Aesthetic surgery

Dr. med. Petra Scheffer

Chief of

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery / Hand Surgery

Aesthetics Hellersen at the Sportklinik Hellersen is all about individual beauty and feeling good. Whether it is about restoring the form and function of the body - for example after an accident or in the case of a congenital deformity - or aesthetic procedures aimed at improving the external appearance, our experienced doctors offer individual advice and treatment. They attach great importance to honest information and a natural result in compliance with the highest medical quality standards.

Focal points of treatment

Botox and hyaluronic acid treatments
Thread lift
PRP plasma "vampire lift"
Autologous fat treatment
Tightening operations: Tummy tuck, breast lift, upper eyelid lift, upper arm lift, thigh lift
Liposuction
Breast reduction
Breast augmentation with implants or autologous fat
Nipple correction
Labiaplasty
Hair transplantation
Hair removal through laser treatment
Sweat gland treatment
Scar correction

Breast corrections

Different breast sizes in women have various causes. Many women notice small differences in themselves without any pathological value. However, there are also congenital deformities in which the breasts have developed differently or are almost non-existent. One example of this is tubular breasts, as well as Poland syndrome with unilateral breast underdevelopment, pigmentation disorders and in some cases even underdeveloped pectoral muscles.

Another common cause of asymmetry is surgery for breast cancer. Initial findings can range from small defects to complete removal of the breast. We will show you all the treatment options available at our clinic.

Enlarging breasts that are too small with implants or autologous fat or adjusting healthy or too large breasts are common procedures and can also be combined on both sides.

In the case of pathological changes, we will be happy to help you obtain reimbursement from your health insurance.

A sore neck and tense shoulders or back pain, bra straps that regularly cut in, no matter how wide they are, inflammation in the underbust fold or pain during sport are just some of the problems that accompany the everyday lives of those affected. They suffer from the burden of their overly large and heavy breasts. They often have a long ordeal behind them before they decide to have a breast reduction. Unfortunately, health insurance companies only cover this procedure in rare cases.

In order to reduce the volume of the breast and make it appear firmer and more attractive, tissue and skin is removed from the lower part of the breast and the nipple is positioned higher and, if necessary, adjusted in size. Breast reduction is often combined with a breast lift. There are therefore different surgical methods for breast reduction, which we will explain to you in detail. Stitches do not need to be removed as they dissolve themselves.

After the operation, the breasts remain swollen for longer and change over the weeks. The absolute final result will be visible after 6 months after the swelling has subsided and the breasts have returned to a normal level. The scars mature and fade until they turn white.

Brief overview
Duration of the procedure: approx. 150 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: general anaesthetic
Stay: usually inpatient
Special feature: 6-week compression bra for 24 hours
Price: from €5,900

Breast augmentation is the most common aesthetic procedure performed on women worldwide. The desire for larger breasts arises in various life situations or after major life changes.

Pregnancy or weight loss in particular can result in a significant reduction in breast size. Natural asymmetries, shape abnormalities or a lack of development of the female breast can also lead to the desire for breast augmentation. This is because it helps you to feel more feminine again and therefore also improves your own quality of life.

There are various procedures to choose from. For example, breast augmentation with implants or with autologous fat is possible. Modern surgical techniques make it possible to create a completely natural-looking breast. An additional breast lift may also be necessary and is offered in the same session.

We use high-quality implants filled with stable, dimensionally stable silicone gel, which are produced in Germany and are guaranteed to be leak-proof thanks to the modern material properties.

The implants are available in many shapes and sizes so that a breast shape that harmonizes with the body can always be created.

The ability to breastfeed is retained and breast sensation is not impaired. Temporary sensory disturbances may occur after the operation, but these will return to normal after a short time.

If the patient wishes to have augmentation with her own fat, liposuction is performed on the desired areas (e.g. saddlebags, waist shaping) during the same operation. A second treatment may also be necessary. Augmentation with autologous fat can only be performed by one cup size.

Brief overview
Duration of the procedure: approx. 90 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: general anaesthetic
Stay: usually outpatient
Special feature: 6-week compression bra 24 hours for implants, compression garment after liposuction for autologous fat
Price: from €3,800 to €5,900

Implants have a limited shelf life in the human body. This varies from person to person, so there is no time limit for when implants should be replaced. The focus here is on existing pain or the development of high-grade capsular fibrosis. In these cases, we perform an implant change at our clinic. The breast implant is completely removed with its capsule and, if necessary, a new site is created under the pectoral muscle if this was not already present.

In rare cases, there is a desire to remove the implant completely. The breast is then empty. Our doctors restore a natural shape through a lifting operation. Filling can also be performed with autologous fat tissue.

The various methods of a breast lift aim to optimize the shape, firmness and size of the breast. It is also possible to correct asymmetries. By removing excess and sagging skin and reshaping the breast by moving your nipples to a higher position, your breast will take on the desired shape.

All surgical methods are designed to achieve a result with as little scarring as possible. If desired, an implant can be inserted during a breast lift to restore missing volume. After the operation, the breasts remain swollen for longer and change over the weeks. The absolute final result can be seen after six months, after the swelling has subsided and the breasts have returned to a normal level. The scars mature and fade until they turn white.

Brief overview
Duration of the procedure: approx. 90-120 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic if necessary
Stay: usually outpatient
Special feature: 6-week compression bra 24h
Price: from €3,400 to €4,400 (without implant)

Just like women, men have mammary glands. These are developed to different sizes in men and women and asymmetries are also possible. While a large breast is usually an ideal of beauty for women, it is considered "unmanly" for men. Accordingly, these men wish to have a surgical reduction of the breast shape.

During an examination, a distinction must be made as to whether the gland itself is overdeveloped ("gynaecomastia vera") or whether the fatty tissue around the breast is too pronounced ("gynaecomastia falsa"). The surgical steps required vary depending on the findings. Of course, there are also mixed forms.

Before the operation, you should see a urologist to rule out any pathological causes. The urologist examines the hormone levels, performs an ultrasound and, if necessary, checks any medication being taken, as some trigger an enlargement of the gland.

While pure fatty tissue can be easily treated with liposuction, an excessively large mammary gland must be surgically removed via a crescent-shaped incision at the edge of the areola. This is usually done in combination. Whenever glandular tissue is removed through an incision, this tissue is sent for histological examination.

Overall, the skin continues to contract after the operation so that the final result is only fully visible after around three months.

Brief overview
Duration of the procedure: approx. 90 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic
Stay: outpatient or inpatient
Special feature: compression with a chest strap is required for 3-4 weeks for 24 hours
Price: from 3,600 euros

Wrinkle reduction

Autologous blood therapy is a proven natural remedy for reducing wrinkles and improving the appearance of the skin and serves as a kind of refreshing treatment for the facial skin.

The growth hormones contained in the serum stimulate the body's own collagen production and improve the skin's absorption of nutrients. Collagen production makes the skin firmer and more elastic overall. The appearance of the skin improves as pores become slightly smaller and wrinkles are minimized.

First, 40 to 80 milliliters of blood is taken from the patient and centrifuged for five minutes. The serum is separated from the solid components, such as the white and red blood cells. The serum is then injected into the affected areas of the face using a fine needle.

A total of three treatments are required at intervals of four to six weeks. The body then needs time to produce the collagen. A clear effect is only visible around two months after the third treatment. After that, one or two freshness kicks per year are sufficient - depending on how many environmental influences affect the skin. It is also possible to combine the treatment with a medical microneeling.

Brief overview
Duration of the procedure: approx. 30 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: local anaesthetic lip area and Emla ointment
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after 4 hours
Price: 500 euros individually, package price of 3 treatments: 1,300 euros

The muscles in our face are active throughout our lives. For this reason, mimic wrinkles develop more frequently with increasing age. Botox can be used to treat facial wrinkles without radical surgery. It is used, for example, to treat Frown lines, transverse wrinkles on the forehead, crow's feet around the eyes, longitudinal wrinkles on the neck, drooping corners of the mouth or eyebrows, severe dimples on the chin or small creases on the upper lip.

The treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. First, the injection points are localized, then the skin is disinfected and finally injected specifically into the application points. Cooling is used during the application and immediately afterwards.

No local anesthetic or painkillers are required for the treatment, as it only involves small "pricks" and patients only feel a slight pressure and burning sensation. Patients can go about their usual activities immediately after the procedure.

No effect is visible immediately after the injection. This only develops around four to seven days after the injection. The duration of effect is three to four months for the first application. If treatment is then continued at regular intervals, the period is extended to around four to six months.

The neurotoxin, botulinum toxin, restricts the transmission of nerve signals to the selected muscles. This prevents the formation of wrinkles.
At lower doses, the facial expressions remain in a weakened form. The body gradually breaks down the Botox.

Constant squinting of the eyes in summer or during daily desk work at the PC can cause or increase headaches. Treatment with Botox can counteract this problem. It is even possible to treat specific migraine points with Botox.

Thanks to years of practice and experience, our specialists can also use Botox to correct asymmetries in the face. The correct dosage is crucial: in men, the muscles are usually more pronounced, which is why a higher concentration of Botox may be necessary. However, Botox treatment also has limits that must be adhered to. As over-treatment with Botox can lead to the formation of antibodies, it is important not to overdo the treatment! If antibodies develop, the Botox will no longer work.

If the wrinkles to be treated are caused by decreasing elasticity and sagging of the skin, we advise against Botox treatment. These wrinkles can be treated more effectively with other procedures.

Brief overview
Duration: approx. 20 minutes
Stay: outpatient
Socially acceptable: immediately
Price: 25IE 180 euros / 50IE 300 euros

Hyaluron is a natural component of the body - but one that it produces less and less of as we age. This leads to increased wrinkling and joint problems, as the joints are also dependent on hyaluronic acid and are no longer sufficiently lubricated and therefore cushioned. However, hyaluron can also be produced artificially. The products used are produced biosynthetically. They are therefore not derived from other living organisms.

Hyaluronic acid can be produced in different consistencies - from very thin to thick. This means that the preparation can be used in a variety of ways and can, for example, make the skin appear plump and supple again. The effect usually lasts for six to twelve months until the hyaluronic acid slowly breaks down.

Hyaluronic acid is also frequently used as an ingredient in creams, but here it is only applied superficially. The substance cannot penetrate the skin completely. This requires an injection.

For fine wrinkles that form around the lips or eyes, our doctors use the low-viscosity preparation. It is also possible to conceal wrinkles on the cheek, around the mouth and on the décolleté, as hyaluronic acid retains water.

The hyaluronic acid is carefully injected into the tear trough using blunt cannulas so as not to damage any blood vessels. As a side effect, the area under the eyes can appear lighter.

With increasing age, the so-called "nasolabial fold" - the fold between the nose and the corner of the mouth - often becomes more pronounced. Wrinkles in the nasolabial area or the lips can be filled very well with hyaluronic acid, which has a medium degree of cross-linking. The deeper the wrinkles, the more highly cross-linked the preparation is required.

We use very voluminous preparations to fill the sagging midface or cheekbones. A more prominent chin, more volume in the lips, highlighting the angle of the lower jaw (jawline) and correcting defects such as straightening the hump of the nose are also numerous possible applications.

Brief overview
Duration: approx. 20 minutes
Stay: outpatient
Socially acceptable: immediately
Price: 1ml 300 euros / 2ml 500 euros

If the skin is showing the first signs of ageing and needs to look firmer and tighter again, but surgery is not yet an option, thread lifting is an alternative. It achieves a natural lifting effect without surgery. Thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure in which our doctors use fine needles to insert threads into the skin. The effect is based on biostimulation on the one hand and tissue support and tightening on the other. The initial effect of the treatment is immediately visible as the threads used have small barbs. The area in question is tightened by what is known as 3D tightening. The threads slowly dissolve after six to eight weeks, producing lactic acid. This stimulates the body to synthesize its own collagen in these areas, resulting in the final effect. The result can last for up to twelve months.

Thread lifting can be used, for example, to tighten the nasolabial fold (between the nose and the corners of the mouth), to even out asymmetry, to improve the marionette line (between the corners of the mouth and the chin) and "sagging cheeks" can also be treated to a certain extent. The neck and brow area can also be treated.

Inserting the threads is a little painful. Because the needle and thread are very thin, the puncture is noticeable as a small "prick". After the treatment, there may also be sore muscles, but this is easily tolerated and disappears after a few days.

The small punctures are no longer visible after about two hours. Sometimes minor redness or bruising occurs, which can be easily concealed with make-up. Cream and make-up should be removed in the direction of the stitches for about a week. When the full effect is visible after around two months, deep wrinkles in particular can be injected with hyaluronic acid to build up more volume.

Brief overview
Duration: approx. 20 minutes
Stay: outpatient
Socially acceptable: immediately
Price: 4 stitches 300 euros / 8 stitches 500 euros

Autologous fat can be used very effectively to reduce wrinkles and restore volume to the face. Lipofilling involves more effort than treatment with hyaluronic fillers, but it is permanent.

The fat must be removed by means of a very gentle, circumscribed suction procedure so that the fat cells remain vital and do not burst. The extraction site is individually agreed. This procedure is performed under surgical conditions. Local anesthesia, possibly with sedation, is sufficient. However, we recommend general anesthesia for combination procedures with larger aspirations.

After centrifugation to separate the fat from the water, the microfat is embedded in the desired areas in a fan shape using small cannulas. This is particularly suitable for cheek and lip augmentation, filling in sagging midface, lifting the nasolabial, frown and forehead lines, contouring the jawline (lower jaw angle), chin augmentation and minor nose correction.

The microfat is then further reduced to a fine emulsion - the nanofat. This is rich in stem cells and growth hormones. This stimulates collagen formation and significantly improves the structure and elasticity of the skin. This is why it is used almost everywhere on the face, for example to reduce small wrinkles on the cheeks, eyes or mouth and against crow's feet and tear troughs.

In lipofilling, the patient's own fatty tissue must be used. Swelling and bruising occur after the procedure. The transplanted fat cells are dependent on a good blood supply in the new environment. For this reason, patients must not cool the face, as this causes blood vessels to contract. The growth rate varies from person to person and depends on several factors. Depending on the recipient region, it is around 75 percent. The phenomenal thing about this technique is that the healing fatty tissue remains in place for the rest of the patient's life and the effects are therefore permanent.

Brief overview
Duration of the procedure: approx. 60-90 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: local or general anaesthetic
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after 3-5 days depending on swelling
Price: complete facial treatment 3,200 euros

Fat reduction

Liposuction helps to permanently remove unwanted fat. Common problem areas are often stubborn fat deposits on the thighs, especially the outer sides (saddlebags), stomach and hips. The neck (chin) and arms are also regularly affected. The maldistribution of subcutaneous fatty tissue can be improved by targeted, careful liposuction. Pathologically altered, painful fatty tissue, such as in lipoedema, is also removed by liposuction as a form of therapy. Fatty tissue that has been removed does not form again in this area. As a result, those affected gain weight more "proportionally" when they put on weight. The individual existing fat cells become larger.

The fat cells are removed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon first injects saline solution so that the fat cells can be easily removed. The injection of adrenaline also causes the blood vessels to contract and there is hardly any bleeding. Finally, the fatty tissue to be removed is extracted using cannulas.

If the fatty tissue is re-inserted in another location (lipofilling), special cannulas are used which enable a much gentler removal than with normal liposuction. The suction is also significantly lower in this case so that the fat cells remain vital and can then be transplanted as living cells into the new surrounding tissue.

After the operation, patients must wear a suitable compression garment for five to six weeks. Pain and swelling are reduced by wearing this garment. Post-operative hardening slowly disappears over a period of six to ten weeks. Massages accelerate the reduction of bruising and swelling. The procedure visibly defines the contours and proportions of the figure - the body becomes firmer.

Brief overview
Duration: 1-3 hours
Stay: outpatient or inpatient
Procedure: local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic
Special features: Compression underwear for 6 weeks
Price: 1,000 euros depending on extent, e.g. riding breeches on an outpatient basis from 3,200 euros

Facial surgery

The eyelid lift is used to optimize both the upper and lower eyelids. The skin around the eye area is significantly thinner than in other areas and is therefore particularly susceptible to early skin ageing. An upper eyelid lift is therefore a relatively minor procedure with a major effect.

It is one of the most common aesthetic operations and is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Under local anaesthetic, the excess skin is also removed from the sides and, if necessary, unwanted fatty tissue is also removed. Cooling during and after the operation counteracts swelling. Although the patient can open their eyes again after the operation, they must still be picked up. The stitches are removed after eight to nine days.

A lower eyelid lift primarily involves the removal of fatty tissue from the bags under the eyes with corresponding moderate skin removal under the eye. The treating doctor makes the incision directly under the lash line. In rare cases, the incision can also be made on the inside of the conjunctiva in order to perform targeted fat removal only. As the eye is more likely to be irritated during a lower eyelid lift than during an upper eyelid lift, the patient is given eye drops. If a lower eyelid lift is necessary, the upper eyelids are often lifted at the same time for a more comprehensive result. In addition, only one anesthetic is required.

Brief overview of upper eyelid lift
Duration of the procedure: 45 to 60 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: local
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after five to nine days
Price: from €2,200 Upper eyelid lift on both sides with fat removal

Brief overview Lower eyelid lift
Duration of the procedure: 60 to 90 minutes
Type of anesthesia: general anesthesia
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after nine to 14 days
Price: from €2,600 Lower eyelid lift on both sides with fat removal

When analyzing the eye, some people notice that they have a relative lowering of the eyebrows - especially in the lateral part. This is often combined with drooping eyelids, but can also occur in isolation. Our doctors will give you a comprehensive consultation that includes an eyebrow lift.

Eyebrow lifting involves an incision in the hairy part of the forehead or directly at the hairline to lift and anchor the entire lateral part of the forehead with the eyebrows. This is achieved with appropriately deep sutures. Swelling and slight bruising occur after the operation. The doctor removes the stitches after two to three weeks. The result is long-lasting and does not usually need to be repeated.

Brief overview Brow lift
Duration of the procedure: 60 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: local with twilight sleep or general anaesthetic
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after five to nine days
Price: from €3,600 Brow lift on both sides

The forehead lift includes a complete eyebrow lift and is also known as an upper facelift. A sagging forehead with frown lines and eyebrows that are too low always gives the face a tired and grim expression. We therefore perform a forehead lift alone or in addition to a facelift.

Using a skin incision that runs through the hair or is placed at the hairline, it is possible to smooth out pronounced mimic forehead and frown lines and loosen the connections to the muscles under the skin. The forehead skin is then tightened and shortened accordingly. This effectively lifts the entire forehead area, including the eyebrows. The permanent result is a fresh, smooth and relaxed forehead.

Overall, there is significant swelling and bruising postoperatively, but this will disappear completely.

Brief overview
Duration of the procedure: 60 to 90 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: general anaesthetic
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after two to three weeks
Price: from €5,600

There are several ways to make the lips look fresher and fuller. A temporary effect - for about nine months - can be achieved with hyaluronic acid. Depending on the dosage, the effect is not noticeable. Hyaluronic acid also attracts water so that the skin of the lips no longer dries and becomes chapped.

For a final result, the patient's own fat can be injected as a filler instead of hyaluronic acid. Fat tissue is harvested from another part of the body - under local or general anesthesia, washed and prepared for the planned transplant. The doctor works the fat into the lips in a fan shape so that it is evenly distributed. The effect does not wear off. A top-up is therefore not necessary.

In order to significantly enlarge lips or compensate for asymmetries, various surgical techniques can also be used on the oral mucosa to widen the red of the lips. This results in small scars, for example on the lower edge of the nose (bullhorn excision) or on the lower edge of the lower lip.

Brief overview
Duration: approx. 20 minutes Hyaluronic acid
Stay: outpatient
Socially acceptable: immediately
Price: 1ml from 300 euros / 2ml from 500 euros

The skin's elasticity and resilience decrease with age. The tissue in the midface sinks. Have other treatments such as thread lift, autologous blood or hyaluronic acid perhaps already been exhausted? Then a facelift is the ideal treatment for you. With a facelift, whether a large combined neck lift or just a mini-lift, the skin should not just be "simply" pulled. Not only can this widen the scars, it also does not produce long-term results.

The standard procedure is the SMAS lift. SMAS stands for Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System and refers to the supporting sub-tissue of the facial skin. The actual SMAS lift procedure consists of the complex preparation of this tissue under the skin. This distinguishes the SMAS lift from a simple tightening of the skin, as used to be the case in the past. Only at the end is the excess skin shortened in a tightened position and sutured without tension.

Mini facelift: MACS lift - the smaller version

The MACS (minimal access cranial suspension lift) is a gentle technique that cannot be used in all cases. The advantage of the MACS lift is that it leaves only small scars, which means that the patient can return to social life relatively quickly. It can lead to good results in cases such as sagging cheeks and a rather tight neck. An SMAS lift is also performed here.

Brief overview

Duration of the procedure: three to four hours
Type of anaesthetic: local or general anaesthetic
Stay: outpatient or inpatient
Fit for social life: after two to three weeks
Price: €4,500 to €5,900

The most well-known ear correction is the creation of protruding ears. Splayed ears are a cosmetic blemish that can easily be corrected with an ear correction. Of course, surgery can be performed at a young age to correct protruding ears or reduce the size of particularly large ears, but ear correction is also possible in adulthood.

During this procedure, the surgeon exposes the ear cartilage and works on it so that the ear fits snugly without tension. By skillfully shaping the cartilage, the outer contour of the ear is remodelled and then treated with a cosmetic suture. Unsightly asymmetries can also be corrected during the operation.

Correction is also possible in the case of congenital or acquired ear problems - such as a lack of protrusion of the lower part of the ear, a lack of folding of the pinna, large earlobes or defects following an injury or tunnel.

Brief overview Creation of protruding ears
Duration of the procedure: 90 to 120 minutes
Type of anaesthesia: local or general anaesthesia
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after two to five days
Wear a headband for two weeks
Price: complete correction from 3,600 euros, partial corrections from 2,600 euros

Brief overview Reconstruction after tunnel/tear
Duration of the procedure: 30 to 45 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: local
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after one to two days
Price: per earlobe from 450 euros to 800 euros

A neck lift does not always have to be performed directly with a major neck lift operation. It is also possible to achieve a certain tightening effect only in the area of the middle of the neck through liposuction alone.

Another common problem is that the platysma - the superficial skin muscle of the neck - has become separated. This should then be rejoined and sutured via a small incision under the chin. This restores good stability and significantly improves the contour. A combination of both techniques is also possible. A pressure bandage is then fixed in place with sutures to clearly define the contour of the chin and neck. This is removed after four to five days.

Brief overview
Duration of the procedure: two hours
Type of anaesthetic: local or general anaesthetic
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after two to three weeks
Price: €5,900

Sweat gland treatment

Botulinum toxin can be injected at defined points in the armpits, hands or feet. It temporarily blocks certain nerve fibers involved in sweat production.

This reduces sweating to a minimum. As the effect wears off over time, the injections must be repeated every four to six months. One or two injection treatments per year are usually sufficient.

Brief overview
Duration: approx. 20 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: local anaesthetic with Emla ointment if necessary
Stay: outpatient
Socially acceptable: immediately
Price: 100 IU 450 euros

Under local anesthesia or sedation, the sweat glands under the skin are removed using a special suction technique. This is a very gentle method that achieves a permanent result. The doctor then applies a pressure bandage for a week. After about two weeks, the stitches are removed from the puncture sites. There is a significant reduction in sweat production, as the proportion of sweat glands is significantly minimized and they do not form again.

Brief overview
Duration: approx. 60 minutes
Type of anaesthetic: local or general anaesthetic
Stay: outpatient
Fit for social life: after two days
Price: from €3,200