Breast Implants in Duisburg: Augmentation Surgery

The term mammoplasty covers several operations: augmentation (implants to increase volume), reduction (excess tissue and skin removed), mastopexy (a lift for sagging), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and correction of asymmetry. Which method is best is decided individually, from your wishes and the surgeon's advice.

Complications rarely happen when all recommendations are respected. Possible ones are hematoma or seroma, wound infection, reduced or increased sensitivity of the nipple, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

Mammoplasty results are durable: about 10–15 years following augmentation (until implant replacement) and 5–10 years following a lift or reduction. Weight, pregnancy, aging skin and gravity influence how long the effect lasts. Maintain it by wearing supportive underwear and watching your weight.

Breastfeeding after mammoplasty depends on which surgery was done. When augmentation is performed through an under-breast or armpit incision and the implant sits under the muscle, lactation is usually kept, as the glandular tissue stays intact. With a lift or reduction the risk rises, because ducts may be cut. Discuss this with your surgeon in advance.

Implants are chosen by material (silicone appears most natural, saline is used less frequently), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile. Your surgeon selects the option that best suits your anatomy and wishes.

Surgery takes place under general anesthesia, and the patient feels no pain. Moderate discomfort is possible in the first 1–3 days and is managed with painkillers. Pain eases considerably by day 5–7 and discomfort disappears by weeks 2–3. Tell your doctor immediately if pain is severe.

You can get back to work (no physical exertion) in 7–14 days. Light walks in 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming in 4–6 weeks, strength training in 3 months. Pool and sea in 4–6 weeks. Keep wearing compression garments for 4–6 weeks. The precise timing depends on your own recovery.

Mammoplasty is not linked by scientific evidence to an increased breast cancer risk, and implants do not cause cancer. After surgery, keep doing regular screening: self-exams, mammography and ultrasound. Tell any examining doctor about your implants every time.

You can have mammoplasty after a C-section, though your body needs to recover completely first. Wait a minimum of 6–12 months after childbirth and the end of breastfeeding. Before surgery, a surgeon's consultation and examination are mandatory.

There are scars after mammoplasty, though a skilled surgeon keeps them minimal. The incisions go in discreet areas, such as under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. Early on the scars are reddish, but over 6–12 months they fade and are almost unnoticeable.

Mild asymmetry soon after surgery is normal during the first weeks and is caused by swelling and uneven healing. If shape or size remains different after 3–6 months, your surgeon should examine you to establish the cause.

After mammoplasty, the breasts and nipples can temporarily lose or gain sensitivity. Irritation of the nerve endings is responsible. Most often sensitivity returns within 3–12 months. If there is no improvement a year later, see your surgeon.

Hormonal medicines (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) do not directly affect implants but may trigger swelling or changes in breast tissue volume, which temporarily affects appearance. You must tell your surgeon about such drugs before the operation.