Breast reduction surgery is a major and relatively long operation. It is important to ensure adequate shrinkage and symmetry in the breasts. Although the breast is brought to the desired dimensions in shape and size, depending on the technique, it leaves an inverted T or J-shaped scar around the nipple tissue and extending downwards perpendicular to its lower border or in the lower part of the breast. The size of the breast before surgery and the position of the nipple change the scar and the risks associated with surgery.

Since it is an operation performed under general anesthesia, there are risks related to anesthesia, although rare, independent of surgery. The patient’s smoking age and comorbidities increase these risks. Before surgery, smoking and alcohol use, drug use and known diseases should be shared with the doctor.

BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY

A minimum of 6 hours of hunger and thirst is required, as in any surgery performed under general anesthesia before the surgery. The operation can be performed after routine cananalysis and anesthesia examination and after taking precautions in patients at risk of blood clots.

The operation takes about 3 hours on average.  Generally, there will be an inverted T-shaped suture scar around the nipple and in the fold that extends vertically to the lower fold of the breast (depends on the technique.) It is necessary to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days after the operation. In my own surgeries, I mostly use the superior or superomedial pedicle vertical breast reduction technique, in which the nipple is fed from the upper part, and in cases where I need it, I shape the tissues around the breast tissue with the liposuction method. In some cases, when the breast is excessively large, the distance between the notch of the nipple and the collarbone is large, it happens when I use the free nipple technique, in which the nipple is completely removed and used as a patch in patients with additional health problems and circulation problems. As in every plastic surgery, using the most appropriate technique for the patient will provide the best result.  After the surgery, blood evacuation pipes, which we call drains, and a special bra will be attached from a place close to the armpit. Drains can be kept for 2-3 days depending on the situation.

Movement restrictions are required for up to 2 weeks. There will be positive changes in the shape of the breast between 2-6 months after the operation.

As in every surgical operation, there may be problems such as hematoma (blood collection), wound infection or opening in the suture lines within 24 hours after the operation, which can be corrected with later dressing.