Breast augmentation

Before a breast augmentation: What constitutes the “ideal” breast?

The answers are as varied as a woman’s reasons for having her breasts augmented. Aesthetically, the “ideal” breasts are symmetrical, but in terms of small or large, firm or soft, slightly relaxed or “pushed up”, opinions and preferences vary considerably.

Women with very little glandular breast tissue and a very flat chest that looks rather “boyish” often desire (a) more feminine shape/breasts and a little more cleavage. Some women have beautiful breasts but would like them to be larger. Many patients come to us for a consultation after pregnancy, wanting their “old”, naturally firm breasts back. Yet others decide on a breast augmentation – be it with implants or their body’s own fat – or a breast correction because of their age or for aesthetic reasons. What constitutes the most beautiful breasts for a person is not a matter of age – however, you should be over 18 and should have stopped growing. Then we can discuss individually what is most suitable for you.

Breast augmentation: Why should I go to a plastic surgeon?

Almost any surgeon and specialist who familiarises himself with the relevant literature is able to insert a silicon pad above or under the pectoral muscle – provided the breasts are symmetrical and in perfect shape. Years of experience have taught me that this ideal scenario is rarely the case. Usually, my patients come to me because their breasts are no longer in perfect shape after a pregnancy, because their breasts are slightly asymmetric or have taken on a tubular shape. In such cases, different surgical techniques and elements of breast surgery must be combined, for which a 6-year training as a specialist for aesthetic and plastic surgery and many years of professional experience are required.

Detailed knowledge of the precise muscle insertions, the course of the blood vessels and nerves as well as the different kinds of tissue are imperative for a smooth healing process. In my capacity as a doctor of medicine and experienced specialist for plastic surgery I can inform you comprehensively about the different techniques for breast surgery and the risks associated with breast augmentation as well as the various options and make appropriate recommendations. A breast augmentation is a surgical intervention and should not be taken lightly. Therefore, you should always choose a plastic surgeon for such a procedure.

Comprehensive on-site analysis and consultation in Berlin

During your initial consultation in our practice near Kurfürstendamm we will comprehensively discuss all options available, which surgical methods and which kind of breast implant can achieve the best possible result desired by you. For that purpose, we use the Biodynamics System of Allergan. You insert sample protheses in a sports bra and check in the mirror which size you may be acceptable to you.  Before-and-after pictures will help you decide on the size. In addition, we offer a 3D simulation which allows you to see on a computer what you might look like after surgery. This is demonstrated in the following video.

We measure your chest, decide where to make the incision and discuss the surgery with you step by step. This consultation lasts around one hour.  For us, it is important to answer all your questions. And most of all, that you are content with your decision. You can ask any questions you might have about breast augmentation and get detailed information without having to conclude a treatment contract. Depending on your wishes, we will also discuss alternatives to a breast augmentation with you, e.g. breast lifting.

Video: Sequence of a breast augmentation by Dr. med. Bodo in Berlin:

Which implants are used for a breast augmentation?

A breast augmentation changes your body – and the changes vary depending on the patient. It is therefore important to recognise clearly which measures are most suitable for you. For most breast augmentations, we use high quality silicone gel brand implants with a manufacturer’s warranty. In our experience, this is the “gold standard”. This implant feels the most natural, is very well tolerated and there are no known allergies. The new models consist of a cohesive silicone gel. If there are no complications, these implants can last a lifetime. A change of implants every 10 years, which used to be customary, is then no longer required.

We use breast implants produced by Polytech, Allergan, Sebbin and Motiva, all of whom meet the highest quality standards. However, upon request we can insert (almost) any other products.
The particularly light B-Lite Implants represent a new alternative. Due to a special treatment of the silicone gel, their weight has been reduced by about 1/3. That means that silicone implants of 300g (10.5 oz) weigh only around 200g (7.05 oz).  This is a particular advantage for larger implants and for a subglandular placement as the weight of the implants does not pull so hard on the skin.

Shape of implants

There are round and teardrop (anatomically) shaped breast implants in various diameters and projections – low, moderate, high or extra high profile.  For teardrop shaped implants, another distinction is made between a round base or a longitudinal/transverse-oval shape. There are more than 200 different implants that we can choose from. Therefore, the choice of the right implant is the key to the “breasts you have always dreamed of”.

If you are dreaming of beautiful, large and full breasts with a great cleavage, you should choose round implants. If you prefer breasts that look “as naturally as possible”, teardrop (anatomically) shaped implants are the better choice. Precise measurements of your chest and the desired breast shape are important to select the most suitable implant.

Whatever shape of implant you decide on, the shape and condition of your breasts before surgery is crucial.  A comprehensive consultation and discussion of your wishes and ideas is key to a result that matches your expectations.