You may consider breast reduction surgery if you have large breasts that are out of proportion to the rest of your body and cause neck pain, back pain, or other symptoms. Disproportionately large breasts can cause a person to experience both physical and psychological problems. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, soft tissue, and skin to achieve a breast shape in proportion to your body and relieve discomfort associated with extremely large breasts (macromastia). Although this procedure is usually applied to treat medical problems, it is also applied to relieve the patients aesthetic concerns.
In individuals with normal structure, breast tissue over 800 grams is considered large and this condition is defined as macromastia. There is also a situation where each breast tissue exceeds 1200 grams, and this is called gigantomastia. Such problems can cause health problems in women and create aesthetic concerns. Breast reduction surgery is the general name of the procedures applied to correct these conditions. Breast tissue that is larger than normal causes problems such as neck and back pain, skeletal disorder, limited physical activity, aesthetic concerns, feeling of compression and pressure on the chest wall, diaper rash under the breast, or hygiene problems such as fungal and bacterial infections.
Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces the size and weight of large, heavy breasts, helping to create an aesthetically pleasing breast appearance that is better in proportion to the patient's body. In this procedure, the breast symmetry is improved and sagging is eliminated by removing the excess fat tissue and skin from the breasts. While many patients opt for breast reduction to relieve physical symptoms such as back, neck or shoulder pain, the cosmetic benefits of breast reduction should not be overlooked. With this surgery, the breasts get a more upright and tighter appearance and create a more fit stance. The person's underwear alternative increases. In addition, worries and insecurities experienced in sexual life are also eliminated. Back pain caused by heavy and drooping breasts also disappears completely after the surgery.
This surgery is applied to every woman who has completed breast development and does not have a risky mass in her breast. This procedure is also preferred for male patients with feminine breast development. Hereditary characteristics, weight gain, pregnancy and later breastfeeding, and some hormonal changes of the woman underlie the excessive growth of breast tissue in women. In men, chronic liver diseases, genetic disorders, obesity, old age and tumors are among the factors that cause this growth.
“How is breast reduction surgery done?” It is among the topics that are wondered. The operation, which is performed under general anesthesia, takes about 2 hours and after the procedure, patients usually stay in the hospital for 1 night. Depending on the person's condition, the doctor may use one of several surgical methods, depending on the shape and size of the breasts and how much tissue needs to be removed. These methods are as follows:
- Liposuction for breast reduction: In some cases, breast reduction can be performed with liposuction alone. The biggest advantage of this application is that it provides a practical and short lasting procedure. In addition, almost undetectable scars and permanent results are obtained on the breast. However, this technique allows to achieve optimal results only in certain patients. The best candidates for this procedure are those who need a mild to moderate reduction in breast size, have good skin elasticity, and have little or no sagging that needs correction.
- Vertical or "lollipop" breast reduction: Patients who need a moderate reduction in breast size and have more prominent sagging are generally suitable for vertical breast reduction. While vertical breast reduction does leave some scarring on the breast, it is limited to the area below the nipple and so the scar can be easily hidden under a bra or bikini top.
- Inverted-T or "anchor" breast reduction: Because this technique allows for the maximum degree of tissue removal and reshaping, doctors often use this technique for people who will undergo reduction in large-sized tissues and have severe sagging. Scars from the procedure are similar to those from a vertical reduction and remain in the submammary tissue. With proper care after the procedure, scars typically fade significantly during the first year after surgery.
After the surgery, there may be a tingling in the area that lasts for a few days. This can be relieved with painkillers prescribed by the doctor. Swelling and bruising are moderate and go away on their own after 5 to 10 days. It is recommended to use a non-wired bra for 4 weeks after the procedure. The person can return to work after 3 to 7 days. The person can start driving after 3-4 days. However, during the first few days after the surgery, a slight pain may be experienced with arm movements. This pain is caused by the movement of the chest muscles. Therefore, it is important to be careful not to lift weights for the first few days after surgery. The person can take long walks 2 weeks after the surgery, and can run actively 3-4 weeks later. Exercises in which the arms are actively used should be postponed 4-5 weeks. The final shape of the breasts is achieved after the 6th month.
This surgery is required if the person experiences back pain, shoulder or neck pain, skin irritation in the sub-breast tissue, rashes and skin infections under the breasts, psychological problems such as low self-esteem or depression, inability to exercise or participate in sports caused by having large breasts. The doctor evaluates the patients complaints in detail taking factors into consideration such as weight, age, smoking habits, and decides on the surgery accordingly.
Does breast reduction surgery leave scars?
As with any surgery where an incision is required, some scars may remain after the surgery. The scars, which are dark and prominent in the early period after the surgery, take a faint appearance within 6 to 12 months and become very similar to the skin color.
How long does breast reduction surgery take?
The procedure takes 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the breast and the procedure applied.
Is breast reduction surgery suitable for men as well?
Excessive breast enlargement and sagging can be seen in men for various reasons. In such cases, breast reduction surgery can be applied in men as well.
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
Breast-feeding is possible after breast reduction surgery, as the glands responsible for milk production are largely protected during the surgery.
Does breast reduction surgery cause breast cancer?
This surgery does not cause cancer. On the contrary, it reduces the risk of cancer because the excess tissue in the breasts is removed.
What is the price range of breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery price range varies according to certain criteria. The size of the breast tissue of the person and the method of surgery to be applied are decisive in the price ranges.
Breast reduction may be one of the most preferred cosmetic surgical procedures, as it relieves both physical and emotional discomfort and improves the patient's appearance. Patients who have had breast reduction surgery report an increase in their self-confidence, as well as a renewed sense of freedom to wear the clothes they want to wear and participate in physical activities they previously avoided. Many patients experience immediate relief from back and shoulder pain after breast reduction. Swelling, pain and tingling are typical after breast reduction. Therefore, after the procedure, the breasts may appear slightly larger than you expected when the initial swelling presents. Additionally, breasts often heal at a different rate, so you may notice some asymmetrical differences during the first few months of your recovery. However, you can see the first results after 2-3 months and you can start to experience the permanent results after the first 6 to 12 months.
