Breast reduction surgery, which is called "reduction mammaplasty" as a medical term, is the type of surgery preferred mostly because of the health problems caused by excessively large and drooping breasts. It can be performed both to get rid of such a physical problem and to relieve aesthetic concerns.

Breast reduction surgery, which is applied to lift saggy breasts after breastfeeding, can heal back and shoulder pain due to breast size, wounds and infections under the breast, as well as reducing congenital large volume breasts. In addition, this surgery can only be applied to those who are uncomfortable with the appearance of their breasts.

Procedure of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction operation is the procedure of removing breast skin and adipose tissue, which is performed on candidates who are over the age of 18 and have completed their physical development. This surgery, which requires also the completion of the hormonal regulation, can be performed on people under this age, if there is just a medical need.

The breast reduction procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The operation, which is performed using the lollipop technique or T-incision technique according to the breast size, is completed in approximately two to four hours. Surgeons consider factors such as breast size, position of the nipple relative to the breast fold, breast and skin tissue when deciding which method to use. In the lollipop incision method, a round incision is made around the nipple, thereby removing excess breast tissue and skin.

After the incisions are carefully closed in order not to damage the lactating ducts, a drain is placed in the area to accelerate healing and drain the blood accumulated in the breast.

In the reverse T method, an incision is made from the lower part of the breast, resembling the letter that gives the method its name. Likewise the previous method, the procedure is finished after the excess breast tissue and skin are removed. After breast reduction surgery, the patient is kept under observation in the hospital for one day. After the drain is removed and the dressing is prepared, the patient can be discharged.

Things to Consider After Breast Reduction Surgery

It is recommended that the patient rest at home for an average of one week after breast reduction surgery. It is very important to use the antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by the surgeon at the prescribed dose and time. Using a sports bra that does not put pressure on the chest and restricts movement is very important for reducing pain and shaping the breasts.

In the following days, the surgeon plans a dressing schedule for the patient. Doing this regularly for a period of time accelerates healing and reduces the risk of potential infection. The patient should avoid carrying heavy loads for about a month. After the first month, light exercises can be done. Especially the arm and chest muscles should not be tired in this time.

After breast reduction surgery, swelling is seen in the breast tissue. This edema disappears in about a month and it takes an average of one year to see the full results from the operation. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be suspended for at least a few months after surgery to allow tissue healing and scarring. These two habits not only suppress cell regeneration but may also effect in keeping surgical scars from being disappeared for a long time.

Is There Any Scar After Breast Reduction Surgery?

As with almost all surgical procedures, a certain amount of scars may remain on the skin after breast reduction surgery. The shape and size of the scar depend on the surgical method used. It is possible to leave fewer scars after an operation performed with the lollipop technique. Because the incision is small and goes around the nipple within it. The existing scar is barely noticeable due to the color difference in the operation site.

After the surgery performed with the reverse T method, a larger scar may remain. After a while, the incision becomes less noticeable as it will turn into skin color. The horizontal line where the breast folds can only be seen if viewed carefully at the right angle. Surgical scars differ according to how saggy the breast is and the scope of the operation.

What are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery has some risks:

• In rare cases, infection or bleeding may occur after surgery,
• There may be a loss of sensation in the nipple,
• Since the canals may be damaged during the surgery, the milk secretion of the breast may decrease,
• It can cause many problems if not done under the right conditions.