BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
It is the process of shrinking and putting the breasts, which are extremely large and saggy, into shape. Excessive growth and sagging may occur in the breasts due to excessive weight gain, genetic and hormonal reasons, advancing age, certain medications and tumors. It is possible in breast reduction surgery to obtain a smaller, lighter and aesthetic breast by removing excess breast tissue, adipose tissue and skin.
REASONS TO DO
Aesthetically unpleasant appearance (size, sagging, enlargement of the nipple area, presence of the nipple at a level lower than the under-breast fold)
Difficulties in the use of underwear and clothes.
POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED BEFORE THE SURGERY
Pre-surgical breast examination must be performed. In cases where there is a danger or in people over 40 years old, the breast should be evaluated by mammography and/or breast ultrasonography and a decision should be made for the surgery.
SURGERY AGE
Although breast reduction surgery can be performed from the age of 17-18 when the breast tissue completes its development, it can also be performed at an earlier age in some special cases.
SURGERY METHODS
There are many methods defined for breast reduction surgeries. Also there are cases when each method has its own advantage or not. An appropriate method is selected according to the age, examination findings and wishes of the patient. For example, in a young patient who wants to breastfeed in the future, methods in which milk ducts are protected are preferred. With these methods, the probability of breastfeeding the patient’s baby in the future is the same as that of people who have not had surgery. Regardless of the method chosen for surgery, it is basically aimed:
Removal of excess breast and skin tissue from the body;
Moving the sagging nipple to the height it should be;
The reshaping of breast tissue
For all these reasons, in almost all methods, the combination of a scar around the nipple and other horizontal and vertical scars to remove excess skin to be removed will be the result of surgery. Patient will be told which of these are suitable for patient as a result of the examination.
ANESTHESIA METHOD AND DURATION
Breast reduction surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and the surgery takes an average of 3 hours. A thin tube (drain) is placed on the sides of both breasts to remove blood and fluids that may occur in the first few days. The patient is discharged the day after the surgery. Patients can return to their daily activities and work process after a few days wearing a recommended bra.
POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED AFTER SURGERY
Very little fluid or crusting that leaks from your surgical site is usual.
You should avoid lifting or pushing something heavy for 3-4 weeks.
You should limit your exercises for several weeks.
You should use the bra regularly which is recommended by your doctor.
It will take up to 6-8 weeks for your wound areas to soften and your tissues to strengthen. During this period, you should avoid any intervention other than a slight contact with your breasts.
If you have an expectation about breastfeeding, you will not physically prevented from doing this as your surgery will be performed by protecting the milk ducts in this respect
Since your breast tissue also contains a certain amount of fat tissue, there will still be partial changes in your breast size due to weight gain and weight loss or hormonal changes.
However, this is a limited growth and your breasts do not return to their former size.
Since some breast tissue will be removed as a result of breast reduction surgery, your chances of having breast cancer will also decrease. However, since the possibility of cancer development in the left breast tissue continues, you should continue your follow-up in terms of cancer.
