The breast has long been a symbol of femininity. Many women wish for fuller, firmer breasts – whether because their natural shape is small or because the form has changed over time. The reasons for choosing breast augmentation are varied and personal:

• After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breast may lose significant volume and firmness. Glandular tissue recedes, often leaving the chest looking «empty» and sagging – a change many women find distressing.
• Significant weight loss can reduce breast fullness and elasticity.
• Some women experience uneven breast size (asymmetry), developmental differences (malformation), or very small breasts from adolescence (micromastia). This can undermine self-confidence and lead to self-doubt.
• Others simply wish for a more harmonious figure with softer curves because they feel uncomfortable with their current chest size.

More and more women today choose breast augmentation. What was once a taboo subject is now increasingly regarded as a personal decision – a way of doing something positive for oneself.

We take these concerns seriously. In our practice in Bern, we often hear how much small or sagging breasts can affect self-esteem. A carefully tailored breast augmentation offers the opportunity to feel more comfortable (again) in one’s body and to live life with greater confidence.

With every breast operation, our goal is to ensure the augmented breasts suit your body’s proportions. Your overall appearance should remain harmonious and natural. Disproportionately large implants that do not match your frame are avoided for both medical and aesthetic reasons – your health and a naturally beautiful outcome are our top priorities.

Personal consultation: The process begins with a detailed consultation with Dr Banič. We take plenty of time to understand your wishes and expectations. Together, we define the desired new cup size and select the most suitable technique.

Dr Banič has more than 15 years of experience as a board-certified specialist in plastic surgery (FMH) and has successfully performed hundreds of breast operations. This expertise gives you security: you will receive an honest assessment of what is achievable and which results are realistic. To help you visualise your future breast shape, you can also try on different «sizers» (trial implants) in a bra – giving you a real sense of what your new breast might feel like.

In most cases, the desired breast augmentation is achieved using silicone implants. We use only implants of the latest generation (5th generation). These consist of an elastic silicone shell filled with form-stable, highly cohesive silicone gel. The filling always retains its shape and cannot leak, even if the shell were to be damaged in an accident. For maximum stability and a low complication rate, we generally use textured implants (with a slightly roughened surface). These have been shown to integrate better into surrounding tissue and to reduce the risk of capsular fibrosis.

Shape and size: Implants come in different shapes – mainly round or teardrop (anatomical). Round implants create more fullness in the upper breast and décolleté, while teardrop implants often look more natural because they mimic the natural breast contour. Which option and size are best will be discussed thoroughly with you. Thanks to experience, we can judge very accurately what fits your body and fulfils your wishes. Excessively large implants, for example changes of more than two cup sizes, are usually not recommended, as the result should remain both aesthetic and natural.

Implant position: Implants can be placed either subglandular (in front of the chest muscle) or submuscular (beneath the chest muscle). The right position depends on your own tissue. If there is sufficient glandular and fatty tissue, the implant can be placed above the muscle – the procedure is slightly shorter, and healing is usually faster. For very slim women with little natural tissue in the upper breast, we often recommend placing the implant under the large chest muscle. This additional layer covers the implant in the décolleté so that edges are not visible or palpable. Dr Banič will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option in detail. In many cases we achieve the best results with the so-called dual-plane technique: here, the implant lies partially under the muscle at the top and under the gland at the bottom – combining the benefits of both methods.

Anaesthesia and clinic stay: Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. You will be asleep during the operation and feel no pain. Dr Banič’s anaesthesia team (anaPRAX) is highly experienced – in suitable cases, sedation with local anaesthesia is also possible, but we generally recommend general anaesthesia for maximum comfort and safety. The operation takes place in our state-of-the-art clinic in Bern. Depending on the extent, you may go home the same evening (outpatient) or stay overnight for monitoring (especially advisable if combined with a breast lift).

Surgical technique: Based on the preoperative planning, Dr Banič marks the incision and implant position on your skin before the procedure. The incision is usually made in the inframammary fold (under the breast), about 3–4 cm long. This site is ideal, as the scar later lies discreetly in the natural crease and is hardly visible. In some cases, access may also be gained via the areola or the armpit – this is decided individually.

After the skin and underlying tissue are carefully opened, Dr Banič prepares a pocket for the implant either under the gland or under the muscle (see above). The selected implant is inserted into this pocket and precisely positioned. The incision is then closed in several layers using fine, self-dissolving sutures, so no stitch removal is usually required. Finally, a sterile dressing and a supportive surgical bra are applied.

Duration: The operation usually lasts about an hour when only implants are placed. If combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) – for example when breasts have sagged after pregnancy or breastfeeding – the surgery takes longer and additional incisions around the areola and possibly vertically downwards are required. This is always carefully planned and discussed with you beforehand.

Immediately after surgery: You will wake up in our recovery room, monitored by the anaesthesia team and our nursing staff. It is normal to experience tightness or pressure in the chest immediately after the operation. We provide suitable pain relief to keep you comfortable (many patients tell us it was less painful than they had imagined). Small drainages are often inserted to remove wound fluid; these are usually taken out after one to two days. Once you are stable and fully awake, you may go home accompanied, depending on individual circumstances. You will also receive detailed instructions for the first days after surgery.

The first few days after your breast augmentation should be devoted to rest. Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated to reduce swelling (a wedge pillow can help). Avoid abrupt movements and do not lift your arms above shoulder level so as not to strain the fresh wound.

Wear the prescribed support bra consistently – 24/7 for six weeks. This special bra stabilises the new breast shape, relieves the tissue, and promotes uncomplicated healing.

Back to work: Most patients can return to office-based or light work after just a few days. Physically very demanding activities should be avoided for at least three to four weeks. Listen to your body – if something hurts, take more time.

Sport: Refrain from sports and heavy physical activity for at least four to six weeks. Activities that directly affect the chest and arms (jogging, weight training, tennis etc.) must be postponed until full healing has occurred. Gentle walks are fine after a few days and even recommended, but avoid any jarring activity. Once you have clearance from us, you may gradually return to training – always with a well-fitting sports bra.

Follow-up appointments: Dr Banič and his team will support you throughout the aftercare process. The first check-up (including dressing change) typically takes place the day after surgery. Further check-ups are usually scheduled after around four weeks and again after three months. If you have any questions or notice anything unusual, you can reach us around the clock – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Scar care: The sutures are self-dissolving. As soon as the wound has closed (around two weeks), you can begin caring for your scar. Protect the fresh scar from direct sun or tanning beds for at least six months (sun cream SPF 50+, no topless sunbathing) to ensure it heals discreetly.

Breast augmentation is a routine procedure today, but like any surgery, it carries certain risks. These include bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing. Serious complications are fortunately rare. Thanks to our experience and strict sterile techniques, we keep risks to a minimum.

One later complication that can occasionally occur is capsular contracture. The body naturally forms a capsule of connective tissue around every implant. In some cases, this capsule may harden or contract, which can change the feel or appearance of the breast. Modern implants and careful surgical technique significantly reduce the risk, but it cannot be ruled out entirely. In severe cases, corrective surgery (implant exchange and capsule removal) may be necessary. We deliberately use nanotextured implants, as studies suggest they are associated with lower rates of capsular contracture.

Do you have further questions? In our blog, we answer many common questions and share experiences. And of course, you are always welcome to contact us directly for personal advice.

Every breast is unique – and so should be your treatment. Take the first step today towards greater comfort and confidence in your own body. In a non-binding consultation, Dr Banič will explain all the available options and what is realistically possible for you.

Contact us to arrange an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and accompanying you on the way to your desired figure – with expertise, empathy, and personal care.