Breast augmentation
Every woman wants a beautiful décolleté with firm breasts. However, with advancing age, pregnancy and breastfeeding or significant weight loss, breasts that were previously firm and firm can increasingly lose their shape and volume and sag. The result is sagging breasts, which many women find unattractive and therefore want a change.
With a breast lift, plastic surgery offers the possibility of lifting and reshaping sagging breasts to give them back their feminine and youthful appearance. For an all-round harmonious result, the nipples are also moved and brought into a higher position.
However, reshaping the breast and adapting it to the body’s proportions requires a great deal of experience and a very fine and pronounced sense of aesthetics. Dr. Nichlos has these qualifications as a specialist in plastic surgery and routinely performs the procedure at the Berger Klinik in Frankfurt. Make an appointment for a consultation now!
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.

Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos has specialized in breast lifts for over 17 years and has extensive experience in aesthetic breast surgery.
Using precise techniques and a keen sense of natural form, Dr. Nichlos restores a firm and harmonious breast shape. During the recovery phase, patients who have recently undergone surgery receive personalized care, and Dr. Nichlos is available at any time, including 24/7, if needed.
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.
A breast lift is generally possible at any age. The important thing is that the breasts are fully developed, which is usually the case between the ages of 18 and 21. The right time for the procedure depends primarily on how much your current condition is affecting your quality of life. Does the current shape of your breasts bother you greatly, or do they even limit you in your daily life? Only you can answer that. There are also other factors you should consider when planning the procedure.
If you have not yet finished planning your family, Dr. Nichlos generally advises waiting to have the procedure. Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause your breasts to first increase in volume and then decrease again. In the worst-case scenario, the surgery would then have been in vain. In rare cases, a breast lift can also limit your ability to breastfeed. Ideally, your last breastfeeding period should have been at least six months ago. This ensures that your breasts have fully returned to their pre-pregnancy state.
Your body weight also plays an important role in planning. Significant weight fluctuations, whether up or down, inevitably affect the size and shape of your breasts. If you are planning significant weight loss, it makes sense to wait with the procedure until you have reached your target weight and maintained it for several months. After that, nothing stands in the way of a lift.
Before any breast procedure, Dr. Nichlos also recommends an ultrasound examination or, alternatively, a mammogram of the breast. This is done to rule out any abnormalities in the breast tissue and is part of the careful preoperative preparation in our practice.
The main difference between the various surgical techniques is the incision. 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:
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.
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.
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.
The type of breast lift that is right for you depends on exactly what you are unhappy with regarding your breasts. For many patients, the shape alone is not the issue. Some women want more volume, while others want less. Dr. Nichlos will discuss the options with you in detail and recommend the method that best suits your wishes and your specific situation.
In a breast lift alone, Dr. Nichlos tightens the sagging skin and breast tissue. The volume remains unchanged, so your breasts will be nearly the same size as before the procedure. This method is ideal if you are satisfied with the size of your breasts and simply want to correct their shape.
If your breasts have not only become saggy after pregnancy or significant weight loss but also feel downright empty, it is possible to combine a lift with breast augmentation using implants. This will restore fullness to your breasts.
If you’d like to increase your breast size but don’t want silicone implants, breast augmentation using your own fat may be a good alternative. In this procedure, Dr. Nichlos removes fat cells—for example, from your abdomen or thighs—processes them, and injects them into your breasts. This usually results in an increase of half to one cup size.
Some women have large breasts that are also significantly sagging. In these cases, a breast lift alone is often insufficient to achieve a satisfactory result. Furthermore, the weight of the breasts would eventually cause them to sag again. When combined with a breast reduction, Dr. Nichlos removes excess fat and glandular tissue and tightens the skin.
We have various surgical techniques available for each of these different breast lift methods.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many patients want to know the costs associated with a breast lift before undergoing treatment. Since each treatment is planned individually, the exact price may vary depending on the initial findings, the extent of the surgery, and the chosen method.
At our practice in Frankfurt, the cost of a breast lift typically starts at:
The exact costs depend, among other things, on the degree of skin laxity and which surgical technique is used to achieve a harmonious result. Following a personal examination, Dr. Nichlos will create a customized treatment and cost plan that transparently lists all services.
The total cost of a breast lift consists of several components. These typically include:
In addition, a breast lift incurs anesthesia costs and clinic fees, as the procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a specialized clinic.
After the surgery, you will also receive a compression bra to support the healing process and stabilize the surgical results. An overnight stay at the clinic can be arranged additionally depending on your individual recovery or personal preference.
To help you plan your desired treatment flexibly, you also have the option of financing the treatment costs for a breast lift in convenient monthly installments.
Financing is provided by an experienced financing partner and can be tailored to your individual financial situation. This means you do not have to cover the costs all at once but can pay for the treatment in monthly installments.
We would be happy to inform you about the requirements and the financing process during a personal consultation.
During a breast lift (mastopexy), excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is reshaped to lift the breasts and make them appear firmer. The aim is to achieve a natural, harmonious breast shape – without any loss of volume. If desired, the lift can be combined with an augmentation or reduction.
Whether a pure lift, a combination with implants or autologous fat makes sense depends on your individual starting situation and the desired result. Dr. Nichlos will give you comprehensive advice on the options in a personal consultation.
The breast lift is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the method. The operation is performed on an outpatient basis, but an overnight stay in the clinic is also possible on request or if medically necessary.
Most patients feel fit enough for light everyday activities on the following day. As a rule, you will be fully fit for social life again after a few days – but you should still avoid major physical exertion.
Self-dissolving stitches are used and drainage is not necessary. Immediately after the procedure, you will be given a compression bra which should be worn for at least six weeks. We also recommend lymphatic drainage and regular check-ups to monitor progress.
A breast lift is theoretically possible from the age of 18, provided that the development of the breast is complete. There is no upper age limit. As long as the physical requirements (e.g. for anesthesia) are met, nothing stands in the way of breast surgery.
Scars can never be completely avoided during a surgical procedure. Thanks to modern surgical techniques and careful incision management, they usually heal inconspicuously. The appearance can also be improved with consistent scar care.
Yes, the results of a breast lift are generally permanent. However, even the surgical procedure cannot stop the natural ageing process. This causes the skin and breast tissue to sag over time, so that the breast shape changes again. Pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations can also affect the result.
Yes, this is possible. Even if no tissue is removed during a breast lift, the breast often appears smaller than before due to the tighter skin. If this is not desired, an additional breast augmentation can optimize the external appearance. Depending on personal preference and the desired size, breast implants or autologous fat can be used for this.
As with any surgical procedure, bruising, swelling or wound healing problems may occur. Sensitivity changes in the nipple area are also possible, but usually disappear. Detailed information will of course be provided during your consultation.
Allow yourself and your body time to recover and heal after the procedure. You should refrain from physical exertion such as sport for the first 4-6 weeks. After that, you can – in consultation with Dr. Nichlos – start with light exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your training.
Yes, this is possible. As only excess skin is removed during a breast lift and the breast tissue is reshaped, but the milk ducts remain unaffected by the procedure, the operation has no effect on the ability to breastfeed. However, pregnancy can change the shape of the breast and therefore also the result of the operation. We therefore recommend that you wait until you have been breastfeeding for a few months and have completed your family planning before having a breast lift.
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos, MD, is a board-certified specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Frankfurt and has specialized for over 17 years in breast lifts as well as aesthetic procedures for shaping and lifting the breasts.
The content of this page has been personally reviewed by him and is in accordance with the current state of medical knowledge as well as the professional standards of plastic and aesthetic surgery.
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Do you suffer from sagging breasts after losing a lot of weight or breastfeeding and feel uncomfortable? At our practice in Frankfurt, we offer you various treatment methods with which we can tighten your breasts and give them more volume again if desired. Simply submit your request for an initial consultation using our online form – Dr. Nichlos will be happy to inform you personally about your options.
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