What is Breast Reduction?
Having breasts that are larger than normal and disproportionate can lead to various aesthetic and health problems. Breast reduction surgery, medically known as “reduction mammoplasty,” is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, tissue, and skin to restore the breasts to a more proportionate position. This procedure not only improves the aesthetic appearance but also relieves neck, back, and shoulder pain. It also eliminates problems related to breast size, such as poor posture, sweating, and skin irritation. We tailor our plans to our patients’ body type and needs, ensuring natural, proportionate, and aesthetic results.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. The surgeon carefully removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breast tissue. The nipple is moved higher in proportion to the breast tissue. If necessary, both breasts are reshaped simultaneously to achieve symmetry. Incision scars are typically located around the areola, in the vertical line, or in the inframammary fold and will fade over time. At the end of the surgery, special bandages and a supportive bra are applied. We use modern surgical techniques to achieve both aesthetic and functional results.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Those experiencing physical discomfort due to their large breasts, back and neck pain, poor posture, or skin irritation are suitable candidates. Women who limit their daily activities, struggle with exercise, or have difficulty choosing clothing can also benefit from breast reduction surgery. Before the surgery, the patient’s general health is assessed and their breast structure is analyzed. The procedure is safe for women over 18, who have completed breastfeeding, and whose hormones are well-balanced. We consider our patients’ expectations and needs to create a natural, balanced breast shape.
Physical and Psychological Problems Caused by Large Breasts:
Overly large breasts carry body weight forward, disrupting the spinal balance. This can lead to long-term back, neck, and shoulder pain. The constant pressure of bra straps can cause scarring and pain in the shoulders. Reduced airflow in the under-breast area can lead to skin rashes, irritation, and fungal growth. In addition to physical discomfort, the psychological effects are also quite noticeable. Loss of self-confidence, poor posture, and social shyness are common, especially in young women. Breast reduction surgery addresses these issues, restoring body balance and boosting self-confidence. We approach this process not only as an aesthetic procedure but also as a transformation that improves quality of life.
How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?
The duration of this procedure varies depending on the size of the breasts and the amount of tissue to be removed. It typically takes between 2 and 4 hours. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so the patient feels no pain during the procedure. The surgeon removes excess fat, tissue, and skin through the planned incisions and moves the nipple to its ideal position. Symmetrical measurements are taken throughout the procedure, ensuring a proportionate appearance of the breasts. A special bandage and medical bra are worn after the surgery. A hospital stay of either the same day or overnight is usually sufficient. We perform the procedure meticulously, achieving excellent results in both aesthetic and health aspects.
Post-Operative Recovery:
The healing process may vary depending on individual skin type and the amount of tissue removed. Mild swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness may occur in the breasts during the first few days; this is completely normal. Painkillers prescribed by your doctor will help you get through the process comfortably. The dressings over the stitches will be replaced within the first week, and they will either be removed or dissolve on their own after approximately 10 days. A special medical bra will be worn for the first six weeks. This bra will both accelerate healing and maintain the new shape of the breasts. Patients can return to their normal lives within approximately 3-4 weeks. We closely monitor the post-operative period to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery for our patients.
Is Breastfeeding Possible After Breast Reduction?
Depending on the surgical technique used, the ability to breastfeed can be preserved. Modern methods carefully preserve the milk ducts and the vascular structures that nourish the nipple. This makes breastfeeding possible in most patients. However, in extremely large breasts, excess tissue may need to be removed, which can partially affect the milk ducts. Therefore, for women planning to have children, a detailed evaluation with the surgeon prior to surgery is essential. When planning the surgery, we aim to preserve both aesthetic appearance and functional integrity, preserving the ability to breastfeed as much as possible.
Is Breast Reduction Aesthetic or Medical?
This procedure is both aesthetic and medical. The aesthetic aspect involves adjusting the breasts to match the body’s proportions. The medical aspect addresses the physical discomfort caused by large breasts. Problems such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, shortness of breath, and poor posture are significantly reduced after surgery. Therefore, breast reduction is an important procedure not only for appearance but also for quality of life. The Social Security Institution (SSI) may also consider this procedure a medical procedure if certain criteria are met. We evaluate each patient from both a health and aesthetic perspective, ensuring long-term satisfaction.
Will There Be Any Scars After Surgery?
Incisions made during breast reduction surgery are generally placed around the areola, along the vertical line, or along the inframammary fold. Because these areas align with natural skin lines, scars are unnoticeable once healing is complete. These scars, which may appear pink or red in the first few months, will fade over time, becoming more even with skin tone. Regular wound care and the use of creams or silicone tapes recommended by your doctor will help the scars heal more quickly. Furthermore, sun protection after surgery is also important for fading scars. We utilize aesthetic suturing techniques during surgery to minimize scarring and achieve a natural, smooth result.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Permanent?
This procedure is a permanent solution that maintains its effects for many years. The excess fat, tissue, and skin removed during surgery do not regenerate. However, factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging can cause slight changes in breast shape over time. As long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained, the results of the surgery are largely permanent. Maintaining a stable weight, in particular, prevents breast sagging and loss of shape. When the technique and surgical planning are performed correctly, breast reduction provides long-term satisfaction in terms of both aesthetic appearance and health. We employ a meticulous surgical approach to provide our patients with permanent, natural, and balanced results.
Breast Reduction Prices 2025:
Breast reduction prices in 2025 generally range between 4,000 USD and 8,000 USD, depending on surgical technique and patient needs. This procedure removes excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a smaller, lighter, and more proportional breast size. Costs vary with anesthesia, hospital facilities, and the surgeon’s expertise. Additional procedures, such as a breast lift, may increase the total price. On average, breast reduction not only improves body balance and aesthetics but also relieves back, neck, and shoulder discomfort caused by overly large breasts.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Painful?
Because the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure. For the first few days after the procedure, you may experience mild breast tightness, pressure, or tingling. This is normal and usually subsides quickly. The procedure is quite comfortable when using the painkillers recommended by your doctor. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, breast reduction surgery is much more comfortable than expected. Patients can often return to their daily activities within a few days. We ensure a painless recovery by making the procedure both safe and comfortable.
Does the Social Security Institution (SGK) cover breast reduction surgery?
The Social Security Institution (SGK) only covers breast reduction surgery in cases of medical necessity. If large breasts cause health problems such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, poor posture, difficulty breathing, or skin irritation, this can be documented with a doctor’s report. Once the report is approved, the SGK may cover part or all of the procedure. However, procedures performed solely for aesthetic purposes are not covered by the SGK. You can obtain a quote from us to learn more about SGK support and develop a personalized plan.
When Should a Bra Be Worn After Surgery?
A special medical bra is necessary after surgery to maintain the breasts’ new shape and reduce swelling. Patients generally wear this bra immediately after surgery and are advised to wear it continuously for the first six weeks. It is recommended to wear it day and night for the first three weeks, and only during the day for the following weeks. This bra protects the incision areas and promotes faster skin recovery. Bra selection should always be made according to the doctor’s recommendations. We provide personalized guidance to each patient regarding the length and style of bra to be worn after surgery.
Does Weight Gain After Breast Reduction Affect the Results?
Post-operative weight gain can affect breast shape and aesthetic appearance. This is because weight gain can lead to fat accumulation in the chest area, just as it does elsewhere in the body. This can cause breast growth and altered shape. Similarly, excessive weight loss can cause volume loss. Therefore, a balanced diet and maintaining a stable weight are crucial in the post-operative period. Healthy lifestyle habits increase the longevity of the aesthetic results. We provide our patients with detailed information about weight management and lifestyle recommendations in the post-operative period.
At What Age Can This Surgery Be Performed?
Breast reduction surgery is generally performed starting at age 18, as breast development is largely complete by this age. However, for younger patients experiencing serious health problems due to excessive breast size, it can be performed earlier if the surgeon deems it appropriate. Prior to surgery, a detailed evaluation of hormonal balance, skin type, and overall health is performed. It is recommended that the procedure be postponed for women who are breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. We evaluate each patient individually, ensuring safe and lasting results are achieved at the most appropriate age.