Breast surgery: figures, trends and quality criteria — why Croatia and Slovenia are the best choice for patients from German-speaking countries

Breast surgery: figures, trends and quality criteria in Germany and Austria

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedures worldwide. But how are the numbers of breast operations developing in Germany and Austria? Which quality criteria are decisive? And which trends shape the market?

How the number of procedures per year has developed

Germany

In Germany between 70,000 and 84,000 breast augmentations are carried out every year. According to ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), about 70,128 breast augmentations were recorded in Germany in 2024. The development shows a clear upward trend:

• 2015: about 37,000 breast augmentations
• 2021: 66,945 breast augmentations
• 2023: 71,464 breast augmentations
• 2024: 70,128 breast augmentations

Germany thus ranks fifth worldwide among the countries with the most breast augmentations. Besides breast augmentation, other breast procedures are carried out too:

• Breast lift: 30,256 procedures (2021)
• Breast reduction: 23,545 procedures (2021)
• Explantations (removal of implants): 8,436 procedures (2023) — an increase of 41% since 2015

An interesting trend: while the number of breast augmentations with large implants is stagnating or slightly falling, demand for breast reductions has risen by 32% and explantations by 41% since 2015. More and more women are opting for smaller breasts or the removal of old implants.

Austria

In Austria between 30,000 and 100,000 people have cosmetic surgery every year, with a considerable proportion accounted for by breast augmentations. More precise statistics are harder to obtain, but estimates assume about 8,000 to 12,000 breast augmentations a year.

In international comparison Austria is therefore in the upper middle range, although clearly behind Germany.

Key quality criteria for breast surgery — what you should look for

The quality of breast surgery depends on several factors. Here are the most important criteria:

The surgeon's certification

• Specialist training: the surgeon should be a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
• Memberships: membership of recognised professional societies such as DGÄPC (Germany), ÖGÄPC (Austria) or ISAPS
• Experience: at least 50–100 breast operations a year count as a mark of quality

The clinic's certification

• Breast centre certification: clinics should be certified as a breast centre (e.g. to EUSOMA or national standards)
• Minimum volumes: at least 150 primary cases operated on in the breast centre or 100 cases per surgical site per year
• Hygiene standards: compliance with the highest hygiene standards (e.g. DIN EN ISO 13485)

Implant quality

• Brand quality: the use of implants from well-known manufacturers (Motiva, Mentor, Polytech, Sebbin)
• Certification: CE marking and FDA approval
• Guarantee: many manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee against implant defects

Structural and process quality

• Specialist staff: specialised nurses, anaesthetists, radiologists and pathologists
• Interdisciplinary cooperation: a pre-therapeutic tumour board for oncological procedures
• One-stop-shop diagnostics: clinical examination, mammography/ultrasound and histological assessment on one day

Quality of results

• R0 resection rate: the proportion of procedures with complete removal of the tumour (relevant for oncological procedures)
• Re-operation rate: revision procedures because of complications should be necessary in fewer than 5% of cases
• Patient satisfaction: regular recording of patient outcomes and satisfaction

Aftercare and documentation

• Long-term care: structured aftercare protocols for at least 5 years
• Documentation: complete documentation of all procedures and complications
• External proficiency testing: participation in external quality controls

Current trends in breast surgery

• Natural results: small to medium-sized implants that suit the build of the body are in demand. XXL breasts are out
• Fat transfer: breast augmentation with your own fat is gaining in popularity as an alternative to implants
• Combined procedures: the combination of breast augmentation and a lift is being carried out more and more often
• Explantations: more and more women are having their implants removed, often because of health concerns or changed ideals of beauty
• Minimal scars: short scars, hidden in the inframammary fold or at the edge of the areola, are preferred

Why breast surgery abroad makes sense

A considerable saving

The saving is the most obvious advantage. Procedures in Croatia and Slovenia can be 40–60% cheaper than in Germany or Austria. These savings arise from lower operating costs, lower staff costs and more efficient structures in the clinics.

EU standards and safety

Croatia and Slovenia are EU member states subject to the same medical standards and regulations. Many surgeons hold international certifications and work with high-quality implants from brands such as Motiva, Mentor, Polytech or Sebbin.

No long waiting times

Unlike in public health systems or overloaded clinics in German-speaking countries, abroad you can often get an appointment at short notice. Many clinics offer surgery dates within 2–4 weeks.

Privacy and recovery

Recovering in a new, relaxed environment can have a positive influence on the healing process. Many clinics offer all-inclusive packages including hotel, transfers and aftercare.

High-quality care

Clinics in Croatia and Slovenia invest in the latest technology and work with internationally renowned surgeons. Many patients report excellent care and natural results.

What is included in the prices?

Unlike many offers in German-speaking countries, which often only cover the surgeon's fee, prices in Croatia and Slovenia often include:

• Preoperative examinations and consultation
• The surgeon's fee
• The cost of anaesthesia
• The stay in the clinic (1–2 nights)
• Implants (brand quality)
• Follow-up examinations
• sometimes also transfers
• sometimes also hotel accommodation (3–7 days, depending on the procedure)

The most important breast procedures compared

Breast augmentation with implants

Country & average price

Germany 5.000 – 8.500 €

Austria 5.000 – 8.500 €

Croatia 2.800 – 4.500 €

Slovenia 3.200 – 5.000 €

Saving: 40–55%

Breast lift (mastopexy)

Country & average price

Germany 5.000 – 8.500 €

Austria 5.000 – 8.500 €

Croatia 3.000 – 4.800 €

Slovenia 3.500 – 5.200 €

Saving: 40–50%

Breast reduction

Country & average price

Germany 5.500 – 8.500 €

Austria 5.500 – 8.500 €

Croatia 3.000 – 5.000 €

Slovenia 3.500 – 5.500 €

Saving: 40–50%

Breast augmentation with your own fat

Country & average price

Germany 6.000 – 9.500 €

Austria 6.500 – 9.500 €

Croatia 3.500 – 5.500 €

Slovenia 4.000 – 6.000 €

Saving: 40–45%

Breast augmentation with a lift (combined)

Country & average price

Germany 7.000 – 10.500 €

Austria 7.000 – 10.500 €

Croatia 4.000 – 6.500 €

Slovenia 4.500 – 7.000 €

Saving: 40–45%

Breast implant replacement

Country & average price

Germany 4.000 – 6.500 €

Austria 4.000 – 6.500 €

Croatia 2.500 – 4.000 €

Slovenia 3.000 - 4.500 €

Saving: 40–45%

Breast surgery abroad — particularly in Croatia or Slovenia — offers a cost-effective alternative to procedures in German-speaking countries. With savings of 40–55% on average, EU standards, high-quality implants and excellent surgical expertise, treatment abroad is a sensible option for women who want to realise their dream breasts without overstretching their budget.

Are you interested in breast surgery or further information? Then contact us today!