What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a more proportional size. It alleviates physical symptoms like back pain, neck pain, and shoulder grooving while improving body contour.
Medically termed macromastia (excessively large breasts), the physical effects extend beyond aesthetics: chronic neck and back pain, postural changes, skin irritation, fungal infections, persistent bra-strap shoulder grooving, and limitations on physical activity. Breast reduction is among the most satisfying plastic surgery procedures with documented high patient satisfaction rates.
Who is a candidate?
Candidates include patients with breast-related neck/shoulder/back pain, bra-strap grooving, inframammary skin irritation/infections, exercise/activity limitations, body-disproportionate breast size, and psychological/social discomfort.
For patients with international insurance coverage, breast reduction may qualify for partial reimbursement based on documented symptoms and minimum tissue resection requirements (varies by country and insurer). For private aesthetic reduction, reimbursement does not apply. International patients should review their insurance policy in advance.
How is the surgery performed?
Performed under general anesthesia. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed; the nipple-areola complex is repositioned; the breast is reshaped. Incision pattern depends on size and degree of ptosis. Surgery typically takes 2-3 hours.
Most commonly used incisions: lollipop (vertical) for moderate reductions and anchor (inverted-T) for large resections with significant ptosis. In modern technique, the nipple-areola complex is supplied by a pedicled flap; blood supply and sensation are preserved. The choice of pedicle (superior, inferior, medial, or lateral) is determined during surgical planning.
Preoperative preparation
Smoking must be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery. Smoking severely impairs blood supply to the areola and breast tissue, raising necrosis risk. Even passive smoke should be minimized.
Blood-thinning medications are stopped 10 days before surgery. Standard preoperative tests are performed. Breast ultrasound is performed in all reduction candidates; mammography is added over age 40 — important for evaluation of existing breast tissue and screening for masses.
The surgery
Reduction mammoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited hospital. Surgery time is 2-4 hours, occasionally up to 5 hours for very large resections. Hospital stay is typically 1 night, occasionally 2.
Surgical bra and drains are placed postoperatively. Drains are removed in 1-3 days. Removed breast tissue is routinely sent for pathological examination — important for detecting incidental pathological findings (rare but clinically significant).
Recovery timeline
First week: Surgical bra worn continuously. Showering possible from day 2. No heavy lifting. Office workers return at 7-10 days.
Weeks 2-4: Surgical bra worn 24/7. Swelling subsides, light walking begins.
Weeks 4-6: Sports bra with gradual activity. Light cardio can begin. Vigorous exercise from week 6-8.
Months 3-6: Scar maturation begins. Scars become pale white lines over 12 months.
Risks and complications
Reduction mammoplasty is a safe procedure with high patient satisfaction. Potential risks:
Early-period: Hematoma, infection, seroma, wound healing problems, T-junction (the meeting point of the anchor incision) skin issues. Smokers and diabetics have significantly elevated risk.
Areolar necrosis: As in mastopexy, insufficient blood supply to the areola is a rare but serious complication. Risk is higher in very large resections; in such cases, free nipple grafting may be planned.
Sensory changes: Temporary nipple sensitivity reduction is common. Most return to normal within months to a year. Permanent reduction occurs in 5-10%.
Aesthetic risks: Asymmetry, scar quality, fullness distribution irregularities.
Breastfeeding: Postoperative breastfeeding ability depends on technique and resection volume. Pedicled flap techniques can preserve ducts but no guarantee can be given.
Scar management
Reduction scars fade over time but optimal results require active scar care during the first 6-12 months. Silicone gel or silicone tape after wound closure is recommended for 6 months. Sun protection during the first 6 months is particularly important.
Breast reduction in Istanbul — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal's practice
Dr. Erdal's private clinic is located in central Istanbul, in the Nisantasi district. Address: Teşvikiye Cad. No:9/12, Istanbul. The clinic is easily accessible from major Istanbul hotels and from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
Breast reduction is a quality-of-life surgery directly impacting daily comfort. International patients seeking experienced surgeons and accredited facilities choose Istanbul for the combination of board-certified plastic surgeons, modern accredited hospitals with full pathology infrastructure, competitive pricing, and structured medical tourism support.
Dr. Erdal's Istanbul practice provides international patients with seamless coordination: video consultation prior to travel, airport-hotel transfer, English-speaking medical team, accommodation at partner hotels, and full postoperative follow-up. Hospital partners include accredited facilities with full pathology services. Patients typically stay in Istanbul for 7-10 days following reduction surgery. WhatsApp consultations are available at +90 544 850 72 32 for international inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coverage depends on your country and insurance policy. Medical documentation can be provided for insurance claims.
A surgical bra is worn initially. Daily activities resume in 2-3 weeks, exercise at 6 weeks.
Blood tests, chest X-ray, and mammography (for patients 40+). Smoking and blood thinners must be stopped before surgery.
Usually same-day or one overnight stay. You return home the following day.
Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia) is a different condition treated with different techniques, though the goal of reduction is similar.
Breast measurements, sagging degree, body proportions, and patient preferences are all evaluated to determine the ideal size.
A surgical bra for the first 4-6 weeks, then supportive sports bras. Regular bras including underwire are typically permitted after 3 months.
Significant weight gain can increase breast size, but a return to pre-surgery size is unlikely. Maintaining stable weight preserves results.
This varies by country and policy. Medical documentation of physical symptoms can support insurance claims.
Scars are initially pink-red and progressively fade over 6-12 months. They become inconspicuous with proper scar care and sun protection.
Book a Consultation
For more information about Breast Reduction and to schedule a consultation, please get in touch.
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