Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size and reshaping the breasts to achieve a more proportional and comfortable size.

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction, medically termed reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size that is more proportionate to the body and to alleviate discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia).

Disproportionately large breasts can cause significant physical and emotional distress for patients. Those with macromastia often experience physical discomfort due to the weight of their breasts, which can hinder everyday activities. In addition to physical symptoms, some patients may also suffer from emotional distress and more profound mental health issues as a consequence of their breast size.

While breast reduction is primarily performed to address medical concerns, individuals who are not experiencing symptoms of macromastia but are unhappy with their breast size may choose to undergo this surgery for aesthetic reasons. Reasons for pursuing breast reduction surgery for cosmetic purposes can vary and may include concerns related to social stigmas and limitations in clothing choices.

Breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure aimed at reducing the size of disproportionately large breasts. It involves removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to achieve a more proportionate breast size that is in harmony with the body’s overall frame. This surgery is commonly sought by individuals who experience physical discomfort such as chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as skin irritation due to the weight of large breasts. Besides alleviating physical symptoms, breast reduction surgery can also improve self-image and quality of life by enhancing clothing options and increasing comfort during physical activities.

Breast reduction scars

Breast reduction surgery, like any surgical procedure, leaves scars. The extent and visibility of these scars can vary depending on factors such as the surgical technique used, individual healing characteristics, and the surgeon’s skill. Typically, breast reduction scars are located around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. Over time, these scars generally fade and become less noticeable, although they may never fully disappear. Patients are often advised on scar management techniques to help optimize healing and minimize scar visibility post-surgery.

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?

Having excessively large breasts can lead to both physical and emotional challenges. Alongside concerns about self-image, you may also endure physical discomfort and pain. The weight of excess breast tissue can restrict your ability to maintain an active lifestyle. Emotional discomfort and self-consciousness, often associated with having large, pendulous breasts, can be just as significant as the physical discomfort and pain.

You might consider breast reduction surgery if:

You are in good physical health.
You have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.
You do not smoke.
You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large.
Your breast size limits your physical activities.
You experience back, neck, and shoulder pain due to the weight of your breasts.
You have shoulder indentations from bra straps.
You have skin irritation beneath the breast crease.

What should I expect during a consultation for breast reduction surgery?

The success and safety of your breast reduction procedure depend significantly on your openness during your consultation. You’ll be asked several questions about your health, goals, and lifestyle.

During your breast reduction consultation, be prepared to discuss:

Your reasons for wanting the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcomes.
Any medical conditions, allergies to medications, and past medical treatments.
Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
Previous surgeries you have undergone.
Family history of breast cancer and any results from mammograms or previous biopsies.

Your plastic surgeon will also:

Assess your overall health and any existing health conditions or risk factors.
Examine your breasts, possibly taking detailed measurements of their size, shape, skin quality, and the positioning of your nipples and areolas.
Take photographs for your medical records.
Discuss treatment options and recommend a plan.
Explain the expected outcomes of your breast reduction procedure, as well as any potential risks or complications.
Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during your procedure.

The consultation is an opportunity for you to ask questions to your plastic surgeon. To assist you, we have prepared a checklist of questions that you can bring with you to your consultation.

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

The decision to undergo breast reduction surgery is deeply personal. You must weigh the potential benefits against the risks and potential complications.

Your plastic surgeon or their team will provide detailed explanations of the risks associated with the surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure your understanding of the procedure and its potential complications.

Potential risks of breast reduction surgery include:

Allergic reactions to tape, sutures, glues, blood products, or medications
Risks associated with anesthesia
Bleeding (hematoma) and blood clot formation
Breast asymmetry or irregularities in contour and shape
Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, or lungs, which may be temporary or permanent
Complications like deep vein thrombosis, cardiac issues, or pulmonary complications
Excessive firmness of the breast tissue
Fat necrosis (death of fatty tissue deep within the skin)
Fluid accumulation or infection
Persistent pain or poor wound healing
Possible need for revision surgery
Potential inability to breastfeed
Risk of skin or tissue loss where incisions meet
Partial or total loss of nipple and areola
Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling, or bruising
Unfavorable scarring

Important considerations:

Breast reduction surgery may interfere with certain diagnostic procedures.
Breast or nipple piercing can lead to infections.
Breastfeeding capability following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; discuss this with your doctor if you plan to nurse.
While breast reduction can be performed at any age, it is typically best when breasts are fully developed.
Changes during pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations can affect the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery.

It’s crucial to understand that while favorable outcomes are expected, there are no guarantees in medicine and surgery. In some cases, achieving optimal results may require additional surgeries.

What results should I expect after breast reduction surgery?

The results of breast reduction surgery are typically long-lasting. Your new breast size should alleviate the pain and physical limitations experienced before the procedure.

A more balanced figure often enhances self-image and boosts self-confidence.

However, it’s important to note that over time, changes in your breasts can occur due to factors such as aging, fluctuations in weight, hormonal changes, and gravity.

How much is a breast reduction

The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary depending on several factors. These include the surgeon’s expertise and reputation, the geographic location of the practice, the surgical facility used (hospital vs. outpatient clinic), anesthesia fees, and the complexity of the procedure required based on individual anatomy and goals.

Breast reduction frequently asked questions

How big do your breasts need to be to get a reduction?

There isn't a specific size requirement in terms of cup size or measurements for getting a breast reduction. The decision is more about the physical and emotional impact of excessively large breasts on an individual's life. Candidates typically experience issues like chronic pain, discomfort, difficulty finding well-fitting clothes, and limitations in physical activities due to their breast size. A consultation with a plastic surgeon helps determine if the surgery is suitable based on these factors and the person's overall health and goals.

How painful is a boob reduction?

The level of pain experienced during breast reduction surgery can vary from person to person. Immediately after the procedure, it's common to experience discomfort, swelling, and soreness, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your surgeon. Most patients report that the initial days after surgery are the most uncomfortable, but pain gradually decreases as healing progresses.

What is the best age for breast reduction?

The optimal age for breast reduction surgery can vary depending on individual circumstances and development. Generally, it is advisable for breasts to be fully developed before undergoing the procedure. This typically means waiting until the late teens or early twenties for most individuals.

Do you lose your nipples in a breast reduction?

No, you do not typically lose your nipples in a breast reduction surgery. During the procedure, the nipples are usually repositioned to a higher, more aesthetically pleasing location on the reduced breast mound.

How long does breast reduction take to recover?

Recovery time after breast reduction surgery can vary, but generally, it takes about 2 to 4 weeks for most people to recover fully. During this time, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative care instructions to help manage pain and promote healing. It's essential to follow these instructions closely and attend any follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Can breast grow back after breast reduction?

In some cases, yes, breast tissue can grow back after surgery, especially in young women whose breasts are still developing, particularly if they have significant glandular tissue. Various factors such as hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can contribute to this.

Can I go down 4 cup sizes with a breast reduction?

Your original breast size and shape will significantly influence the decision-making process, along with factors such as your height, weight, and body proportions, which help determine the size that will be proportional to your body. However, in general, patients can expect to decrease by at least one to two bra sizes.

What is breast reduction surgery like?

The weight of a set of large droopy breasts can often lead to a rather flat upper part of the chest, with a good portion of your breasts sitting towards the centre to lower part of the chest wall. A breast reduction operation usually requires re-arrangement of your breast tissue, which will result in an auto-augmentation type effect – leading to a more lifted shape after surgery. Most patients are pleasantly pleased by this effect and feel great about themselves.

What should I do after a breast reduction surgery?

Rest and recover. You will have swelling after the operation so you will need to wear a soft supportive bra for 6-8 weeks to assist the healing process which will also reduce the amount of pain and discomfort. Make sure the bra doesn’t have an underwire because it will otherwise be quite uncomfortable and press on the wounds at the breast crease.

Why Sava Clinic?

At Sava Clinic Plastic Surgery Center, our specialists strive to help patients achieve their aesthetic and reconstructive goals, ensuring natural and lasting results. We create personalized treatment programs for each patient using a multidisciplinary approach involving plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and other related specialists. Our comprehensive care starts before surgery and is supported by a meticulous follow-up system, evaluating the patient’s physical condition, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.

At Sava Clinic Plastic Surgery Center, we share all recommended treatment practices with our patients after thorough multidisciplinary evaluations tailored to each individual. Our patient-oriented approach ensures that patients are involved in the entire process, leading to long-lasting outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.

Experience is paramount in plastic surgery. With over 25 years of expertise gained at top centers in Turkey, the USA, and Europe, and our clinic’s dedication to quality services, Sava Clinic Plastic Surgery Center is a reference center both nationally and internationally. Patients requiring complex reconstructive procedures or revision surgeries are often referred to our center for our expertise and successful outcomes.

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