A breast lift ensures a full, harmonious shape
A breast reduction or breast lift can help women achieve a new and happier attitude to life. Using a scar-saving technique, excess skin and tissue is removed to reduce or lift the breasts.
In brief
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is an aesthetic surgical procedure that aims to lift and shape sagging or drooping breasts. It is particularly suitable for women whose breasts have lost their firmness due to pregnancy, weight loss or the natural ageing process. During the procedure, excess skin and tissue is removed to firm and lift the breasts.
If necessary, the nipples can also be repositioned and reduced in size. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. The recovery time after a breast lift varies, but it usually takes a few weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside.
What motivates people to have a breast lift?
Over time, skin and connective tissue lose elasticity. As a result, an increasing sagging becomes noticeable. Although this is completely natural, it is often perceived as disturbing and stressful. Unfortunately, the change can hardly be influenced by exercise and diet. The nipple moves downwards and the décolleté looks sunken.
However, a breast lift can restore the youthful shape.
What is a breast lift?
As the name suggests, the skin and connective tissue of the breast are reduced and thus tightened. This stops the sagging (med.: ptosis) over the underbust fold. State-of-the-art surgical techniques can be used to lift the breast. Areas of skin are selectively removed and the underlying connective tissue is sculpted to lift the breast above the underbust fold and restore the juvenile shape. The incision is made individually in a circular fashion and, if necessary, in the lower breast area. The resulting scars are called “lollipop”, “T-cut”, “donut” or “J-/L-cut” depending on their appearance. They will be clearly visible at first, but will fade over time.
If you have any questions, I invite you to a consultation.
Duration
60-120 min
Pain
low
Scars
yes, inconspicuous
Stay
outpatient or 24h
Bandage
yes
Work
after 10 days
Sports
after 4 weeks
Costs
from € 5.000,-
What different methods are there?
A breast lift is a procedure that can be performed for both medical and aesthetic reasons. Excess tissue is removed to tighten the breast and give it a more youthful shape. The choice of technique depends on the initial size of the breast. If there is a small amount of excess tissue, a circular incision around the areola can be used to remove the tissue. For medium to large excess tissue, a T-incision technique is usually used to achieve optimal results.
Before after photos
Results speak louder than a thousand words
Who is it suitable for?
In principle, a breast lift can be performed at any age after reaching the age of majority. In general, breast growth should be complete. Ideally, such procedures should be performed after child planning has been completed, as in extremely rare cases the ability to breastfeed can be affected. As already mentioned, a “sagging” breast is a completely natural condition that can nevertheless lead to dissatisfaction and feelings of shame.
Who is it not suitable for?
A current desire to have children is suboptimal, as the ability to breastfeed can be impaired. In addition, the skin and connective tissue of the breast are subjected to a great deal of stress during pregnancy, which can lead to renewed sagging. In addition, severe weight fluctuations, e.g. due to lifestyle changes.
Breast pathologies or anomalies should be thoroughly investigated in advance. If corresponding pre-existing conditions require treatment, this should be completed approx. 3-6 months before the breast lift.
As already mentioned, incomplete breast growth, e.g. in minors, also precludes a breast lift.
When is the best time?
Breast augmentation is an aesthetic operation. In general, there is no time pressure. Every woman will therefore choose the time for breast augmentation for her own reasons. The desire is often very strong after reaching the age of majority or after completion of breast growth and after pregnancy or weight loss. Any month can be chosen as far as the timing is concerned Since it is necessary to wear compression garments after the operation, many women opt for cooler months.
What type of anesthesia is necessary?
You will be sedated during the operation. This means that you will be in a kind of twilight sleep. A pleasant state in which you do not feel anything of the operation. A general anesthetic is not usually necessary. The difference between anesthesia and sedation is, in addition to different medications, that artificial respiration is not used. During sedation, you breathe on your own. Patients perceive this as less stressful.
Can the procedure be combined with other procedures?
A breast lift can be combined with many other procedures. For example, breast augmentation with autologous fat or breast augmentation with implants to counteract an empty upper half of the breast region. In addition, wrinkles can be treated with Morpheus8 or fat reserves can be suctioned out.
Surgical and conservative alternatives
There are various conservative and surgical alternatives for many operations. It is therefore necessary to consider these carefully before any surgical intervention. If the use of a scalpel can be dispensed with due to conservative alternatives, these are of course preferable.
Bodytite treatment, for example, is available as a minimally invasive alternative. This uses radiofrequency therapy to stimulate a contraction of the connective tissue and a tightening of the skin. However, this procedure is only useful for small areas.
Exercise, alternating showers and massages generally promote blood circulation and are ideal for preventative body care. However, despite various myths, none of these methods can regenerate sagging connective tissue. In this case, only surgery will bring effective change.
Photos
The photos show examples of primary breast lifts performed in my practice. Various techniques were used to achieve a firmer breast. Each photo shows the condition before the treatment and approximately 4-6 months afterwards. This period of time is necessary to be able to assess the final result, as adjustments can still be made to the tissue in the first few months after the operation. This is taken into account when planning the operation in order to achieve an optimal and long-lasting result.
Wird diese Operation ambulant oder stationär durchgeführt?
Kleinere Bruststraffungen führen wir im Regelfall ambulant in unserer Ordination durch. Insgesamt sollten 3-4 Stunden Zeit eingeplant werden. Auch wenn die eigentliche Operationszeit 1,5-2 Stunden beträgt, muss die Zeit zur Vor- und Nachbereitung berücksichtigt werden. Z.B. müssen die Schlafmittel ausgeschlafen werden. Dafür können Sie gerne in unserer Ordination verweilen, bis Sie sich wieder fit fühlen. Unmittelbar nach dem Aufwachen kann es zu leichten Kreislaufschwächen kommen. Die aktive Teilnahme am Straßenverkehr sollte innerhalb der erstreben 12 Stunden unbedingt vermieden werden. Wir empfehlen Ihnen, in den ersten Stunden nach der OP, sowie in der ersten Nacht in Begleitung zu bleiben.
Bei größeren Straffungen ist einen stationärer Aufenthalt ratsam. Bei diesbezüglichen Fragen lade ich Sie gerne zu einem Beratungsgespräch ein.
Risks and complications
Surgery is a wonderful routine for us. Nevertheless, we are aware that many of our patients may only have surgery once in their lives. It is therefore essential that you are informed about all the possible consequences of this procedure.
During surgical procedures, skin and tissue as well as underlying structures are treated with sharp instruments. Despite all caution, complications of varying severity can occur. During the initial consultation, we will go through a corresponding information sheet with you.
Minor complications
A breast lift is a procedure with relatively few complications. If performed carefully, the risk of permanent consequences is very low. As with all surgical procedures, there may be minimal pain, comparable to moderate muscle soreness, as well as swelling and hematomas.
Slight asymmetries, scar widening, wound healing disorders and temporary loss of sensation are exceptions and usually disappear on their own. In our experience, swelling, restricted movement and the gentle posture caused by the support bra are well tolerated.
Rare major complications
Major complications may require follow-up treatment or, in extremely rare cases, repeat surgery. Postoperative bleeding must be stopped immediately, even if the blood loss is minimal. Impairment of the skin’s circulation is also possible, the likelihood of which increases with the extent of the operation. All relevant details will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.
What to do in the event of complications?
If, contrary to expectations, complications occur, we will not leave you to deal with them alone. After the operation, you will be given an emergency number where you can reach us 24 hours a day. During the routine check-ups following the operation, we will discuss the progress and further procedure with you in detail.
Healing and progression
As soon as patients have decided to have surgery, there is great anticipation of the result. However, depending on the procedure, there is a long way to go. You will need to be patient until the final result is achieved. If you know what to expect before your planned operation, this path will be easier.
How long does the recovery take?
You will certainly feel well again quickly and will only notice restrictions for a few days. Nevertheless, physical rest is crucial in the first 6 weeks after the operation in order to allow the deep tissue enough rest to regenerate. It takes 6-12 months until complete healing. During this time, the last swellings disappear and the breast takes on its final shape.
With the exception of competitive sports, sporting activities are possible after 6-8 weeks.
Of course, these time recommendations are guidelines based on our experience, which may require individual adjustment.
Your body will take the time it needs.
Is the treatment painful?
Breast augmentation with autologous fat is not painful. You will not feel any pain during the operation. Immediately after the procedure, the painkillers will continue to have an effect, so that you will probably only feel moderate pain in the suctioned areas in the evening of the day of the operation. We will put your compression garments on immediately after the operation. The water retention in the suctioned areas causes them to swell considerably after the operation. Patients often describe a noticeable feeling of tightness in the first 2-3 days. There is usually no pain in the breasts.
When can the final result be expected?
The result of the breast lift is visible immediately. Important: The breast appears slightly “over-tightened” at the top. This can make the breasts appear misshapen and not harmonious. After approx. 3 months, the connective tissue structures will have settled and the breast will have reached its final shape.
The “durability” of a breast lift depends on your connective tissue and the quality of your skin. The more these have been strained over the years, the more likely it is that they will sag. However, this would be significantly less pronounced than the original sagging.
What should patients plan?
A surgical procedure requires a certain amount of planning and organization not only for the surgical team, but also for the patient, both before and after the operation. It is important that you are well prepared and know what to expect. This allows you to concentrate fully on enjoying the results.
One of the most important questions before any surgical procedure is the “why”. You should be clear about why you want to have surgery in the first place. Once you have answered this question and made a decision, the following questions should definitely be clarified: How? By whom? When?
I will be delighted if you find your way to my surgery and would like to be operated on by me. However, I also recommend all my patients to get a second opinion. You should be absolutely sure about the date and surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan the time before your operation
Before any breast surgery, we recommend a gynecological check-up to ensure that there are no underlying diseases.
As soon as you have decided to have the operation after a detailed consultation and medical history, you should plan the time after the operation with those around you accordingly. Although you should not expect to be out of action for long, you may occasionally experience temporary movement restrictions.
Plan the time after your operation
It is advisable to prepare in advance to wear a special bra for 6 weeks. It is also necessary to take it easy during this period so as not to hinder the healing process.
What does an operation cost?
A breast lift starts at €5000. If an additional operation is planned for other regions, this will affect the operation time and therefore the price. In combination with other procedures such as autologous fat grafting or body contouring, combination prices can be offered.
Financing, down payment, installment payment
We also offer the option of financing and installment payments. We will be happy to inform you about this in a personal consultation. If you decide on an operation date after our consultation, we will agree a deposit of €500 to fix the date accordingly. You can pay the remaining amount on the day of the operation or in advance.