Breast reduction surgery is an important step that many women take towards improving their quality of life and boosting their self-confidence. As well as relieving physical discomfort, this procedure also has a positive effect on body image and personal self-confidence, and when performed by a professional, experienced aesthetic surgeon it promises life-changing results. By helping you achieve your ideal body proportions, it helps you lead a healthier, more comfortable and more self-confident life.
Medical Definition of the Surgery
Breast reduction surgery, technically known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to relieve the physical and psychological discomfort of women with large breasts. The size of the breasts is usually reduced and their shape corrected by removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin.
General Course of the Surgery
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 2–5 hours. Following a pre-determined plan, the surgeon removes the excess tissue and skin, repositions the nipple and shapes the breast by suturing the skin beneath it.
Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques
The surgical technique generally depends on the surgeon's preference, the patient's current breast size and the desired results.
Traditional (Anchor) Technique: This technique is generally preferred for large-volume breast reductions. The scar consists of a circle around the nipple, a vertical line running downwards and a horizontal line along the fold beneath the breast.
Vertical (Lollipop) Technique: With this technique, the scar consists of a circle around the nipple and a vertical line running downwards. Suitable for moderate breast reductions, this technique minimises the horizontal scar.
Periareolar (Benelli) Technique: This technique aims to reduce breast size by removing excess skin around the nipple. The scar lies only around the areola. This method is generally preferred for mild breast reductions.
The most commonly used breast reduction technique generally depends on the patient's needs and the surgeon's preferences. However, the traditional (anchor) technique and the vertical (lollipop) technique are generally among the most widely used techniques.
Each technique is recommended and performed by the doctor depending on the patient's condition, body structure and expected results. Before any procedure, it is important to discuss your situation, expectations and concerns with your doctor in detail.
Who Needs Breast Reduction Surgery?
Those with Physical Discomfort
For some women, having large breasts can lead to serious physical discomfort. This can include back and neck pain, skin irritation, poor posture and difficulty exercising.
Those with Psychological Distress
In some women, large breasts can cause psychological problems such as a lack of self-confidence, body image issues and even depression. These conditions can be a valid reason for breast reduction surgery.
Breast Reduction for Aesthetic Purposes
Some women choose to have breast reduction surgery for aesthetic reasons, in order to have smaller and better-shaped breasts.
Health Benefits of the Surgery
Physical Benefits
After breast reduction surgery, back and neck pain usually decreases or disappears completely. In addition, it becomes easier to maintain good posture and exercising becomes more comfortable.
Psychological Benefits
The psychological benefits of breast reduction surgery are also important. After surgery, patients generally have a higher level of self-confidence and a better body image.
Long-Term Health Benefits
In the long term, the positive health effects of breast reduction surgery generally continue. For example, the reduced weight may have a positive effect on the person's overall physical health.
Aesthetic Effects of the Surgery
Change in Breast Shape
As a result of breast reduction surgery, the breasts become smaller and better shaped. In addition, symmetry usually improves and the nipples are repositioned higher.
Rebalancing Body Proportions
Breast reduction can also help to balance overall body proportions. When the size of the breasts is reduced, other parts of the body can become more defined, creating an overall balance.
Permanence of the Aesthetic Results
The results of the surgery are generally permanent, but factors such as age, weight changes and pregnancy can affect the shape and size of the breasts.
Before and After Breast Reduction Surgery: Processes and Expectations
Preoperative Preparation
Before surgery, patients usually undergo a general health check and are informed about the details of the operation. The surgeon takes a series of measurements to determine the final shape and size of the breasts.
The Surgery and What to Expect
The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia and takes a few hours. The surgeon removes the excess tissue and skin, repositions the nipple and corrects the shape of the breast.
The Postoperative Period and What to Expect
After surgery, patients are usually protected with bandages and a special bra for a while. Recovery varies from person to person, but normal activities can usually be resumed within a few weeks.
Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery: What You Need to Know
General Surgical Risks
Breast reduction surgery carries the typical risks of general surgical procedures. These include infection, bleeding, anaesthetic complications and the risk of scarring.
Risks Specific to Breast Reduction Surgery
Risks specific to breast reduction surgery include reduced or lost breast sensation, a reduced ability to breastfeed and the risk of the breasts being uneven.
Strategies for Reducing Risks
To reduce the risks, the patient should generally stop smoking, maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery and attend regular check-ups with the doctor.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
Care in the First Days After Surgery
The first days after surgery are generally devoted to rest and recovery. The patient should take the prescribed medication to control pain and swelling.
Progress of the Recovery Process
The recovery process usually takes a few weeks. During this time, the patient can slowly return to normal activities but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
Long-Term Care and Check-Ups
Long-term care generally includes regular check-ups with the doctor and breast self-examination. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery: Real Patient Stories and Experiences
Patient Story 1: A Patient Who Had Surgery Because of Physical Discomfort
One patient had breast reduction surgery because of long-standing back and neck pain. After the surgery, her pain decreased considerably and her overall quality of life improved.
Patient Story 2: A Patient Who Had Surgery for Aesthetic Reasons
Another patient had surgery for aesthetic reasons, in order to have smaller and shapelier breasts. After the surgery, her breasts had the size and shape she wanted, and her self-confidence increased.
Patient Story 3: A Patient Who Had Surgery Because of Both Physical and Psychological Discomfort
Another patient had breast reduction surgery because of both physical discomfort and body image issues. The surgery brought a significant improvement in both her physical and psychological symptoms.
Breast reduction surgery is a complex procedure that can improve each patient's life in different ways. It is always best to talk to a healthcare professional in order to understand all the relevant information and fully understand the expected results, the risks and the process.
Breast Reduction Surgery in Istanbul with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ
Breast reduction surgery can reduce women's physical and psychological discomfort. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ, whose office is on Bağdat Avenue in Istanbul, is a doctor specialising in this field. With her extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Karadağ offers her patients a safe and effective surgical process. Anyone considering the surgery can have a preliminary consultation at Dr. Karadağ's office and obtain detailed information about the operation.
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Breast Reduction on Bağdat Avenue: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ (in Turkish), a plastic surgeon with an office on Bağdat Avenue, performs breast reduction surgery. Patients can discuss the most suitable surgical methods and the expected results with Dr. Karadağ. Dr. Karadağ uses the latest techniques and procedures to ensure her patients' satisfaction and safety. She offers a treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs and goals.
Breast Reduction at Acıbadem and Medipol: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ performs breast reduction surgery in Istanbul at Altunizade Acıbadem Hospital and Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital. Both hospitals have modern facilities and experienced healthcare staff. The operations Dr. Karadağ performs at these hospitals are tailored to the patients' health status, the complexity of the operation and their personal preferences. Both hospitals ensure that patients go through a comfortable and safe surgical process.
You can also read these articles on breast reduction surgery (in Turkish) in the newspaper Hürriyet.
Breast Reduction Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does breast reduction surgery take?
Breast reduction surgery usually takes between 2 and 4 hours, although this can vary depending on the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the procedure and your individual circumstances.
Will I have pain after breast reduction surgery?
Some pain is to be expected after any surgical procedure. However, this pain can usually be controlled with prescribed painkillers. The pain generally eases within a few days.
Are the results of breast reduction surgery permanent?
The results of breast reduction surgery are generally permanent. However, factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy and ageing can affect the shape and size of the breasts.
When can I return to normal activities after surgery?
Patients can generally return to normal activities within a few weeks of surgery. However, this period may vary depending on the person's general health and the complexity of the operation.
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery can affect the milk ducts and breast tissue, which may make breastfeeding more difficult. However, this does not happen in every patient. Depending on the surgical technique and the patient's individual circumstances, some women are able to breastfeed after surgery.
Does breast reduction surgery leave scars?
Breast reduction surgery leaves surgical scars on the breasts. However, the scars can usually be hidden easily under a bra or bikini, and they become less noticeable over time.
Does insurance cover breast reduction surgery?
Insurance cover depends on your insurance plan and your health condition. If breast reduction surgery is medically necessary because of back pain or other medical problems, insurance may cover the procedure. Breast reduction for cosmetic purposes is generally not covered by insurance.
Is there a loss of sensation after breast reduction surgery?
Temporary or permanent loss of sensation may occur after breast reduction surgery. However, this is usually temporary and resolves within a few months. Permanent loss of sensation is less common.
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