Breast Surgery

Breast surgery involves carefully changing the size or proportion of the breasts. These procedures are performed for a variety of reasons. Some are performed for aesthetic reasons, such as to make the breasts appear younger or to make them larger. Other procedures are medically necessary, such as breast reduction to relieve back pain or surgery to treat breast cancer. Most procedures can be grouped into either breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast correction.

Most women who are physically and mentally healthy are eligible for breast augmentation (also called mammary augmentation). If breast implants are not the right choice for you, the surgeon may recommend another option (e.g. augmentation with autologous fat) that will help you achieve your desired aesthetic goals.

In most cases, the doctor will put the patient under general anesthesia. Depending on the complexity of the operation, general anesthesia may also be used. Small incisions are then made, which are up to 40% smaller than with conventional techniques thanks to so-called Keller-Funnel technology. After that, the implants are placed either on top of or under the pectoral muscle. After the surgery is successfully completed, the patient should allow approximately one week as a recovery period. The surgery itself takes only 1 to 1.5 hours.

For the patient's well-being, we rely on the latest silicone implants in our clinic, as they are particularly well tolerated and meet the highest quality standards. These breast implants are available in different designs: Round, contoured, textured or smooth. The attending physician will advise you competently and openly on the decision.

Breast augmentation with autologous fat (the patient’s own fat) is usually performed on an outpatient basis under twilight anesthesia, or if necessary under general anesthesia. It lasts about as long as the conventional breast augmentation. First, the specialist removes some excess fat tissue (typically fat on the abdomen or thighs) via liposuction. These fat cells are then processed and injected into the breast using fine cannulas. After about 2 days, one is ready to return to work. Patients should refrain from physical exercise for 4 weeks.

Breast augmentation is usually a purely aesthetic measure. Therefore, the costs must be borne by the patient. The cost of breast augmentation with implants starts at 9,800 CHF. Breast augmentation with autologous fat starts at 8,500 CHF. We charge 180 CHF for a non-binding consultation, which will of course be deducted from the surgery.

Many women who are candidates for breast reduction (also called mammareductionplasty) suffer from breasts that appear very large compared to their stature or size. Because of their large breasts, they often also struggle with neck, shoulder or back pain. It is not uncommon for women with large breasts to tend to have poor posture, as the back muscles do not have the strength to support the breasts. There are skin problems, irritation on the shoulders or rashes due to the size of the Brests. In addition, there are women whose breasts are not exactly the same size.

The method used here is highly dependent on the initial examination. There is the option of both general anesthesia and intravenous sedation. After the incision, the nipple is repositioned. The areola can be trimmed by removing the skin around the edge. The underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and trimmed. In some breasts, it may be necessary to remove the nipple or areola and relocate it to a higher location in the breast.

The incisions are sutured together to tighten the breasts. Suture material is placed in the deepest part of the breast tissue to shape and strengthen the reshaped breasts. The incision lines are permanent. However, in most cases, they will fade over time.

During the surgery, two drains are also inserted to allow blood flow. These are removed one day after the surgery. 10-14 days after the surgery, the sutures are removed. If there is pain during the recovery period, pain medication may be administered. A specially fitted bra must be worn for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Sports activities should be avoided for 6 weeks. Sauna sessions and baths are prohibited for the first week after surgery.

The costs for a breast reduction or breast lift start at CHF 11,500. Since the woman often suffers physically and psychologically, in some cases cost shares can be claimed from the health insurance.

There are many women who are largely satisfied with the size of their breasts, yet are concerned about the proportions of their nipples and areolae, since the proportion can have a decisive influence on the appearance of a breast. In these cases, breast correction (also called breast reconstruction) is often performed. The most common breast corrections include:

• Reduction of strongly protruding nipples

• Lifting for low-hanging nipples

• Correction of large or asymmetrical areolas

The exact procedure is highly dependent on the initial situation and the individual wishes of the patient. It is possible that the procedure for your operation may differ from the description below.

Breast correction involves making incisions around the areola. Then the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve the shape and firmness of the breast. Both the nipple and areola are adjusted to achieve an aesthetically pleasing height. If necessary, areolas can be reduced in size by removing skin along the edges. Excess skin on the breasts is removed to counteract the loss of elasticity.

As already mentioned, breast correction is strongly adapted to the individual situation of the woman. The time required and the cost therefore vary greatly. Compared to the breast reduction mentioned above, this is a purely aesthetic measure. Therefore, the health insurance companies do not cover the costs.

You should talk openly with the surgeon about the following risk factors for breast surgery:

• You are sick or your body is currently fighting an infection

• You are breastfeeding or pregnant

• You have received a breast cancer diagnosis or a suspicious mammogram