Breast implants in Frankfurt
Silicone, shape & surface: finding the right implant with Dr. Nichlos
A full and well-shaped breast is a central part of many women’s body image and has a major influence on their self-confidence. By nature, however, the breast does not always have the desired shape and fullness, and congenital malformations or deformities resulting from illness can also lead to dissatisfaction with one’s own breasts and affect well-being negatively. Breast implants offer a solution, with which the female breast can be reconstructed and/or enlarged and shaped according to individual wishes.
Depending on the desired result, breast implants are available in different shapes and sizes, with different fillings and surface textures. There are also several approaches to placing breast implants in plastic and aesthetic surgery. To give you a better overview, we go into the differences in more detail below. You can read how the operation works overall and what it costs on the page about breast augmentation. One option without implants is breast augmentation with fat transfer.
What are breast implants?
Breast implants are medical implants used in plastic surgery to change the size and/or shape of the female breast in a targeted way. In Frankfurt, Dr. Nichlos uses them for breast augmentation, to correct malformations and asymmetries, and for breast reconstruction. There are different types of breast implants, which differ from one another in size, material, shape and surface texture. Depending on the reason for and the desired result of the implantation, different implant variants are suitable. Our guide Which cup size is right for me? can help you choose the size.
Experiences with breast implants at Dr. Nichlos
What are the benefits of breast implants in Frankfurt?
Specialist for breast implants in Frankfurt
Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos has specialized in breast implants and aesthetic breast surgery for more than 17 years and has extensive experience in implant surgery.
Through the careful selection of high-quality implants and a precise surgical technique, Dr. Nichlos achieves natural-looking results. Dr. Nichlos personally cares for freshly operated patients. In the first 24 hours after the operation, he is available to them for questions or problems.
For what reasons are breast implants used?
Breast implants always aim to improve the (subjective) visual appearance of the female breast, and the wish for this can arise for different reasons. You discuss which reasons play a role for you during the consultation at our practice in Frankfurt. In most cases, women who decide on breast implants find their breasts too small and want to enlarge them with the implants and, ideally, give them a harmonious shape. There are also women for whom a breast implant is a way to correct existing malformations (e.g., tubular/tuberous breast) or asymmetries. In addition, breast implants are also used to reconstruct a breast, for example after a mastectomy due to cancer or after an accident.
What types of breast implants are there?
There are numerous variants of breast implants, which differ not only in size but also in other characteristics such as material, shape and surface texture.
Material
Breast implants either have a silicone gel filling or are filled with sterile saline solution. Both implant types have specific properties and advantages, as the comparison shows:
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel and have a uniform, firm consistency and a soft texture. They are available in various shapes and sizes, look very natural and also feel natural. Compared with saline implants, they are less prone to wrinkling and rippling. However, any damage cannot be detected immediately, but generally only by MRI, which increases the risk of capsular contracture.
One variant is so-called B-Lite implants. At their core, they consist of a mixture of a special silicone gel and microscopic spheres (microspheres). This mixture has the advantage that the weight of the implants is about 30% lower without affecting shape and firmness. Because of the lower weight, the long-term risk of back problems or deformation of the breast is lower.
Saline implants consist of a silicone implant shell filled with sterile saline solution. These implants allow flexible size adjustment by individually varying the fill volume (often only after the breast surgery). Because they are filled afterward, smaller incisions are sufficient. They are more prone to wrinkles and ripples, however, and therefore feel less natural than silicone implants. If damage occurs, it is immediately visible and less dangerous, as the body can absorb the leaking saline naturally.
Firmness
Breast implants can be soft, medium-firm or firm. The rule is: the softer the implant, the more similar it is to natural breast tissue and the more natural it feels. However, the risk of shape changes is greater with a soft implant than with a firm one. The latter keeps its shape but does not feel as natural. Medium-firm breast implants offer a balanced compromise between natural feel and shape stability. Which firmness is ideal for you depends on your body proportions, the positioning of the implant and the desired result.
Shapes
Breast implants are available in two basic shapes: round and teardrop.
Round breast implants are characterized by their evenly round shape, symmetrical in all directions. They provide a full appearance in the upper breast area (push-up effect) that does not change with movement. They can be placed above and below the chest muscle and are suitable for women who want a pronounced breast augmentation.
Teardrop-shaped breast implants are modeled on the natural shape of the breast and offer more volume in the lower breast area. This implant shape is therefore often also called the “anatomical” shape. With movement or turning, the appearance of the breast can change. These implants are suitable for women who prefer a natural look for their breasts and are also suitable for correcting asymmetries in breast shape or for breast reconstruction.
In addition, new ergonomic implants have recently become available (e.g., Perle from GC Aesthetics, Ergonomix from Motiva). They have a round shape but consist of a special soft gel that adapts to the body’s position during movement, so the implants look particularly natural.
Surface texture
The implant surface can be smooth or textured. Both variants have advantages:
Smooth-walled implants feel soft and are very mobile. However, the risk that they shift or that hardening occurs is higher with these implants.
Textured implants tend to stay in the intended position, and hardening is less likely. This applies in particular to macro-textured implants with a comparatively rough surface, but also, to a lesser extent, to nano-textured implants with a less pronounced structure.
How does the insertion of breast implants work in Frankfurt?
Breast implants can be inserted through different access routes. With all surgical techniques, however, an incision is made in an inconspicuous place, so the resulting scar is barely visible later.
The most popular is the incision in the inframammary fold, because with this approach the surgeon has the best view, allowing precise placement. It is suitable for all implant shapes and sizes and carries a low risk of infection. Breastfeeding problems are also very unlikely here.
Alternatively, the incision can be made at the edge of the areola (periareolar). This approach is suitable if a breast lift or other corrections are to be performed in addition.
Access through the armpit (transaxillary) is also possible, but is technically more demanding with anatomical implants because visibility is limited. In return, the breast remains “scar-free.”
Through the chosen access, the implant is placed in the desired position above the chest muscle and/or behind the chest muscle. The incision is then closed and covered with a sterile wound dressing. A drain is generally not necessary.
Where are breast implants placed? Implant positions at a glance
A breast implant can be placed in front of or behind the chest muscle. Both methods have their advantages:
With so-called subglandular positioning, the implant is placed directly beneath the breast gland tissue and above the chest muscle. This leaves the chest muscle untouched by the operation, which allows faster recovery.
With submuscular positioning, by contrast, the implant is placed behind the chest muscle. The chest muscle in front of it then provides a more natural look and feel of the breast implant, but generally requires a longer recovery time.
Alternatively, a mix of the variants mentioned is possible. With the so-called dual plane method, the implant is placed partly above and partly under the muscle to achieve a harmonious aesthetic.
Another, relatively new variant is the so-called subfascial implant position. Here the implant is placed between the chest muscle and the chest muscle fascia, so that the muscle fascia holds the implant and the muscle remains uninjured. This method is particularly well suited to athletic women. You clarify which position suits your case together with Dr. Nichlos during the examination in Frankfurt.
What risks do breast implants carry?
Breast augmentation with implants is a routine procedure for experienced physicians such as Dr. Nichlos. Nevertheless, as with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with the operation. These include general surgical risks such as bleeding, wound healing disorders and infections, but also problems with scar formation.
There are also specific risks such as (temporary) disturbances of breast or nipple sensation (e.g., numbness) or so-called capsular contracture. In this condition, the tissue around the implant hardens and forms a kind of capsule, which can deform the breast and cause pain. It is also possible for the implant to rupture or leak, so that it has to be replaced.
So-called breast implant illness (BII) is also currently being discussed. This is a clinical picture with very many different symptoms, ranging from chronic fatigue and headaches to skin rash, which are associated with silicone implants. Despite some indications from patient reports, a direct causal link between these complaints and breast implants has so far not been proven beyond doubt. Several studies are currently under way, however, and their results will certainly shed light on this question.
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos
Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Frankfurt and has specialized for more than 17 years in breast implants and modern procedures in aesthetic breast surgery.
The content of this page has been personally reviewed by him and reflects current medical knowledge as well as the professional standards of plastic and aesthetic surgery.
Frequently asked questions about breast implants in Frankfurt
How long do modern breast implants last?
New-generation breast implants are considerably more durable than earlier models. A routine replacement after 10 or 15 years is generally no longer necessary if there are no complications. Regular medical checkups remain important, however.
What happens to breast implants with weight loss?
The implant itself stays unchanged, but the surrounding breast tissue can change visibly with major weight loss. As a result, the breast may look more slack, wrinkling (rippling) may occur, or the nipple position may change. Ideally, therefore, breast augmentation is done only after you have reached your desired weight.
Can implants be felt or become visible?
In very slim women or with an unsuitable choice of implant, the implant edges may show or be palpable. Placement under the muscle can minimize this.
When is an implant replacement necessary?
A replacement is necessary in case of complications, a ruptured or leaking implant, a wish for a different size, or age-related tissue changes. Modern implants generally no longer need to be replaced routinely. When implants are changed, access through the inframammary fold is often created. You discuss the further steps with Dr. Nichlos after an examination.
Is breastfeeding possible with breast implants?
Yes, in most cases breastfeeding is still possible after a breast augmentation, provided care was taken during the operation to keep the milk ducts intact.
What alternatives are there to implants?
An alternative method is breast augmentation with fat transfer. It is mainly suitable for a moderate volume wish and sufficient available fat. It does not, however, replace an implant for every starting situation. You can find an overview of both procedures on the breast augmentation page.
Does health insurance cover the cost of breast implants?
Breast implants for purely aesthetic reasons are not covered by health insurance. Please note: Dr. med. Nichlos does not have statutory health insurance accreditation.
How much do breast implants cost in Frankfurt?
That depends on the quality and material of the implant. For high-quality breast implants, the cost is between €1,000 and €1,600 per set. Simpler implants are also available for as little as €500 per set. Special breast implants, such as the so-called B-lite implants, can be more expensive. They are about 30% lighter than conventional implants and can therefore reduce the risk of the breast sagging in women with weak connective tissue.
How much does breast augmentation with implants cost in Frankfurt?
Breast augmentation with implants starts at our practice in Frankfurt from €7,500 plus anesthesia and clinic. You can read which services are included in the price and how financing in installments works on the breast augmentation page. You will also find an overview under prices.
How do I find the right implant size?
You choose the size together with Dr. Nichlos, depending on your wishes, your body proportions and what your breast can carry well. Our guide Which cup size is right for me? offers initial orientation. You can read how the operation works overall on the breast augmentation page.
Your practice in Frankfurt’s Westend
At our practice on Grüneburgweg, Dr. Nichlos takes the time for your personal consultation. Bright rooms, short distances and a calm atmosphere help you feel well looked after from your first appointment.
Preliminary examination, consultation and aftercare take place here. Dr. Nichlos performs the surgery itself at the affiliated clinic in Frankfurt.
Plastic Surgery Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos
Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main
Schedule your consultation now
Would you like a fuller breast or a more harmonious shape and proportions? As an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr. med. Nichlos advises you comprehensively on the possibilities of modern breast implants. Schedule an appointment for a non-binding consultation at our practice in Frankfurt now!
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