In most applications for breast reduction surgery, performed for both aesthetic improvement and physical relief, the patient’s breasts are very large and sagging. Patients with restricted activities also experience physical discomfort.
Breast reduction surgeries, which cannot be performed before breast development is complete, can also be performed at an early age in rare cases if there is excessive growth. The most suitable candidates for aesthetic surgery are individuals who have reached maturity to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations. Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for women planning to breastfeed.
Breast reduction surgery is not a simple procedure; it is safe only when performed by expert and competent plastic surgeons. Risks associated with all surgical procedures, such as bleeding, anesthesia reactions, and infection, also apply to breast reduction surgeries. Although small wounds may occur on the nipple, this problem can be easily treated with antibiotic creams. The patient’s adherence to the plastic surgeon’s recommendations, both pre- and post-operatively, will minimize these risks.
Breast reduction surgeries leave noticeable scars, but these scars can be concealed with a bra or bikini. Since most of the milk ducts leading to the nipple are removed during surgery, the breastfeeding function may be lost after the operation.
Planning the Surgery
During the initial evaluation, it is important to openly share all your expectations and discuss every aspect of your expectations with your plastic surgeon. This is because your plastic surgeon’s ideal breast size may differ from yours.
Heavy breasts can lead to medical problems, physical discomfort, deep bra strap marks on the shoulders, and psychological issues such as shyness. Your plastic surgeon will take various measurements and photographs for comparison before and after the surgery. Since the nipple will be moved upwards during this operation, it is also crucial to discuss the new position of the nipple with your plastic surgeon and agree on the ideal placement. The plastic surgeon must explain the risks and limitations in detail and provide information on scars and all other aspects that will arise after the surgery.
Preparation for Surgery
Breast Lift Aesthetic PricesThe plastic surgeon may request a mammogram (breast X-ray) before surgery and will provide extensive information regarding the pre-operative preparation process, from eating and drinking to medication and vitamin use. Although breast reduction surgeries are aesthetic procedures that typically do not require blood transfusions, in some cases where a large amount of breast tissue is removed, 1 unit of blood may need to be drawn and prepared. This ensures that your own blood can be used if necessary. Also, remember to find someone to help you get home after the surgery and assist you for a few days.
Breast reduction surgery, which generally involves an inpatient procedure, lasts approximately 2-4 hours, and a hospital stay of 2-3 days is usually required. The operations are performed under general anesthesia.
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Surgery
In these operations, where various surgical techniques are applied, an inverted T-shaped incision line is usually created. Following the line behind the breast and extending upwards around the nipple, this incision allows the plastic surgeon to remove excess breast tissue, skin, and breast fat. The nipple is repositioned higher, and the breast contours are reshaped. If there is excessive fat accumulation in the armpit area, liposuction can also be used to remove it.
Generally, the nerves and blood vessels in the nipple do not need to be cut, but in very rare cases, with very large and sagging breasts, different interventions may be necessary. While breasts can be reduced with various applications, it is also possible to reduce breasts using only the liposuction method to leave minimal scarring.
Post-Surgery
After surgery, a surgical bra is worn, an elastic bandage is applied, and a thin dressing is placed. For the first few days, thin tubes may be placed along the sides of the breasts to drain blood and accumulated fluids. You may experience mild pain when coughing and moving during the first one or two days. You may feel this type of mild pain during the first week, but your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication for discomfort.
Bandages are removed within a few days, but the surgical bra should continue to be worn day and night for several more weeks until swelling subsides and bruising disappears. Although incision lines need to be kept dry, if the skin becomes too dry, a moisturizer can be applied to the breast skin, ensuring the incision lines remain dry. After surgery, there may be some numbness in the nipple and breasts, but this usually resolves within 5-6 weeks. However, in some patients, this loss of sensation can persist for months and, rarely, can be permanent. Although you will be able to get on your feet in a few days, there may be pain in the breasts for a few weeks. For the first month, avoid lifting heavy objects or trying to push them. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed explanations about what you should not do and what you should be careful about. For the first 6 weeks, you must protect your breasts from any harsh physical intervention and impact, other than light touches.
Your New Appearance
Although bruising and swelling disappear within weeks, it takes between 6 months to 1 year for your breasts to achieve their new shape. Even during this period, breast size and shape may change due to hormonal fluctuations, weight changes, and pregnancy. Although your plastic surgeon will do their utmost to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible, some scarring will remain at the intervention sites. Surgical scars, which are initially raised and reddish for the first few months, will eventually fade to skin tone and heal. The incision line is specially adjusted so that you can comfortably wear a bikini during the surgical procedure. Breast reduction aesthetic operations, which help your body become more proportionate, relieve physical discomfort, and allow you to choose clothes more comfortably, are among the aesthetic surgery procedures that provide the fastest physical transformation.
Post-Operative Care
For the first week, you should sleep on your back, wear the recommended bra day and night for 2 weeks, and for the first 6 months, never remove this special bra during the day. While trying to use your arms minimally during the first week, you must avoid heavy lifting and driving.
Remember that loss of sensation in your breasts and nipples, mild pain, swelling, and bruising are expected and considered normal after this serious surgical intervention. Be careful not to wet your breasts until the bandage is removed. Bandages will be removed at the end of the first week, and you will be able to shower comfortably in the following days. For the first 1-1.5 months after surgery, avoid strenuous sports and exercise; always consult your physician before starting such physical activities.
PROF. DR. ONUR EROL’S PRESENTATIONS ON BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY AT INTERNATIONAL CONGRESSES:
ICAPS – International Consortium Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Bordeaux, France, June 7-13, 2006
Presented on “Secondary Breast Deformity”.
APS Post Graduate Course, Athens, Greece, 23-26, September 1998.
Presented on “Vertical Versus Periareolar Mammoplasty, 24 Years Experience.” regarding breast reduction aesthetic surgery.
ISAPS Post-Graduate Course, Sydney, Australia, 6-9 November 1994
Presented on “Short scar breast reduction.” regarding breast reduction.
ISAPS International Post-Graduate Course, Baltimore, USA, 7-10 May 1995.
Presented on “Periareolar reduction mammoplasty and mastopexy.” regarding breast reduction aesthetic surgery.
V. Congress of the Asian-Pacific Section of IPRS Istanbul, Turkey, 7-10 September 1989
Presented on “Circumareolar reduction mammoplasty for moderate breast hypertrophy – film.” regarding breast reduction aesthetic surgery.
ASPRS/PSEF/ASMS Annual Meeting, Hawaii, USA, 1982
Presented on “Circumareolar reduction mammoplasty for moderate breast hypertrophy.” regarding breast reduction aesthetic surgery.
