surgery?

The first three days are more uncomfortable, painful, but this is normal, just like after any other surgery. Pain can also occur as the implant scars, but if healing is smooth, the patient does not feel the implant itself. Indeed, the implant can be felt, especially in the side part of the breast, where the implant is just under the skin. The older the patient and the more fatty tissue, the less palpable the implant.

Compared to other countries, is it expensive to perform breast augmentation surgery in Lithuania?

It is particularly cheap in Lithuania. The market price has currently dropped to around 2500 Eur. In neighboring Estonia, it costs about 5000 Eur, while in Western Europe, it ranges from 8 to 10 thousand Eur. It is important to note that the price applies to breast augmentation with the same implants.

Among what age group of women is it popular?

At a younger age – on average between 30 and 40 years. But, for example, it is popular worldwide to gift this surgery upon reaching adulthood if the breasts are underdeveloped or if there are other elements that the person does not like.

How did breast augmentation surgery and healing look in the past? Has much changed over the years?

Of course, it differs somewhat: the implants have improved and their consistency has changed. Previously, the inside of the implants was like jelly, but now it is a cohesive gel; if we cut the implant, the gel would stay in place, whereas before it would have spilled out. The shape of the implants has also changed, of course, to achieve the most natural result possible.

What implants do you use?

We use those implants that are registered in the European Union and have their suppliers and supply in Lithuania. Currently, the most popular implants in Lithuania are „Motiva“ and „Politech.“ All implants are subject to special control and high requirements.

Could there be a case where you would not agree to increase the breast size?

Certainly. Patients sometimes present unrealistic desires: sizes that are unnatural, obviously too large considering the overall body composition of the woman, wanting a certain appearance after the surgery when I see that such a result will not be achievable.

What are the most important aspects a woman should know before this surgery?

First of all, she must know and realistically imagine or at least understand what the doctor will explain, what the result will be – this is very important in aesthetics. It is essential that the desires are realistic and align with the result – then the patient will be satisfied.