Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery (Reduction mammoplasty) is the procedure for reducing the size of sagging and deformed breasts with excess tissue and giving them a new form. Excess breast tissue may lead to back and waist pain, depression in the shoulder area, and skin disorders related to sweating under the breasts in women. Furthermore, this is a procedure which will bring women self-confidence after the surgery. Usually large breasts would also restrict their physical activities.

After Surgery

You usually stay for one night in the hospital. Postoperative nutrition is initiated in a short time. The drains are removed on day 1 or 2. Antibiotic and pain killer medicatons are prescribed. The dressings are kept open after day 3 or 4, after which you can take a shower, and only the specialized bra is used. Pain, swelling and bruises may occur in the breasts and regress within 7-10 days. You may get back to work after one week but heavy activities and sport should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

Preoperative Assesment 

You will be asked questions about yourself and your breasts:

 

  • Have you ever suffered from back, low back, or neck pain because of the size of your breasts?
  • Is there any depression on your shoulders created by bra straps?
  • Have you experienced skin disorders in the inframammary fold?
  • What is the breast size you would like to have after the operation?
  • What is your breastfeeding history and are you planning for pregnancy again?
  • Have you ever had any scar problems due to previous operations?
  • Do you have family history of cancer?

    Afterwards, certain processes will be performed, such as measuring the size of breast and chest wall, evaluating the quality of your skin, evaluating the quality of the breast tissue, and location of the nipple. Preoperative 2D and 3D photographing will also be performed.

Will Preoperative Breast Cancer Screening Be Performed? 

As with the all types of breast surgery, breast screening will be conducted before breast reduction. You will be subjected to breast examination after detailed information about you and your family is obtained. Finally, breast USG and/or mammography will be performed depending on your age.

Surgery

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The duration of surgery is 2 to 2.5 hours in average. The nipple is relocated from its position upward to the levels as per the physical properties of the individual. Excess breast tissue and skin are removed. Then, the breast is given a new form and the skin is closed. The nipple is maintained. Surgery scars in the breast are created roundly around the nipple, vertically from the nipple up to the inframammary fold, and horizontally in the inframammary fold. Negative pressure tubes called drains are inserted in order to prevent blood and serum accumulation within the breast, and the operation is ended upon dressing and use of specialized bras.

Side Effects

There may be general anesthesia-related side effects, and early and late sides effects related to the surgery. The most common side effects involve enlarged scar tissue (scars), nipple circulation problems and delayed recovery. The treatment for the potential scars will be applied together with your doctor.

Will I Be Able To Breastfeed After The Breast Reduction? 

After breast reduction surgery, some of  your breast tissue and all nipple will be preserve. Women without previous breastfeeding problems can continue breastfeeding after this operation.

Is The Risk Of Breast Cancer Increased After The Breast Reduction? 

All removed tissues are sent for pathological examination after the operation. By doing this, the chance of detecting of the risky tissues that may not be seen during screening is increased. Also, the risk of breast cancer is decreased as the breast tissue in the body is reduced.

Result 

It is a type of surgery with high rates of satisfaction. No enlargement of the breast tissue recurs; however sagging may occur with the increasing age. Self-confidence of the individual is increased, along with the enhanced physical activities and removal of complains such as back pain.