Breast Reduction

You are not happy with the size of your breasts? Remember, if you are healthy and have realistic expectations, you can be a candidate for breast reduction. You are not alone! Worldwide, tens of thousands of people have breast reduction each year.

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the breasts to make them smaller, lighter, perkier and more in proportion with your body. This procedure can also ease the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts, such as neck, back and shoulder pain.*1 Breast reduction is typically performed in combination with a breast lift procedure.

Learn More

Problems & Solutions

Breast reduction procedure is shaped according to each patient’s needs. There are different approaches for different needs and wishes.

My breasts are not sagging. They are just a little larger than I like.

In that case, you can achieve the result you are looking for through a much less invasive procedure. If you...

My breasts are so heavy that I have serious back, neck, and shoulder pain.

Then, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction! Too large and heavy breasts may be an...

My breasts are moderately large, and I have some sagging.

If your breasts are large but not very large, you may be a candidate for Lollipop breast reduction. Lollipop...

My very large and heavily sagging breasts make me self-conscious.

In this case, Lollipop breast reduction approach is not sufficient. You will probably need an Anchor breast...

My breasts are not very large, but I’d like my breasts smaller.

It’s true that breast reduction means getting rid of neck, back, and shoulder pains for many women...

I feel like my breasts are too large and distinctly asymmetrical.

Breast asymmetry is normal. However, if the size or shape difference is high, it may be an...

Testimonials

Experience speaks for itself! Hear out what our patients have said:

I have had very heavy breasts since I was about 15 and back pain was like a nightmare since then. For years, I tried to get used to it but it gradually got worse. I felt it was harming me physically and psychologically. After having breast reduction, my back pain immediately reduced, I’m incredibly happy so far and very grateful for better life quality.
Alyssa Rushton Breast Reduction
I want to say thank you to the patient coordinator who was in touch with me, and also to the clinic of course. I’ve never seen such professional communication and coordination while working with other clinics in the past. Most doctors and clinics overlook this aspect, but I think it is one of the most important ones in cosmetic surgery business.
Christine Parker Breast Reduction

Why Clineca?

At Clineca, we take everything seriously. We understand how important the results are for you. We care about your health and comfort as much as you do. From beginning to end, we inform you, guide you, serve you, and help you.

Fully Set Hospitals


Surgeries are performed in prestigious fully equipped hospitals in which doctors from all specialties are present.

Free Consultation


You will have an online consultation with your surgeon via video chat. After an online examination, and will help you to choose what's the best.

Superior Quality


We cooperate with the surgeons who perform a limited number of surgeries each week to ensure the best results.

24/7 Assistance


You can contact our agents 7 days and 24 hours for your questions and concerns, or only support. We'll be fully available for your service.

5-Star Hotels


We provide you with special discounts in luxurious hotels in the vicinity of the hospital. Your comfort is very important to us.

VIP Transportation


We provide airport transfer and transportation between your hotel and the hospital before/after the surgery via VIP vehicles.

Wellbeing Support


As Clineca, we provide you with patient accompaniment, who will visit you every day in your hotel room during the resting period.

No Hidden Costs


The price includes fees of the surgeon, operating room, hospitalization, tests, medications and medical visits by a nurse.

All-Inclusive


The price includes hotel layover (including breakfast), and transportation between the airport, the hotel and the hospital.

Services & Products


Interpreter service, BBL pillow, neck pillow (rhinoplasty), eye mask, voltage converter and many others that will enhance your satisfaction.

Why Turkey?


Turkey is a leading player in medical tourism, and Istanbul, which is an extremely beautiful touristic city, is the plastic surgery capital of Turkey.

Step by Step Experience for International Patients

Clineca has a holistic approach. We believe that everything should be right for a satisfactory cosmetic surgery experience, including your days in Istanbul. We plan every detail of your journey.

1
Knowing Each Other

After you fill the form, one of our agents will contact you. They will inform you about the whole experience, in detail. If requested, they will arrange an online consultation for you.

2
Online Consultation

You'll have an online consultation with your surgeon via video chat. They will perform an online examination and help you to choose what the best approach to your case is.

3
Planning

We'll plan your whole journey including your surgery date and accommodation. We'll inform you about every need; from preparing your suitcase to advice before the procedure.

4
Landing

Our VIP transportation vehicle will be ready at the airport for you. We’ll drive you to the hospital and they'll get a blood and the C19 test. Then, we'll take you to your hotel.

5
Examination & Surgery

We’ll take you from your hotel to the hospital. After your examination, the same day you’ll have the surgery. You will stay at the hospital 1-2 day(s), depending on the procedure.

6
Resting & Recovering

After your stay at the hospital, we'll drive you to your hotel. A wellbeing assistant will visit you every day to inform you, to examine, and to provide medical care during the week.

7
Entertainment

We'll gladly and proudly show you around our beautiful city. We’ll be very happy to provide you with professional guidance in historical sightseeing, shopping and entertainment.

8
Follow-Up & Leaving

We’ll take you to 1-week follow-up. After your examination and removal of bandages if required, we’ll inform you about the recovery period. Then, we'll drive you to the airport.

9
Recovery Period

During your recovery, we'll inform you, check on you, and answer your questions 24 hours and 7 days. We'll expect you to send photos periodically to follow your recovery period.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Breast Reduction?

It is not hard to be eligible for a breast reduction. If you are reading this, you are probably a candidate!

You may be a good candidate if:

  • You suffer from medical problems (such as neck, back or shoulder pain, having rushes underneath the breasts, skin irritation, finger, or hand numbness) because of the size of your breasts
  • Your posture and your ability to exercise is being affected by the weight of your breasts
  • You can’t fit into clothes that you want to wear
  • You struggle with self-image issues and if you feel self-conscious about the size and shape of your breasts
  • You’re in overall good health

A breast reduction can be life changing because it will improve your life physically and emotionally. Notably, patients who have had a breast reduction are amongst the happiest plastic surgery patients because they have been relieved of their burden, and also have improved their appearance.

What are the Expected Outcomes of Breast Reduction?

The outcomes of breast reduction can be analyzed in three main categories: aesthetical, health-related, and psychological.

Aesthetical Outcomes

Breast reduction can address all kinds of aesthetical concerns related to the size of your breasts. Through breast reduction, the size, the shape, and the proportions of your breasts can be changed. You will look better, and enjoy fitting into your clothes. You’ll wear your bikini with more confidence, and you won’t be shy at the beach anymore!

Health-related Outcomes

The health-related outcome of the breast reduction is mostly related to pain. After a successful breast reduction surgery, you will be relieved of the pain in your shoulders, upper neck and back.*2 Your ability to participate in physical activities can increase.

Psychological Outcomes

The psychological outcomes are as important as the other ones. A person who is not happy with their breasts can experience serious psychological distress, which can negatively affect their self-confidence and social lives. After the procedure, you will have a more positive self-image. Your resized and better-proportioned breasts will boost your self-esteem.

How Is A Breast Reduction Done?

Breast reduction is a cosmetic procedure performed to change the appearance of the breasts and to relieve shoulder, neck, and back pains. It is customized according to needs and wishes of the patient.

Anesthesia

Like every other surgery, breast reduction also requires anesthesia. Depending on the case and the preference of the surgeon, breast reduction is done under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with sedation.

Surgery

The details of the surgery depend on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s approach. Our partner surgeons perform several breast reduction techniques. What’s suitable for you depends on your anatomical characteristics and your desired goals, which makes this surgery a customized procedure. After incisions are made, your excess fat, skin and tissue will be removed, and then your breasts will be reshaped to the desired smaller size.

Incisions

Incision options can vary according to the degree of reduction required. For example, a small reduction may only require a shortened lollipop incision. This technique is appropriate for healthy women who have resilient skin. On the other hand, patients who need significant amount of reduction get better results via the anchor-shaped incision. Your surgeon will customize the various details based on your anatomy and desired outcomes.

Risks and Complications*3*4

The overall complication rate is very low in breast reduction operations, with 1.58%.

  • Poor aesthetic outcomes
  • Asymmetry
  • Infection
  • Wound dehiscence
  • Hematoma
  • Bleeding
  • Embolism
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Sepsis
  • Respiratory system related issues

    Contributor factors to complications:

    Patient related factors:

  • BMI
  • Age
  • Preoperative breast volume
  • Smoking
  • Diabets
  • Medications

    Surgeon Related Factors:

  • Incision
  • Operational procedure
  • Post-operative care

What To Expect During A Breast Reduction Recovery?

The First Week

After your breast reduction surgery, your breasts will be covered with bandages or dressings to reduce swelling and to support the new shape of your breasts. Your surgeon may recommend a support bra to minimize swelling. Besides, a small tube can be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid. You will be seen in the next few days for the removal of the bandages and drain. You may experience some loss of sensation around the incisions, which is normal and should pass over time. Furthermore, you may feel tired following the surgery, but you will be able to return to daily activities within a few days.

Later

You may need to take 2-3 weeks off work, but the duration can vary from patient to patient. It is best to avoid tiresome activities for at least two weeks. You should refrain from strenuous exercises and stretching for up to 6 weeks post operation. Your surgeon will follow your recovery and will tell you when you are ready. Generally, it takes 6-8 weeks. Your surgeon will provide a customized recovery plan based on your needs and your level of healing. It is crucial to follow these post-op instructions.

Guidance & Support

A wellbeing assistant will visit you in your hotel room every day during the first week after the surgery. We will expect you to be in our clinic for your post-op examination 1 week after the surgery, before you leave Istanbul. We will still follow your recovery process while you are away. Clineca will provide you with complete support and inform you about everything you need to know during your recovery. We will be with you from your consultation to the very end of your recovery.

Quote from the Doctor

“We guarantee that your breast reduction procedure will be performed carefully by taking your desires, needs, and wishes into consideration with the help of advanced surgical techniques.”

What to Do Before the Breast Reduction?

During your online consultation, your surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history. It is of critical importance that you give your doctor every detail, from the conditions you might have to the operations you had in the past, to the medications and supplements you use, to minimize the risks the surgery could bring. They will also conduct a physical examination. Your surgeon will inform you about everything you need to know before the surgery. Clineca will provide you with complete guidance and support before your surgery. You will have a complete and detailed list of instructions.

Most important instructions include,

  • Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery.
  • Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) for 2 weeks before the procedure.
  • Avoid herbal remedies and supplements
  • Take only the medications approved by your surgeon.

What to Do After Breast Reduction Surgery?

What you need to do after the surgery will be explained to you in detail by your surgeon, and Clineca will provide you with all the support and guidance you need. Most important instructions include:

  • Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
  • Remember to show up in the next few days for the removal of bandages and dressings or drain.
  • Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications after the surgery until your surgeon approves using them.
  • Take pain medication and antibiotics prescribed for you by your surgeon.
  • Wear your elastic compression bra, if your surgeon recommended you to.
  • Limit the use of your arms; keep your elbows by your sides for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
  • Refrain from energetic activities for at least 2 weeks, although most of the patients are able to return to their daily activities within days.
  • Follow all post-operative instructions meticulously. Your surgeon will create the recovery plan and these instructions personalized for you based on your breast reduction procedure and healing rate.
  • If anything unusual happens, please contact us.
  • Love yourself and show the world how beautiful you are!

Quote from the Doctor

“The procedure of breast reduction is not a fixed one. There are different approaches designed for different cases. So, the ideal candidates for this surgery are a diverse group. For example, both the patients suffering from extremely large and sagging breasts, and the patients who only want a little smaller breasts can choose to have this surgery.”

FAQ

We know you have many questions. Having realistic expectations and deciding to have a cosmetic surgery requires information. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about breast reduction.

Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another form of it, the twilight sedation, is typically used in the surgery. Your surgeon will decide what’s the best option for you, and in either case, you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
You should refrain from strenuous exercises and stretching for up to 6 weeks after the surgery. Your surgeon will follow your recovery and will tell you when you are ready. Generally, it takes 6-8 weeks.
Most of the patients are able to breastfeed after the breast reduction procedure. Your surgeon may advise you to wait until you don’t want to have any more children because during pregnancy your hormone levels and consequently your breast size can change.
Most of the patients report relief from pain within a few days. You should be able to return to your normal level of daily activities within a week. You can return to your exercise routine after 6-8 weeks in accordance with the instructions given by your surgeon.
Most of the pain will fade in the first week after the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe you with pain medications which enables to keep the pain under control. Depending on the rate of your healing, most of the time, after 1 to 2 weeks, you won’t be feeling any pain at all.
If you don’t smoke, have realistic expectations, and are healthy, but have problems due to the size of your breasts, or you just want them to be smaller, then you are a good candidate for the breast reduction.
After the surgery, it would be better for you to wait at least two weeks before continuing to drive.
Breast reduction surgery can take 2 to 4 hours on average. Your surgeon will give you an estimate about the duration of your procedure.
Your surgeon will inform you about what you should wear after the procedure. According to your needs, they can recommend you a surgical bra to wear for 2 weeks, and they will also let you know when you can wear a traditional bra.
Men do get breast reduction surgery. It is called male breast revision surgery, which is also known as gynaecomastia. This procedure is performed by our contracted surgeons.
Breast reduction procedure has not been shown to cause breast cancer or to increase the risk of breast cancer. If you have personal questions about your breast cancer risk, consult with our partner surgeons.
All surgical procedures come with risks. However, if it is performed by an experienced and talented surgeon, the risk of having a serious problem is very small.
The total cost can vary according to the type of surgical technique and the procedure. You can contact us for detailed information.
You should keep your bandages and dressings dry and clean for at least 2 weeks after the operation. It is not recommended that you take normal showers for the first 2 weeks. Your surgeon will give you further instructions about your post-operation process.
You may need to take 2-3 weeks off work, but it can differ from patient to patient. If you have light work or if you work from home, you can return to work within days. Although, you should avoid hard work and exercises for up to 4-6 weeks.
Only the breast area is numbed. The patient stays conscious but becomes sleepy. When local anesthesia is used, the patient can go home shortly after the surgery.
If your breasts are fully developed and if you are healthy, breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age. But, if you are a teenager, you will need parental consent.
All methods require some sort of incision, which means scarring. However, there are techniques to keep scarring to a minimum and our partner surgeons can perform them very well.
At Clineca, we are using 3D Imaging System. This technology provides a preview of your new, ideally proportioned and shaped breasts before your breast reduction procedure begins.
There are several techniques, each suitable for a different type of patient. According to your needs and desired outcomes, the best option will be determined by your surgeon for your breast reduction procedure during your consultation.

Problems & Solutions

Breast reduction procedure is shaped according to each patient’s needs. There are different approaches for different needs and wishes. Below you can find solutions to different problems.

In that case, you can achieve the result you are looking for through a much less invasive procedure. If you want the volume of your breasts to be reduced just a little, this can be achieved with liposuction. But there are some requirements for this to be applicable. First, you should have little to no sagging, which you fulfill. Second, you should have good skin elasticity. And finally, the excess volume should be largely due to fatty tissue. If this is the case, the surgeon can reduce the size of your breasts by only removing some fat through liposuction. So, you will recover much faster and your scars will be smaller.
Then, you are probably an excellent candidate for breast reduction! Too large and heavy breasts may be an aesthetical concern, but they also cause health issues. If you have heavy breasts, you may experience back, neck, and shoulder pain, because you are constantly carrying and balancing this weight. Luckily, breast reduction is an amazing treatment for these problems. No wonder that the breast reduction is one of the cosmetic procedures that have the highest satisfaction rates. After losing all that extra weight, you will feel lighter as a whole!
If your breasts are large but not very large, you may be a candidate for the Lollipop breast reduction. Lollipop breast reduction is a type of breast reduction. In Lollipop breast reduction, two incisions are used (one incision less compared to the Anchor breast reduction). The first incision is made around the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipples). The second one is made such that it runs vertically from the bottom of the first incision to the crease underneath the breast. During the surgery, your surgeon will remove excess skin, fat, and breast tissue.
In this case, Lollipop breast reduction approach will not be sufficient. You will probably need the Anchor breast reduction. Anchor breast reduction is a type of breast reduction, in which three incisions are made (one more incision compared to the Lollipop breast reduction). The first incision is made around the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipples). The second one is made such that it runs vertically from the bottom of the first incision to the crease underneath the breast. And the last incision is made along the crease, below the breast. This approach allows for the maximum amount of tissue removal and the highest degree of reshaping. You may also consider having a breast lift procedure combined with your breast reduction procedure. These two procedures are often combined, and amazing results are achieved.
It’s true that breast reduction means getting rid of neck, back, and shoulder pains for many people. However, you don’t have to have pain issues to consider breast reduction. Breast reduction is also a cosmetic procedure. If you feel that your breasts are just too big for you, this is a sufficient reason. It’s your body, your decision! If you are healthy and have realistic expectations, then you are the one who knows what’s best for you!
Breast asymmetry is very normal. However, if the size or shape difference is too much, it may be an aesthetical concern for you. But don’t worry! During your breast reduction surgery, your breasts can be made much more symmetrical. They will look much better alone or as a team!
References

1. Hall-Findlay, E. J., & Shestak, K. C. (2015). Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 136(4), 531e–544e. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000001622

2. Hammond, D. C., & Loffredo, M. (2012). Breast reduction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 129(5), 829e–839e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e31824a2efc

3. Gupta, V., Yeslev, M., Winocour, J., Bamba, R., Rodriguez-Feo, C., Grotting, J. C., & Higdon, K. K. (2017). Aesthetic breast surgery and concomitant procedures: Incidence and risk factors for major complications in 73,608 cases. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 37(5), 515–527. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjw238

4. Mak, J. C. K., & Kwong, A. (2020). Complications in post-mastectomy immediate breast reconstruction: A ten-year analysis of outcomes. Clinical Breast Cancer, 20(5), 402–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clbc.2019.12.002