How is breast reduction surgery done?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. We choose the method according to the size of the breast that the patient wants. The excess breast and adipose tissue are removed together with the excess skin through an incision extending around the nipple and from there to the sub-breast groove below. Sometimes this incision is made to include the inframammary groove. In addition, the area extending down to the armpits and the excess fat tissue in the breast are removed from the body with liposuction, contributing to the shaping of the breast. How much breast tissue will be left is determined according to the patient’s age and whether there is a breastfeeding situation in the future, according to the plan made before the surgery. What should be known here is that after breast reduction surgeries, there will definitely be a line in the form of a scar. This scar, which is redder at first, will return to normal skin color and become indistinct within a year. With this surgery, the breast is reduced, its fullness and shape is corrected, and the nipples are brought to their ideal position.

What is the post-surgery process like?

After the surgery, there will be a pain that can be relieved with simple painkillers. Drains, which will remain in both breasts for 1 or a few days, are usually present to prevent the collection of blood that may accumulate under the skin. The incisions are closed with a special tape. These bands are removed after about 15 days and there is no need for stitches to be removed or dressing as dissolving stitches are used. You can take a shower the next day after leaving the hospital. A special bra is used for about 1 month after the surgery.

What is the relationship between breast reduction surgery and breast cancer?

There are many publications showing an increased risk of breast cancer in patients with macromastia. Since some of the breast tissue is removed in breast reduction surgery, the risk of breast cancer is relatively reduce. Preoperative ultrasonography and mammography are required for patients over the age of 40 who will undergo breast reduction. According to the results of these tests, if there is a lesion in the breast that needs to be removed, it can be removed with this surgery and a possible problem can be detected in advance. In addition, in patients with a high risk of breast cancer with an operation called ‘preventive mastectomy’, the risk of developing breast cancer is largely eliminated (90-99% according to some publications) by removing all breast tissue except the nipple and placing a prosthesis in its place.