What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is an aesthetic operation that aims to make overly large breasts more proportional to the rest of the body by reducing their size through various surgical techniques. During the procedure, excess skin, fat, and tissue are removed; the position and size of the nipple areola complex are adjusted to achieve a more aesthetic appearance. It is especially preferred for reducing large breasts that cause problems such as shoulder and neck pain, postural disorders, bra‑strap grooves, and skin irritation.

What Are the Differences Between Breast Reduction and Breast Lift Surgeries?

Although both surgeries aim to improve the appearance of the breast, they serve different purposes:

• Breast Reduction: Applied when breast volume is excessive and the patient experiences pain, postural disorders, or a lack of social and physical comfort. This surgery reduces the breast volume to a more ideal size.
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Applied when there is sagging but no significant need to reduce volume. In this procedure, excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is lifted, and the nipple and areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple) are moved to a more ideal position.

In some patients, both reduction and lift elements are applied together. In this case, the patient’s expectations, existing tissue structure, and physical discomforts are taken into account.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

People experiencing the following conditions are generally among the candidates for breast reduction surgery:

• Those who experience shoulder, neck, and back pain
• Those who have postural disorders due to excessively large breasts
• Those who frequently face bra‑strap grooves and skin irritation
• Those who are dissatisfied with their breast size and feel aesthetic or psychological discomfort
• Those who have difficulty in social and physical activities because of breast size

It is generally important that the person has completed breast development before undergoing this surgery. Since body structure can change during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is recommended to plan the surgery after these periods.

How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

Breast reduction surgery can be performed with various techniques; the technique to be used is determined according to the breast size, skin elasticity, and the patient’s expectations. Generally, the following steps are followed:

1. Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
2. Planning the Incisions: The doctor may plan “inverted T” or “lollipop” shaped incisions to remove excess tissue and skin.
3. Tissue Removal: Excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed; the nipple is moved to a higher position.
4. Shaping: After the breast tissue is reshaped, the remaining skin is closed with aesthetic sutures.
5. Finishing and Dressing: A drain may be placed in the surgical area and dressings are applied to complete the procedure.

The duration of the surgery varies according to the amount of breast tissue and the technique applied, but it generally lasts between 2 and 4 hours.

What Problems May Occur After Breast Reduction Surgery?

As with any surgical operation, some side effects and complications can be seen after breast reduction surgery:

• Swelling and Edema: Swelling and edema are normal in the first weeks after surgery.
• Pain and Discomfort: Pain or a pulling sensation may occur, especially in the first few days. These can be controlled with painkillers recommended by your doctor.
• Risk of Infection: Although rare, infection may develop, in which case antibiotic treatment may be required.
• Numbness or Sensitivity Changes: Temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness may occur in and around the nipple.
• Bleeding or Hematoma: Although not very common, bleeding or hematoma (blood accumulation) may occur.

To minimize these complications, it is important to follow your doctor’s pre‑ and postoperative instructions.

What Should Be Considered After Surgery?

For a successful recovery process, the following points should be considered:

• Use of Supportive Bra: Using a special surgical or sports bra after the operation stabilizes the breast and accelerates healing.
• Avoid Heavy Lifting: It is necessary to avoid lifting heavy loads and sudden movements for the first few weeks.
• Regular Check‑ups: Not missing postoperative check‑ups makes it easier to detect possible problems early.
• Nutrition and Hydration: A healthy diet and adequate fluid intake support the recovery process.
• Following Doctor’s Recommendations: Instructions such as drain removal time, dressing changes, and medication use must be strictly followed.

Your doctor’s experience and recommendations are very important throughout this process. Since every patient’s body structure and healing process can be different, making an individual assessment is the most accurate approach.