Pectoral implants

Pectoral implants add contour, volume and definition to the pectoral area, even when the muscle does not develop, for example with an underdeveloped chest, an asymmetry or a deformity of the chest wall. The alternatives are not to operate or to postpone the procedure, to build the muscle through training where anatomically possible and, for certain indications, to correct with fat transfer.

Before pectoral implant placement, Dr Manon Belhoste and the anaesthetist give instructions on fasting and treatments, which must be followed without exception. Stopping all smoking and nicotine is required: they damage the microcirculation and increase the risk of poor healing. All treatments and supplements must be declared, in particular anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, anti-inflammatories and herbal remedies, without ever stopping any of them on your own initiative.

You are advised to sleep on your back, with your upper body slightly raised, for the first few days. The chest, armpit and upper arm may feel numb or less sensitive. Numbness is usually temporary. Keep the implant references and report them at any chest examination.

The duration of an individual pectoral implant is not guaranteed. If there is no complication, it can stay in place for a long time. Clinical monitoring is necessary, and further surgery may become indicated in case of displacement, pain, infection, deterioration of the implant or a wish to change it. Routine replacement at a fixed interval is not justified without a clinical indication.

For pectoral implants, the incision in the hollow of the armpit places the scar in a fold, where it is hardly visible. The incision gives access to the outer edge of the greater pectoral muscle, under which the implant pocket is created.

The price of pectoral implants includes Dr Manon Belhoste's fees, follow-up consultations after the operation, anaesthesia, the implants and clinic fees at Polyclinique La Phocéanne or Clinique Phénicia.