Who Should Have Breast Reduction Surgery?

Having beautiful breasts, which is one of the most basic elements of female beauty, is psychologically very satisfying for women. Women who are not satisfied with the shape and size of their breasts may experience self-confidence problems because they think they do not have an aesthetic appearance. Accordingly, the interest shown in breast aesthetic surgeries is increasing day by day. However, breast aesthetic surgeries can be performed not only for aesthetic concerns but also for the purpose of eliminating health problems in some cases. 

Breast reduction aesthetics is a surgical operation in which the skin and mammary gland tissue that causes weight and sagging in the breast is removed, and the remaining breast is given a more upright and aesthetic appearance. Although breast reduction aesthetics is seen as one of the cosmetic surgeries performed to address aesthetic concerns, it should actually be considered reconstructive surgery.

Having larger than normal breasts and sagging of the breasts can cause serious back pain and neck pain in women. In some advanced cases, even hunchback can be seen. Depending on the size of the breasts, rash, fungus, wound or infection may occur under the breasts. Women whose breasts are larger than normal may have difficulties in performing their daily physical activities and may have difficulties in choosing clothes. Breast reduction surgery allows the breasts to be reshaped, taking into account the body size of the person. In this way, people can eliminate the physical and psychological discomforts they have to experience due to their breasts being larger than normal.

How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgery is performed with the technique determined depending on the evaluation made by the surgeon specific to the patient. While determining the technique, factors such as the patient’s breast size, skin structure, breast tissue, the position of the nipple relative to the breast fold line, the distance between the nipple and the hip and shoulder are evaluated. 

In procedures where the lollipop incision method is applied, excess skin and breast tissue are removed after the circumference of the patient’s nipple is cut circularly. The physical appearance of the patient should be considered when determining the amount of skin and tissue to be removed. If necessary, the nipple can be moved up within the scope of the operation. Breast reduction surgery is performed very meticulously to prevent any damage to the patient’s lactiferous ducts. A drain is placed in the application area so that the healing is faster and the fluid and blood accumulated in the breast can be discharged. Then, the operation is completed. 

In the procedures where the reverse T incision method is applied, after a reverse T-shaped incision is made in the lower part of the breast, the excess breast tissue and skin are removed and the operation is completed. Breast reduction aesthetic operations are usually performed simultaneously with breast lift operations. 

Breast reduction surgery can be applied to women who experience back and neck pain due to their larger breasts, fungus, irritation or rash under the breasts, sagging breasts due to their size, and who are uncomfortable with their appearance. Breast reduction surgery is applied to people who have completed their physical and hormonal body development. Although it is generally applied to people over the age of 18, in very advanced cases, breast reduction surgery can be performed on people under the age of 18 upon family approval.

Things to Consider Before and After Breast Reduction Surgery

Patients who want to have breast reduction aesthetic surgery undergo a detailed physical examination. During this examination, points such as the size and shape of the breasts of the patients and the elasticity of their skin are evaluated. The extent to which the patient’s breasts will be reduced is decided by the doctor and the patient after the current state of the breasts and the patient’s body structure are evaluated. The patient is informed in detail about the operation and post-operative process. Blood tests and radiological examinations are performed. If the patient is smoking and taking blood thinners, she is asked to quit 2 weeks before the operation.

After breast reduction surgery, swelling, numbness and bruising may occur in the breasts. Although this is considered normal, it recovers within a few days. In order for the swollen and edematous appearance of the breast tissue to disappear completely, a period of 3-4 weeks is required. The sports bra, which is used to reduce pain and contribute to the shaping of the breast during the healing process, prevents the breasts from shaking and provides a comfortable use as it does not put pressure on the breasts. For about 3 months after breast reduction surgery, patients should avoid heavy exercises and movements that may cause force.

With breast reduction aesthetic surgeries, patients’ complaints are eliminated, and they are provided with breasts of equal shape and size. Breast reduction aesthetics does not cause the development of cancer in women. In women over 40 years old or with a family history of breast cancer, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of undiagnosed cancer by applying tests such as mammography and ultrasound before the surgery. The fact that most of the breast tissue is removed in breast reduction surgeries is considered a factor that reduces the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.