FAQ Breast surgery:

Here you will find answers

to the most frequently asked questions

Avoiding breast implants that are too large is important for several reasons: oversized implants can lead to unnatural-looking breasts that do not harmonise with the individual body shape and thus disrupt the overall body aesthetics and proportions. In addition, larger implants harbour a higher risk of health problems such as capsular fibrosis, ruptures and sagging of the breasts. Breast implants that are too large can overstretch the surrounding breast tissue in the long term and lead to tissue sagging. Implants that are too heavy can also strain the body and cause discomfort in the neck, back and shoulder area.
It is therefore important to carefully select the implant size in consultation with the surgeon in order to achieve a balanced and natural result and minimise possible risks. Our specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr Andrea Wolff and Dr Isabel Edusei, will be happy to advise you on all questions relating to your breast augmentation with implants.

The sustainability of the results of breast surgery depends largely on the elasticity of the skin and soft tissue mantle of the breast. It is important to note that the quality of the patient’s own tissue cannot be changed by surgery. A sagging skin and soft tissue mantle can develop in various ways, be it due to genetic predisposition, rapid breast growth during puberty, weight fluctuations, high breast weight, lack of bra support, breast implants that are too large and heavy or due to the natural ageing process.
It is therefore important that patients develop realistic expectations regarding the possible improvements that breast surgery can bring. The extent to which the initial findings can be positively influenced can only be predicted on the basis of experience.
For example, the tissue should not be overstretched with breast implants that are too large, as this significantly reduces the quality of the tissue over the years and often leads to multiple follow-up procedures in order to artificially achieve a visually firm effect.
The larger and heavier the breast implants are and the looser the skin-soft tissue mantle is, the higher the risk of the implants slipping downwards (so-called “bottoming out”).

In the first 3 months after breast surgery (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast adjustment, nipple correction, etc.), intensive UV radiation and thus visits to the solarium should be avoided.
Similar to direct and excessive sun exposure, the UV radiation of the solarium could lead to hyperpigmentation or discoloration of the affected scar area. Moreover, the heat in the solarium may cause swelling in the scar area. Even after the recommended 3 months of abstaining from direct sun and UV radiation after breast surgery (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast adjustment, nipple correction, etc.), it is advisable to continue to ensure sufficient sun protection in the form of sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

During the first 3 months after breast surgery (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation, nipple correction, etc.), you should refrain from visiting the sauna.
The heat in the sauna could cause swelling in the scar region, leading to complications or a prolonged healing process. It could also trigger infections. For the same reasons, a visit to the steam bath or spa should also be avoided in the first 3 months after breast surgery (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast adjustment, nipple correction, etc.).

In the first 3 months after breast surgery (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast equalisation, nipple correction, etc.), extensive sunbathing or intensive UV radiation should be avoided.
In general, it is not advisable to expose the skin to the sun without protection, as this could accelerate the ageing process of the skin, promote the formation of wrinkles and cause skin cancer. Even greater caution should be exercised with fresh scar tissue, as excessive UV radiation could lead to hyperpigmentation or discolouration of the affected area. Even after the recommended rest period of 3 months following a plastic aesthetic procedure on the breast (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast equalisation, nipple correction etc.), the affected skin should not be directly exposed to the sun, i.e. adequate sun protection in the form of sun cream with a high sun protection factor is still recommended. It is important that the sun cream is also renewed regularly.

If you have decided to have a breast augmentation at our Berlin specialist practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery, our clinic staff will provide you with a checklist for preparation. Go through this thoroughly and conscientiously in the time before your breast surgery. Possible to-do’s on the list are e.g. Have the ultrasound findings of the breast already been submitted to the practice? Have I contacted the anaesthetist? Do I have enough painkillers in my medicine cabinet?
You will also need to pack your operation bag. If you will be in our practice clinic for a longer period of time after your breast operation, we recommend packing a toiletry bag, any household medication, slippers / flip-flops to slip into comfortably, as well as jogging trousers, a change of underwear, warm socks, a cardigan and your valuables, e.g. your mobile phone.
Please also make sure that you have your operation pack with you on the day of your breast surgery!
As you and your body will need to allow sufficient rest and recovery time after your breast augmentation, it is advisable to organise your household and childcare in advance so that you can return home relaxed and with a clear conscience. It is also advisable to have a well-stocked fridge or help with the shopping.
The armpits should be thoroughly shaved the day before the breast operation. Jewellery (replace piercings with temporary silicone piercings if necessary) and make-up should be avoided on the day of the operation.

On the day of your breast surgery, please be sure to bring your surgical folder with the most important documents with you to our practice clinic. We also recommend that you bring a surgical bag with your toiletry bag, comfortable shoes to slip into (slippers, flip-flops or similar) and comfortable items (jogging trousers, cardigan, change of underwear, warm socks) as well as your mobile phone.
Please also read: ‘Breast surgery preparation: How can I prepare for my breast surgery?’