Breast lift
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!
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.

Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos has specialized in breast reduction for over 17 years and has extensive experience in aesthetic and functional breast surgery.
Using precise surgical techniques, Dr. Nichlos achieves a harmonious breast shape while providing significant physical relief. During the recovery phase, patients who have recently undergone surgery receive personalized care, and Dr. Nichlos is available at any time, even around the clock, if needed.
The reasons for breast reduction surgery vary widely. Many women have struggled with large breasts since puberty. For others, their breasts have only become a problem since pregnancy. Most patients come to us for the following reasons.
When the breasts are very large in relation to the rest of the body, we refer to this as macromastia. In extreme cases, it is called gigantomastia. Excessively large breasts are usually congenital. Sometimes hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause are also responsible. Typically, the breasts hardly shrink even after weight loss. This is because they consist mainly of glandular tissue, which does not shrink like fatty tissue.
For many affected women, having a large bust size is a burden—not only physically, but especially psychologically. Their breasts often attract unwanted attention, which is very uncomfortable. This frequently leads to feelings of shame. Many affected women even avoid certain situations. With a breast reduction, Dr. Nichlos adjusts the size and shape to match the patient’s body type.
For those affected, large breasts are a burden in the truest sense of the word. In cases of macromastia or gigantomastia, for example, a breast often weighs 500 grams or more, and in extreme cases even several kilograms. This places a heavy strain on the musculoskeletal system. Many patients therefore complain of chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain. Some have even developed postural problems.
Added to this are complaints that those affected are reluctant to discuss openly. For example, painful pressure marks from bra straps. Due to the weight, these dig deep into the skin and cause inflammation. A sore breast fold is also common. Especially during the summer months, sweat and constant friction frequently lead to inflammation and fungal infections in this area. A reduction often permanently resolves the pain and issues with the inframammary fold.
Having large breasts limits women in their daily lives more than outsiders might realize. Exercise quickly becomes a chore. Even with a good sports bra, every movement hurts. As a result, many women avoid certain activities altogether—activities that are actually good for them but are hardly enjoyable with large breasts.
Problems also often arise outside of sports. For example, when shopping for clothes. Sometimes tops and dresses feel tight; other times, they unintentionally draw attention to the breasts. For many women, shopping is therefore more of a chore than a pleasure. They often resort to loose-fitting clothing to conceal their breasts. Breast reduction surgery reduces the breasts to a size that no longer restricts them.
By nature, female breasts are never perfectly symmetrical. So if one side is slightly larger or shaped a little differently, that is completely normal. However, if the two breasts differ by a cup size or more, we refer to this in medical terms as anisomastia.
In most cases, this asymmetry is congenital. However, it can also develop due to hormonal changes. If the anisomastia is pronounced, it can be easily noticeable under clothing and, for example, make it difficult to find a well-fitting bra. With a breast reduction, the two breasts can be harmoniously balanced.
Good to know: Breast reduction is generally possible at any age. The deciding factors are the problems caused by the large breasts or the impaired sense of aesthetics that those affected suffer from, which is the deciding factor for undergoing breast reduction surgery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, that is possible. If you are planning to have multiple areas treated anyway, this is actually a good idea, since a combined procedure requires only one anesthesia and also shortens the recovery time. At our practice, we often perform breast reduction surgery in conjunction with the following procedures:
If you have unwanted fat deposits in other areas of your body, these can be removed directly during the same procedure when combined with liposuction. For example, Dr. Nichlos can remove fat from your flanks, upper arms, thighs, and back in a single session, thereby creating a more harmonious silhouette.
If the skin on both your breasts and your abdomen has become saggy after pregnancy, combining the procedure with a tummy tuck is a good option. By combining the two procedures, Dr. Nichlos can achieve a very harmonious overall result.
Good to know: Upon request, breast reduction can also be combined with other procedures, such as an eyelid lift or an upper arm lift. Dr. Nichlos will be happy to discuss with you during a personal consultation whether and which combinations are appropriate and feasible for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many patients want to know the costs associated with a breast reduction before undergoing treatment. Since each surgery is planned individually, the exact price may vary depending on the initial findings, the extent of the surgery, and the desired breast size.
At our practice in Frankfurt, the cost of a breast reduction typically starts at:
The exact costs depend, among other things, on how much breast and glandular tissue needs to be removed and which surgical technique is used to achieve a harmonious result. Following a personal examination, Dr. Nichlos will create a personalized treatment and cost plan that transparently lists all services.
The total cost of a breast reduction consists of several components. These typically include:
In addition, a breast reduction involves 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 treatment flexibly, there is also the option to finance the costs of breast reduction surgery conveniently in 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 pay the full cost upfront but can settle the treatment through monthly payments.
We would be happy to inform you about the requirements and the financing process during a personal consultation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The result is permanent. However, weight fluctuations, pregnancies or the natural ageing process can change the shape of the breast again over time.
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.
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 reduction as well as aesthetic and functional procedures in the breast area.
All content on 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.
Current insights from our everyday practice – feel free to follow us!
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.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Google Maps. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou need to load content from reCAPTCHA to submit the form. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou need to load content from Turnstile to submit the form. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information