Breast Reduction

Breast reduction operations are performed quite frequently in our country. The main complaints of the patients are pain at neck, shoulder and back, scarring of the bra fasteners, increased sweating

especially at summer, itching, rash, inability to find suitable clothes, difficulties in social life and aesthetic concerns. What should you do if you have such complaints, of course you should consult a plastic surgeon. In this article, I would like to inform you before applying and convey the points you will pay attention to.

Breast reduction operations are performed based on your wishes and the surgeon's experience. The methods are chosen according to your breast size are important. Three types of incisions are used in reduction procedures. The first of these is the reduction process, which is performed only by making an incision around the nipple. It can be used for breast lifting and shaping only in patients who want a limited reduction, do not have excess breast tissue, and whose nipple has been displaced downwards. In larger volume, both sagging and displaced breasts, procedures performed by adding an incision around the nipple and downwards (in the shape of a lollipop) or adding an additional incision in the lower groove of the breast (inverted T-shaped) are preferred. In this way, the breast tissue and nipple are brought to the position they should be.

After the incisions are made, a certain amount of breast tissue is preserved together with the nipple, and some is removed during shaping. The removed tissue is very valuable for detecting hidden breast cancers and should be sent to the pathology unit. In the study we conducted at the clinic where I work, this rate was found to be 0.7%. In other words, breast cancer can be detected in seven of every 1000 breast reduction patients.

There are basic questions to ask you when you apply to a plastic surgeon. Some of these questions are your weight, height, smoking, pregnancy and breastfeeding process, family history of breast cancer, chronic diseases, medications you use regularly.

Although it varies in clinical practice in patients with a body mass index >30, surgery is generally not preferred. Smoking will impair post-operative wound healing process and blood supply of the nipple. Therefore, the arising problem of wound healing  man be annoying. If you become pregnant after the operation, the results of the breast surgery will not be permanent; because with pregnancy, your tissue will grow again. In addition, lactation problems can be seen at a rate of 20%. Surgery should not be performed during breastfeeding or immediately after pregnancy. If possible, this process should be scheduled one year later. If there is breast cancer in the family, both imaging methods (USG or mammography) and BRCA 1 mutation can be examined if there is suspicion. If the risk is high, breast evacuation and reconstruction can be performed. Diabetes and vascular disease can impair wound healing.

The blood thinners and hormonal drugs you use can cause bleeding problems. Supportive products containing ginseng and some herbal teas consumed in large quantities can also cause bleeding problems.

Complications can be hematoma (blood collection), suture opening, local infection, seroma (seroma collection) in the late period, wound healing problems, breast asymmetry, inadequate reduction. These undesirable side effects can be treated easily.

A corset should be used for at least 1 month after the operation. After dressing for at least 2 weeks, creams that support wound healing and reduce scars can be started. Operations performed in the summer season may be a little more uncomfortable, as a corset should be used and water should not touch the wound for a certain period of time. Operation fees vary around 18-20 thousand TL.