A breast reduction gives you a better quality of life
In brief
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that helps women to reduce their breast size and alleviate physical discomfort. This surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to achieve a more proportional and aesthetically pleasing breast shape. Excess tissue is first removed and the breast is then shaped to achieve a harmonious proportion.
The recovery period lasts a few weeks until swelling and bruising subside. Women who suffer from complaints such as back and neck pain, skin irritation and restricted movement can expect a significant improvement in their quality of life. In addition, a reduced breast size can have a positive effect on a woman’s self-confidence and body image
What motivates people to have a breast reduction?
Many women would like to have larger breasts (macromastia). But what exactly this desire is for some women is torture. A heavy, very large breast often develops during puberty and causes a variety of physical complaints over time. Over the years, postural problems, back pain and even skin eczema in the underbust crease force women to see doctors of various specialties. It is not uncommon for young women to suffer from “teasing”, which causes enormous suffering. A breast reduction literally removes a huge burden.
What is a breast reduction?
As the name suggests, the skin and connective tissue of the breast are reduced and thus made smaller. The volume of the breast (in extreme cases: gigantomastia) is reduced and lifted via the underbust fold. Using the latest surgical techniques, breast reduction is possible. Connective and breast tissue is selectively removed and the remaining breast is sculpted to lift it above the underbust crease and restore its 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. Initially, these will be clearly visible, but will fade over time.
Duration
Pain
Scars
Stay
Bandage
Work
Sports
Costs
What different methods are there?
Breast reduction is an operation that can be performed for both medical and aesthetic reasons. Basically, tissue is removed and this is done exclusively surgically. Depending on the size of the breast, there are various options for reduction. Small amounts of tissue can be removed via circular incisions across the areola. Medium to large excess tissue is usually removed using a T-incision technique.
Who is it suitable for?
In principle, a breast reduction can be performed at any age, once you have reached 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 “large” 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 under a lot of strain during pregnancy, which can cause them to sag again. Significant weight fluctuations, e.g. due to lifestyle changes, can also influence the outcome.
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 reduction.
As already mentioned, incomplete breast growth, e.g. in minors, also precludes a breast reduction.
When is the best time?
Breast reduction is an aesthetic operation. In general, there is no time pressure. Every woman will therefore choose the time for a breast reduction 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. The timing can be chosen any month. As 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. This is a pleasant state in which you will 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. This is perceived by patients as less stressful.
Can the procedure be combined with other procedures?
Breast reduction can be combined with many other procedures. For example, with liposuction of the lateral breast to reduce this volume as well. 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 procedure. 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
Here you will find some examples of before and after photos. We plan to take a photo before each operation for documentation purposes. This allows the surgical procedure to be planned more reliably. The final photos are usually taken approx. 3-6 months after the operation. At this point, the final result is visible.
The scars in the photos will be slightly reddened within the first 12 months and will therefore be more clearly visible. These will fade over time.
Is this operation performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis?
As a rule, we perform medium reductions on an outpatient basis in our surgery. A total of 3-4 hours should be planned. Even if the actual operation time is 1.5-2 hours, the time for preparation and follow-up must be taken into account. For example, the sleeping pills need to be taken. You are welcome to stay in our surgery until you feel fit again. Immediately after waking up, you may experience slight circulatory weakness. Active participation in road traffic should be avoided at all costs for the first 12 hours. We recommend that you are accompanied for the first few hours after the operation and for the first night. An inpatient stay is advisable in more serious cases. If you have any questions in this regard, please contact me for a consultation.
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
Breast reduction 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 reduction 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 reduction is visible immediately. Important: The breast appears slightly “over-tightened” at the top. This can make the breast 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 reduction is permanent and will only reappear in the case of severe obesity.
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 certain about the date and surgeon.
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 €7000. 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 transplantation or Bodytite, 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.