Abstract

Objectives: Please note: This lecture aims to serve as an introduction to the session "BREAST SURGERY - Which implants and why" and is therefore NOT submitted with a classic structure. Introduction: Breast augmentation remains one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures worldwide. Over the past few decades, significant advancements in breast implant technology have enabled surgeons to generate safer more aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Today, a large variety of silicone implants boasting different shapes, sizes, texture and shell compositions are available, each presenting its own unique set of challenges. From the evolution of various breast implants to the refinement of surgical techniques, each phase of evolution represents a fusion of scientific innovation, clinical Materials / method: expertise and patient preference. Interestingly, the ideal size and shape of the female breast are inherently subjective, often influenced by personal preference and cultural norms. Nevertheless, certain characteristics define an elegant and aeshtetically pleasing female breast, widely recognized among surgeons. For instance, the breast profile typically features a gently sloping or full upper pole, transitioning smoothly to the lower pole with a well-defined inframammary fold. Moreover, the nipple–areolar complex is ideally positioned at the point of maximal projection of the breast. Results: Other crucial aspects include the breast’s position on the anterior chest wall, which determines the footprint upon which the breast parenchyma rests. Undoubtedly, the aesthetic outcome of breast augmentation is dependent on the dynamic interplay between the breast implant key native breast characteristics. Conclusion: As an introduction to the session BREAST SURGERY – Which implants and why,' this talk discusses aesthetic characteristics of the breast and current insights into the various aspects and challenges of available implants. Understanding the advancements in late-generation implants empowers surgeons to criticalls evaluate results and promotes the provision of up-to-date scientific data on these devices, thereby enhancing the clinical outcome.