What does breast reconstruction with an implant mean?
In the Breast reconstruction with implant the breast is reconstructed with a silicone implant following mastectomy—as an alternative to Reconstruction with Autologous tissue. It is particularly suitable when the skin covering the breast has been preserved.
If the mammary gland has been removed following breast cancer surgery, or if there is a congenital asymmetry or malformation of the breast, it is possible to replace the breast with a silicone implant. Breast reconstruction with an implant is also an alternative to using autologous tissue. This is particularly true when simultaneous breast reconstruction is performed during a subcutaneous mastectomy in cases of breast cancer, precancerous breast conditions, or when prophylactic mastectomy is necessary.
For patients who have undergone a mastectomy with skin removal (ablation), it is possible to pre-treat the skin over the implant with a Brustexpander . This allows for the creation of a suitable implant pocket and a natural shape for the new breast.
We use only high-quality implants from the market-leading manufacturers of silicone implants.
Information on the surgical procedure
Before the procedure, we determine the desired breast size. In doing so, we also take the shape of the breast into account in order to select the appropriate implant shape. Once the implant pocket has been created, the selected implant can be inserted into the breast. Irrigation of the wound cavity for a few days after surgery may be necessary to reduce the risk of postoperative capsular contracture.
If it is necessary to stretch the skin beforehand, the breast expander is also inserted into the breast after the implant pocket has been created. It takes several weeks to inflate the breast expander to the desired breast size. Subsequently, in another brief procedure, the breast expander is replaced with a permanent implant.
Hospital Stay and Anesthesia
The procedure requires a 5-day hospital stay and is performed under general anesthesia.
Coverage of Costs
Medically indicated breast reconstruction following breast cancer is generally covered by public health insurance; this also includes matching the healthy opposite side.
Other Breast reconstruction Procedures
In addition to the implant, reconstruction can be performed with Endogenous tissue (approximately DIEP flap or FCI/Gracilis flap) or in combination with Autologous fat (lipofilling) possible. The page provides an overview Breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction with Implants in Frankfurt
Consultations and planning take place at our practice in Frankfurt on Goetheplatz—in close coordination with oncological treatment. Please feel free to schedule a personal, no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an expander always necessary?
No. An expander is primarily used when, following a mastectomy with skin preservation (ablation), the skin envelope must first be stretched. If the skin could be preserved, direct reconstruction with an implant is often possible.
Implant or autologous tissue—which is better?
Both approaches have their advantages: The implant is less invasive and is suitable when the skin envelope is intact; autologous tissue provides a particularly natural, long-lasting result without the use of foreign material. The choice depends on your medical findings and your preferences.