Back, neck and shoulder pain
The weight of the breast shifts the centre of gravity forward. The result is postural change, muscular tension and chronic cervical and thoracic spine pain.
Medical indication
Breast reduction when symptoms come first
Reduction mammoplasty for back, neck and shoulder pain, bra-strap grooving or recurrent skin inflammation. We document the indication properly – and shape the breast with the standard of aesthetic surgery.
Please note: we are a private practice. German statutory health funds are not billed; treatment is private or self-pay.
General
anaesthesia
1 night
monitoring
6 weeks
compression bra
Symptoms
What makes breast hypertrophy a medical problem
The indication is built on symptoms and their documented treatment history, not on cup size alone.
Bra-strap grooving
Deep grooves in the shoulders, sometimes with pressure damage to the skin and irritation of the underlying nerves.
Intertrigo and eczema
Macerated, sore skin in the inframammary fold, often with recurrent fungal or bacterial infection that only settles temporarily with conservative care.
Limited movement and sport
Pain on impact and reduced exercise tolerance – a relevant factor for weight gain and further symptoms.
Altered nipple sensation
Stretched tissue frequently reduces nipple sensitivity, a finding that often improves after reduction.
Psychological burden
Withdrawal, shame and avoidance. The level of distress is part of the indication and is taken seriously in the consultation.
Techniques
Four routes to a lighter, stable breast
Which technique fits depends on resection volume, skin quality and nipple position.
Vertical scar technique
Suitable for moderate excess tissue and good skin quality. The scar runs around the areola and vertically down to the inframammary fold.
- Scar-sparing incision
- Good projection of the new shape
- Surgery approx. 2–3 hours
Anchor (inverted-T) technique
For very large breasts, marked skin excess or significant ptosis. In addition to the vertical scar, a fine scar runs within the inframammary fold.
- Allows the largest resection volume
- Precise reshaping of the breast
- Surgery approx. 3–4 hours
Internal bra
Your own tissue is shaped so that the new form is supported from inside. Where skin quality is very poor, a resorbable mesh (Galaflex) can be added.
- Shape stability over the years
- Wide central pedicle – breastfeeding usually preserved
- Surgery approx. 3–4 hours
Combined procedures
Additional liposuction of the lateral breast roll or anterior axilla; in selected cases fat grafting for a flattened upper pole.
- Smooth transition to the chest wall
- Small access points, little added burden
- Surgery approx. 3–5 hours
| Technique | Vertical | Anchor / inverted T | Internal bra | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | moderate reduction, good skin quality | large breasts, skin excess, ptosis | patients wanting extra shape stability | lateral fullness, flat upper pole |
| Scars / technique | around the areola and vertically down | plus a fine scar in the inframammary fold | shaping with own tissue, mesh if needed | depends on the main technique, small extra access |
| Anaesthesia | general | general | general | general |
| Duration | approx. 2–3 h | approx. 3–4 h | approx. 3–4 h | approx. 3–5 h |
| Stay | usually 1 night | usually 1 night | usually 1 night | usually 1 night |
| Back to desk work | approx. 2 weeks | approx. 2 weeks | approx. 2 weeks | approx. 2 weeks |
| Sport | approx. 6 weeks | approx. 6 weeks | approx. 6 weeks | approx. 6 weeks |
Process
From consultation to scar care
For international patients we group appointments so that travel stays predictable.
- 01
Examination and consultation
Clinical examination, photo documentation, measurements, assessment of skin quality and nipple position. Together we define technique and a realistic target size.
- 02
Indication and costs
Where a medical indication exists we issue a detailed report with an estimated resection weight – the basis for an insurance claim or for the GOÄ cost plan.
- 03
Preparation
Anaesthetic review, antibacterial wash for three days beforehand, no nicotine, no blood thinners without agreement, six hours fasting.
- 04
Surgery
Markings taken standing, general anaesthesia, resection and reshaping of the breast, nipple transposed on its own neurovascular pedicle.
- 05
Aftercare
Usually one night of monitoring, compression bra for six weeks, close wound checks, scar protocol and lymphatic drainage if required.
Please bring orthopaedic, physiotherapy and dermatology reports. The more completely your symptom history is documented, the stronger the indication – and the better your chance of reimbursement by a private or international insurer.
This page provides information on treatment options and does not replace medical advice. Whether a procedure suits you can only be assessed after a personal examination.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When size and weight demonstrably cause symptoms: chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, bra-strap grooving, recurrent eczema in the inframammary fold, postural change or restricted breathing and movement. Documented previous treatment – physiotherapy, orthopaedic and dermatological reports – is decisive.
Purely aesthetic breast surgery at JugendLiebe
If there is no medical indication, the same surgeons treat you under our aesthetic brand JugendLiebe.
Breast augmentation
Volume with an implant or autologous fat – as a purely aesthetic procedure without medical indication.
jugendliebe.deBreast lift
Mastopexy for ptosis after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss, with added volume on request.
jugendliebe.deAesthetic breast reduction
Reduction mammoplasty as a self-pay procedure when no medical indication is to be documented.
jugendliebe.deContact & appointment
Bring your findings, secure your date
Book your surgical consultation online or call us. International patients are welcome: consultations can be held in English, on site or by video.
Phone
0221 – 66 96 24 50Consulting hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
08:00 – 18:00 CET - Wednesday
08:00 – 15:00 CET
Consultation & appointment
Have your indication assessed
Bring your reports to the consultation – we will tell you what is realistic, what it costs and how we document it.