Breast Augmentation in Berlin from $4,700

Mammoplasty is an umbrella for several procedures: augmentation (increasing volume with implants), reduction (taking away excess tissue and skin), mastopexy (lifting sagging breasts), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and asymmetry correction. Your wishes and the surgeon's advice determine the best individual method.

As long as all recommendations are kept, complications are rare. Among the possible ones: hematoma or seroma, wound infection, reduced or increased nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

You can expect a long-lasting mammoplasty result: about 10–15 years after augmentation (until the implants are replaced) and 5–10 years after a lift or reduction. How long it lasts is affected by weight, pregnancy, skin aging and gravity. Wear supportive underwear and control your weight to keep it.

Breastfeeding after mammoplasty depends on the procedure. Augmentation through an under-breast or armpit incision with a submuscular implant usually keeps lactation intact, since glandular tissue is not damaged. With a lift or reduction the risk is higher, because ducts may be cut. Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon in advance.

The choice of implant looks at material (silicone looks most natural, while saline is used less often), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile. The surgeon will choose what works best for your anatomy and wishes.

The operation is done under general anesthesia, so the patient feels nothing. Over the first 1–3 days moderate discomfort may occur and is eased with painkillers. By day 5–7 pain drops noticeably, and by weeks 2–3 the discomfort has gone. If the pain is severe, let your doctor know at once.

Work without physical exertion can be resumed after 7–14 days. Light walks after 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming after 4–6 weeks, strength training after 3 months. Pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Compression garments are worn for 4–6 weeks. Exact timing depends on how you recover.

There is no scientific evidence that mammoplasty increases breast cancer risk. Implants do not cause cancer. After surgery, keep up regular screening — self-exams, mammography and ultrasound. Always tell the examining doctor about your implants.

Mammoplasty is possible after a C-section once your body has completely recovered. Leave at least 6–12 months after childbirth and after breastfeeding has ended. Surgery requires a prior consultation and check-up by the surgeon.

Mammoplasty always leaves scars, though with a skilled surgeon they are minimal. The incisions are hidden under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. Scars are reddish in the early months but fade within 6–12 months and become almost invisible.

It is normal to have slight asymmetry in the first weeks after surgery, because of swelling and uneven healing. If a difference in size or shape persists after 3–6 months, book an examination with your surgeon to find the cause.

After mammoplasty, sensitivity of the nipples and breasts may change for a while, becoming lower or higher. This is due to irritation of the nerve endings. In most cases sensitivity comes back within 3–12 months. If nothing improves after a year, see your surgeon.

Hormonal medications (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) do not act on implants directly, yet they may lead to swelling or shifts in breast tissue volume that affect the look for a while. Make sure your surgeon knows about them before surgery.