Large, heavy breasts can strain the back, neck and shoulders, irritate the skin in the fold beneath the breast and get in the way during sport. A reduction removes glandular, fatty and skin tissue and reshapes the breasts. This can bring noticeable relief.
2–3hours for the procedure, under general anaesthesia
1–2nights in the clinic, depending on the clinic
1–2weeks until you return to everyday life
4–6weeks in a support bra, usually day and night
4–8weeks until sport, once your doctor approves
Typical figures from the clinics. Your personal plan is discussed at the preliminary consultation.
Large breasts
When weight becomes a burden.
Large, heavy breasts can put considerable strain on the body: back, neck and shoulder pain, deep grooves from bra straps, skin irritation and inflammation in the fold beneath the breast. Sport, exercise and choosing clothes become more difficult.
On top of this, there is often an emotional burden when the breasts and the rest of the body do not seem to match. Over the years, the connective tissue also gives way – a heavy breast sags more quickly.
Supportive underwear, physiotherapy and weight loss can ease the symptoms, but they do not reduce the glandular tissue. Before an operation, your weight should be as stable as possible: losing a lot of weight afterwards would make the breasts sag again.
The treatment
What a reduction can achieve.
Relief
Less weight on the chest can relieve the back, neck and shoulders and ease skin irritation in the fold beneath the breast.
Shape
Glandular, fatty and skin tissue are removed, the breast is reshaped and the nipple is raised. A reduction therefore also lifts the breast.
Freedom of movement
Many women find sport, everyday life and choosing bras and clothes easier afterwards.
How much tissue is removed and which incisions are needed depends on size, skin and your wishes – and on your symptoms.
Preliminary consultation
A specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery examines the breasts, skin and tissue, records your symptoms and discusses the size you would like.
The question of costs
If there are symptoms, it is assessed case by case whether the reduction is medically necessary. Otherwise it counts as an aesthetic procedure.
Planning
The new size, the position of the nipple and the incision pattern are determined: around the areola and vertically downwards, and with a major reduction also in the fold beneath the breast.
Surgery
Under general anaesthesia, usually two to three hours. The nipple keeps its blood supply via a stalk of tissue and is moved upwards. The tissue removed is usually examined under the microscope.
The first days
One to two nights in the clinic, sometimes with drains. Tightness, swelling and bruising are normal and can be relieved well with medication.
Aftercare
Four to six weeks in a support bra, usually day and night; sport and heavy lifting only once your doctor approves. Follow-up appointments, scar care and sun protection accompany healing.
Statutory insurance or self-pay
Who covers the costs.
Medically necessary
Covered by insurance only in individual cases.
German statutory health insurance only covers a breast reduction if it is medically necessary – for example with symptoms that cannot be adequately treated in any other way. Whether this applies is assessed case by case.
If the operation is covered by statutory health insurance, it takes place at the Bürgerspital Wertheim. The preliminary consultation and aftercare are also possible close to home at the other locations in Germany.
Self-pay patients
No individual assessment needed.
If you pay for the reduction yourself, you are not bound by any assessment; it is possible at all five locations.
The costs depend on the method and the amount of tissue removed, as well as on anaesthesia and the stay in the clinic. You will receive a binding quote after the preliminary consultation; several clinics also offer financing in instalments.
Specialists
Your surgeons at a glance.
Operations are performed by specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery. Under each name you will find the locations where they perform breast reductions.
Dr. med. Karina BaierSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. Michael BrombaSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund · Düsseldorf · Wertheim
Dr. med. Katharina Dette-OltmannSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. Frank GrunerSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund · Düsseldorf · Waalre
Dr. med. Uwe HerrboldtSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund · Wertheim
Dr. med. Stephan KlarnerSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. J. Philipp NeisSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. Martin ReifenrathSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund · Wertheim
Dr. med. Cornelius SchubertSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryHamburg
Dr. med. Maria SimidjiiskaSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund · Wertheim
Prof. Dr. med. Mathias WittSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund · Düsseldorf · Wertheim
Dr. med. univ. Nura ZamaniSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryDortmund
Locations
Where treatment takes place.
Each clinic shows on its own website how the treatment works there.
Germany
Dortmund
Specialist clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery at the group’s headquarters; if covered by statutory health insurance: pre- and aftercare here, the operation in Wertheim.
Specialist clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery at Seestern; if covered by statutory health insurance: pre- and aftercare here, the operation in Wertheim.
The Bürgerspital and the Main-Tauber-Klinik under one roof: operations covered by statutory health insurance take place here, and for self-pay patients at the Main-Tauber-Klinik.
Only if it is medically necessary, for example with symptoms that cannot be adequately treated in any other way. This is assessed case by case. If the procedure is mainly for aesthetic reasons, patients bear the costs themselves.
What scars remain?
Usually a scar around the areola and a vertical one down to the fold beneath the breast, and with a larger reduction another one in the fold. Scars are permanent but fade over time. How fine they become varies from person to person.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Pregnancy is possible. The ability to breastfeed may be limited, even if the nipple remains connected to the glandular tissue. If you are still planning to have children, it is best to discuss this before the operation.
When does a reduction make sense?
Once the breasts have finished growing. If a pregnancy or major weight loss is foreseeable, it is usually better to wait – both would change the breasts again.
What are the risks?
Post-operative bleeding, infection and wound-healing problems, and rarely tissue loss affecting the skin, fat or nipple. Altered sensitivity of the nipples and small differences between the two sides are also possible; perfect symmetry cannot be achieved. Such complications can often be treated well.
How large will the breasts be afterwards?
The desired size is discussed and planned in advance. Which cup size it will be in the end, however, only becomes clear once the swelling has subsided and the tissue has settled.
Can the breasts become larger again?
Weight gain, hormonal influences or pregnancy can make the breasts heavier again, and the tissue gives way over the years. A stable weight helps to maintain the result.
Choose a location, pick your preferred date. You confirm with a code sent by text message or e-mail; the appointment is booked directly in the clinic's calendar.
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This was the best decision I have ever taken for myself. The whole experience has changed my life for the better. From the first consultation I felt welcomed and treated very well. I did not feel alone during the journey because the team were just a WhatsApp away and they made regular check-ups on me. Thank you for everyone at the hospital from the staff to the doctors, you are all amazing.
Weight Doctors South Africa
MMaria
Wow, was für ein erster Eindruck! Dr. Frank Gruner, dessen Professionalität von jahrelanger Erfahrung zeugt, war äußerst verständlich und menschlich (was mir sehr wichtig war). Er verstand meine Bedürfnisse, und seine Erklärungen und Anweisungen entsprachen genau meinen Vorstellungen. Die Patientenberaterin Jennifer war mit ihrem Charme ebenfalls eine große Hilfe und erklärte mir alles Notwendige und den weiteren Ablauf. Auch die Mitarbeiter am Empfang waren sehr höflich und freundlich. Ich melde mich nach der Operation mit meinen Eindrücken zurück. Vielen Dank an alle!
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in German
AAnonym
Ich habe eine Unterlidstraffung machen lassen und bin mit dem Ergebnis sehr zufrieden. Mein Dank geht vor allem an Frau Dr. Simidjiiska für ihre Fürsorge, Kompetenz und Empathie. Aber auch das gesamte Team der Klinik macht einen hervorragenden Job!
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in German
AAnonym
Ich bin rundum begeistert von meiner Erfahrung in dieser Haartransplantationsklinik. Von der ersten Kontaktaufnahme bis zur Nachsorge war alles hervorragend organisiert und professionell. Das gesamte Team war unglaublich freundlich, hilfsbereit und zuvorkommend. Man hat sich jederzeit gut aufgehoben und ernst genommen gefühlt. Besonders positiv fand ich, dass sich alle Mitarbeiter ausreichend Zeit genommen haben, um meine Fragen zu beantworten und jeden Schritt verständlich zu erklären. Auch der Service war erstklassig. Die Organisation, die Betreuung vor und nach dem Eingriff sowie die Kommunikation waren wirklich hervorragend. Das gesamte Team hat einen sehr kompetenten und gleichzeitig menschlichen Eindruck gemacht. Die Klinik selbst ist modern, sauber und sehr gut ausgestattet. Während der Behandlung wurde äußerst sorgfältig und professionell gearbeitet, und ich hatte zu jedem Zeitpunkt das Gefühl, in guten Händen zu sein. Ein großes Dankeschön an das gesamte Team für die tolle Betreuung und den freundlichen Umgang! Ich kann die Klinik absolut weiterempfehlen und bin mit meiner bisherigen Erfahrung sehr zufrieden. Wer Wert auf Professionalität, Qualität und einen hervorragenden Service legt, ist hier meiner Meinung nach bestens aufgehoben.
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in German
AWAndre W.
Bisher war es nur ein Beratungsgespräch aber es war sehr gut.
Weight Doctors Group · Original in German
DCDavid C.
Ich fand, dass der Arzt gut und verständlich erklärt hat. Ich habe diese Woche noch einen Termin in einer anderen Klinik, da ich mich gründlich informieren möchte; auch der Preis wird dabei eine Rolle spielen – darüber bin ich ganz offen.
QUOLE Medisch Centrum · Original in German
MMomo
Hervorragende Behandlung. Von der ersten Beratung bis zur Nachsorge hat mir Dr. Koch stets ein sehr gutes Gefühl vermittelt. Ich litt jahrelang unter einer echten Gynäkomastie, nach der OP kann sich das Ergebnis sehen lassen, mein Selbstbewusstsein ist endlich zurückgekehrt. Ich kann die Alster Klinik jedem empfehlen, der schon lange mit dem Gedanken spielt sich operieren zu lassen.
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in German
AAnonym
Dr. Schubert gab mir das Gefühl, in genau der richtigen Praxis zu sein für mein Anliegen. Ich habe mich beim Beratungsgespräch sehr wohl gefühlt und verstanden gefühlt.
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in German
LSLieselotte S.
Über die ehrliche Einschätzung
Alster-Klinik Hamburg · Original in German
HGHannelore G.
Ich habe mich sehr wohl geführt, das Gespräch war sehr gut, die Ärztin hat mir sehr ausführlich alles erklärt und bin mit einem sehr guten Gefühl nach Hause gegangen.
Westfalenklinik Fachklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie · Original in German
CKCarmen K.
Ich bin eine sehr ängstliche Person. Bei Herrn Dr. Neis habe ich mich sofort wohlgefühlt. Behandlungsgespräche, Umgang, Freundlichkeit – es passt alles. Ich kann ihn ohne Bedenken und Einschränkung nur weiter empfehlen. Dankeschön Herr Dr. Neis für die tolle Arbeit.
CGCE Group · Original in German
MLMichaela L.
Dr. Klarner ist sehr nett, hat mich sehr gut beraten und aufgeklärt. Ich hab mich gut aufgehoben gefühlt, vielen Dank!
Dr. med. Karina Baier
Dr. med. Michael Bromba
Dr. med. Katharina Dette-Oltmann
Dr. med. Frank Gruner
Dr. med. Uwe Herrboldt
Dr. med. Stephan Klarner
Dr. med. J. Philipp Neis
Dr. med. Martin Reifenrath
Dr. med. Cornelius Schubert
Dr. med. Maria Simidjiiska
Prof. Dr. med. Mathias Witt
Dr. med. univ. Nura Zamani
