Breast reduction Frankfurt: For beautiful breasts that make you feel good again!
The media likes to portray ample breasts as attractive and a sign of femininity. For women, however, they are often a physical and psychological burden and cause complaints such as posture problems and back pain. Things like sport or doing physical work become a torture due to voluminous breasts and are often associated with pain. Added to this are unpleasant looks and comments and the futile search for well-fitting clothing. Many affected women therefore wish to reduce their bust size.
In order to reduce the volume of the breast and give it a beautiful and appealing appearance, a surgical breast reduction (mammary reduction) is an option. During the procedure, the breast tissue is surgically reduced, the breast is tightened and reshaped into a feminine, round form.
In our practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery in Frankfurt, reduction surgery is one of the most common procedures. Dr. Nichlos attaches great importance to aesthetics and sculpts your new breasts so that they harmonize perfectly with your body. Make an appointment for a consultation right away!
Reviewed by the author
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and hand surgery with over 16 years of clinical experience. After working as a senior physician and head of a surgical department at Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, he founded his own practice in Frankfurt in 2025.
The content on this page has been personally reviewed by Dr. Nichlos. It is based on his many years of medical experience and is in line with current specialist standards.
Breast reduction:
At a glance
Financing
Table of contents
Introduction
What is a breast reduction?
In breast surgery, breast reduction is used to surgically reduce a very voluminous bust and reshape the breast in the process. The reason for this is not so much the appearance, but rather physical and psychological problems caused by the weight or size of the breasts.
As part of the operation, excess glandular and skin tissue is removed and the breast is then reshaped into the shape you desire. The aim of this procedure is to achieve smaller and lighter breasts that no longer cause discomfort and make you feel good about your body again.
What are the reasons for a breast reduction?
Women come to our practice seeking breast reduction for a variety of reasons. Many of them have been suffering from their ample bust size for years, are in pain or are confronted with stares and offensive remarks on a daily basis, causing them to avoid certain situations. Below you will find an overview of the most common reasons for a breast reduction:
Physical complaints
Patients often come to our practice in Frankfurt with severe tension, neck pain and/or back pain that has been present for a long time. This is caused by the heavy weight of the breasts, which constantly strains the postural apparatus. In some cases, postural problems such as a hollow back are already present, which can exacerbate these problems.
Women with large breasts are often accompanied by painful marks from the bra straps as well as unpleasant skin irritation and inflammation in the breast crease. The latter occur particularly in summer when the high temperatures cause increased sweating. Large breasts can also interfere with sports and everyday activities and restrict mobility.
Psychological complaints
The physical complaints of patients are often accompanied by a great deal of psychological stress. Inappropriate reactions from third parties are hurtful, undermine self-confidence and make those affected feel ashamed, which in the worst case can lead to social isolation and depression.
In many of these cases, plastic surgery with breast reduction (mammoplasty) can help to alleviate or eliminate the problems and significantly improve the patient’s well-being and quality of life. A reduction in breast size can also help with asymmetrical breasts (anisomastia) and improve the proportional relationship.
Good to know: Breast reduction is generally possible at any age. The decisive factor is the problems caused by the large breasts, or the aesthetic discomfort suffered by those affected, which is the deciding factor for a breast reduction.
Methods
What methods are available for breast reduction?
In plastic and aesthetic surgery, there are various surgical techniques and incision techniques that can be used for breast reduction (mammary reduction). Which of these is used in each individual case depends, among other things, on the extent of the desired breast reduction.
O-cut (Benelli method)
The O-incision or the Benelli method (named after its inventor, the surgeon Dr. Benelli) refers to a circular incision around the areola. Through this relatively short O-shaped incision (hence the name), Dr. Nichlos is able to remove a small amount of excess tissue with skin from the breasts. However, it is not possible to reshape the entire breast with this technique. It is therefore only suitable for minor breast reductions.
i-cut (Lejour method)
The i-incision (or the method named after the surgeon Dr. Lejour) is suitable for a large excess of skin and tissue. In addition to the circular incision around the nipple, Dr. Nichlos makes a vertical incision that runs from the lower edge of the areola to the underbust crease.
Together with the circular incision, it looks like an “i”, which is where this method gets its name from. With this combined incision, the specialist can achieve a significant volume reduction of up to 500 grams and reshape the breast according to your wishes.
T-cut (Strömbeck method, anchor cut)
The T-incision (or Strömbeck method, named after Dr. Strömbeck) is the method of choice for very large breasts and a lot of excess skin. In addition to the circular incision around the nipple and the vertical incision to the underbust crease, a third incision is made. This runs horizontally in the underbust crease, resulting in a T-shaped incision. The incision is also reminiscent of an anchor, which is why this method is also known as an “anchor incision”. It enables the greatest changes of all surgical techniques.
L-cut
A simplified version of the T-incision is the so-called L-incision, in which Dr. Nichlos makes the horizontal incision in only one direction instead of both. This makes the incision look like an L, which also allows for relatively large changes in the breast correction.
Preparation
What happens before breast reduction?
Before your breast reduction in Frankfurt, you will first come to our practice for a thorough medical history and breast examination. You will then meet with Dr. Nichlos for a personal consultation. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can explain to the plastic surgeon your reasons for wanting a breast reduction and describe in detail what the ideal end result or your dream breast looks like for you.
During the consultation, Dr. Nichlos will explain to you which surgical options are available for your specific case. Once the best surgical technique for you has been found, he will explain the exact procedure and what you need to pay attention to before and after in order to achieve the best possible result. For example, it is important that you maintain your desired weight for some time before the operation. Significant fluctuations in weight after the procedure can affect the results of the operation.
The costs are also discussed during the consultation. Due to the very individual circumstances, it is usually not possible to give a fixed amount. We will therefore provide you with a detailed cost estimate following the consultation. You can use this to check whether the costs will be covered by your (private) health insurance.
Important: Smoking (including e-cigarettes) increases the risk of complications such as circulatory or wound healing disorders. You should therefore stop smoking or at least refrain from smoking for 2 weeks before and 3 weeks after the operation.
Procedure
How does the operation work?
The operation takes about 2-3 hours and is performed by us at the Berger Clinic in Frankfurt am Main under general anesthesia. After the anaesthetist has induced anaesthesia and the surgical area has been thoroughly disinfected, Dr. Nichlos first makes the necessary incisions and then removes the appropriate amount of breast tissue and glandular tissue, depending on the initial size and the desired final size. This is usually 200 to 1,500 grams per side of the breast.
The specialist will then tighten the skin and reshape the breast according to your wishes. The nipples often also need to be reduced and/or repositioned. In some cases, it is necessary to suction out excess fat to give the breast the desired shape.
Good to know: Suture removal is no longer necessary due to the self-dissolving sutures. We also only use drains in individual cases.
Immediately after the reduction, the breast is initially still swollen. It takes some time for these swellings caused by the operation to subside. Experience has shown that the final result is visible after about 3-6 months. To support the healing process, we ask you to attend your check-up appointments with us and to follow our aftercare instructions.
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Aftercare
What happens after breast reduction?
In the first week after the operation, you should definitely allow yourself plenty of rest and take it easy physically. After 5 to 7 days, most of our patients are able to socialize again, and after 1-2 weeks (depending on the type of professional activity) they are also able to work again.
It is important for a good healing process that you do not lift anything heavy for the first 4-6 weeks and wear a compression bra. During this time, you should also refrain from sport and physical exertion so that the result can stabilize. Experience has shown that it is also advisable to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated for the first few weeks after reduction surgery.
The initially visible scars from the operation will fade over time, which you can actively support with good scar care. We will be happy to give you further tips and information on how you can further reduce the visibility of the scars as part of your aftercare.
Risks
What risks and complications are associated with a breast reduction?
Like any operation, breast reduction surgery is associated with certain risks and can cause complications. These include bleeding or post-operative bleeding, wound healing disorders and infections. However, these risks can be reduced to a minimum by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Nichlos and adhering to strict hygiene standards.
Breast reduction surgery may also result in a loss or reduction of nipple sensitivity. Initially, swelling and bruising may occur in the surgical area. In some cases, there may also be a feeling of tightness, but this will subside after a while.
During your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Nichlos will inform you about the risks and possible complications from anesthesia to surgery.
Consultation appointment
Breast reduction in Frankfurt: Make an appointment now!
Do you suffer from physical and/or psychological problems due to your large breasts and would like a reduction of your breasts with an aesthetic adjustment of the breast shape? You are in the best hands with Dr. Nichlos. The experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery will be happy to advise you in detail on the options for surgery. Send us your request for a personal consultation using our online form – we will then get in touch with you.
Practice location & directions – Frankfurt Westend
You can easily plan your route to our practice at Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main using the integrated Google Maps map. If you are arriving by car, we recommend the Palmengarten parking garage in the immediate vicinity.
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Frequently asked questions about
breast reduction:
- Is a breast reduction painful?
Breast reduction surgery in Frankfurt is performed under general anesthesia. You will not feel any pain during the procedure. Wound pain may occur after the operation, which can usually be easily treated with mild painkillers.
- What is the difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift?
Breast reduction (mammary reduction) involves removing excess glandular and fatty tissue to reduce the volume and weight of the breast. A breast lift, on the other hand, only aims to remove excess skin without significantly reducing the breast volume.
- Can the sensitivity of the breast change after the procedure?
After a breast reduction, there may be a temporary loss of sensitivity in the breast or nipple. In most cases, this normalizes after a few weeks or months. Permanent restrictions are rare.
- Are the nipples also adjusted during breast reduction?
If desired, the areola can be reduced and repositioned for very large breasts in order to achieve an aesthetically harmonious overall appearance. We will clarify whether this is recommended in your case in a personal consultation.
- Will there be visible scars after the procedure?
Depending on the incision technique, fine scars may appear which fade well over time. With correct aftercare and care, these are usually inconspicuous and completely covered by clothing.
- Is breast reduction also possible for very large breasts?
Yes, surgical reduction is also possible in the case of very pronounced macromastia (very large breasts). Particular attention is paid to a stable shape, a symmetrical result and protection of the nipple region.
- When will I be socially acceptable again after breast reduction surgery?
Patients are usually fit for everyday life again the following day. Light physical activity is usually possible after two weeks. Exercise should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks.
- How long does it take to heal after the procedure?
The healing process is individual, but is usually largely complete after around 6 weeks. During this time, regular check-ups and wearing a compression bra are important.
- Is breastfeeding still possible after breast reduction?
In most cases, the ability to breastfeed is maintained. However, milk production may be reduced, especially if a lot of glandular tissue is removed. It is therefore recommended to have the procedure performed after family planning has been completed.
- How permanent are the results of a breast reduction?
The result is permanent. However, weight fluctuations, pregnancies or the natural ageing process can change the shape of the breast again over time.
- Does health insurance cover the costs of a breast reduction?
Dr. med. Nichlos is not licensed by the health insurance companies. Billing via statutory health insurance companies is therefore not possible – even if there is a medical indication.
- How much does a breast reduction cost in Frankfurt?
The costs start from 7,500 euros, plus anesthesia, clinic, compression bra and, if necessary, 1 overnight stay. An individual cost plan is drawn up during a personal consultation.