Breast Reduction

What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure in which, in large and sagging breasts, the nipple and milk ducts are preserved as much as possible and enough breast tissue is removed to meet the patient’s expectations, thereby reducing the breast volume.

What is the purpose of breast reduction surgery?
The purpose of breast reduction surgery is to achieve breasts of a more appropriate size and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance instead of large and sagging breast tissue.

Is breast reduction surgery a difficult operation, and how long does it take?
Breast reduction surgery is not a difficult or painful operation. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2.5 hours.

How is breast reduction surgery performed?
In breast reduction surgery, excess skin, fat and breast tissue are removed according to the preoperative markings. The nipple and areola are then positioned in their new anatomical location while preserving their blood supply. The tissues are then reshaped and closed with hidden subcutaneous sutures, leaving an inverted T-shaped scar. Drains are placed to remove excess fluid that may collect in the area, and a compression garment is applied.

What are the possible risks and complications of breast reduction surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, bruising-swelling, asymmetry and scarring after breast reduction surgery. These risks will be minimized as much as possible with the appropriate approach of your surgeon and by the patient strictly following the recommendations.

Are there any side effects of breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery does not have any specific side effects, and the surgical risk is not higher than that of other aesthetic surgeries.

Will there be scars after breast reduction surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, a circular scar forms around the nipple, a straight scar extends downward from the nipple, and a line-shaped scar forms along the breast fold, creating an inverted T-shaped surgical scar. However, the scars fade over time and become much less noticeable. In the long term, the scars become barely visible.

How long do the effects of breast reduction surgery last, and will I need another operation in the future?
Normally, depending on the amount of tissue removed from the breast, patients remain satisfied with the results of breast reduction surgery for many years. However, if the breast tissue enlarges again due to hormonal changes, weight gain or pregnancy, breast reduction surgery may need to be repeated.

What should be done before breast reduction surgery?
Before breast reduction surgery, our doctor evaluates the patient and a plan is made regarding the procedure to be performed. The surgery date is decided. As with all other surgeries, smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should not be used starting 1 week before surgery. Only medications that the patient needs to use because of existing diseases should be taken with the doctor’s knowledge. You will be informed about how many hours you need to fast on the day of surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before breast reduction surgery?
Since smoking significantly affects wound healing and may cause risks including nipple loss, it is strongly recommended that you do not smoke for 15 days before and 15 days after surgery. The patient should be aware that smoking is one of the main causes of poor healing.

How should we sleep after breast reduction surgery?
In order to prevent swelling from increasing and to allow it to decrease over time, you should sleep with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows.

How is dressing performed after breast reduction surgery?
As long as the tapes applied during surgery are not removed, no additional dressing is required. There may be minimal leakage in the dressing area. Your doctor will check the wounds through the tapes at certain intervals, and the tapes are removed after 20 days. After that, no dressing is required. Your doctor may recommend creams for the wound line.

When can I return to work after breast reduction surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, your tissues will have healed sufficiently within 7 days. However, in most cases, completing 10 days is sufficient before going out in public and returning to work.

When can I start exercising after breast reduction surgery?
For the first 3 days after breast reduction surgery, you are generally advised to rest, walk around the house and perform simple daily activities. After 3 days, you may take short and careful walks outside. However, lifting weights and strenuous exercise are not recommended during the first weeks. Generally, all types of sports activities are allowed after 2 months.

Will I need to wear a breast compression garment after breast reduction surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, a breast compression garment will be applied over the dressing to provide pressure to the area. You should wear the breast compression garment continuously for as long as your doctor recommends. Generally, it is no longer needed after 3-4 weeks.

Will drains be used in breast reduction surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, your doctor may use drains to prevent blood from accumulating in the area. This closed vacuum system removes blood and fluid accumulated under the tissues. The drain is generally removed easily on the third day, so please do not worry.

Will the stitches be removed after breast reduction surgery?
Since the sutures used in breast reduction surgery are completely hidden, there is no need for stitch removal.

Is breast reduction surgery very painful?
Most patients state that they do not experience any pain after breast reduction surgery. However, mild tightness and pain may still be expected in the surgical area. Regular use of the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers is generally sufficient.

When can I take a shower after breast reduction surgery?
During the first days after surgery, the wound areas should not be wet. However, since the appropriate time for showering varies according to the condition of the wound, you may take a shower when your doctor gives approval. Generally, showering is allowed after 9 days. Extremely hot or extremely cold water is not recommended during the early period.

When can I swim in the pool or sea after breast reduction surgery?
It is recommended to wait 2 months before swimming in the pool or sea.

When can I travel after breast reduction surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, short-distance road travel can be made after 3 days. For a 1-2 hour flight, it is appropriate to wait until 7 days have passed.

How long should sexual intercourse be avoided after breast reduction surgery?
During sexual intercourse, blood pressure increases, which may cause unwanted bleeding after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to wait 3 weeks before sexual intercourse.

When can I start sunbathing or use a solarium after breast reduction surgery?
After breast reduction surgery, sunbathing and solarium use are not appropriate for the first 3-4 months because the surgical areas may be affected and the scars may become darker.

How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
In order to provide clear information about the cost of breast reduction surgery, the patient’s complaints and aesthetic expectations need to be evaluated objectively, and the procedures required need to be determined. Pricing information will be provided after the examination.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.