Breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery, defined as 'reduction mammaplasty' in medical language, is a type of operation preferred due to the breasts being larger and saggy than normal or due to the medical problems it causes. In other words, breast reduction surgery can be performed due to medical problems as well as aesthetic concerns. In addition to the reduction of genetically large breasts, breast reduction surgery, which is applied to lift sagging breasts after breastfeeding, is also applied to prevent back and shoulder pain, wounds and infections under the breast due to the size of the breasts. Breast reduction surgery can also be performed to relieve the feeling of pressure on the shoulders caused by bra straps and to restrict physical activity. In addition to all these, breast reduction surgery can also be performed on people who are uncomfortable with the appearance of their breasts. The operation, which takes approximately 2.5 to 4 hours depending on breast size, is performed by removing the skin and breast tissue using inverted T or lollipop incision methods. After the operation, the person can continue their daily life within 1 week. The small incision and suture scars, which are visible after the operation, return to the skin color after about 3-4 months and become indistinct.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, or in other words reduction mammoplasty, can be performed for medical reasons as well as aesthetic concerns. The operation is usually performed for reasons such as sagging due to too large breasts, not looking beautiful, not being symmetrical, not being able to find clothes. For medical reasons, it is performed to relieve shoulder, neck and back pain due to the size and therefore weight of the breasts or to prevent hunchback. Prevention of rash, fungus, infection or wound formation under the breast depending on the size of the breasts, elimination of pressure sores caused by bra straps are among the reasons for breast reduction surgery performed for medical reasons. People with large breasts also face difficulties during daily physical activities. In addition to genetic factors, the lifestyle of the person can also cause the breasts to grow or lose their shape over time. Factors such as being overweight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal irregularities, certain disorders and age can also cause the breasts to grow or lose their shape. In this respect, breast reduction surgery is performed to eliminate both aesthetic concerns and medical problems. The aim of breast reduction surgery is to obtain breasts of the patient's desired size, equal size, symmetrical and aesthetic appearance with the least possible scarring.

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

As with any operation, there are some risks in breast reduction surgery. Some of these risks can be listed as follows:

• Infection and bleeding may rarely occur after surgery.
• Nipple sensation may be negatively affected.
• The milk ducts may be damaged during surgery, which may reduce the breast's potential to produce milk.
• Many different health problems can occur in operations that are not performed under appropriate conditions.

How is breast reduction surgery performed?

Breast reduction surgery, which is performed by removing the skin and fat tissue in the breast, is a type of operation applied to people aged 20 and over, when body development is completed. Breast reduction surgery, which requires the completion of physical development as well as hormonal regulation, can only be applied to people under this age if there is a medical necessity. Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery is completed within 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the size of the breast, using lollipop incision and inverted T incision methods. In determining the method, parameters such as breast size, the position of the nipple according to the breast fold, breast tissue, skin structure, the distance between the nipple and the shoulder and hip are taken into consideration. In the lollipop incision method, the circumference of the nipple is cut circularly and then the breast tissue and excess skin tissue are removed. In the procedure, which is performed taking into account the physical appearance of the person, the nipple can be moved upwards if necessary. The skin is closed, taking care not to damage the milk ducts, and then the surgery is completed by placing a drain in the area to accelerate healing and to expel the blood accumulated in the breast. In the inverted T incision method, an incision is made in the lower part of the breast in the shape of an inverted letter T. After the excess breast tissue and skin are removed, the operation is terminated as in the lollipop type incision method. After breast reduction surgery, the patient needs to be hospitalized for one day. The patient is discharged after the drain is removed and the dressing is applied. After the operation, the patient is checked at the end of the 1st and 2nd week. During the 2nd week check-up, the stitches are removed and special creams are used to reduce the scars. Thanks to the special bra, the patient can return to his/her daily life after 1 week of home rest. However, it is recommended to wear a special bra similar to a sports bra for 6 weeks. Mild stinging and tingling may be felt in the breasts for 6 to 12 months after the operation. However, this feeling does not reduce the quality of life.

Are there scars after breast reduction surgery?

As with almost all operations, scars may remain on the skin after breast reduction surgery. The shape and size of the scar depends on the technique used during the operation. In the lollipop type of operation, the surgical scar is less. This is because the amount of incision is small and the incision is around the nipple. In other words, the scar between the skin and the nipple is almost imperceptible due to the color difference in this area. In the inverted T type of surgery, the scar is larger. The incision downward from the nipple gains skin color over time and becomes less obvious. The horizontal line at the fold of the breast is not visible unless viewed from the opposite side. The surgical scar also varies depending on how much the breast has sagged or how much reduction is desired.

What should be considered after breast reduction surgery?

After breast reduction surgery, it is recommended to rest at home for at least 3 days and optimum 7 days. After the operation, it is extremely important to use the antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by the physician in the prescribed dose and duration. The use of a sports bra that does not put pressure on the breasts and prevents them from shaking is also of great importance in reducing the amount of pain and shaping the breast. After the surgery, the physician determines the dressing days. Dressing on these dates reduces the risk of possible infection and accelerates healing. For about 4 weeks, heavy loads should not be carried and pushing and pulling movements should be avoided. Light exercise movements can only be done after the end of the 1st month. Weight lifting and movements that strain the arm and chest muscles should also be avoided. After breast reduction surgery, the breast tissue appears edematous and swollen. This swollen appearance decreases in about 3 to 4 weeks and it takes about 1 year for the breasts to regain their real appearance. After breast surgery, smoking and alcohol consumption should be stopped for at least one month for rapid healing of the tissue and scar. Smoking and alcohol consumption also negatively affects the visibility of the surgical scar as it affects cell regeneration.