What is breast reduction/lifting operation?

Breast reduction and lifting operation should be exclusive to the patient. Breast reduction is an important operation for the prevention of ailments that may cause neck and back pain, and also possibly spine deformities and hernias in the future. Weight of the breasts causes consequential nerve injuries that lead to neck and spinal disc herniation, loss of strength at the arms and hands, and dropping at the shoulders as well. Operation towards amelioration of these problems would of course be much harder and costly. Breast reduction and/or lifting is not an aesthetic operation, but rather is an urgent anatomical and medical necessity.

How is breast reduction/lifting operation carried out?

While some techniques form the basis of the operation, an individualization for almost every patient is definitely necessary. Breast lifting and reduction operations are very similar technique-wise. To put it simply, the operation can be outlined as to lifting the breasts by extracting proportional sections from the breast tissue and skin, and stabilizing them after providing a natural and symmetrical appearance.

Is there an age restriction for breast reduction/lifting operation?

To plan this operation, the right thing would be to wait for the puberty to end. The post-puberty period when the growth rate is on a decline and the breast tissue and fat distribution is relatively stable would be the best time for operation. As the operation is carried out with general anesthesia and there will be drains after the operation, an overnight post-op hospital stay is recommended.

Will there be an apparent scar at the incision area after breast reduction/lifting operation?

While depending on the technique used for operation, there may be vertical scars around the aerola and under the breasts. The tissue and skin to be extracted is planned according to the size of the breasts, and this changes the length of the scar. Today we have various effective instruments for medical scars. Thanks to these instruments, the scars may become indistinct in a couple of weeks.

Will there be a restriction for breastfeeding after breast reduction/lifting operation?

One of the most frequently asked questions about breast reduction and lifting operation is whether the lactiferous ducts are damaged. Yes, a certain amount of mammary gland and lactiferous duct is damaged during this operation, but they stay 70% undamaged and there will be no inconvenience for breastfeeding.

How is the size for breast reduction/lifting determined? What are the criteria to consider during this process?

The amount of tissue to be extracted during the operation, and therefore the shape of the breasts after the operation is determined according to the anatomical structures and the physical appearance of the patient. The purpose is to achieve the fullest form by taking the physical proportions into consideration. In order to lead to realistic expectations, a thorough examination is requisite before the operation.

When can the patients resume their physical exercises after breast reduction/lifting operation?

Physical exercise is prohibited for at least 1 month after the operation. Heavy exercise, swimming, and sports that work the arms and shoulders must be avoided for 3 months.