BREAST REDUCTION: MAMMA REDUCTION IN KASSEL
A large, feminine breast is considered by many to be an ideal of beauty, but it can also become a burden. Persistent neck and back pain as well as discomfort during sports are usually causes for breast reduction. For women who are affected, the straps of the bra cut into the breasts and cause painful marks. They can also become a psychological burden.
In plastic and aesthetic surgery there are different surgical methods to gently reduce a large breast. At the Noahklinik in Kassel, our experienced specialist Prof. Dr. Noah will be happy to advise you on this.
Facts about breast reduction:
Treatment: | stationary |
Surgery duration: | 2 to 3 hours |
Your specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery
Prof. Ernst Magnus Noah, MD is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Kassel. Before Prof. Dr. Noah set up his own practice, he was the head physician of a clinic department for plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery for many years. He is a specialist in breast surgery such as breast reduction.
Why go to the Noah Clinic in Kassel?
- Prof. Noah is ex-president of the Association of German Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (VDÄPC)
- German Member of Parliament of ISAPS
- Above-average experience and high patient satisfaction in breast surgery
- Included several times in the Focus list of medical experts
- 25 years of experience as a plastic aesthetic surgeon
We look forward to seeing you and will be happy to advise you on your breast reduction operation!
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Breast reduction procedure
The prerequisite for a successful breast reduction (technical term: mamma reduction) is careful planning. That is why Prof. Dr. Noah conducts a detailed consultation with you in advance in his practice in Kassel. The main point here is that the patient can express her wishes regarding the new breast. Photos are a helpful medium here.
During the individual consultation and preliminary examination, you will learn about all your individual risks, your expected course of healing and the exact details of your operation.
As part of the preparation for surgery, it may be necessary to have a mammogram or a breast ultrasound. Your safety is always our number one focus.
Good to know: Family planning is also an important point in the consultation. The main question is whether the ability to breastfeed should be maintained after the surgical breast reduction. In addition, it makes sense to have a breast reduction after a pregnancy or a desired weight reduction. Otherwise, the result could be impaired.
The procedure itself takes place in the clinic and under general anaesthesia. The surgery lasts between two and three hours. Depending on the size of the breast and the patient's wishes, different methods are used. As breast reduction always leaves excess skin, in most cases we also perform a breast lift. In order to achieve an aesthetic whole after the operation, it can also be useful to reposition the nipple and additionally reduce it a little. These are the common incision techniques:
Breast reduction using the I-technique
With this surgical method of plastic surgery - also called the Lejour method - an incision is made around the areola and from there vertically downwards. Our plastic surgeons can then remove excess tissue and at the same time achieve a tightening of the breast. This procedure is suitable for a moderate reduction. Finally, the nipple is repositioned and the sutures are closed.
Breast surgery using the T-technique
With the T-cut, the incision also runs around the nipple, from there downwards and then in the breast fold a few centimetres to the left and right. In this way, even very large breasts can be reduced and very sagging skin can be tightened.
Other possible methods of reducing a too large bust size
- O-method (Benelli / Hinderer)
- L-method (Meyer / Martioni)
- T-shaped course of the scar according to Lexer
- Hall Findlay
- Strömbeck method
- etc.
Important:
Which surgical technique breast reduction surgery is a possibility, we will clarify in advance in a personal conversation together with you. We will also explain the individual advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Depending on the size of the procedure, you will stay overnight in the clinic or be discharged as an outpatient. Here we work together with wonderful hotels. The outpatient solution requires that you have a companion. This way you can recover from the operation and we are by your side in case there are any difficulties in the healing process.
What is the best method for breast reduction?
There are many individual factors that influence the choice of surgical method:
- Extent of reduction of weight bearing in the chest
- Is the ability to breastfeed to be maintained?
- What shape is available and should the future breast have?
- Expected scar progression
- What is the current skin structure?
- How much excess skin needs to be removed?
- etc.
Only when these questions have been clarified can the question be answered.
Hospitalisation and form of anaesthesia
In the course of an operation to reduce breasts that are too large, the operation usually takes place during an inpatient stay of one night (depending on the extent of the operation). The operation itself is performed under general anaesthesia.
Possible risks and complications
As with any surgical procedure, side effects or risks cannot be ruled out. Our high-quality operating theatre, our safety and hygiene concept and our extensive experience ensure the best basis for a safe operation - but risks can never be excluded. In the case of a breast reduction, these are for example:
- Postoperative bleeding, swelling or bruising in the surgical area
- Disturbances in scar formation during the healing process
- Sensitivity restrictions in the chest
- Thrombosis
- Impairment of the ability to breastfeed
- Wound infections
- Seroma formation
- Fat necroses
- Dog-ear formation
- Change in shape of the breast, nipple and areola (possible asymmetry)
- etc.
During your consultation and preliminary examination, you will learn about all the possible complications so that you can weigh up for yourself whether a mastectomy is an option for you.
Aftercare: scars, sports and risks
Even at home, you should rest. Although plastic surgery methods are now very gentle, breast reduction is not a minor procedure. To give the new breast support, a good sports bra should be worn for the six weeks after treatment. This will prevent too much tension on the sutures or scars. Sporting activities should also be paused for the time being. The risks of breast reduction and lifting are very low due to the highest hygienic standards and modern surgical methods. Nevertheless, you should attend the follow-up appointments, as this is the only way our doctors can quickly deal with complications.
Consistent scar care nurtures the skin in the operated area, resulting in fine, light scars that are barely visible. The concern that vertical scars remain very noticeable is often unfounded. It is precisely these scars that are often the least visible.
Support Bra / Compression Bra
Wearing a special bra or sports bra is necessary for the first few weeks after the operation (usually 6 weeks).
When can I resume sporting activities?
Light sporting activities are permitted again from the 2nd week after the operation. Physically strenuous activities will be discussed with you on a case-by-case basis.
Breast reduction: What costs are covered by health insurance?
Plastic and aesthetic surgery procedures are not normally covered by statutory health insurance, as the operations are usually performed for aesthetic reasons.
In the case of a breast reduction, however, it is possible to have the costs covered if there is a medical indication (e.g. occurrence of medical complaints such as fungal infections, inflammation in the underbust fold, pain in the back and neck due to the weight of the breast). We will gladly help you with the application and clarify together with you which expert opinions you need. Often, the medical service of the health insurance fund is involved in the examination. They check whether there are medical reasons.
Subsequent costs insurance
Please note that in the event of any complications, you may be required to contribute to the costs incurred by the health insurance companies, (§52 Social Security Code). It is therefore strongly advisable to take out follow-up costs insurance. Prof. Noah will be happy to advise you on this in detail.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Yes - they are still red at the beginning and become less noticeable during the healing process.
The costs depend on the scope of treatment. This is determined by your initial situation and your desire for change. Therefore, exact costs can only be stated after an examination. As a rule, the costs range between EUR 5500 and EUR 7000.
Breast reduction is interesting for women who suffer from large and heavy breasts. Through the reduction, it is possible to achieve a new quality of life and prevent subsequent health problems. For this reason, this operation can also be useful for younger women with pronounced gigantomastia. Basically, however, the breast growth must be completed.
Summary
With breast reduction surgery, we can help patients who feel their well-being is compromised by their large breasts. In addition to pure reduction, sagging breasts can also be lifted at the same time. The experience of the treating doctor is important for a successful and safe procedure.
Do you have questions about breast reduction and breast lift or would you like more information?
Our experienced specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery will be happy to advise you personally. Take advantage of our many years of experience for your planned procedure!
We look forward to your visit to our practice in Kassel.