Breast lift Frankfurt: rediscover your femininity!

Introduction

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift (also known as a mastopexy) is a surgical procedure to lift and improve the shape of the female breast. The aim of this procedure, which is frequently performed in breast surgery, is to lift and visually tighten sagging breasts due to age, pregnancy or weight loss. To do this, the existing excess breast skin is surgically removed and, if necessary, the nipple is repositioned (higher).

However, a pure breast lift only serves to correct the shape, but does not increase breast volume. On the other hand, no volume is lost. If desired, it is possible to combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation or breast reduction. A breast lift is also often part of a mommy makeover. Let Dr. Nichlos advise you on this in a personal consultation at our practice in Frankfurt.

What are the reasons for a breast lift?

Over time, every body changes and the natural ageing process causes the skin and connective tissue to become increasingly slack. Unfortunately, this can also be seen in the breasts. Even after significant weight loss or pregnancy with a long period of breastfeeding, the previously plump breasts can lose a lot of volume and begin to sag. Many women cannot and do not want to accept this breast shape, which is also uncharitably referred to as sagging breasts.

We know from experience that dissatisfaction with one’s own breasts and the strong desire for a youthful and firm breast shape can lead to a great deal of suffering in women and can trigger feelings of shame or even problems in relationships. Modern plastic and aesthetic surgery can provide more self-confidence and a sense of well-being in one’s own body with a breast lift and thus noticeably increase the quality and enjoyment of life.

Methods

What types of breast lifts are there?

At our private clinic in Frankfurt am Main, we offer various types of breast lifts. Which method is used depends on the individual initial condition and the result desired by the patient. A distinction can be made between

• Pure breast lift: tightening of the skin and mammary gland without changing the volume with breast implants or autologous fat
• Breast lift with implants: Lifting and simultaneous augmentation with silicone implants to increase volume, lift and shape the breast
• Breast lift with autologous fat: tightening of skin and tissue, as well as moderate volume build-up of the breast with the body’s own fat
• Breast lift with breast reduction: tightening and simultaneous removal of excess fat and glandular tissue to shape and relieve the breast

We have different surgical techniques available for each of these different breast lift methods.

OP techniques

Which surgical techniques are used for a breast lift?

The main difference between the various surgical techniques is the incision technique. Which incision technique Dr. med. Nichlos uses for breast surgery depends on the basic shape of the breast, but above all on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed to achieve the desired result. The individual incision techniques are named after letters that resemble the shape of the incision:

O-Technology

In the so-called O-technique or donut technique (periareolar lift), the surgeon makes a circular incision around the nipple. It is the simplest variant of breast lift and leaves a barely visible scar.

I-technique / i-cutting technique

The i-technique (vertical lift) is very frequently used in plastic surgery. With this technique, the specialist makes an O-incision and an additional vertical incision from the nipple downwards. This technique is also known as the lollipop technique in reference to the incision. It is suitable for operations in which larger excess skin needs to be removed.

T-technique / T-cut (anchor cut)

If there is a very large amount of excess skin, the T-technique (also known as the T-incision) can be used, in which the surgeon also makes an incision in the underbust crease. Together with the circular incision around the nipple and the vertical incision to the underbust crease, this incision looks like an anchor, which is why it is also known as an anchor incision. In some cases, only a horizontal incision is made along the breast crease to the side, which is then known as an L incision.

Preparation

What happens before the breast lift?

To ensure that your breast lift can be performed smoothly, a prior physical examination and a personal consultation are required. During the examination, Dr. Nichlos will check that you meet all the health requirements for the procedure and that there are no medical reasons why you should not have breast surgery.

Together, you will discuss which form of breast lift (in combination with or without a breast augmentation or reduction) is best suited to fulfill your wishes. Dr. Nichlos will then explain to you the exact procedure of the operation, what results you can expect and what you should pay attention to before and after in order to provide the best possible support for the breast lift.

Important: To reduce the risk of complications during the procedure and to promote wound healing after the operation, you should stop smoking and abstain from alcohol about 2 weeks before the operation. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, you should temporarily discontinue this in consultation with Dr. Nichlos.

Procedure

How does the operation work?

The breast lift is performed by us at the Berger Clinic in Frankfurt under general anesthesia. The operation takes about 2-3 hours. After anaesthesia has been induced and the surgical area thoroughly disinfected, Dr. Nichlos will make the necessary incisions, move the nipple and reduce the size of the areola if necessary, depending on the surgical technique chosen.

In the next step, the specialist removes the excess skin and reshapes the remaining tissue with the mammary gland to give your breast a nice round and firm shape. Finally, the wound is closed with self-dissolving stitches and, if necessary, drainage tubes are placed to drain off wound fluid.

You will be given a bandage and support bra/compression bra for stabilization, which you should wear for the next few weeks. To ensure optimal healing and a stable surgical result, it is very important that you follow our instructions for aftercare.

Aftercare

What happens after the breast lift?

You should take it easy physically after the breast lift. To reduce the initial swelling, redness and tightness, you can cool the breast carefully, but not directly on the skin. In the following weeks, wear a special support bra to support the healing process and the breast and stabilize the result. You should not do any sport or lift or carry anything heavy during this time. If possible, sleep on your back.

Important: As soon as the wound is closed, you can start caring for the scar. Also make sure that you do not exert any pressure on the scar and protect it from direct sunlight for the next 6-12 months to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Risks

What risks and complications are associated with a breast lift?

As a surgical procedure, a breast lift is associated with certain general surgical risks, which primarily include bleeding and post-operative bleeding, wound healing disorders and infections. These risks can be minimized if the procedure is performed under the strictest hygienic conditions by an experienced plastic and aesthetic surgeon such as Dr. Nichlos.

This also applies to the specific risks of a breast lift, such as the (usually temporary) loss of sensitivity in the skin or nipple, asymmetrical or uneven results or noticeable scarring. Dr. Nichlos will provide you with comprehensive information about possible risks and complications before the procedure and will of course be happy to answer any questions you may have about breast surgery.