What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce the volume of the breasts thereby reshaping and resizing them. Additionally, it elevates the nipple-areola complex.
The size of the breasts can be influenced by a number of factors, including weight gain, genetics, hormonal issues, autoimmune conditions and even the intake of certain medications. Sometimes, the cause might also be unknown. Nevertheless, large, pendulous breasts can cause physical issues and also make a person feel less comfortable in their own body.
In addition to females, males might also feel self-conscious about their bodies if they have disproportionately large breasts. Fortunately, both men and women can undergo breast reduction to achieve their desired breast volume.
Quick Facts
What is the downtime for breast reduction?
When do you see the full results of breast reduction?
It can take 6-12 months to see the final results of breast reduction.
What kind of anaesthesia is used for breast reduction?
General anaesthesia is used for this surgery — post-operative discomfort is normal and managed with prescribed pain relief.
How long do breast reduction results last?
Breast reduction gives long-lasting results as excess tissue and skin are excised from the body. Individual outcomes may vary over time.
Am I A Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction can significantly improve both the function and aesthetics of your breasts. However, in order to have this surgery safely and achieve the best possible results, you need to meet certain criteria. You can determine if breast reduction is right for you by taking the following factors into consideration.
Breast reduction can be done for the treatment of a number of conditions, including:
Macromastia: You have abnormally large breasts that are out of proportion with your body and are causing physical discomfort.
Gigantomastia: Your breasts have grown to have an extremely large size due to reasons unknown.
Gynecomastia: You are a male with overdeveloped breasts feeling uncomfortable about your condition.
Breast Asymmetry: One of your breasts is larger than the other, affecting the overall aesthetics of your chest.
Breast reduction might be right for you if the size of your breasts is affecting your mental and physical health.
Physical Discomforts: You are experiencing pain in your back, neck, and shoulders, as well as, under-breast soreness (intertrigo), bra strap grooves, and postural issues. Additionally, it is difficult for you to be physically active.
Emotional Discomforts: You are conscious about your body and feel uncomfortable in your own skin.
A breast reduction is performed on individuals who meet certain health and lifestyle criteria.
Diet and Exercise: Your breast size has not decreased despite dieting and working out.
Smoking: You should be willing to discontinue smoking 2 weeks before and after your surgery.
Weight Goals: You should be at your ideal weight before having the surgery; breast reduction is not a weight loss procedure. If you plan to lose a significant amount of weight after the procedure, you’ll likely be advised to delay it as you’ll; otherwise, you’ll end up with sagging skin.
We at Longevita are more than happy to help you determine whether or not breast reduction surgery is right for you. Our team of experts will guide you on every aspect of the surgery and provide you with a treatment plan personalised to your needs. To get started on your journey with us, don’t hesitate to book your no-obligation consultation with us.
What Are the Different Types of Breast Reduction?
You can undergo breast reduction surgery in a number of ways, depending on how much reduction you need:
Lollipop (Vertical) Breast Reduction
In a lollipop breast reduction, a circular incision is made around the nipple-areola complex, and a vertical incision extends from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. Thus, it forms a “lollipop” shape, which is why it’s so-called.
This type of breast reduction is best suited for those who have moderately sagging breasts as well as require a small or moderate reduction in breast size.
Anchor (Inverted T) Breast Reduction
An anchor breast reduction combines a lollipop incision with a horizontal incision along the crease of the breast.
While scarring can be a concern, this type of reduction allows for substantial reshaping and reduction of both breast tissue and excess skin, so it is more appropriate for patients with significant sagging and requiring a dramatic size reduction. It is the most commonly performed type of breast reduction.
Free Nipple Graft
In patients who have extremely large and pendulous breasts, there can be a risk of damage to the nipples during breast reduction surgery. Therefore, in this case, ythe independent clinician might perform a “free nipple graft” breast reduction — meaning the nipple is “freed” or removed from the body and then placed back after the completion of the surgery. This surgery is not commonly done but may be recommended depending on the unique case of the patient.
While this surgery can quite dramatically reduce the size of the breasts and relieve the physical discomforts associated with gigantic breasts, it can have certain disadvantages, such as loss of sensation in the nipples as well as the inability to breastfeed afterwards.
Note that free nipple graft breast reduction is also done to reduce gynecomastia in male patients with significant breast size. However, the suitability for this technique can only be determined by the surgeon.
Liposuction
Liposuction can also be done to reduce the size of the breasts if it’s mostly fat that’s contributing to their large size and the patient doesn’t have a breast droopiness problem.
While this option has the advantage of being less invasive and causing less scarring, it’s important to note that not everyone is suitable for it.
Keep in mind that this method is typically used for breast reduction in males, but it only removes fat, not glandular tissue.
How is Breast Reduction Performed?
After you arrive at the hospital and have had a thorough consultation with ythe independent clinician, you’ll be taken to the operating room, where you will be administered general anaesthesia; you will not be conscious during the procedure or experience any pain.
Afterwards, ythe independent clinician will remove excess breast tissue and skin. Additionally, your nipple areola complex will be reduced in size and repositioned. Note that tissue will be removed during a breast lift surgery as well, however, the main difference between the two procedures is in how much it will be removed. When more than 300 grams are removed from each breast, it is deemed a reduction mammoplasty.
The surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. However, since breast reduction is inpatient, you’ll have to stay in the hospital overnight and will be discharged the following day.
Patient Journey
Patient Journey
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Would You Need a Second Breast Reduction?
Breast regrowth is something that can occur even after a breast reduction, and its risk can be higher if, for instance, the patient has breast hypertrophy or had surgery at a very young age.
While it’s not common, it can happen, and you can have a second breast reduction in this case. It can be done safely, provided you choose a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon.
Scarring is an understandable concern with a second breast reduction. However, an experienced surgeon will try to use the scar left by the previous reduction so you don’t have as many aesthetic problems postoperatively.
How Long is Recovery for Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery can have a downtime of 1-2 weeks. While the size of your breasts will decrease significantly after the surgery, keep in mind, you can have postoperative swelling for 6-12 months. Therefore, your final results can only be seen after it has completely subsided.
Besides swelling, some other temporary side effects that you can experience during recovery include tenderness, bruising, redness, soreness, numbness, itchiness, and dryness. Your breasts can also look uneven, but it is also normal and expected. Additionally, you may have sporadic pains, especially during menstruation for several months postoperatively.
Some other things to keep in mind during recovery include:
Wear your surgical bra
You will be provided a surgical bra by the treating clinician to wear for several weeks after the surgery. It reduces swelling and aligns the breasts, allowing the tissue to conform to the desired contour.
Keep the surgical areas clean
Care for your surgical scars
Make sure that your surgical scars stay out of the sun for at least a year, as it can cause discolouration. The treating clinician may also recommend the application of gel to treat the scars. Keep in mind that it can take 12-18 months for the scars to fade.
Be aware of the stitches reacting with your skin
Dissolvable stitches around the nipples and incision lines can react with the normal. It is a normal part of the recovery process, but if it happens, make sure to inform the independent clinician.
* Aftercare instructions can vary between surgeons, so make sure to follow the advice of ythe independent clinician.
On the day of your check-up appointment, ythe independent clinician will explain the aftercare instructions to you, and you will also be provided with a digital copy of them. Other than that, Longevita’s Aftercare team will also regularly follow up on your recovery, and if you want to reach out at any given time, please email us at support@longevita.co.uk.
What Are the Potential Complications of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction, like every other surgical procedure, has its risks and benefits. As far as the potential complications go, some of them are as follows:
- Scarring
- Seroma
- Haematoma
- Wound dehiscence
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Loss of sensation in the nipples
- Tissue necrosis
Experienced surgeons always do their best to minimise the risk of complications after surgery.
With Longevita, rest assured that you will be in the safe and expert hands of board-certified plastic surgeons. Moreover, your surgery will be performed in a facility accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
Breast Reduction in Turkey Before-and-After Photos
Breast reduction surgery gives long-lasting results. However, please keep in mind they can vary from one patient to another, and your results can also be affected by factors such as weight and hormonal changes, ageing, and gravity.
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important. Even so, after you’ve had the surgery, your breasts won’t sag as much as they would have without the procedure.
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How Much Does a Breast Reduction in Turkey Cost?
If you’re considering a breast reduction for health reasons, you might be eligible for getting it on the NHS or private medical insurance, but you’ll have to meet certain criteria. Make sure to discuss this with your doctor or insurance provider.
If you’re getting the surgery privately, however, it can cost around £7,000 in the UK, while a breast reduction in Turkey arranged through Longevita costs from £2,700.
Frequently asked questions
What is the downtime for breast reduction?
You might have to take 1-2 weeks off from work after breast reduction surgery.
When do you see the full results of breast reduction?
It can take 6-12 months to see the final results of breast reduction.
What kind of anaesthesia is used for breast reduction?
General anaesthesia is used for this surgery — post-operative discomfort is normal and managed with prescribed pain relief.
How long do breast reduction results last?
Breast reduction gives long-lasting results as excess tissue and skin are excised from the body. Individual outcomes may vary over time.
Is breast reduction safe?
When performed by an experienced, qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon, breast reduction surgery can be carried out to a high standard.
As with all surgery, there are risks of complications. Your clinician will discuss these with you during your consultation and provide guidance to support your recovery.
What is the difference between breast reduction and breast uplift?
While there can be similarities in the way a breast reduction and uplift is done, the fundamental difference between the two is in the amount of tissue removed. In a breast lift, the focus is mainly on lifting the breasts and resizing them a bit. However, in reduction, the primary aim of the surgery is to reduce the volume of the breasts.
Can you breastfeed after breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery can potentially interfere with breastfeeding. In procedures where a lot of breast tissue is removed from the area beneath the nipple and areola, this is more likely to occur. You might be advised to delay having this surgery until you’ve completed your family because pregnancy too can alter the results of your reduction procedure.
