One of the classics in the field of plastic surgery is breast augmentation. Many women who suffer from small breasts want to have them surgically enlarged, promising themselves more self-confidence and a more attractive body. Even though this operation is a routine procedure for experienced surgeons, it does carry some risks: Surgical breast augmentation is not equally suitable for every woman. The following article shows what to look for in this surgery, how to recognize a reputable plastic surgeon and when this procedure is not for you.
Why do many women want breast augmentation?
For many girls, the desire for breast augmentation arises during puberty. Especially in this difficult phase of development, adolescents often compare themselves with each other and are not infrequently exposed to ridicule from peers when physical development is delayed. In most cases, however, a surgical procedure to enlarge the breasts is not performed until this has been fully completed. Doctors operate on minors only in individual cases – for example, in the case of visual or medical abnormalities that have negative physical or psychological consequences. Normally, however, they wait until no serious physical changes and thus no potential growth of the breast is to be expected. The age limit in this context is usually eighteen years and thus at the age of majority. In individual cases, however, it may be that the attending physician decides to perform a breast augmentation only after a minimum age of about twenty years. Most procedures in this area are performed on women between the ages of 20 and 30.
Medical or psychological necessity of the procedure
While some women only seek to increase the size of their breasts in order to feel more attractive and get closer to their personal ideal image, others suffer greatly from their small breasts. If it comes to severe psychological stress such as depression or the like, it is possible to have the costs of a corresponding procedure for breast augmentation covered by health insurance. However, this requires a thorough examination in advance, on the basis of which an expert opinion is drawn up. The costs will only be covered if it can be clearly proven that the small breast is a significant limitation and the quality of life is reduced as a result. If you would like to pay for your breast augmentation out of your own pocket, you can of course have the procedure performed at any time independently of the health insurance company.
How expensive is breast augmentation with an expert?
A blanket statement about the costs incurred for a breast augmentation cannot be made without further ado. There are several factors that are relevant in this context and contribute significantly to the total cost. These include the following points, among others:
- The size and shape of the implants
- The exact method of surgery
- The actual cost of the surgery
Basically, you have to expect costs between about 5500 and 7000 euros for a professional breast augmentation. The exact total price can tell you the attending physician, after first a personal interview has taken place. In this you will discuss your exact wishes and discuss the procedure and the implementation of the procedure, as well as potential risks and aftercare.
How to find a reputable plastic surgeon
There are many plastic surgeons on the market. Since the designation “cosmetic surgeon” is not protected in Germany, theoretically anyone may call himself so. However, if the respective plastic surgeon is a member of the professional society of plastic surgeons, the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC), this is a sign of seriousness and appropriate training. It is therefore worthwhile to find out about the plastic surgeon in advance. Reviews of other patients, which you can find on the Internet, can also be helpful here. Last but not least, the personal impression plays a decisive role: make an appointment at a cosmetic surgery clinic, but look at it carefully beforehand and talk in detail with the medical professional.Only if you have a good feeling about it, you should engage in a breast augmentation with this provider. In principle, it can be said that especially in Berlin a large number of qualitative plastic surgeons can be found.
So important is the consultation before surgery
If you are interested in breast augmentation, you should inform yourself in advance quite precisely about the available options, the procedure of the operation and all other relevant topics related to the operation. You can already find detailed information on the Internet, which you can refer to before making an appointment with a trained plastic surgeon. Once you have decided on a clinic or a physician, a consultation will be arranged. This is essential to find out whether you really feel in good hands, because not least the chemistry between doctor and patient plays a decisive role.
What is discussed in the preliminary consultation with the surgeon?
In the course of the personal interview, you will have the opportunity to explain your exact wishes and ideas. This includes the desired breast growth to be achieved by the procedure. This decides significantly on the type of surgery. If a breast lift is to be performed in addition to the breast augmentation, not only will the duration of the procedure increase, but also the price of the surgery. The plastic surgeon will discuss with you the exact method of surgery as well as the incision technique that suits you and your needs. The procedure of breast augmentation as well as the potential risks associated with it are also part of the on-site consultation, as well as the required aftercare. If you find that you do not feel comfortable in the practice or clinic and do not “get along” with the attending physician, it is advisable to see another medical professional. This also applies if you have the feeling that work is not done professionally or there are hygienic deficiencies. Ideally, look at several beauty clinics and talk to more than one surgeon.
Things to know about surgical methods and techniques
Depending on the breast augmentation you desire, different surgical techniques may be used for breast augmentation. If you only want to increase your breast size by about three-quarters of a cup, it is often possible to perform breast augmentation with autologous fat. This method is often better tolerated and carries a lower risk of rejection, as no foreign body is placed in the breast. As a result, inflammation, capsular fibrosis and other rejection reactions occur less frequently. However, this method is not suitable if a significant enlargement of the bust is desired: In this case, implants must be used. This type of breast augmentation is permanent: modern silicone cushions can remain in the body for up to 15 years and retain their shape very well. In individual cases, however, problems such as twisting of the silicone cushions or capsular fibrosis may occur after insertion of the implants. However, the risk here is only about 5 percent. In a personal consultation with the attending physician, the appropriate surgical method can be discussed as well as the associated risks.
Medical examination essential before breast augmentation.
If you have decided to have a breast augmentation in, for example, Berlin and have also found a suitable plastic surgeon in the capital, he can initiate all the appropriate steps for the procedure. Beforehand, however, it is also necessary that a comprehensive medical examination takes place, because a good state of health is a prerequisite for a successful operation. Only if your physical condition allows a surgical intervention, the physician will give his “okay” for breast augmentation. If you are suffering from an infection such as a cold or if there is an inflammation in your body, the operation must be postponed until these have been cured. Other factors that militate against surgical breast augmentation include the following:
- Poor wound healing
- Blood clotting disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Poor blood flow to the breast tissue.
If you are at a genetically increased risk of breast cancer, the plastic surgeon will tell you that placing silicone implants may cause difficulties with a mammogram.The diagnosis of cancer is made much more difficult in this way: in case of doubt, the expert will advise you against an intervention.
What are the risks of the breast augmentation procedure itself?
Cross-section of a breast with silicone implant after breast augmentation. Capsular fibrosis may also occur in this area. Because breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, there are certain basic risks and potential complications, as with any other surgery. These occur in only a small percentage of patients; however, the treating cosmetic surgeon must still inform each interested party for a breast augmentation comprehensively about this. In this context, the following complications may occur during or after the procedure:
- Injury to the mammary glands / pectoral muscle.
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Thromboses
- Wound healing disorders
- Scarring
- Capsular fibrosis
- Stretch marks
By professional and competent performance of the operation, many risks can already be significantly minimized, as well as by sufficient hygiene in cosmetic surgery. You as a patient yourself can also reduce the risk of complications by carefully following the instructions of the doctor and the clinic staff.
This is how the procedure for breast augmentation proceeds
If your breast surgery is performed at prof. Sinis in Berlin, for example, you will check in at the clinic on the day of the procedure. Before the procedure, the exact incisions as well as the location of the implants will be drawn on your chest. You will then be prepared for the anesthesia. Whether the operation is performed under partial or general anesthesia depends on the extent of the same. If implants are used, general anesthesia will be induced in most cases. Once you are sufficiently anesthetized, the attending plastic surgeon can begin the breast augmentation procedure. If the augmentation is with autologous fat, liposuction of the abdomen or buttocks must first be performed. Then this fat is sterilely prepared and then can be used for the enlargement of the bust. In the case of breast augmentation with implants, slightly larger incisions are made and the silicone pads are inserted in the desired position. Modern cosmetic surgeons use self-dissolving sutures, which eliminate the need to pull the sutures later.
Here’s what you should keep in mind after your breast surgery
For most well-trained and experienced plastic surgeons, breast augmentation is a routine procedure. It is often already possible for you to be up and about an hour after surgery. However, many clinics will insist that you stay in the hospital for a few hours to a night to recover from the procedure under observation. When you are discharged home afterwards, it all comes down to proper aftercare: Only if you follow the doctor’s instructions can you heal quickly. For example, you should refrain from showering for about three to four days after the operation. Sports and other physical exertion are taboo for one to two weeks so that the stitches do not accidentally tear again. After about 14 days, however, you can resume light sports activities. You will also need to wear a compression bra for a period of six weeks. For at least one to two months after breast augmentation, medical experts advise avoiding direct sunlight – this also applies to visits to solariums.
Conclusion: breast augmentation is a routine procedure
If you are considering breast augmentation, in most cases this procedure goes smoothly and without complications. When choosing a surgeon for your breast surgery, you should make sure that he belongs to the professional society of plastic surgeons, the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC) or has other qualifications to show. During the personal consultation on site, you will quickly notice whether you feel comfortable in the clinic: Only if both the competence and the chemistry are right should you make an appointment for surgery. First of all, a comprehensive physical examination is required, which provides information on whether any pre-existing conditions speak against the operation. Breast augmentation with autologous fat from the buttocks or abdomen or enlargement of the breasts with a silicone implant is possible.You will discuss which option is suitable for you with the plastic surgeon during the consultation. If you adhere to all the doctor’s instructions regarding aftercare following the procedure, the scars will usually heal without any problems.
