Breast reduction surgery is a procedure performed to alleviate the difficulties caused by large breasts and to achieve the ideal breast size both aesthetically and for health purposes. Large breasts can develop due to genetic factors, frequent weight fluctuations, or childbirth.
Having large breasts can lead to negative outcomes over time, such as back pain, slouching, rashes, or wounds. Additionally, from a visual perspective, it can affect a person’s motivation by causing issues such as not fitting well in clothing or appearing older and overweight. Through breast reduction surgery, patients can achieve an ideal and proportional breast shape, resulting in an aesthetic, youthful, and healthy appearance.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that brings breast size, which is above normal for a person’s anatomy, down to an ideal size. In breast reduction surgery, the goal is to remove excess tissue, fat, and skin based on the individual’s breast structure to achieve the desired size. After the surgery, which is performed using the most suitable technique, the individual not only attains aesthetically ideal breasts but also improves their quality of life with the comfort it brings to their health.
Who Can Undergo Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is performed on individuals who wish to reduce the size of their breasts. First, the patient undergoes an examination to assess their breast structure. Common issues experienced by those seeking breast reduction surgery include:
- Appearing overweight and older
- Difficulty finding bras and clothing that fit due to large breasts, inability to wear desired outfits
- Back, waist, and shoulder pain
- Posture issues, slouching
- Restricted physical activity, inability to exercise
- Rashes or wounds under the breasts
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling unattractive to the opposite sex
- Loss of self-confidence
With breast reduction surgery, all these problems come to an end, and the patient achieves firm, proportionate, and lifted breasts of the ideal size.
What Happens Before Breast Reduction Surgery?
Before breast reduction surgery, it is necessary to determine if the patient has any health conditions that could prevent the surgery. If the individual is found suitable for the surgery, breast ultrasound and mammography may be requested. It is also important to stop taking blood-thinning medications and quit smoking or other harmful habits before the procedure. Once all risk factors are addressed and the surgery details are planned, the operation can proceed.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the technique used, the incision site is made in an anchor, lollipop, or donut shape. The techniques used in breast reduction surgery are as follows:
The breast reduction technique is determined based on the individual’s age, breast deformity, and breast structure. The surgery is typically completed within 3-4 hours.
What Should Be Considered After Breast Reduction Surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, a hospital stay of 1-2 nights is typically required. If drains were placed, they are usually removed within 1-2 days. It is normal to experience effects such as swelling, bruising, numbness, and swelling in the breast area. The recovery process is usually completed within 7-14 days. After being discharged, the following precautions should be taken:
- Rest at home for the first 3 days.
- A lukewarm shower can be taken 5-7 days after the surgery.
- Swimming in the sea or pool should be avoided for the first 8-10 days.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for the first month.
- A sports bra should be worn consistently (day and night) for the first month.
The desired appearance of the breasts is usually achieved within one year after breast reduction surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery Prices
The cost of breast reduction surgery is determined by various factors, including the technique used, the length of the hospital stay, the materials used, and the surgeon’s experience. You can visit our center for a consultation to determine if breast reduction surgery is suitable for you and to receive detailed pricing information.
Are There Any Complications with Breast Reduction Surgery?
There are risks associated with breast reduction surgery, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, loss of sensation, and deformity. These risks depend not only on the surgeon’s experience but also on the patient’s ability to follow the necessary post-operative care. To minimize risks and ensure a successful surgery, it is essential to choose an experienced plastic surgeon. After the surgery, it is crucial to follow all the doctor’s instructions and attend to the required care, dressing, and check-ups without delay.
How Many Sizes Will the Breasts Be Reduced After Breast Reduction Surgery?
The number of sizes the breasts will be reduced by can only be determined during the consultation with the doctor. The amount of reduction depends on factors such as the patient’s anatomy, the ideal breast size, and the degree of deformity. Before the surgery, measurements are taken with all these factors in mind. During the consultation, the patient will be informed about how many sizes the breasts will be reduced, the expected shape, whether breastfeeding will be affected, and the appropriate technique for the procedure.
Will There Be Scarring After Breast Reduction Surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, scarring may occur depending on the location and shape of the incision. In some cases, the scar is only around the areola, while in others it extends from the areola to the lower part of the breast. These scars, depending on the technique used, can take the shape of a T, L, or I beneath the nipple. These scars, which remain in the bikini area, may fade over time for some individuals but remain noticeable for others. If the person feels discomfort from the scar, laser scar removal treatment can be a solution.
Is There Pain After Breast Reduction Surgery?
It is normal to experience some pain after breast reduction surgery. Depending on the individual’s pain threshold, this can range from mild discomfort to more intense pain. These pains typically subside within a week with the use of painkillers.
Can You Breastfeed After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is performed with a technique selected based on the individual’s likelihood of pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, the possibility of breastfeeding should be discussed before the surgery. For those who wish to breastfeed in the future, the surgery is done using techniques that protect the milk ducts and nipple.
Are Breast Reduction and Breast Lift the Same?
Breast reduction and breast lift are different procedures. In breast reduction, excess tissue, fat, and skin are removed, while in a breast lift, only the excess skin is removed. However, breast reduction surgery also provides a lifting effect by making the breasts smaller and firmer.
Can Breast Reduction Be Done with Liposuction?
It is possible to reduce breast size with liposuction for individuals who have an excess of fat tissue in the breasts. However, if there is more glandular tissue rather than fat, liposuction cannot be applied. Whether breast reduction through liposuction is possible is determined during a doctor’s consultation.
Can the Nipple Be Reduced?
During breast reduction surgery, the areola (nipple) can also be reduced if necessary. This is planned before the operation, and the patient is informed about the expected appearance of the nipple after the procedure.
Author : Op. Dr Leyla ARVAS
Dr Leyla Arvas is an internationally recognised specialist in aesthetic surgery based in Istanbul. Graduated in 1998 from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, she has developed her expertise by studying in Taiwan, Japan and Spain during her 20 years of experience.
This article February 12, 2025 was updated on
Editor: admin@quartz.com.tr
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