Reasons for breast surgery
There are various reasons for breast surgery. Most women are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts and feel that they are too small or too large, too saggy, or unsuitable for their body shape. The shape of the breasts can be genetic or may have changed as a result of significant weight fluctuations. In some cases, the operation is intended to rebuild the breast (breast reconstruction), correct a malformation (e.g., tubular breasts, inverted nipples), or correct asymmetry.
Incidentally, men can also undergo breast surgery to increase their well-being and self-confidence, for example, if they suffer from gynecomastia (“male breasts”).
Requirements for breast surgery
One requirement for breast surgery is that breast growth has already been completed. This is one of the reasons why cosmetic breast surgery is only performed on women aged 18 and over. Cosmetic surgery on younger individuals is only possible in very rare and well-founded exceptions. 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. This is excluded for safety reasons for you and your child. On the other hand, the shape and size of the breast during this time does not correspond to the “normal state” 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 under no circumstances be performed to please your partner or other significant others. You should also have realistic expectations of the outcome of the operation.
Types of breast surgery in Frankfurt
There are various types of breast surgery, which differ in terms of their objectives and procedures. The most common breast surgery procedures for women are breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, nipple correction, and replacement of existing breast implants. For men, the most common procedure is the treatment of gynecomastia.
- Breast augmentation (mammoplasty)
Breast augmentation aims to increase breast volume, optimize breast shape, or correct any asymmetry. There are two basic procedures for this: augmentation with implants or with the patient’s own fat (lipofilling).
In the implant method, breast implants are inserted under or above the chest muscle through an incision in the crease under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit. These implants are filled with silicone or saline solution and are available in various sizes and shapes (round, teardrop).
In the autologous fat method, the body’s own fat tissue is first removed from another area (usually the thighs, abdomen, or hips), prepared, and then injected into the breast. This procedure is suitable for women who do not want artificial material in their bodies and want to enlarge their breasts by a maximum of 1 cup size.
- breast reduction
Breast reduction surgery (mammoplasty) involves reducing the size and volume of the breasts by removing skin, glandular tissue, and fatty tissue in a targeted manner. This is often done not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to alleviate physical discomfort such as back pain or postural problems, which frequently occur in patients with very large breasts.
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, although a change in volume (enlargement with implants/autologous fat or reduction) is not always necessary or desired. Breast lifts are often requested after pregnancy or significant weight loss, but can also be used to counteract age-related sagging of the skin.
- Nipple correction
Nipple correction can permanently change the shape, size, or position of the nipples or areolas. This is particularly relevant if the nipples are inverted (“inverted nipples”), very large or asymmetrical, or if the areolas are very large overall.
- implant replacement
Sometimes it may be necessary to replace existing implants. There are various reasons for replacing implants, for example to replace a damaged implant or to treat complications such as capsular fibrosis. It is also possible that an implant may need to be replaced for aesthetic reasons, for example if the patient wants a different size or shape.
- Gynecomastia surgery
In gynecomastia (colloquially known as “man boobs”), men have excessive breast tissue, giving their chest a large volume and making it appear feminine. This genetically or hormonally caused excess breast tissue can be surgically removed. If necessary, excess fatty tissue can also be removed (liposuction).
Risks of breast surgery in Frankfurt
Since breast surgery is a surgical procedure, there are general risks associated with breast surgery of any kind, such as bleeding/postoperative bleeding, wound healing disorders, infections, and problems with scarring. Temporary sensitivity disorders in the breast and/or nipple are also possible.
In addition, depending on the type of breast surgery, there are specific risks that will be explained to you 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), or breast reduction can lead to a loss of breastfeeding ability.
To minimize the risks, you should have the operation performed by an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and follow the instructions for preparation and aftercare consistently.
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.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Breast augmentation with autologous fat | from 5.500 € |
| Breast augmentation with implants | from 7.500 € |
| Breast lift | from 7.500 € |
| Breast reduction | from 7.500 € |
| Gynecomastia surgery | from 4.500 € |
