Breast Reduction

How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

There are various techniques that can be used to reduce the size of your breasts. The procedure may involve the following:

During breast reduction surgery, excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are removed through incisions made on the breasts. Excess fat can also be removed through liposuction, in addition to various excision techniques.

Vertical or Short Scar Breast Reduction

In the short scar procedure, a vertical incision is used that surrounds the areola/nipple area and extends vertically downwards underneath the breast. With this approach, by avoiding creating a horizontal incision under the breast, the total length of the surgical scar is reduced by 50%, resulting in a more aesthetically superior, natural-looking, and rounder outcome. The most suitable candidates for the short scar procedure are women with moderately large breasts.

Traditional Breast Reduction Procedures

In these procedures, a incision is made in the shape of an inverted T, descending vertically from the centre of the breast and continuing horizontally beneath the breast, or encircling the areola and extending vertically downward under the breast in a keyhole shape. In such breast reduction procedures, the nipple is elevated to a more normal position, the volume of the breast is reduced, contours are improved, and sensation in the breast is generally preserved.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Women with large and heavy breasts are suitable candidates for breast reduction. Women with very large breasts (usually D cup size and above) may experience physical pain and discomfort in addition to dissatisfaction with their appearance. Very large breasts can lead to back and shoulder pain, skin irritation, bra strap indentations, posture problems, and limitations in physical exercise.

Consulting with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is the first step to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Precautions Before Surgery

Many patients researching breast reduction surgery are curious about what to expect before the surgery. You can receive specific instructions about what to do on the day of surgery, as well as post-operative care and follow-up appointments.

Examination

Before and after surgery, it’s necessary to undergo a medical examination or test to help detect any changes in your breast tissue. Additionally, it’s recommended to have a mammogram taken once before and once after the surgery to assist in identifying any changes in your breast tissue.

Medications

You should avoid taking certain medications or making changes to the dosages of medications you are currently taking. Also, refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they may increase bleeding.

Smoking

Smokers may experience longer healing times, a higher risk of infection, and unfavourable scarring due to the slower delivery of oxygen to the incision sites. It’s advised to quit smoking at least 2 weeks before the operation.

What to Expect from Breast Reduction Surgery?

The results of your breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Besides increasing your confidence and satisfaction with your body shape, your new breast size can alleviate the pain and physical limitations you experienced before the surgery.

What Results Should I Expect?

The outcome of your breast reduction surgery will be permanent as long as you don’t experience significant weight gain/loss or become pregnant. Weight fluctuations or pregnancy won’t completely reverse the results of your breast reduction surgery, but they may alter the appearance of your breasts.

It’s normal for the incision areas to appear red and/or pink immediately after the surgery. These incisions will heal over time, and the scars will gradually fade. However, the scars will never completely disappear.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible for the surgery to leave no scars. Science has not yet discovered such a surgical method. However, most patients prefer to have slight surgical scars in exchange for relief from the pain caused by large and sagging breasts, as well as for the benefits of looking better in clothing, swimsuits, and bikinis, and achieving more beautiful breasts.

Recovery Process

It’s advisable to lie on your back to avoid putting pressure on your breasts. You may experience decreased sensation in your nipples and the dark area surrounding the nipple. This is usually temporary, but it may take weeks, months, and sometimes even years for sensation to fully return.

Most surgeons recommend taking 1-2 weeks off work and avoiding heavy exercise for 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Additionally, you should abstain from sexual activity for at least one week (your doctor may recommend a longer period of abstinence). You should handle your breasts with extreme care for at least 6 weeks after the operation. It’s normal to experience mild and intermittent pain during this process, but if you experience severe or prolonged pain, be sure to inform your doctor.

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery Time

The recovery time after breast reduction surgery varies from person to person, but you can expect some discomfort in the first few days after the operation. Most patients feel like they’re wearing a tight bra. Since breast reduction surgery does not involve bone or muscle surgery, it is generally less painful than other breast surgeries and has a shorter recovery time.

It would be helpful to have someone take care of you on the day of surgery and ideally for the next 1-2 days.

You’ll need to wear a supportive bra for several weeks after breast reduction surgery. During this time, swelling and discoloration in your breasts will decrease (though they may take 6-8 months to fully disappear).

After Breast Reduction Surgery: What to Pay Attention To

Immediately after surgery, gauze dressings are placed over the incisions and the breasts are wrapped in an elastic bandage or supported with a specialized surgical bra. In some cases, small tubes may be inserted into each breast for a few days to remove blood and accumulated fluid. Stitches are typically removed within 1-2 weeks.

Most women experience some level of breast pain in the first few days after surgery. Afterwards, there may be milder discomfort for a week or longer. Pain medication can help alleviate discomfort. Swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks. Wearing a surgical bra 24 hours a day can reduce swelling and support the breasts during the healing process.

You can likely return to your normal daily life and social activities within a few weeks (as long as these activities do not involve heavy lifting or strenuous exercise). More strenuous activities and exercises may need to be avoided for 3-4 weeks. Wearing a supportive bra (such as a sports bra) that properly supports the breasts is important.

Visible scars will remain on your breasts after breast reduction surgery. These are almost always located in areas that can be covered with a bra, swimsuit, or bikini top. The scars will fade over time but may never completely disappear.

Preparing for This Procedure

Before breast reduction surgery, there are several steps patients can take to speed up their recovery, minimize post-operative discomfort, and reduce the risk of complications.

Radiography

If there are individuals in your family with a history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a mammogram before and after the operation.

Smoking

If you smoke, you should quit long before the surgery date. Additionally, you’ll be advised to stop using aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Exercise

Your doctor may advise you to exercise or change your diet before the surgery. The better you prepare before the surgery, the better you’ll recover afterward.

What Will Happen on the Day of Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery typically lasts 2-3 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgery can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. If you’re not staying overnight in the hospital, a close companion should drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for the first 1-2 days to provide observation and assistance.

Can Breastfeeding Continue After Breast Reduction Surgery?

Under normal circumstances, breastfeeding can continue after breast reduction surgery. However, doctors have varying opinions on the impact of the surgery on breastfeeding. Some say their patients can breastfeed successfully after the operation, while others suggest that the surgery may diminish breastfeeding ability. Discuss these concerns with your doctor. Your doctor may advise postponing the surgery until your family is complete.

Does Breast Reduction Surgery Harm Milk Ducts?

Whether breastfeeding can continue after breast reduction surgery depends on the technique used. When breast reduction surgery is performed by skilled surgeons, the milk ducts are not harmed.

Breast Reduction Surgery: How It’s Done

Breast reduction surgery involves removing fat, skin, and tissue to lift the breasts, resulting in a more attractive and youthful appearance.

The most common method for breast reduction requires three incisions: one around the dark area surrounding the nipple, a vertical incision descending from this area to the underside of the breast, and an incision following the natural crease under the breast. The surgeon removes excess tissue and fat, then lifts the nipple and the surrounding dark area upward. The size of the dark area surrounding the nipple can be reduced, and liposuction may also be used to contour the breasts.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Difficult?

When performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, breast reduction surgery is a straightforward procedure. This is because the operation is conducted in soft tissue rather than deep tissue.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Painful?

Breast reduction surgery cannot be described as a painful procedure. Since no foreign objects like silicone are inserted into the body for breast reduction, this practice is relatively easier. After breast reduction surgery, patients often experience a reduction in neck and back pain due to the decrease in weight.

How Should You Sleep After Breast Reduction Surgery?

Attention should be paid to the sleeping position after breast reduction surgery. It’s important for those who have undergone breast reduction surgery to avoid lying face down or on their breasts for approximately 15 days post-operation. Sleeping on the back is recommended during this period.

When Do Stitches Heal After Breast Surgery?

Stitches are typically removed within 1-2 weeks. It takes about 3 months for the breast to fully heal and take on the desired shape. For those who have had breast reduction surgery, it may take up to 1 year to see the final results.

When Does Swelling Subside After Breast Surgery?

The first condition encountered after breast reduction surgery is swelling. The duration for the body to eliminate swelling after breast reduction varies from person to person. Typically, swelling begins to subside around the 3rd day after breast reduction surgery.

Does Breast Reduction Surgery Leave Scars?

Breast reduction surgery does leave scars. The appearance of scars varies depending on the surgical technique used and varies from person to person. Initially, scars may appear red and swollen, but they tend to fade over time. However, in some women, scars may remain quite prominent even long after the surgery. Nonetheless, scars are usually located in areas of the breasts that can be covered by a bra.

Who Should Consider Breast Reduction Surgery?

Women with breasts that are disproportionately large and heavy compared to their body size may be suitable candidates for breast reduction. It can be performed on women who experience back and neck pain due to excessively large breasts, have fungal infections, irritation, or rashes under the breasts, suffer from sagging breasts due to their size, and feel discomfort with their appearance.

There is no age limit for breast reduction surgery. What’s important is the overall health condition of the individual being evaluated by the doctor to determine suitability for surgery. However, it’s advisable to wait until adolescence is completed before undergoing the procedure.

Breast Reduction Surgery Risks:

Scarring:
Breast reduction surgery leaves scars on the breasts. The appearance of scars varies depending on the surgical technique used and varies from person to person. Initially, scars may be red and swollen, but they tend to fade over time. However, in some women, scars may remain quite prominent even long after the surgery. Nonetheless, scars are usually located in areas of the breasts that can be covered by a bra.

Loss of Sensation:
After breast reduction surgery, loss of sensation in the breasts or nipples may occur. This is usually temporary and lasts for a few months. However, in some women, it may last much longer or even become permanent. Some women with very large breasts may not have much sensation in their breasts to begin with, so loss of sensation may not be a significant concern.

Inability to Breastfeed:
The inability to breastfeed after surgery. Some women do not lose their ability to breastfeed after surgery. This depends on the breast reduction procedure performed.

Breast Reduction Surgery Risks:

Difference in Size and Shape:
Variation in size or shape of the nipples or breasts in different positions.

Less commonly, damage to blood flow to the breasts may occur. This can delay the healing process of the skin. A portion or all of the nipple and the surrounding dark area may be lost, although this is not a common occurrence.

Some other risks of the surgery include:

Excessive bleeding during the operation
Infection
Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Blood clots in the major blood vessels leading to the heart and lungs (pulmonary embolism). This is not a common occurrence.

Can Breast Lift and Breast Reduction Be Combined as a Single Operation?

Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) is the removal of excess breast tissue to instantly and effectively reduce breast size. Breast reduction involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and tissue to eliminate the negative issues caused by large breasts, achieving the desired appearance. With breast reduction, the breasts are significantly lifted, and enlarged areolas are reduced.

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is an operation aimed at rejuvenating the appearance. Breast lift surgery strengthens and tightens the breast by removing excess skin and compressing surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes, the areola enlarges over time, and this issue can be addressed with a breast reduction operation.

Some women may experience issues related to both breast size and positioning. In such cases, breast lift and breast reduction can be combined as a single operation. While the results and approach may vary, it’s possible to say that both breast lift and breast reduction surgeries share common advantages.

Both aesthetic surgeries yield noticeable results immediately.
Women who undergo both surgeries report high satisfaction rates afterward, noting a significant boost in their self-confidence.
Both surgeries contribute to the improvement of posture.
Neither surgery hinders breastfeeding.

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