Breast Reduction Surgery

As a result of breast reduction surgery, the breast loses volume and gets lifted. The plastic surgeon makes a decision about the surgical intervention, based on the breast tissue to be removed, the degree of breast ptosis and other factors. Before planning the breast reduction surgery, the place in which the nipple must normally be located is marked. This place should be located 19-21 cm from the sternal notch to the nipple and the distance from the midclavicular line, depending on the patient’s height. Then the part that will form the breast is marked by using a breast cup, which is actually a projection of cone. The skin and breast tissue remaining out of the marked area will be removed. In the surgery, excess skin and breast tissue will be removed from the appropriate locations. Breast reduction surgery can also be performed in conjunction with the breast lift procedure. In other words, the nipples are positioned at the required higher level. When doing so, various methods are used for feeding the nipple and areola, and protecting their sensory nerve connections. The scar around the areola is not noticeable after the surgery, since it is located in a color-change area. After surgery, a scar in the shape of an inverted T, L or I may remain under the breast, depending on the technique used. All the measures required for minimizing the scar are taken. However, it is not possible to predict the extent of the scar because of the fact that everybody has different wound healing and tissue factors and skin color. Special methods and very thin sutures are used with intent to minimize the scar as far as possible.

According to the plan of the internal bra technique, the nipple and the area under it are saved (central pedicle) while the surrounding breast tissues are reduced. In this procedure, the nipple and the protected tissues under it are intended to be kept in a structure called the internal bra made of the patient’s own tissue, in such a way as to ensure the breast to look lifted without sagging for years. Since also the nipple as well as the vessels, nerves, and milk ducts under it are protected, there is a considerable advantage for the patient. The surgery takes about 2.5 hours. If necessary, drain can be placed in the both breasts. Since the final sutures are hidden (intradermic), there is no need to remove them. Suture areas are covered with sterile-strip bands, and a special corset bra is put on the patient before taking her out of the operating room.

The day after the breast reduction, control is established by dressing the surgical site. Staying in the hospital over-nigh is usually adequate. If drains have been used, they were kept in their place for one or two days, and then they are removed. After surgery, pain relieving and edema relieving drugs are used. As a result of breast reduction surgery, the breast loses volume and gets lifted. Complications that may occur after surgery include infection, bleeding and hematoma. Specific complications that may occur very rarely due to circulatory problems are necrosis of the adipose tissue and necrosis of nipple tissue. This is a very rare possibility. Since the surgical scars remain pink for the first few months, they are noticeable in that period. They turn into a color similar to the normal skin color and become less noticeable within six month to one year. Two weeks after surgery, patients may begin to exercise and keep doing it in company with regular controls.

They are surgeries with high satisfaction rates. Breast tissue does not grow again, but in the following years, age and possible excess weight gain and sagging may occur. The increase in self-confidence is reflected in their physical activities, and their complaints such as back and shoulder pain disappear.

After surgery, a scar in the shape of an inverted T, L or I may remain under the breast, depending on the technique used. All the measures required for minimizing the scar are taken. However, it is not possible to predict the extent of the scar because of the fact that everybody has different wound healing and tissue factors and skin color. Special methods and very thin sutures are used with intent to minimize the scar as far as possible. Since the surgical scars remain pink for the first few months, they are noticeable in that period. They turn into a color similar to the normal skin color and become less noticeable within six month to one year.

Breast-feeding may not be possible after breast reduction surgery. However, this is not a vital matter. Today many mothers cannot produce milk although they have not undergone mammoplasty; but in such cases, alternative ways are produced for feeding the baby. Besides these, in American publications based on the examination and follow up controls of a great number of patients, it is reported that anastomosis of the milk ducts could occur and lactation could be possible again 2 to 3 years after breast reduction surgeries.