Breast implants (breast prosthesis)

There are three types of breast implants: silicone implants, hydrogel or saline breast implants (saline implants). Most ladies opt for silicone breast implants. Silicone implants are soft, even when touched. They give the breast an attractive shape and feel most like natural breast tissue.

Modern silicone implants, of good quality, are also safe. They have a strong and reliable shell. They are also filled with a firm silicone mass. This does not leak into the body if the shell were to rupture.

At Wellness Kliniek, we usually perform breast augmentation using the MIBIS technique, as this method often results in the smallest scar and the most attractive aesthetic outcome. The MIBIS technique combines two existing approaches (under the muscle with an open lower part). When you contract your chest muscles (for example during exercise, push-ups or by placing your hands on your hips), the implant is less likely to become distorted or move upwards or sideways. MIBIS promotes a faster recovery and leaves the smallest possible scar. The MIBIS technique is technically more demanding for the surgeon, but the results are well worth it!

• Above the muscle (subglandular): The implant is placed on top of the chest muscle. This provides greater projection. The implant lies just beneath the skin, which increases the risk of visible implant edges and capsular contracture.
• Behind the muscle (submuscular): The implant is placed beneath the chest muscle, providing deeper placement. This creates the desired upper fullness while making the implant shape less visible. In experienced hands, selecting the right implant profile (projection) delivers a beautiful aesthetic result.
• Dual plane (combined technique): A combination of both methods: the upper part of the implant is positioned beneath the muscle, while the lower part lies above it. This is a well-established and commonly used technique, but it often results in a slightly larger scar than the MIBIS technique.

Tip: During your no-obligation consultation, your surgeon will assess your body shape and recommend the technique that best suits you. Most women are suitable candidates for the MIBIS technique. Wellness Kliniek has experience with more than 100,000 breast implants placed using our MIBIS technique. Book a breast augmentation consultation and discover whether MIBIS is the right option for you.

Anatomical implants (also known as drop-shaped implants) and round breast prosthesis for behind the muscle, are the most commonly used implants for breast augmentation.

Drop-shaped implants / drop-shaped anatomical prostheses are mainly used in reconstructive breast augmentation after mastectomy. This is when the natural shape of the breast has been lost.

Round implants / round prostheses for behind the muscle are usually preferred for aesthetic breast augmentation. Round implants (round prosthesis) behind the muscle or those placed dual plane are softer and feel more natural than the harder drop-shaped implants.

1. If a drop-shaped implant rotates over time, the shape of the breasts changes. They are then no longer symmetrical. If a round implant rotates, the appearance of the breasts does not change.
2. The centre of gravity of a drop-shaped implant is lower than its physical centre (the midpoint). It is also lower than the nipple. You therefore have a greater chance of the breasts drooping with this.
3. The most beautiful and natural shape is achieved with round implants. Modern round silicone implants take on an anatomical and natural shape when you stand.

The size of breast implants is usually indicated in cubic centimetres (cc) and a profile. Most manufacturers offer implants in four different profiles: low, medium, high and extra high.

Looking at the image above, you can see that the implant appears smaller as the profile gets higher. Yet the volume remains the same.

The width and height of an implant play a bigger role in the result than the volume of the silicone prosthesis. This is where the surgeon's trained eye (and a bit of maths) comes in to help you during your consultation.

At Wellness Kliniek, you choose the implant together with your surgeon that suits your body, your wishes and the surgical technique. We exclusively work with premium implants that are safe and from top-quality brands. In practice, these are the following premium implants: Arion Monobloc SoftOne, Motiva Round, Motiva Ergonomix 1 and Motiva Ergonomix 2.

There are more breast implant brands besides Arion and Motiva. However, our surgeons choose to work exclusively with top-quality manufacturers. This means you can rely on proven materials, the right properties for the technique and a result that feels as natural as possible. Together with your surgeon, you determine which type of implant suits you best.

Breast implants offer good results when the breast and nipple are positioned above the breast fold. With silicone breasts, you get a fuller silhouette. If your breasts are currently flabby and droopy (from Grade 1 onwards), a breast lift combined with breast implants offers a solution. The specialised doctors at Wellness Kliniek know from experience what suits your body best and provide professional advice.

Yes, you can. In fact, apart from the volume increase, the final result is also determined by the profile (projection) of the implant. Silicone breast prostheses come in round low profile, round high profile, round extra high profile, anatomical, drop-shaped. Of course, you will be advised on what suits your needs and what fits your body.

Every body is different, as are the needs of each person. We offer different types and brands of breast implants (such as Laboratoires Arion and Motiva prostheses).

There is no such thing as a best brand of breast implant, but there is a best brand of implant for you (fitting your needs and physique). The Wellness Kliniek surgeon will discuss this with you during the consultation.

Check whether the breast augmentation price mentions the brand and type of implant, such as Arion Monobloc SoftOne or Motiva Round or Motiva Ergonomix 1 and 2, because ‘all-in’ means nothing if you receive a cheaper or different model. Check whether the warranty, any replacement in the event of a defect and extras such as larger volumes are included in the price, or whether you have to pay extra for these later. Finally, compare not only the amount, but also whether the clinic uses top-quality prosthesis brands and whether the implant is suitable for the technique, such as a soft implant for a small incision (scar).

In 1993, the Monobloc welding system was patented by Arion: the shell and the closure are welded together as one unit, without a traditional adhesive seam. Breast implants that consist of a single block (solid silicone gel) are preferred at Wellness Kliniek. With certain brands of silicone implants, the prosthesis shell is made from a single piece (they have no seams). With this type of implant, the risk of leakage is therefore virtually excluded, which means that this type of silicone implant is among the best, safest breast implants on the market.

At Wellness Kliniek, we have an ISO quality management system and measure our results. We have experience with more than 100,000 breast implant procedures. Monobloc implants of European manufacture are our preference. The Monobloc SoftOne implant by Arion is the most commonly used implant at Wellness Kliniek. It has been on the market for more than 30 years and has proven to be reliable, strong and safe. The Monobloc SoftOne breast implant is soft and feels natural. This breast prosthesis is made in France and is particularly suitable for the MIBIS technique (Minimally Invasive Breast Implant Surgery).

Yes, the French Monobloc SoftOne prosthesis from Laboratoires Arion is a premium breast implant: elastic and shape-retaining, soft and natural, suitable for a minimal incision, with additional safety features and a long track record. It is not a universal ‘best’ implant for everyone, but it is a strong choice when a small scar, natural feel and safety are the priority:

• It is very elastic and yet retains its shape.
• It slides easily through a small incision of 2 to 3 centimetres.
• It feels soft and natural.
• It moves naturally with the body.
• Additional safety features reduce the risk of rupture.
• More than 30 years of proven reliability, with hundreds of thousands of breast augmentations at Wellness Kliniek and worldwide.
• Our first choice for the smallest scar, a natural result and safety.
• Made in France – Mougins Côte d’Azur.

Yes, Motiva implants are among the premium options. The Motiva Round SmoothSilk breast prosthesis came onto the market in 2010 and was further developed over the years. The Motiva Ergonomix has been available in Europe since 2014. The newer Ergonomix 2 received CE marking in December 2020 and came onto the European market in 2021. There is therefore less long-term experience than, for example, with the Monobloc SoftOne breast implant from Laboratoires Arion, but the experience so far has been very positive.

• In Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and France, Motiva Round, Motiva Ergonomix 1 and Motiva Ergonomix 2 are currently the most popular Motiva implants. Motiva provides premium quality.
• The surgeon often chooses Ergonomix for movement and larger volumes. Motiva implants from Establishment Labs are made in Costa Rica and are known worldwide.
• Motiva Round is mainly considered if you want very large breast implants, larger than 550 cc.
• The Ergonomix range feels slightly softer and moves somewhat more naturally with your posture.

The surgeon always looks at which type of implant best suits your anatomy and wishes and gives you honest advice based on this. Together, you discuss your preference and decide during a non-binding consultation which implant choice is ultimately the most suitable for you.

Above the muscle: the implant is placed between the glandular tissue and the pectoral muscle. Below the muscle, with the MIBIS method or dual plane: most of the implant lies below the breast muscle.

Based on our 30 years of experience with more than one hundred thousand breast augmentations, the most beautiful shape for breast augmentation is usually achieved with round implants, inserted using the MIBIS method. Depending on your wishes, you can choose a low, high or extra-high projection.

• Standing and lying down. A soft round implant moves slightly towards the lower pole when standing (then resembling a teardrop). When lying down, the volume spreads out like a natural breast.
• No rotation problem. Round is symmetrical, so when the implant rotates, the shape remains the same.
• Fuller cleavage. Those who want extra volume in the upper pole and more cleavage can often achieve this more easily with a round implant (provided the size, profile and tissue coverage are appropriate).
• With sufficient natural tissue (not extremely slim), the breast gland softens the round shape. It is not visible beneath the skin and within the glandular tissue.

The round silicone prosthesis can therefore best be placed under or between the muscle using a minimally invasive breast implantation method. At Wellness Kliniek, the MIBIS method is usually chosen, a refined technique that offers similar benefits to a traditional dual plane placement, but with the smallest possible scar.

Every woman is built differently and has different wishes. We design a unique, customised breast augmentation for every woman. During the consultation, the surgeon will be happy to advise you on which technique and implant shape best suits you for the most beautiful result according to your wishes.

Above the muscle (subglandular), the implant lies only beneath the glandular tissue and skin. When there is little natural breast volume, the tissue coverage is thin. As a result, you are more likely to see or feel the edge of the implant, there is a greater chance of rippling and, historically, a higher chance of capsular contracture. Below or partly below the breast muscle (dual plane / MIBIS below the muscle) provides additional coverage of the upper breast and therefore a more natural appearance.

Rippling is another disadvantage: the less tissue there is over the implant, the sooner this occurs. This is particularly relevant for slim women, small cup sizes and saline implants.

With the (traditional) dual plane method for placing breast implants, most of the round silicone prosthesis is positioned behind the breast muscle. This technique provides a natural transition between the breast and the implant and is widely used worldwide. At Wellness Kliniek, the MIBIS method is chosen in this case, a technique further developed by us which, according to our experience, offers even more beautiful aesthetic benefits, with a smaller scar and faster recovery.

The surgeons at Wellness Kliniek place the breast prostheses in the right place, but due to muscle action, they will sit higher for the first six months. This is a normal process and is even part of achieving the most beautiful end result.

You will wear a special supportive or sports bra for 6 weeks after breast augmentation. During the next 6 months, prostheses will sink in and the final result of breast augmentation with implants will be visible.

Silicone breast implants from European manufacturers have a 10-year warranty against leakage and the manufacturers recommend changing the prosthesis after 10 years. Although the surgeons at Wellness Kliniek recommend an implant change every 10 years, there are also many clients at Wellness Kliniek who have had the same (Monobloc) silicone implants for over 20 years without any problems.

If you have doubts about the quality or age of your breast prosthesis, you can also come to Wellness Kliniek for breast implant replacement.

Liquid silicone leakage is a hotly debated issue. Although scientific studies show that it poses no health hazard, caution is still called for. Implants filled with liquid silicone gel are strongly discouraged by the surgeons at Wellness Kliniek. Implants (with solid gel) whose silicone shell has adhesive seams are also not ideal.

It is best to have implants with liquid silicone gel removed and replaced by monobloc (solid silicone) implants. At the consultation, the surgeons at Wellness Kliniek will be happy to inform you about the breast implant and the quality standards.

Wellness Kliniek has never known a recall for silicone breast prostheses. For 25 years, our surgeons have preferred silicone prostheses made from one solid silicone block. This virtually eliminates the risk of silicone leaking into the body. In addition, a silicone breast prosthesis must be strong yet highly elastic, so that it looks good and does not tear easily on impact.

It was never scientifically proven that silicone breasts caused conditions such as breast cancer, rheumatism or immune disorders. However, it was the case with some silicone implants that they were filled with a running silicone gel. If one then got a crack in the shell of the implant, the gel could leak out and spread in the body.

The safest silicone breast implants have a solid silicone wall and are filled with a solid (cohesive) silicone mass. If the wall cracks, the silicone does not leak out.

Want silicone breasts? Choose a reliable doctor and clinic with an official quality seal. A quality certificate from the clinic is the best guarantee of safe surgery and good-quality silicone breast implants.

Yes! If you are dissatisfied or in doubt about the quality of your current silicone breast implants, it is a good idea to replace the implants. After 10 years, the warranty on implants expires. You can have these breast implants removed by the surgeons at Wellness Kliniek and replaced with newer quality breast implants. In doing so, you can also enlarge or reduce the size of the cup.

Yes, implant removal or a prosthesis change is among the options. After breast augmentation (with good quality implants), the surgeon can easily remove the breast implants and replace them if required. If you have previously had breast implants at Wellness Kliniek, you can rest assured. The procedure implants removal is quick and efficient.

Removing leaking, (liquid) silicone implants after rupture can become an extensive one- to two-hour operation. This is because the surgeon needs more time to remove running silicone from the breast.

At the consultation at Wellness Kliniek, you will discuss with the surgeon why you want to remove your breast implants. Your questions and wishes will be discussed in detail.

If you still remember which implants (brand and serial number) you had fitted at the time, bring this information along to the initial consultation. Do you have an MRI scan that shows rupture? If so, bring this information to the consultation. If you previously received implants at Wellness Kliniek and now wish to have the implants removed or a denture change, we have all the information and you can be scheduled for surgery immediately.

The Dutch Health Care and Youth Inspectorate, part of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), published a list of warnings about breast implants that involve or have involved problems in the production process, administrative shortcomings or fraud.

At Wellness Kliniek, we do not use, and have never offered, the implants listed below. Safety is of paramount importance at Wellness Kliniek. The implants we do use, Motiva implants and Arion Monobloc implants, have been extensively tested and have all the necessary certifications.

Still worried or do you have implants from the list below? Then contact us for consultation and advice.

The list of the Dutch Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate, part of the Dutch Ministry of Health, currently consists, 2024, of the following implants:

• Mentor Smooth Round Saline Implant: Due to a manufacturing defect in a small portion of the implants, theoretically they may leak. As these implants are filled with a saline solution, this filling is not harmful to the body.
• B-Lite implant: The CE certifcate (a marking that a product meets EU requirements for safety, health and environmental protection) was suspended for this implant in January 2021 after an investigation by the French regulator because particles of the filling material were found on the surface of the breast implants. The French manufacturer reportedly took sufficient measures and the suspension was therefore lifted in August 2021. In addition, there is no evidence that the particles pose a health risk.
• Allergan with Biocell coating: Has not been sold on the European market since December 2018 and since 2019 in Canada, Australia and the US. Removal is not necessary as surgery also poses risks, but a doctor should be contacted in case of complaints or changes.
• Silimed implants: Have not been sold on the European market since 2016 because, among other things, fibreglass particles have been found on the surface of the implant.
• Cereplas Cereform implants: Due to administrative problems, the CE certificate for these implants was suspended in 2014, preventing the implants from being sold within the EU. Cereplas is now bankrupt and the certificate therefore remains permanently invalid.
• PIP (Poly Implant Prothèse) implants: This manufacturer used industrial silicones for these implants that were not approved for medical use. In addition, PIP falsified documents and misled regulators. The implants were therefore withdrawn from the market. The Dutch Society of Plastic Surgeons (NVPC) recommends replacing these implants as they have an increased risk of early rupture.
• Rofil M-Implants: The above PIP implants were sold in the Netherlands under the name M-Implants, among others, therefore these too have been withdrawn from the market. Again, the Dutch Society of Plastic Surgeons (NVPC) recommends replacing these implants as they have an increased risk of early rupture.

You have several options for an ultrasound or MRI of your breast implants:

• At Wellness Kliniek: You can start with a non-binding consultation with one of our surgeons. We will assess your situation and, if necessary, provide a referral for an ultrasound or MRI at a radiology centre or hospital.
• Radiology centres / hospitals: An ultrasound of the breasts can usually be arranged quickly via a radiologist (on referral from a GP or specialist). An MRI (the most accurate test for detecting a rupture) is usually performed in hospitals or specialised MRI centres.

Tip: Always start with a consultation at Wellness Kliniek. The surgeon can assess which examination is most appropriate and provide you with the correct referral.

Yes, absolutely! At Wellness Kliniek you can always have your breast implants checked.

• If you had your breast augmentation performed by us, the check-up is free of charge.
• If your implants were placed elsewhere, you are also very welcome for a check-up or second opinion.

You can book a non-binding consultation. During this consultation, the surgeon will examine your breasts and discuss any concerns such as capsular contracture, implant position, or other issues. You will receive immediate personalised advice.

Breast implant check-up: If you are unsure whether your breast implants are still in good condition, or simply want reassurance, you can visit Wellness Kliniek. The surgeon will perform a clinical examination during your consultation. If you want to be certain that your implants are not damaged, you can arrange an ultrasound or MRI scan at a radiology centre near you.

• First year after placement: the number of check-ups required varies from person to person. Discuss this with your surgeon at Wellness Kliniek.
• Afterwards: if healing is smooth and modern, high-quality implants are used, an annual routine check-up is not necessary.
  In case of symptoms (such as capsular contracture, pain, asymmetry, swelling or uncertainty), it is recommended to have a check-up as soon as possible.

The surgeons at Wellness Kliniek recommend a check-up after 10 years in case of doubt (via ultrasound or MRI) or considering an implant replacement. Regular breast cancer screening (mammography) remains important, especially from the age of 50.

Yes, absolutely. If you have concerns about the quality of your breast implants, their position, shape, size, capsular contracture or anything else, you are very welcome for a second opinion. You can book a non-binding consultation and discuss all your concerns directly with the surgeon.

Yes! Even if your breast implants were placed by another plastic surgeon or in another clinic, you are very welcome for a second opinion at Wellness Kliniek.

If you have concerns about quality, placement, capsular contracture or anything else, you can book a non-binding consultation. During this consultation, you will discuss all your concerns with the surgeon. You will receive honest, personalised advice, including whether implant removal or replacement is recommended.

During the non-binding consultation, you can ask all your questions and express all your concerns. The surgeon will thoroughly assess your situation and provide expert, tailored advice. Even if your implants are correctly placed and you simply want reassurance, you are welcome. The consultation is always without obligation.

Only the surgeon can properly assess this after a thorough examination. At Wellness Kliniek, you will receive honest and personalised advice. During a non-binding second opinion consultation, the surgeon will assess your situation and clearly explain whether implant removal or replacement is recommended in your case.