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.

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.).

During the first 3 months after breast surgery (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast adjustment, nipple correction, etc.), extensive sunbathing or intense 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 aging process of the skin, promote wrinkling and cause skin cancer. Even greater caution should be exercised with fresh scar tissue, as excessive UV radiation could cause hyperpigmentation or discoloration of the affected area. Even after the recommended period of rest of 3 months after a plastic-aesthetic procedure on the breast (breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast adjustment, nipple correction, etc.), the affected skin should not be directly exposed to the sun, i.e. sufficient sun protection in the form of sun cream with a high sun protection factor is still recommended. It is important that the sunscreen is also renewed regularly.

If you’ve decided on a breast augmentation at our specialist practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin, you’ll be given a checklist by our clinic staff to help you prepare for it. Go through this list again thoroughly and conscientiously in the period leading up to your breast operation. Items on the agenda might for example include: Have the results of my ultrasound examinations been handed in at the practice? Have I contacted the anaesthetist? Is there enough pain medication available in my home medicine box?
You will also need to pack your operation bag. If you’re likely to be looked after in our practice clinic for more than just a day or two after your breast operation, we recommend you to pack a toiletries bag, household medication if any, slippers / flip-flops to slip into and a pair of tracksuit trousers, a change of underwear, some warm socks, a cardigan and your valuables, e.g. mobile phone.
Please also make absolutely sure that you have your operation folder with you on the day!
Given that you and your body will need sufficient time to recover after your breast augmentation, it is advisable, ahead of the event, to organise the household and make sure the children are going to be looked after in such a way that you can come home relaxed and with a clear conscience. A well stocked fridge or someone who can do the shopping for you is also recommended.
On the day before your breast operation you should give your armpits a thorough shave. On the day itself, do not wear any jewellery – if applicable, replace piercings with temporary silicone substitutes – or make-up.

On the day of your breast operation, please be sure to bring your operation folder with all the most important documents to our practice clinic. We also recommend you to bring an operation bag with your toiletries, comfortable shoes you can just slip into (slippers, flip-flops or similar), some comfortable things to wear (tracksuit trousers, cardigan, change of underwear, warm socks) and your mobile phone.
See also: “How can I prepare for my breast operation?”