Deciding to undergo breast augmentation raises many questions. Many women have concerns, especially regarding one question: Is general anesthesia absolutely necessary? As a patient, it's important for you to fully understand the procedures, risks, and methods.
At LIVION in Hamburg, we focus on two established procedures: breast augmentation with implants and augmentation using the patient's own fat. We perform both methods under general anesthesia; however, the question arises whether alternatives without general anesthesia are possible and how you can best prepare. Below, we explain what is truly possible, the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and how you, as a patient at LIVION, can feel well cared for.
Augmentation with implants - this is how it works at LIVION
Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most common procedures at LIVION. It is always performed under general anesthesia, which ensures that you feel no pain during the procedure and are optimally monitored. The procedure itself takes about two hours and includes preparation, insertion of the implant – usually under the pectoral muscle – and fitting of a compression bra. Afterwards, you will typically stay overnight in the clinic and can resume your normal social activities after about 7 to 10 days.
At LIVION, you can choose between round and anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implants. These are high-quality and available in various sizes and finishes to ensure the result perfectly matches your body shape and your wishes.
Breast augmentation with implants without general anesthesia is not currently offered at LIVION. Post-operative care is an important part of the treatment: You will receive important instructions before the procedure. Immediately after the surgery, you will be fitted with a compression bra, which should be worn day and night for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, sports, saunas, and swimming should be avoided.
Augmentation with autologous fat transfer - a natural option with clear limitations
Another method offered at LIVION is breast augmentation using the patient's own fat. This procedure is also performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, with an overnight stay in the clinic.
In this procedure, the patient's own fat is liposuctioned from areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, processed, and transplanted into the breasts. This offers a double benefit: you gain breast volume and simultaneously reduce fat deposits in other areas of the body. The technique is particularly suitable for patients who desire a moderate increase in size, approximately half to a full cup size.
It's important to note that the autologous fat transfer method doesn't offer as significant a volume increase as implants. Even though the procedure is high-quality, it has its limitations. A sufficient number of fat cells must be present, and the result depends heavily on the engraftment of the transplanted cells – typically, the engraftment rate is around 60 to 80 percent.
Here too, general anesthesia is required for this surgery.
An alternative without general anesthesia - how realistic is that?
Both methods, implants and autologous fat transfer, are performed under general anesthesia. This means that, according to LIVION, there is no standard option for breast augmentation without general anesthesia.
However, this does not mean that alternative anesthesia methods are excluded – in rare, individual cases, local anesthesia or sedation might be conceivable. Such options would need to be very carefully examined during the consultation. Your overall health, anatomical factors, and the extent of the procedure are crucial. If you desire augmentation without general anesthesia, you should discuss this early on and weigh up with your surgeon whether your plan is realistic.
This is how you make an informed decision.
As a patient, you should thoroughly research breast augmentation procedures before undergoing them and openly discuss the method, anesthesia, and aftercare with us. Before your initial consultation, you can consider important questions or have them answered during the appointment.
- Clarify your individual wishes: What volume are you aiming for? What breast shape do you desire?
- Ask about the exact procedure: What type of anesthesia will be used? How many hospital nights are planned?
- Ask about possible alternatives: If local anesthesia is desirable for you, have the advantages and disadvantages explained to you.
- Inquire about aftercare: How long will the recovery period be? When can you resume sports activities? What compression garments are necessary?
Which method suits you best?
If you desire a significant increase in breast size, implants are an excellent option. They allow for precise volume control, a defined shape, and a dramatic transformation. In practice, traditional implants are often the best choice when there is little existing breast tissue or when you want a substantial increase in volume. At LIVION, we use state-of-the-art technology and implants from POLYTECH – a brand with proven quality.
If, however, you value a natural look, already have sufficient fat reserves, and are only aiming for a moderate increase in size, then breast augmentation with your own fat may be the right choice. It combines breast augmentation with body contouring through liposuction. However, the result is more subtle – a half to a full cup size increase is typically achievable.
In any case, the decision should be based on sound advice. You, the patient, are our focus – therefore, our experienced surgeons at LIVION offer individualized care tailored to your anatomy, your wishes, and your life circumstances.
