Reasons

Reasons for breast surgery

There are various reasons for breast surgery. In most cases, women are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts and feel that they are clearly too small or too large, too saggy or unsuitable for their body shape. The shape of the breasts may be genetically determined or may have changed as a result of significant weight fluctuations. In some cases, the operation is intended to reconstruct the breast (breast reconstruction), correct a malformation (e.g. tubular breasts, inverted nipples) or compensate for asymmetry.

By the way: Men can also undergo breast surgery to improve their well-being and self-confidence, for example if they suffer from gynecomastia (“man boobs”).

Prerequisites

Requirements for breast surgery

One prerequisite for breast surgery is that breast growth is already complete. This is one of the reasons why aesthetic breast surgery is only performed from the age of 18. Only in very rare and well-founded exceptions is cosmetic surgery possible for younger people. There is no upper age limit, but further examinations (e.g. mammography) may be necessary before the operation.

Breast surgery in Frankfurt during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not possible. On the one hand, this is ruled out for safety reasons for you and the child. On the other hand, the shape and size of the breast does not correspond to the “normal state” during this time and changes again afterwards, so that the result of an operation is unpredictable.

Very important: The procedure must be performed at your own request and should never be performed to please your partner or other caregivers. You should also have realistic expectations of the outcome of the operation.

Species

Types of breast surgery in Frankfurt

There are various types of breast surgery, which differ in their aim and procedure. The most common breast surgery procedures for women are breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, nipple correction and the replacement of existing breast implants, while for men it is the treatment of gynecomastia.

Breast augmentation (mammary augmentation)

Breast augmentation aims to increase the volume of the breast, optimize its shape or compensate for any asymmetries. There are basically two procedures for this: augmentation with implants or with autologous fat (lipofilling).

With the implant method, breast implants are inserted under or over the pectoral muscle via an incision in the underbust crease, around the nipple or in the armpit. These implants are filled with silicone or a saline solution and are available in various sizes and shapes (round, teardrop-shaped).

With the autologous fat method, the body’s own fatty tissue is first removed from another area (usually the thighs, abdomen or hips), processed and then injected into the breast. This procedure is suitable for women who do not want to have artificial material in their body and would like to have their breasts enlarged by a maximum of 1 cup size.

Breast reduction

Breast reduction (mammoplasty) involves reducing the size and volume of the breast by selectively removing skin, glandular and fatty tissue. This is often not only for aesthetic reasons, but is sometimes also intended to alleviate physical complaints such as back pain or postural problems that often occur in patients with very large breasts.

A breast reduction is often performed in combination with a breast lift. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it may also be necessary to reposition the nipple in order to achieve a harmonious overall appearance.

Breast lift

During a breast lift (mastopexy), the skin and tissue of the breast are tightened, whereby a change in volume (enlargement with implants/own fat or reduction) is not always necessary or desired. A breast lift is often requested after pregnancy or severe weight loss, but can also be used to counteract age-related sagging of the skin.

Nipple correction

A nipple correction can permanently change the shape, size or position of the nipples or areolas. This is particularly suitable if the nipples are retracted (“inverted nipples”), are very large or asymmetrical or the areolas are very large overall.

Implant change

Sometimes it may be necessary to replace existing implants. There can be various reasons for changing implants, for example to replace a damaged implant or to treat complications such as capsular fibrosis. It is also possible that an implant needs to be replaced for aesthetic reasons, for example if the patient wants a different size or shape.

Gynecomastia surgery

In the case of gynecomastia (colloquially known as “man boobs”), men have an excessive amount of mammary gland tissue, which gives their breasts a large volume and thus a feminine appearance. This genetically or hormonally caused excess breast tissue can be surgically removed with an operation. If necessary, excess fatty tissue can also be suctioned out (liposuction).

Risks

Risks of breast surgery in Frankfurt

As breast surgery is a surgical procedure, there are general risks associated with any type of breast surgery, such as bleeding/post-operative bleeding, wound healing disorders, infections and problems with scarring. (Temporary) sensitivity disorders of the breast and/or nipple are also possible.

In addition, there are specific risks depending on the type of breast surgery, which you will be informed about in detail during the preparatory consultation before the procedure. For example, breast augmentation with implants can lead to hardening of the tissue around the breast implants (capsular fibrosis) and breast reduction can result in a loss of the ability to breastfeed.

To minimize the risks, you should have the operation performed by an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and consistently follow the instructions for preparation and aftercare.

Costs

What does breast surgery cost?

The following prices serve as a guide. Additional costs may be incurred depending on the procedure selected and the individual treatment required. Please note that costs for anesthesia, the hospital stay and any necessary aftercare services will be added to the amounts listed.