What to know before breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgeries are performed not only for aesthetic concerns but also due to spinal issues, shoulder and back pain caused by the weight of the breasts. Experts stated, "The weight caused by the volumetric size of the breasts can lead to pain and posture problems, as well as complaints such as rashes or itching under the breasts." Here is what you need to know before having breast reduction surgery...

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What to know before breast reduction surgery

Recently, breast reduction surgeries have been sought due to aesthetic concerns, as well as spinal issues, shoulder and back pain arising from the weight of the breasts.

Anadolu Medical Center Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Haluk Duman said, “Breast reduction must be performed much more carefully in patients with serious heart disease or chronic lung problems, and should be postponed if possible. Every woman with a suitable health status between the ages of 17 and 65 can undergo breast reduction surgery.”

'ACHIEVING A NEAR-IDEAL BREAST'

Stating that "From a surgical perspective, the breast is treated as a whole during reduction, and the dimensions of the breast are calculated according to the patient's weight, body measurements, and chest circumference," Duman continued as follows:

"The geometric drawings made also serve as a guide for the tissues to be cut and removed in the next stage. Finally, the remaining parts are shaped to achieve a near-ideal breast."

'CAPTURING THE MOST SUITABLE FORM'

Prof. Dr. Haluk Duman, who stated that blood-thinning medications should be replaced with those specified by the doctor before breast reduction surgery, that detox teas like green tea should not be consumed due to their blood-thinning properties, that any painkillers being used should be stopped a few days before the surgery, and that patients should arrive for surgery on an empty stomach, said, “While a method based on pulling the lower tissues upward was used in surgeries performed in past years, today, 'flaps' closer to the midline are preferred to capture the form most suitable for the anatomy of the breast.”

'AVOID LIFTING HEAVY OBJECTS'

Stating that the surgery duration is on average 3-5 hours and the hospital stay is only 1-2 days, Prof. Dr. Haluk Duman advised, "You should not lie on your back for three months after the surgery. Especially in the first 15 days, tobacco products should not be used, and heavy lifting should be avoided. After 15 days, light walks can be taken. During the recovery process, patients can use sports bras that reduce possible edema and bleeding."

'HEALS FASTER IN LIGHT-SKINNED INDIVIDUALS'

Noting that although a scar remains that goes down from the nipple and forms a “T” under the breast after the surgery, patients generally do not see this as a problem, Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Haluk Duman said, “There are also special creams and certain silicone sheets available that significantly lighten these scars, which heal faster in light-skinned individuals.”

'DO NOT BREASTFEED FOR 8 MONTHS AFTER SURGERY'

Stating that it is not possible to separate and protect the milk glands during reduction surgery because they are physiologically distributed homogeneously within the fatty tissues, Duman said, "Since there is a decrease in the total volume of the breast after the surgery, it is normal for there to be a decrease in the amount of milk. For this reason, it is healthier to plan breast reduction surgery at least 8 months after breastfeeding has ended.”

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