Malformations of the breast / breast malformations
The female breast is much more than an organ for nursing babies. The breast represents sensuality and femininity. It conveys feelings of pleasure and is always at the center of social discussions, significant historical events and the performing arts. Certain features of a breast look particularly attractive: a balanced and laterally equal height ratio between the upper and lower halves of the breast and a flared breast when viewed from the side.
Already in the fifth to seventh week, the breasts develop in the unborn child in the womb. This occurs on both halves of the body along the so-called milk line, which extends near the armpit to the groin. This groin subsequently regresses to the mammary gland site, at the level of the third to fifth rib (above the pectoral muscle). Between the ages of 9 and 13, the growth of mammary gland tissue begins under the influence of hormones. At about 17 to 18 years of age is the end of breast growth.
Patients with breast malformations often complain of a high level of suffering. The quality of life can be decisively impaired, as those affected suffer from strong feelings of shame. Excessive shyness and low sexual confidence characterize her. Affected women in certain cases even avoid playing sports or participating in social activities at school. Peers at school “tease” the young women and bullying on social media are not uncommon. Surgery can restore or improve the shape as well as the volume of a breast deformity, thus protecting and improving mental health.
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about breast malformations. If you are missing any information, please contact us – we will be glad to help you.
How can you prepare for surgery to correct breast deformities?
- All your questions about possible complications and alternative treatments should be answered before the operation.
- On the day of surgery, shower with a disinfectant soap (e.g. HiBiScrub® Plus, Octenisan® Wash Lotion, Prontoderm® Shower Gel).
- Keep nicotine and alcohol consumption to a minimum.
- If necessary, stop taking hormone-containing medication (the pill) temporarily.
- Blood-thinning medication (e.g. ASS, Thomapyrin®) must be discontinued at least ten days before the operation after consultation with your treating physician.
- Vitamin preparations (A, E) and dietary supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s wort preparations, etc.) must be discontinued at least four weeks before the operation.
- Surgeries limit fitness for air travel. Therefore, do not plan any professional or private air travel during the four weeks following the operation.
- Before performing aesthetic surgery, you should take out follow-up insurance.
What do you need to consider after surgery to correct a breast malformation?
- Regular check-ups of your well-being and the result of the operation take place in further appointments.
- Elevation of the upper body by about 30 degrees for 3 days is beneficial for decongestion and wound healing, even during sleep.
- Showering is possible immediately before the wound check from the 3rd day after the surgery date.
- Scar healing: From the third postoperative week, massaging for a few minutes several times a day helps. Do this in circular motions, as well as across and along the course of the scar with greasing creams. Bepanthen® ointment or Linola® fat, for example, are suitable for this purpose. These measures help to create more inconspicuous scars.
- Bending over, as well as lifting heavy loads, taking a sauna, as well as sexual intercourse, swimming and any sporting activities should be avoided for four weeks. If swelling persists, a longer break is recommended.
Author’s statement
Author: Stéphane Stahl, MD, PhD. There are no financial relationships with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries that could have influenced the above text. Any reproduction, even partial, is permitted for personal use only. All texts used on this website are protected by copyright.
