AESTHETIC BREAST SURGERY
AESTHETIC BREAST SURGERY
Breast augmentation is usually requested by patients who feel that their breasts are too small or who wish to improve their body shape. Frequently, the reason for a breast augmentation is also the loss as a result of pregnancy and breast feeding.
The implants are inserted through a small incision under the breast, along the edge of the nipple or the axilla (underarm). These techniques usually result in the least visible scars. The type of incision as well as the position of the implants (over or under the pectoral muscle) are determined individually for each procedure and depending on the patient’s wishes.
We acquire our implants exclusively from the most reputable manufacturers. They consist of a silicone envelope filled with cohesive silicone gel so that leakage is almost impossible.
At our center, augmentations (breast enlargement) are always conducted under general anesthesia. The operation usually takes 1.5 hours. A special support bra is put on immediately after the procedure and should be worn for approx. 6 weeks. The patient’s stay at the hospital usually takes 1-2 days.
Each operation inevitably bears a certain risk of side effects of which the patient has to be informed during the consultation. In addition to the general risks associated with surgical procedures, such as haematomata or bleeding, infections, thromboses and embolisms, broader scarring may also occur in very rare cases.
The implant itself can trigger such side effects as e.g. a capsular contracture. In that case, the human body attempts to eliminate the implanted foreign body by creating a sleeve of connective tissue around the silicone implant. Usually, the layer of connective tissue is so thin that it cannot be detected through touch. However, in some patients, the layer may harden. This side effect may also occur years after the insertion of the implants.
The capacity to breastfeed is usually not affected by breast implants.
Very large or and/or pendulous breast frequently have a negative impact on a woman’s self esteem and lead to physical restrictions. Oversized breasts may also lead to degenerative damage on the spine and to severe pain in the long run. The aim of the operation is to create a breast the size and shape of which matches the proportions of the patient’s body.
At our clinic, breast reductions are conducted under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours. Prior to the operation, the location of the incision as well as of the new nipple is drawn on the body while standing up. The resulting scars run along the nipple, vertically down and sometimes within the inframammary fold. In a first step, excess skin is removed and the nipple is moved into its new position. Afterwards, the excess glandular and fatty tissue is removed and the breast is given its new shape.
The suturing is conducted using absorbable thread. Drainages are placed in order to discharge ichor.
Each operation inevitably bears a certain risk of side effects of which the patient has to be informed during the consultation. In addition to the general risks associated with surgical procedures, such as haematomata or bleeding, infections, thromboses and embolisms, broader scarring may also occur in very rare cases.
As all operations, a breast reduction leads to scarring that may be more or less visible. However, the scars can easily be covered by a bra or swimwear.
The pain that is experienced after a breast reductions or lifts is generally described as minor. The patient is able to get up a few hours after the anesthesia when being assisted. The drainages are normally removed on the second or third day. It is necessary for the patient to remain at the hospital for 3-5 days. The surgical tape is taken off after 5-7 days. You are provided with a support bra immediately after the operation which should be worn for 6 weeks.
Aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss may result in the sagging of the breast. A breast lift can tighten a pendulous breast and give it a new shape. The low and frequently enlarged areola is lifted to a higher position an can be reduced at the same time.
At our clinic, breast lifts are conducted under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 1.5 hours. Prior to the operation, the location of the incision as well as of the new nipple is drawn on the body while standing up. The resulting scars run along the nipple, vertically down and sometimes within the inframammary fold. After the excess skin has been removed, the nipples are moved to the previously determined position and the glandular body is reshaped.
In most cases, the stitching is conducted using absorbable thread.
Each operation inevitably bears a certain risk of side effects of which the patient has to be informed during the consultation. In addition to the general risks associated with surgical procedures, such as haematomata or bleeding, infections, thromboses and embolisms, broader scarring may also occur in very rare cases.
Specifically, slight asymmetries with respect to scarring or the shape of the nipple may occur in very rare cases. The sensitivity of the nipple as well as the capacity to breastfeed usually remain unaffected. Strong pain is ordinarily not to be expected following a breast lift. It is necessary to remain at the clinic for 3 days. The supporting tape is removed after 3-5 days. You are provided with a support bra immediately after the operation which should be worn for 4-6 weeks.
There is a range of different manifestations when it comes to growth disturbances or malformations of the female breast. The entire mammary gland or just a part of it can be missing on one or both sides, the nipple or the areola may be only partially developed or not at all. Furthermore, there may be an excess of glandular tissue or the disposition to have more than one nipple. Usually, a growth disturbance or malformation results in a clear asymmetry of the breasts that can be “hidden” more or less successfully by the patient.
Which surgical options for correction are there? Due to the large number of shapes and varieties when it comes to growth disturbances/malformations, it is necessary to set up an individual treatment concept for each patient which meets the requirements of her particular problem.
A missing breast anlage or an uneven development of the breast can be modified by using extraneous materials (e.g. expander, silicone implants) which restore the missing volume of the breast that is to be reconstructed. Another possibility is the use of autologous tissue (e.g. a skin and fat flap from the lower abdomen (DIEP or TRAM flap)).
In the case of an excess of glandular tissue, a breast reduction can restore the desired symmetry. An excessive development of nipples can usually just be removed surgically. In many cases it is necessary to tighten the areola one or both sides.