All Details About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction

By Emel Gerdaneri • Medical review by Esat Olgun, MD

All Details About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breasts are a symbol of femininity and a center of attraction with their upright posture. It is perhaps one of the organs that can make a woman feel good and strengthen her self-confidence…

But big breasts can sometimes cause problems. Because it is not only an aesthetic problem, but also can cause waist and back pain, moreover, skin problems.

Breast reduction surgery is an aesthetic operation that can eliminate all these problems. Plastic Surgeon Esat Olgun MD explains the details of the subject.
Esat Olgun MD
“Breast reduction surgery is an aesthetic operation that must be performed by plastic surgeons in the operating room environment. It is done with general anesthesia.

It is completed in an average of 2 - 2.5 hours. There are many things to do and pay attention to before and after breast reduction surgery."

Before Breast Reduction Surgery

before breast reductionBefore breast reduction surgery, it is important to share information such as ultrasonography and/or mammography, evaluation of the general health status of the person, future plans such as marriage and having a child, and family health history.

After these examinations and evaluations, your doctor will inform you about the current size and shape of the breasts, the skin condition in the relevant area, the new location of the nipple, and will determine an agreed roadmap for the target appearance of the breasts after surgery.

  • The person's shoulder width, chest circumference and general body measurements are evaluated and the breast size proportional to the body is determined.

  • Conditions suitable for downsizing to the determined extent are evaluated. At this stage, the most important criterion is whether the breastfeeding function will be preserved.

  • Preservation of breast-feeding function is taken as a basis in individuals who are single, have not given birth or are planning a pregnancy. In this case, breast size can only be reduced to a certain extent.

  • After determining the rate at which the breast will be reduced, your doctor will draw and plan the breast according to the technique chosen and discussed. Some surgeons can prepare a special simulation for you regarding the final appearance.

  • Information such as eating, drinking, smoking, taking or not taking certain medications and vitamins before the surgery is shared with you by the doctor who will perform your surgery.

  • The blood tests required for the surgery are done in the hospital on the same day before the surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery

breast reductionBreast reduction surgery is usually performed with two different incision methods. Which method and technique the surgeon will apply varies according to the size of the breast and the targeted reduction size.

No matter which method is used to reposition the nipple in its new place, a scar will occur on the nipple edge.

The degree of postoperative scars depends on the size of the breast, the surgical method used and finally the scarring feature of the patient's skin.

1- Breast Reduction Surgery with Vertical Incision Method

vertical incisionThe vertical method (single vertical line) is usually no more than 1000 g from each breast.

It is used in breast reduction surgeries where weight removal is planned. With this method, the shortest scars that can remain in breast reduction are obtained.
 
The surgery begins with an incision with a straight line going down around the nipple. Excess breast tissue and the skin on it are removed. The nipple is moved to where it should be.

Finally, the breast tissue is combined in and around the nipple, giving the breast a new form and the incision is closed.

In this method, there is a single 5-6 cm line descending from the middle of the lower edge of the nipple.

2- Breast Reduction Surgery with Reverse T Line Incision Method

t line methodThe Inverted T-Line Incision Method is generally used in breast reduction surgeries where it is planned to remove excessively large and weight more than 1000 g from each breast.
 
The operation begins with a vertical incision around the nipple and a horizontal incision following the breast fold. Excess breast tissue and the skin on it are removed.

The nipple is moved to where it should be. Finally, the breast tissue is combined in and around the nipple, giving the breast a new form and the incision is closed.

In the Inverted T-Line Incision Method, the lower part of the T-shaped scar is hidden in the inframammary fold.

After Breast Reduction Surgery

after breast reductionAfter the breast reduction surgery, the breast area is closed by wearing a special bra immediately. Usually, drains are placed in both breasts. The postoperative hospital stay is 1 day.

The drain is removed before discharge. Generally, there is no need to remove the sutures as dissolvable sutures are used during the surgery.
 
After breast reduction surgery, there is usually a comfortable recovery period. In the early period, swelling, numbness of the nipple and purplish discoloration on the skin can be seen.

These complaints disappear on their own in a short time. Special bra and corset will be worn for 3 weeks.

Post-operative pain sensation is mild. Chest like coughing or sneezing during the first days.

Pain may develop due to situations that force the cage. This problem will disappear with painkillers recommended by your doctor.

After the breast reduction surgery, the person can return to work, school or social life 5-6 days later. It is recommended to rest at home beforehand.”


Written on 30/12/2022

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Last Update: 20/09/2023

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