Breast lift in Berlin – For a firm, youthful breast shape

Over time, breast tissue loses elasticity and tensionSagging breasts can occur especially after pregnancy and breastfeeding, significant weight loss, implant removal or due to the natural aging process. Hormonal changes also play a role.

Important to know: Neither sport nor special gymnastics can permanently lift a sagging breast – a breast lift (mastopexy) is the only effective methodto sustainably improve breast shape.

Information on breast lift at a glance

duration of the surgery approx. 2-3 hours, surgery under general anesthesia
anesthesiageneral anesthetic
hospital stay1 Night
Post op6 weeks postoperative compression bra,
socially acceptableafter 1 – 2 weeks
Costsfrom 9.500 € + anesthesia costs without implant, from 11.500 € with implant

What is the goal of a breast lift?

  • Tightening the tissue for a more youthful breast shape
  • Adjusting the breast to individual needs
  • Restoration of volume & shape, if necessary with implants
  • Harmonious overall picture for more self-confidence

Breast lift is one of the most complex Plastic surgery procedures. Many “cosmetic surgeons” avoid this procedure because it requires a high level of expertise and experience. Dr. Juliane Bodo specializes in breast lifts and is one of the few expertswho can perform a breast lift with implants in just one step.

What methods of breast lift are there?

Depending on the initial situation and the patient’s wishes, a breast lift can be individually adapted:

  • Combination with one breast reduction: If excess tissue needs to be removed.
  • breast lift with Implants: Ideal for patients who want to compensate for volume loss or slightly enlarge the breast.
  • autologous fat transfer: In some cases, breast augmentation with the patient's own fat can add additional volume.

Can a breast lift be performed without surgery?

  • Unfortunately, breast lift without surgery is not possible – only surgical methods deliver permanent results.

Breast lift with or without implants – which method is right for you?

A breast lift (mastopexy) can be performed with or without implants. Choosing the right Method depends on individual wishes, the initial position of the breast and the desired change in shape.

  • breast lift without implants – Ideal if the breast only needs to be tightened, but the existing volume is sufficient.
  • breast lift with implants – Useful if you want more volume or a stronger cleavage.

Procedure for breast lift without implants:

A breast lift without implants reshapes the breast without adding additional volume through implants.

  • Removal excess skin: The top layer of skin (epithelium) is gently removed.
  • remodeling of the glandular tissue: The body's own tissue is moved to a higher position and fixed to the muscle fascia of the pectoral muscle.
  • Anchoring by a "inner bra": The tissue is tightened using a special technique to stabilize the breast shape in the long term.
  • Low-scar incision:
    • Lejour technique (lollipop incision): incision around the areola and vertically to the inframammary fold.
    • Anchor incision: For very large breasts, an additional horizontal incision in the breast fold.
    • Nipple repositioning: The nipple is moved to the new position, including nerves and blood vessels.
    • Finest, intracutaneous suture technique: The wound is closed with very fine threads inside the skin to minimize scarring.

The result is one firmer breasts with natural form.

Procedure of a breast lift with an implant breast augmentation:

We recommend a combination of breast lift and breast augmentation if additional volume or a more pronounced décolleté is desired.

The surgical technique is the same as for breast lift without implants, but the implant also increases the size of the breast.

  • Combination of skin tightening & volume building with implants.
  • Preservation of the natural breast shape with additional fullness. Adaptation of the implant size to the individual wishes of the patient.
  • Particularly suitable for volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss.

Depending on the initial situation, it may be necessary to perform breast lift and implant placement in two separate procedures to achieve an optimal aesthetic result.

Breast lift: before and after

Measures & Aftercare after Breast Lift

A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that requires a targeted aftercare required to achieve optimal healing results

Immediately after breast lift surgery – what can you expect?

  • Mild to moderate pain are possible, but usually subside within a few days.
  • swelling & bruising occur frequently but disappear within the first few weeks.
  • Reduced sensitivity of the nipples may occur, but usually returns to normal after a few months.
  • The end result is only after approx. 6 Monaten visible – tissue hardening can develop up to 2 years continue to improve after surgery.

Depending on your genetic predisposition to wound healing, the scars will fade over time and in most cases will hardly be visible. Careful scar care can also support this process.

Recovery time & recommended rest

  • As a rule, patients feel less than a week fit again.
  • Return to work: Depending on the job, usually possible after 1-2 weeks.
  • Supine position When sleeping: During the first 2 weeks, it is recommended to sleep exclusively on your back so as not to impair the healing process.
  • Showering & skin care: After few days possible – as soon as stitches and bandages allow it.

suture removal & scar healing

  • Self-dissolving threads
  • Other stitches remain in place for up to 5 weeks to support fine, barely visible scarring.
  • Scar care: Special creams or silicone patches can help scars fade faster.

Wearing a support bra – why is it so important?

  • Supports healing & prevents excess scarring.
  • Should be at least 6 weeks, ideally worn around the clock for 3 months.
  • Must fit perfectly: no constriction, but sufficient support for the chest.
  • Even pressure on the breast tissue promotes optimal dimensional stability.

Long-term follow-up & check-ups

  • Regular check-ups are crucial for optimal results.
  • When you are discharged from the clinic, you will receive individual instructions on aftercare and personal healing progress.
  • Intensive physical activities & sports should be avoided for at least 6 weekn should be avoided.

To minimize the risk of complications from a breast lift, the following generally applies:

  • experienced Specialist in Plastic & Aesthetic Surgerye choose
  • Stop smoking before and after surgery (reduces wound healing problems)
  • wearing one support bras for 6–12 weeks to stabilize the breast
  • Healthy nutrition & sufficient fluids promote healing
  • No excessive physical exertion in the first 6 weeks

Breast lift with implant and use of a GalaFLEX mesh

Depending on the size of the implant used and the strength of the breast tissue, it may be useful to use a poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) mesh as a support.

What is a GalaFLEX mesh made of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB)?

The GalaFLEX network is a biodegradable, supporting mesh implant, which consists of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB). This material is a biocompatible, synthetic polymerthat is in the body gradually dissolveswhile it is replaced by the body's own tissue.

How does the GalaFLEX network work?

Mechanical support:

Immediately after implantation, the mesh provides a strong structural support for the tissue to maintain the desired breast shape.

  • It reduces the strain on the natural tissue and helps prevent the breast from sagging after surgery
  • As the mesh degrades in the body (within 12 to 18 months), it gradually replaced by the body's own collagen.
  • This process leads to a increased fabric strength and better long-term breast lift results.

Frequently asked questions about breast lifts

from 9.500,00€ without implant, from 11.500,00€ with implant, each plus anesthesia costs.

As with any operation, there are certain risks associated with a breast lift. However, these can be minimized through careful planning, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and good aftercare.As with any operation, there are certain risks associated with a breast lift. However, these can be minimized through careful planning, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and good aftercare:

  • Wound healing disorder: Delayed healing, especially in smokers or patients with diabetes.
  • Infections: Rare, but can be prevented by good hygiene and antibiotic prophylaxis.
  • Postoperative bleeding & bruising: Bleeding after surgery is possible; in individual cases, further surgery may be necessary.
  • Swelling & pain: Normal in the first few weeks, but usually subsides quickly.

Scarring:

  • Depending on the skin type, scars can heal inconspicuously or remain more visible.
  • Special scar care with silicone patches or creams helps to reduce the scars.

Changes in sensitivity:

  • Temporary numbness of the nipples or skin is possible.

Asymmetries & shape changes:

  • Slight differences between both breasts may occur.

A breast lift with autologous fat is usually carried out in two steps. In the first operation, the breast is tightened, in the second operation, the breast is again filled with autologous fat. It's a good solution to just add a little volume without the need for an implant. If a breast lift is desired in connection with breast augmentation, an implant is more likely to be used. This variant can be carried out at an OP date.

If you are planning a pregnancy or a significant weight loss, you should be aware that in both cases the shape of the breast changes significantly and the result of the operation can be adversely affected. If it can be influenced, a breast lift before pregnancy is not recommended, but afterwards.

Normally, the breasts become smaller by up to one cup size in the course of a breast lift. No glandular tissue is removed during a breast lift, but usually only skin and in some cases fatty tissue. If the breast volume is to be retained, an implant can also be inserted if desired or a little filled with autologous fat.

As a rule, you can go back to work as normal about two to three weeks after a breast lift.

After a breast lift, patients can usually shower again after 2 – 3 days if the wound has healed normally. However, patches must not be removed. We accompany our patients very conscientiously after the operation, so that such questions can always be discussed individually.

Most patients stay in the clinic for one night after the breast lift. In principle, the procedure could also be carried out on an outpatient basis, but it is not recommended because there is always a risk of secondary bleeding.

There are 3 variants of breast lifts, which are referred to as "Lege artis" - i.e. according to the state of the art.

The circular (periareolar) lift, in which a ring-shaped strip of skin around the nipple is removed. This technique creates a scar around the nipple. I use this way for small lifts where little skin is removed.

With the Lejour technique (vertical tightening), part of the excess skin below the nipples is also removed. In addition to the circular scar on the nipple, there is also a vertical scar. This technique is used for extensive tightening with a lot of excess skin.

The T-cut is done in a similar way. In addition, a horizontal incision is made in the underbreast crease, resulting in a scar in the shape of an inverted "T". This technique is suitable for tightening/reduction with medium and large excess skin.

How long a lift lasts depends on many factors. However, our experience has shown that a small correction may be necessary again after about 10 years, particularly if the lift was combined with breast enlargement.

After a breast lift, you need to give your body some rest. In the first 6 weeks after the operation, you should wear the support bra day and night if possible - during this time the question of sport usually does not arise. Always consult your doctor, because ultimately he knows best when you can become active again.

last updated on 21.03.2025