Breast augmentation surgery has the aesthetic aim ofincreasing the volume of the breast but also reshaping it to achieve a better, symmetrical shape. The breast implants usedtoday are designed to guarantee absolute safety standards for the patient so that the operation is safe and long-lasting. In fact, prostheses have improved technologically over time, and today they are available in different materials and shapes.

Breastaugmentation surgery consists of introducing the breast implant through a skin incision that can be made in the submammary, periareolar or axillary groove. The prosthesis can be positioned behind the mammary gland (retro-glandular position), behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular position) or partially submuscular (dual plane). The choice depends on a few factors: size of the implant, anatomy of the chest, size of the breast, skin type.

Before undergoing surgery it is very important to inform yourself, here are some things you should know about breast augmentation and breast implants:

• Communication with the surgeon is a key aspect. What results are expected? And what are the ones that can be achieved? What size? What shape? it is necessary to talk to the surgeon and discuss with him what the expectations are regarding the result of the surgery. This will help the surgeon direct how to intervene to achieve the desired goal.
• it is essential to find out about the product. The implants to be inserted must have a CE certificate (harmonised European standard EN 12180), and the manufacturer must also provide complete and appropriate information. Only such products are manufactured in accordance with the latest scientific and technical dictates, are clinically tested and meet the legal requirements.
• In any case, the insertion of a prosthesis causes a so-called 'foreign body' reaction. This reaction consists of the formation of a capsule of scar tissue around the prosthesis; it is normal and always occurs. In some cases, however, it can happen that the scar tissue contracts and thickens, possibly leading to the formation of calcifications. This can cause painful indurations and deformations of the breast that may even necessitate removal or replacement of the implant.
• Like all implanted materials, implants are not to be considered eternal and therefore replacement is recommended after 10 to 15 years, although they have been proven to last much longer. The duration of implants varies from patient to patient, all women with implants will have to undergo additional surgery anyway, this must be taken into account.
• Don't forget about check-ups. Any unusual signs or symptoms must be reported to your medical centre immediately. And continue practising self-examination and undergoing mammography for breast cancer prevention. Women who have had breast implants implanted should have their breasts examined every one to two years by a plastic surgeon or qualified medical specialist. According to current knowledge, the incidence of breast cancer in breast implant recipients is the same as in women who have not had cosmetic breast augmentation surgery. however, it must be borne in mind that the diagnosis of breast cancer in women with breast implants can be more technically complicated in radiological examinations. For this reason, it is advisable to carry out checks at specialised radiological facilities.