Breast Reduction
A lighter, balanced and more comfortable everyday life.
Op. Dr. Alperen Tekin · FEBOPRAS · TPRECD Member
- Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
- TPRECD Member
- FEBOPRAS — European Board
- Personalised Planning
- Natural Results
Breast Reduction: Comfort and Shape Together
Breast reduction is consistently among the highest-satisfaction operations in plastic surgery. The reason is that it addresses several everyday problems at once: back, neck and shoulder pain, grooving from bra straps, skin irritation beneath the breast, and restricted physical activity.
The operation removes breast tissue and excess skin while repositioning the nipple higher — so the result is a change in shape as much as in size.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) removes a portion of the breast tissue and excess skin, reshaping what remains and moving the nipple to a higher position.
A common misconception is worth correcting: the operation is not only about making the breast smaller. Volume is reduced while the tissue is lifted and reshaped, which is why it shares its surgical logic with a breast lift — the difference is how much tissue is removed.
For most people the reason is not appearance alone but the load being carried. The tissue removed is sent for pathological examination as a matter of routine.
Which Symptoms Does It Address?
- Back, neck and shoulder pain: The constant forward load alters posture.
- Bra strap grooving: Indentations in the shoulders that can become permanent.
- Skin problems beneath the breast: Sweating, irritation and recurrent fungal infections in the fold.
- Postural change: A habit of leaning forward to balance the weight.
- Restricted activity: Difficulty with running and similar exercise, or giving it up altogether.
- Clothing: Upper body sizing out of proportion with the rest of the body.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
Suitability is assessed on the severity of symptoms, breast structure, skin quality and general health:
- Physical symptoms related to breast size
- Breast development complete
- Weight stable for a period
- General health suitable for surgery
- Realistic expectations, including an understanding that the procedure leaves scars
Where pregnancy is planned in the near future, timing is discussed — pregnancy and breastfeeding will change breast tissue again. Smoking directly affects wound healing and stopping before surgery is expected.
A breast health assessment and age-appropriate imaging are a routine part of planning.
How Is the Technique Chosen?
There is no single best technique. Three measurements decide: how much tissue is to be removed, how far the nipple must be raised and how much excess skin there is.
The general principle: as the reduction and the degree of sagging increase, a wider incision pattern is needed to remove the excess skin. There is therefore a direct relationship between scar length and the shape that can be achieved.
- Vertical (lollipop) pattern: Around the areola and vertically down to the fold. Suits moderate reduction with good skin elasticity. No horizontal scar beneath the breast.
- Anchor (inverted-T) pattern: Adds a horizontal scar in the fold. The most widely used approach where reduction is significant and sagging advanced; it gives the greatest control of shape.
- Liposuction-only reduction: In selected cases where the breast is largely fatty, elasticity is good and there is little sagging. It does not raise the nipple or remove skin, so the suitable group is narrow.
Which applies to you is determined by measurement at examination, taken standing upright.
How Is the Operation Performed?
The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia.
- Marking: Done standing upright, since breast tissue shifts when lying down. The new nipple position and the tissue to be removed are drawn.
- Tissue removal: The planned breast tissue and excess skin are removed.
- Reshaping: The remaining tissue is gathered and the nipple moved upward on its own blood and nerve supply — the connection is preserved rather than detached.
- Closure and symmetry check: Both sides are compared and closed in layers.
Where the areola has stretched, its diameter can be reduced in the same session. You will usually stay one night.
Recovery After Surgery
Relief from back and shoulder symptoms is often felt within the first days. The settling of shape takes longer.
- First days: Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected; a supportive bra is worn continuously.
- First weeks: Gradual return to daily activity. Raising the arms above head height and lifting are restricted for a period.
- Following months: Swelling resolves, the tissue settles and the shape becomes definite.
- Scars: Red and raised at first; maturation takes months.
Return to sport and strenuous activity is decided at follow-up according to how you are healing.
Risks and Side Effects
- Bleeding, infection and anaesthetic risks, as with any operation
- Symmetry: Small differences in shape and size can remain; complete symmetry is aimed for but cannot be guaranteed
- Delayed wound healing: Markedly more common in smokers, particularly where the incisions meet
- Nipple sensation: Temporary or, less often, permanent change
- Change over time: Significant weight change, pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the result
- Any established health condition is brought under control before surgery
Breastfeeding and Nipple Sensation
These two headings are the most asked about and the least discussed at the decision stage. The honest answer is that both can be affected.
Breastfeeding: In most techniques used, the connection between the nipple and the tissue beneath it is preserved, and where that connection is maintained the possibility of breastfeeding continues. No guarantee can be given. In people planning pregnancy in the near future, timing is assessed together at examination — pregnancy and breastfeeding will change the breast tissue again.
Nipple sensation: In the early period sensation may be reduced or heightened. In most people it returns substantially over the following months; in a small proportion a permanent change remains. The larger the volume reduced, the higher this possibility.
Discussing this openly before the decision prevents surprises afterwards.
Scars and How They Change Over Time
In breast reduction the scar is an unavoidable part of the procedure — as much excess skin has to be removed as tissue. What matters is not the presence of the scar but where it sits and how it matures.
The incision pattern varies with technique, and scars are planned to stay within a bra or swimsuit. Maturation generally follows this course: red and raised in the first months, then progressively paler and flatter.
What influences the final appearance:
- Skin type and individual wound-healing tendency
- Smoking — it directly impairs tissue healing
- Following the recommended support and aftercare
- Sun protection in the early months
- Weight stability
Assessment in the early period is misleading; maturation takes months.
Pricing Factors
The cost varies from person to person and quoting a standard figure would not be accurate. The determining factors are:
- The technique used and the extent of the procedure
- The amount of tissue planned for removal
- The degree of sagging and whether an additional lift is required
- Type of anaesthesia and length of hospital stay
- The scope of the support garment, follow-up and aftercare
In line with health regulations, pricing information is not published on this page. An individual assessment is made at consultation.
Your Treatment Journey
From your first message to full recovery, we are with you.
First Contact
Message us on WhatsApp — we listen and answer your questions the same day.
Consultation & Planning
A personalised plan based on your expectations and examination findings.
Surgery
Your personalised procedure is performed comfortably under appropriate anaesthesia.
Recovery & Follow-up
We stay with you through regular check-ups at every step of recovery.
Op. Dr. Alperen Tekin
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. The goal: planning the most suitable result for your anatomy and expectations while preserving your natural look. Every option is discussed openly at your consultation, with a road map tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Suitability is assessed together, based on your expectations, general health and examination findings.
After the first contact, a consultation and personalised planning follow; after surgery we monitor you with regular check-ups.
Recovery varies from person to person and with the scope of the procedure; a personal road map is clarified at your consultation.
Pricing is personalised according to the scope of the procedure; exact information is shared after consultation. Feel free to message us on WhatsApp with your first questions.
Ready to take a step for yourself?
Let us answer your questions on WhatsApp — take the first step toward your personal assessment.
or call: +90 532 309 31 01
