Changing Size and Shape

Breast Reduction

Large, heavy breasts can cause neck, shoulder and back pain, skin irritation and difficulty with exercise and clothing. A reduction removes weight and volume, lifts the breasts and often brings immediate physical relief.

When breast reduction is considered

  • Persistent neck, shoulder or upper back pain
  • Deep grooves from bra straps
  • Rashes or infections beneath the breasts
  • Difficulty exercising, running or finding clothes that fit
  • Breasts that feel too large for your body
Breast reductionLarge, heavy breasts compared with smaller, lifted breasts in proportion with the body after reduction. EXCESS VOLUMESHOULDER STRAIN LIGHTER, LIFTED, IN PROPORTIONLarge, heavy breastsAfter reduction
  1. Excess volume
  2. Shoulder strain
  3. Lighter, lifted, in proportion
Figure 1Breast reduction removes weight and volume and lifts the breast into a balanced position.
An older woman resting in an armchair in a bright room
There is no deadline — reconstruction can be considered whenever you feel ready.

How breast reduction is performed

Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed and the remaining breast is reshaped and lifted. Depending on the size of the reduction, a vertical (lollipop) or inverted-T (anchor) pattern is used. The nipple and areola are moved upwards and the areola is usually reduced.

Breast lift and reduction incision patternsThree incision patterns: periareolar around the areola, vertical (lollipop) around the areola and down to the fold, and inverted-T (anchor) that also follows the breast fold. Periareolar Vertical (lollipop) Inverted-T (anchor)
Figure 2Vertical and inverted-T patterns are used for most breast reductions.

Nipple sensation and breastfeeding

In most reductions, the nipple remains attached to a pedicle of breast tissue that carries its blood supply and nerves. This preserves sensation in most patients and, in many, the possibility of breastfeeding later.

Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgeryThe tumour is removed with a margin and the remaining breast tissue is rearranged using reduction patterns to preserve shape, with symmetry surgery on the other side. TUMOUR WITH CLEAR MARGIN TISSUE REARRANGED (REDUCTION PATTERN) SYMMETRY ON THE OTHER SIDE
  1. Tumour with clear margin
  2. Tissue rearranged (reduction pattern)
  3. Symmetry on the other side
Figure 3The nipple is moved upwards on a pedicle of tissue that keeps its blood supply and sensation.

Reduction by liposuction

When the breasts are mostly fatty and the skin is elastic, liposuction alone can reduce volume with very small scars. It produces less lift than a surgical reduction and is suitable only in selected cases.

Fat grafting in breast reconstructionFat is harvested by gentle liposuction from the abdomen or thighs, purified and injected in small droplets in many layers to refine the breast. HARVEST BY LIPOSUCTION MICRO-DROPLETS IN MANY LAYERS PURIFIED FAT TRANSFERRED
  1. Harvest by liposuction
  2. Micro-droplets in many layers
  3. Purified fat transferred
Figure 4In selected fatty breasts, volume can be reduced by liposuction alone.

Recovery

Breast reduction takes about three hours and usually involves one night in hospital. A supportive bra is worn for six weeks. Most patients return to desk work after about two weeks and notice relief from pain almost immediately.

  1. 01Main benefitRelief of neck & back pain
  2. 02PatternsVertical · Anchor
  3. 03Hospital stay1 night
  4. 04Stay in IstanbulAbout 7–10 days
Figure 5Breast reduction at a glance.
A nurse checking on a patient recovering in hospital
Close monitoring and support while you recover in hospital.

Breast reduction in Istanbul, Turkey

For breast reduction, international patients usually stay seven to ten days. Bring a well-fitting sports bra; a surgical bra is provided after the operation.

The personal assessment processFive steps from sharing your medical history and photographs to a personal surgical plan, surgery in Istanbul and follow-up at home. 01 Your history
Reports, dates of surgery and radiotherapy
02 Photographs
Front and side views, sent privately
03 Surgeon review
Individual assessment of options
04 Your plan
Technique, stages and length of stay
05 Istanbul & follow-up
Surgery, recovery and remote checks
Figure 6Your symptoms, bra size and photographs are reviewed before a reduction is planned.

Frequently asked questions

How much does breast reduction cost in Turkey?

The cost depends on the amount of tissue removed, the technique and the hospital stay. A personal quote is prepared after your photographs and symptoms have been reviewed.

Will breast reduction leave scars?

Yes, around the areola and usually down to the breast fold. Scars are placed where they are covered by a bra or swimsuit and fade gradually over 12–18 months.

How much smaller will my breasts be?

The amount removed is planned according to your body proportions and wishes. Most women aim for a size that is in proportion with their frame and relieves their symptoms.

Can the breasts grow again after a reduction?

Significant weight gain, pregnancy or hormonal changes can increase breast volume again, but regrowth is uncommon at a stable weight.

Is breast reduction possible on one side only?

Yes. A one-sided reduction is often performed to correct asymmetry or to match a reconstructed breast.

Dr. Fatih Kılıç

Medically reviewed by Dr. Fatih Kılıç, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon. This page is for general information and does not replace an individual consultation.

Further reading — independent sources

Information & application

Considering breast reconstruction?

You do not need to decide on a surgical technique before contacting us. Share your treatment history and what you hope to achieve — your case will be assessed individually.

  • Individual review by Dr. Fatih Kılıç
  • Reply from our international patient team
  • Your details are kept confidential
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