Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is performed to give the breasts a more aesthetic appearance and if any, to solve some medical and psychological health problems which may be caused by large breasts. Excessively large breasts may be due to hormonal causes, hereditary characteristics and overweight. The main health problems that may be experienced due to large breasts are:
•   Back, neck and shoulder pain
•   Rash and bad odour under the breasts
•   Posture disorder (hunchback)
•   Deep scars on the shoulders due to bra straps
•   Restriction of daily activities and sports activities
•   Obesity due to lack of exercise and restriction of movement
•   Psychosocial problems, especially in young people
Therefore, breast reduction surgery is in fact a surgery that provides both aesthetic and functional benefits to women.

During breast reduction surgery, excess breast fat tissue, mammary gland tissue and breast skin are removed and a breast of the planned dimensions is shaped in harmony with the body shape. With women who want to become pregnant and breastfeed in the future, breast reduction surgery is planned in accordance with these future expectations in mind.

What is breast reduction surgery?

The surgery performed to shape a breast in a size compatible with the body by removing excess fat tissue, mammary gland tissue and breast skin and to eliminate health issues related to excessively large breasts is called 'Breast Reduction Surgery'.

Why is breast reduction surgery performed?

Breast reduction surgery is performed to provide aesthetic and functional benefits to increase the quality of life for women who are aesthetically dissatisfied with their large breasts and who experience psychosocial and medical problems.

What is the best age for breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery can be performed over the age of 18.

Am I a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?

• If your large breasts bother you aesthetically
•   If your breasts physically restrict your daily activities and sports life
•   If your breasts cause you back, neck and shoulder pain
•   If deep scars remain on your shoulders due to bra straps
•   If there are rashes and bad odour under your breasts
•   If large breasts cause posture disorder
•   If you are physically healthy
•   If you are over the age of 18, you can have breast reduction surgery.

What should I do before breast reduction surgery?

You should inform your physician about any chronic conditions you have like diabetes, cardiovascular or blood diseases. Any chronic disease should be under medical control such as your blood sugar level if you have diabetes. Your physician also needs to know if you have pregnancy plans after surgery. You should also share with your physician information about your breasts such as the things you do not like, size, asymmetry, width of the nipples, the bra size you want to wear when the breasts are reduced.
It is recommended thay you do not take aspirin, vitamin E, fish oil or similar blood thinners, birth control pills for 10 days before surgery. You should stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the operation. Alcohol intake is not advised during the 48 hours before surgery. When you come to the operation, you should be fasting for 8 hours. Just before the surgery, drawings of the planned breast shape are made while standing.

Step by step operation process:

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
Surgical Procedure: The procedures applied in all of the various methods are the same:
The planned amount of breast tissue is removed and repositioned.
The nipple is raised to a higher, normal position; if the nipple is large, its size is reduced.
If there is asymmetry between the breasts, it is corrected as much as possible.

What should I expect after breast reduction surgery?

Eating is allowed from the 4th hour after the operation. You can stand up and start walking after eating.
Vacuum drains are removed 3 to 5 days after the operation, and the tape covering the breast is removed within a week. Only thin tapes covering the suture lines remain.
The suture lines may become red, swollen and itchy during wound healing.
In addition, bruises that may occur in the operation area are temporary and disappear in a period of time depending on the skin characteristics. Pain is easily treated with ice application and painkillers.

What should I pay attention to after breast reduction surgery?

Smoking should be avoided for one month after the operation. The recommended compression bra should be worn day and night for one month. In this way, both pain relief is provided and the bra support will help to shape the reconstructed breast tissue.

How much rest is required after breast reduction surgery?

Rest at home is recommended for 3 to 7 days.

When can I return to work after breast reduction surgery?

You can start working after one week.

How long after breast reduction surgery can I start sports?

Light exercises can be started after one month, heavy sports can be done after 2 months.

What is the recovery time after breast reduction surgery?

The recovery period is one month, and it takes 6-12 months for the breast to take its final shape.

What results should I expect after breast reduction?

After the surgery, all the removed breast tissue is sent for pathological examination. The results of breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, the swelling regresses. After 2 months, the suture scars fade rapidly and become unnoticeable within 6 months to a year, but the scars are permanent. The final results appear in a few months as the breast shape and position continue to settle. Although the results of the surgery are long-lasting, the shape of your breasts may continue to change due to aging and gravity.

Frequently Asked Question
What triggers breast enlargement?

Hormonal causes, hereditary characteristics and overweight cause breast enlargement.
What causes breasts to shrink?

Breastfeeding and weight loss can cause breasts to shrink in size.
What are the symptoms of the need for breast reduction?

If the appearance large breast aesthetically bothers you,

If you have back, neck and shoulder pain,
If you have rash and bad odour under your breasts,
If you have posture disorder (hunchback),
If deep scars are formed on your shoulders due to bra straps,
If you have to restrict your daily activities and sports activities due to large breasts,
If you have obesity due to lack of exercise and restriction of movement.
If there are psychosocial problems, then breast reduction surgery is necessary.
What is the appropriate age for breast reduction?

When considereing the appropriate age to have breast reduction, the most important issue is the completion of breast development. Therefore, it is generally recommended to be over the age of 18 for breast reduction surgery.
Up to what age can breast reduction be performed?

As long as the health of the person allows, every woman over the age of 18 can have breast reduction surgery.
How are large breasts reduced in size?

For overweight people, it is recommended to lose weight first. With breast reduction surgery, the desired aesthetic appearance of the breast can be achieved.
How much can I reduce my breasts?

Breast reduction is planned in accordance with your expectations and body structure.
Can the final size be accurately estimated during breast reduction surgery?

In order to have the desired breast size after surgery, planning is made in consultation with your physician beforehand.
What should not be done before breast reduction surgery?

Aspirin or similar blood thinners should be taken for 10 days before surgery, smoking should be avoided for 2 weeks before surgery, alcohol should not be consumed for 48 hours before surgery, and diabetes should be under medical control. Food and fluid intake should be stopped 8 hours before the operation.
How long does breast reduction surgery take?

It takes 2-3 hours depending on the technique to be applied.
Is breast reduction a cosmetic surgery?

Since breast reduction surgery treats many psychosocial and medical problems related to large breasts, it is both a cosmetic and functional surgery.
How is breast reduction performed?

The planned amount of breast tissue is removed and repositioned.
The nipple is brought up to a higher, normal position; if the nipple is large, its size is reduced.
If there is asymmetry between the breasts, it is corrected as much as possible
What is removed during breast reduction?

Excess fat tissue, mammary gland tissue and breast skin are removed during breast reduction.
How painful is breast reduction surgery?

After breast reduction surgery, you might have mild pain. Pain is easily treated with ice application and painkillers.
What is good for pain after breast reduction surgery?

After breast reduction surgery, there is no severe pain. Mild pain is relieved by ice application and painkillers.
How long does pain last after breast reduction surgery?

After breast reduction surgery, there is no severe pain. The pain felt for a few days responds well to ice application and painkillers.
How long does swelling last after breast reduction?

There may be swelling in the first few days after surgery. Swelling decreases within a few weeks.
How many days should a compression bra be worn after breast reduction surgery?

It is recommended to wear a compression bra for 6 weeks after breast reduction surgery.
Should a compression bra be worn during sleep after breast reduction surgery?

Yes. It is recommended to wear the compression bra day and night for a month.
What happens if a compression bra is not worn after breast reduction surgery?

If the compression bra is not worn, oedema may form and there will be pain in the breast.
Why is it important to wear a compression bra after breast reduction?

A compression bra is important both for easier care of the surgical site and for proper shaping of the breast during the healing period.
When can I sleep without a bra after breast reduction?

You can sleep without a compression bra 6 weeks after the operation.
How long should I lie on my back after breast reduction surgery?

It is recommended to lie on your back for an average of one week.
When can I lift heavy objects after breast reduction surgery?

In order to lift heavy things, you have to wait for 2 months after breast reduction surgery.
How long should I rest after breast reduction surgery?

Home rest is recommended for one week after the operation.
Does breast reduction leave many scars?

2 months after the operation, the suture scars fade rapidly. Within 6 months to a year, they become unnoticeable, but the scars are permanent.
How long does it take to recover after breast reduction?

Full recovery after surgery can take up to one year.
Is breast reduction a safe operation?

Yes, it is a safe operation. Infection and bleeding are rarely seen.
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

Infection and bleeding are rarely seen. Depending on the technique applied, nipple sensation may be adversely affected. The breast's lactation potential may also be affected.
Why do my nipples flatten after breast reduction?

There may be flattening and hardening of the nipple due to temporary swelling after surgery. As the swelling subsides, the nipple becomes prominent again.
Is there a loss of sensation after breast reduction surgery?

Depending on the technique applied, nipple sensation may be negatively affected.
How does breast reduction surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?

If you tell your physician before the operation that you want to breastfeed afterwards, the operation will be planned accordingly and your ability to breastfeed will not be affected.
How long after breast reduction surgery can I get pregnant?

You can become pregnant one year after the operation.
How long should I wait after I stop breastfeeding to have breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is recommended once you stop breastfeeding, and the targeted weight is reduced, because you may still be overweight while breastfeeding.
Can you still breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?

If you share with your physician that you have a pregnancy and breastfeeding plan in the following years before you have this surgery, the surgery will be planned with the appropriate technique. Thus, you can easily give birth and breastfeed after the surgery.
Does the appearance of my breasts change over time? After pregnancy? After breastfeeding?

Although the results of the surgery are long-lasting, your breasts may continue to change due to ageing and gravity. Breasts that grow due to weight gain during pregnancy may become smaller than before when breastfeeding ends.
When can I swim after breast reduction?

You can start swimming after 2 months.
Do I have to lose weight before having breast reduction surgery?

If you are overweight, it is more preferable to have surgery after losing weight.
How much weight should I lose before breast reduction surgery?

It is important to reach the ideal body mass index by losing as much weight as you can before the surgery in order to shape the breast in accordance with your body shape.
Do the breasts change shape after reduction?

During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue and fat is removed, and the nipple is brought higher. Thus, the shape of the breast changes.
Does breast reduction include a lift?

Yes. When shaping the breast, the planned amount of tissue is removed from the breast and repositioned. Then the nipple is brought to a higher, normal position; if the nipple is large, it is reduced. Thus, the breast is also lifted.
What are the disadvantages of breast reduction?

Bleeding and infection may occur in the early period.
Nipple sensation may sometimes be adversely affected.
If it is not told in advance that breastfeeding is planned, there may be a decrease in the potential of milk production.
Does breast reduction surgery negatively affects breast cancer screening?

Breast reduction surgery does not negatively affect the imaging quality of breast ultrasound and mammography.
Are the results of breast reduction surgery permanent?

Among all cosmetic surgeries, breast reduction is one of the surgeries with the highest patient satisfaction. If weight is gained and lost rapidly after surgery, if pregnancy and breastfeeding occurs, there may be changes in the breast shape and volume, and the breasts may sag.