BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Breast reduction surgery is an aesthetic surgery performed to reduce the breasts of those who have larger than normal breast size. Although the number of women who want to have large breasts is higher, women with large breasts also complain about the hump and excessive weight that their breasts create on their backs. Women with large breasts, who complain about the difficulty of exercising and running, may have difficulty wearing thin-strapped bras, bikinis or tight blouses. Although large breasts are seen as a sex symbol, the situation changes when they lead to problems such as back pain, hunchback, rashes under the breasts, severe breast sagging and posture disorder.

Breast reduction surgery can eliminate such problems. Breast reduction surgery, which is one of the breast aesthetic surgeries, not only corrects the size and shape of the breasts, but also saves the patient from the physical problems caused by large breasts.

Who Can Have Breast Reduction Surgery?

First of all, the patient must be healthy and not have any discomfort that would prevent the surgery. It is mandatory to have completed adolescence, that is, to be at least 18 years old. Breast reduction surgery can be performed in cases where the breasts are larger than necessary, asymmetrical, or when the person is not satisfied with their breast structure.

The reasons such as the breasts being too large compared to the body structure, looking cumbersome and sagging, the nipples looking downwards, one being larger than the other, large breasts causing back, neck and shoulder pain, frequent irritation of the skin under the breast, recurrent fungal infections and rashes, restriction of physical activities and aesthetic concerns may lead to the necessity of surgery.

Breast reduction surgeries can be performed after the breasts have completed their development. Childbirth and breastfeeding can inevitably affect the size and shape of the breasts. Therefore, when planning the surgery, factors such as the patient’s age, past illnesses, whether there is a family history of breast cancer, and whether they have had any previous breast surgery should be considered. In addition, a radiological examination must be performed before the surgery and it must be determined whether there is any pathology.

Main Surgical Techniques

There is no single best technique in aesthetic breast surgery. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The important thing here is to choose and apply the most suitable technique for the patient. It should be aimed to ensure that the breasts are sufficiently reduced after the surgery, that the patient can give milk in the future if young, that a good aesthetic result is obtained and that as few scars as possible are left.

The frequently used breast reduction techniques are as follows:

• Inverted T Technique: The scar after the surgery is in the shape of an inverted T. It starts around the nipple, goes down in a vertical line and continues horizontally at the bottom of the breast. It is preferred in large and sagging breasts. However, it is generally not recommended for young patients as it may leave too many scars. Nipple circulation may be affected and the risk of loss of sensation is high. However, the result can be seen immediately and does not require revision.
• Vertical Technique: It starts around the nipple and extends vertically to under the breast. For this reason, it is also called “lollipop incision”. It is suitable for medium-sized breasts. It is the most frequently used and least scarring technique. Breast projection is quite good. However, it may take 3-6 months for the shape to fully settle and healing may take time. Sometimes small revisions may be required with local anesthesia.
• Free Nipple Technique: It is a technique used in very large breasts. An inverted T-shaped incision is made, but the nipple is completely separated from the breast tissue and placed as a graft in its new place. The risk of nipple loss is high.

Surgery Planning and Drawing

Before the surgery, while the patient is standing, the surgeon makes the necessary drawings in accordance with the surgical technique. Determining the new location of the nipple is of great importance at this stage. Correct planning ensures that the aesthetic and functional results after the surgery are successful.

Surgical Process

Following the necessary blood and anesthesia tests, the surgery is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The previously made planning must be strictly adhered to. After the nipple is marked with the help of special molds, it is prepared for its new place. The necessary incisions are made in accordance with the selected technique, breast tissues are removed from the previously planned locations and the removed breast tissues are weighed to ensure symmetry. The breast is shaped, its size is checked, and if necessary, some more breast tissue is removed. After the final shape is decided, following bleeding control, if necessary, drains are placed and the skin is closed with internal stitches. It is glued with the help of external tapes. Afterwards, it is taped with special bandages so that the breast will not be not be damaged.

The surgery takes about 1.5-3 hours depending on the size of the breast, the technique used and the surgeon. It does not require staying in the hospital, but sometimes it requires staying overnight in large-volume surgeries. There is no serious pain after the surgery, even if there is, results are obtained with mild painkillers. Afterwards, a protective antibiotic should be used. A special bra is put on after the surgery.

Post-Breast Reduction Surgery Process

Smoking should definitely be avoided and heavy physical activities should not be done after breast reduction surgery. It is absolutely necessary to rest at home. All these are to prevent wound healing disorders and blood and fluid accumulations called seroma in the breast. Dressing and check-ups are done a week later. Since there are usually no external stitches, there is no stitch removal procedure. Check-ups continue weekly and monthly. It takes an average of 3-6 months for the full result to be obtained, that is, for the breast to settle.