Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty)

A breast reduction procedure (also known as mammoplasty) is aimed at reducing the overall size, weight and volume of your breasts, and can profoundly improve your self esteem. After breast reduction surgery, you’ll be able to exercise more freely, without having to worry about the extensive support garments you may currently need. You’ll also be able to dress in the fashionable outfits you’ve always wanted, and the pain and discomfort you may have suffered from for years would disappear as a result of smaller, lighter breasts.

Before Surgery
Consultation between surgeon and patient is important to ensure that there is understanding and agreement with the expected final results of the procedure. Measurements and photographs may be taken. Your Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emre Gönen,MD may also recommend a mammogram to ensure that there is no cancer. Before the operation, you need to discuss a range of medical issues with your surgeon including:

• Physical health – an examination will help your surgeon to decide if the treatment is appropriate.
• Medical history – some pre-existing medical conditions and surgery you’ve had in the past may influence decisions about this operation, including the type of anaesthetic that is used. You need to tell your surgeon if you have a family history of breast cancer.
• Risks and possible complications – it's important that you understand the risks and complications so that you can weigh up whether breast reduction is right for you.
• Medications – tell your surgeon about any medications that you take on a regular basis or have recently taken, including over-the-counter preparations like fish oils and vitamin supplements.
• Past reactions to drugs – tell your surgeon if you have ever had a bad reaction or a side effect from any drugs including anaesthesia.
• Preparation for surgery – your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on what you should do at home to prepare for surgery. For example, you may be advised to take a particular drug or alter the dose of an existing medication. Follow all instructions carefully.

Surgery
Breast reduction is most often performed in a hospital, under general anesthetic. However, studies have suggested that an outpatient procedure, using local anesthetic and mild sedation, may be appropriate for some persons. The operation requires approximately two and a half to four hours. The most commonly made incision encircles the areola and extends downward and around the underside of the breast. This produces the least conspicuous scar. Excess tissue, fat, and skin are removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned. In certain cases, liposuction (fat suctioning) is used to remove extra fat from the armpit area. A hospital stay of up to three days may be needed for recovery.

After Surgery
After the surgery, an elastic bandage or special supportive bra is placed over gauze bandages and drainage tubes. The bandages and tubes are removed in two or three days. The bra is worn around the clock for several weeks. Stitches are removed one or two weeks after the operation. Normal activities, including sexual relations, may be restricted for several weeks. Scars will typically remain red and perhaps raised for up to several months but will gradually fade and become less noticeable.