Breast reconstruction and breast augmentation in Cologne: back to a natural-looking breast
For many women, losing a breast to cancer is a profound emotional loss. Their self-esteem often suffers greatly as a result. While external prostheses worn inside a bra are a good option, they can be perceived as a hindrance during intimate moments.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery offers various breast reconstruction options as alternatives to these external prostheses. For many women, breast reconstruction after breast cancer is an important step back toward their natural femininity.
On this page, we would like to provide you with information about the various procedures. To find the option that is right for you, please schedule a nonbinding consultation at our PALMCLINIC in Cologne.
You’re in excellent hands with the certified breast surgeon Dr Lijo Mannil, MD.
You can rely on his extensive expertise, gained from over 700 successful breast operations over the last 5 years.
Overview:
- At a glance: Breast Reconstruction
- Breast augmentation: What types of breast surgery are available?
- What options are available for breast reconstruction?
- Breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue: autologous methods
- Breast reconstruction using silicone implants following breast cancer: heterologous methods
- Frequently asked questions about breast reconstruction
At a glance: Breast Reconstruction
| Surgery duration | 1–2 hours (implants) 4–6 hours (autologous tissue) |
| Clinic stay | At least 1 night (implants) 5–7 days (autologous tissue) |
| Aftercare | Absorbable sutures, compression garments for 4–6 weeks |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Socially presentable | 1–2 weeks (implants) 2–4 weeks (autologous tissue) |
| Sport | Heavy lifting should be avoided during the first 6 weeks. After that, you can start exercising again. |
Breast augmentation: What types of breast surgery are available?
When it comes to breast augmentation, there are various surgical procedures that may be considered. The best known is probably breast augmentation using breast implants. In addition, autologous fat can also be used for breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation is not always necessary. Breasts may sag slightly following pregnancy or due to weak connective tissue. In such cases, a breast lift can restore their shape. One innovative method is the internal bra breast lift.
The desire for breast augmentation is not always the reason for a visit to our practice. Following cancer treatment, we help patients with breast reconstruction. If the natural breasts are too large, this can lead to health problems. In such cases, a breast reduction may be considered. This is not just a women’s issue – in cases of gynaecomastia, a reduction can also help men gain greater self-confidence.
What options are available for breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy due to breast cancer is a matter of great importance to us. It is not always necessary to use foreign materials. Breast reconstruction using the patient’s own fat following cancer treatment is also possible. A distinction is therefore made in breast reconstruction between autologous and heterologous methods.
Breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue: autologous methods
The breast can also be reconstructed using the patient’s own tissue. In a procedure known as a DIEP flap, skin and fatty tissue, together with blood vessels, are harvested from the lower abdomen.
Breast reconstruction is then carried out using this autologous fat and tissue. The blood vessels from the lower abdomen are connected to those in the breast, and the incisions are finally closed with sutures.
The advantages of the breast reconstruction method using the patient’s own tissue are:
• The breast can be shaped flexibly; even larger breasts can be reconstructed.
• The surgical scar runs horizontally across the lower abdomen, below the waistband.
• The second scar is concealed in the breast crease.
Unlike other methods of breast reconstruction using the patient’s own fat and tissue, the DIEP flap procedure does not involve the use of muscle tissue. This means that the abdominal wall is not weakened.
For further information, please see breast augmentation using autologous fat.
Breast reconstruction using silicone implants following breast cancer: heterologous methods
Breast reconstruction using silicone implants following breast cancer or a prophylactic mastectomy is the quickest and least invasive method of reconstruction. As no patient’s own tissue is required, there is only one scar on the breast.
As with breast augmentation, the visibility of this scar depends on which approach is used to insert the silicone implant. Read more about breast augmentation.
Frequently asked questions about breast reconstruction
Do you have further questions regarding breast reconstruction? We have compiled and answered the most important questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions and if you would like to arrange a personalised consultation at the PALMCLINIC.
How much does breast reconstruction cost?
The costs will vary depending on which breast reconstruction method you choose. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer (mammary carcinoma), the costs are usually covered in full by your health insurance. For cosmetic procedures, costs start at €6,500, depending on the complexity of the procedure. These will be explained to you during a personal consultation.
Who pays for the reconstruction of the breast following a diagnosis of breast cancer?
Breast reconstruction following breast cancer is often an integral part of cancer treatment. Consequently, in most cases, both private and statutory health insurance providers cover the costs of breast reconstruction. It is important to note that this must be a standard surgical procedure. This is the case for the methods carried out at PALMCLINIC.
How long will I experience pain after breast reconstruction?
Following your breast reconstruction surgery, you may feel a sensation of tightness in the breast area. This is normal and completely harmless. We will provide you with painkillers during and after your stay at the clinic; please take these as prescribed.