The size of breasts is determined mostly by genetics, hormonal factors, age, or body weight.
In some cases, these factors can result in disproportionately large breasts causing discomfort and self-consciousness.
By removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, breast reduction surgery is meant to help patients achieve more proportionate breasts and reduce its overall size.
Both men and women can undergo this procedure.
What Is A Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty is a plastic surgery that reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess tissue, fat, and/or skin.
For women, this surgery can be more than cosmetic since it can improve their quality of life by relieving different aches and pains. It can also improve their self-esteem and body image.
Men with excess fat and/or tissue can also benefit from this gynecomastia surgery by gaining flatter chests.
Depending on the patient’s desired outcome, anatomy, and the amount of excess skin and tissue, surgeons can use different methods to achieve the desired result.
How Much Does A Breast Reduction Cost In Turkey
In Turkey, breast reduction surgery costs around £3,000.
This includes the costs of consultations, private transfers, hotels, surgery, anaesthesia, medication, and aftercare.
Moreover, patients are assisted through the entire process by their dedicated Patient Coordinators, which are included in the breast reduction prices in Turkey.
To get a better idea of how much is a breast reduction in Turkey is compared to other countries around the world, here’s a comparison table:
| Cost Comparison By Country | Cost of Breast Reduction |
| Breast Reduction Cost In Turkey | £3,000 |
| Breast Reduction Cost In The UK | £7,000 |
| Breast Reduction Cost In Ireland | €7,500 |
| Breast Reduction Cost In The US | $8,000 |
| Breast Reduction Cost In Australia | A$10,000 |
| Breast Reduction Cost In New Zealand | NZ$15,000 |
| Breast Reduction Cost In Canada | C$9,000 |
| Breast Reduction Cost In South Africa | R92,000 ($4,000/£3,200) |
| Breast Reduction Cost In Thailand | ฿1,53,000 ($4,500/£3,600) |
The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s 2021 survey shows that more than 25,000 breast reduction surgeries were performed in Turkey.
Both affordability and high quality of patient care have made Turkey a medical tourism hotspot.
Breast reduction price is low because of the relatively low cost of living in Turkey and the currency exchange rates. Moreover, the increased competition in the health tourism industry has also affected breast reduction cost in Turkey.
Benefits Of Breast Reduction Surgery
Since breast reduction is a functional and cosmetic procedure, it can have the following benefits:
- Reduction or elimination of back, neck and shoulder pain
- Reduced discomfort
- Relief from neck muscle spasms
- Improved posture
- Minimised skin irritation and rashes
- Improvement in headaches and migraines
- Potential reduction in bra indentations
- Improved ability to lead an active life
It should be noted that you can have a bilateral breast reduction, which means surgery on both breasts, or a unilateral reduction mammoplasty depending on your needs.
Relief from the physical symptoms of having large, sagging breasts can also have a positive impact on your emotional well-being.
Breast reduction can allow you to feel more comfortable in your skin.
Am I Suitable For Breast Reduction?
What To Think About Before You Have Breast Reduction
Choosing the right surgeon for your breast reduction in Turkey is one of the most important decisions you will make on your plastic surgery journey.
Reading breast reduction reviews online and listening to other patients’ stories can be helpful.
However, you shouldn’t simply rely on them. You should also ask for the surgeons’ profiles and learn more about their qualifications and experience.
To find the right surgeon, you should ask:
- How many patients they’ve operated on for breast reductions?
- How many of them have experienced complications?
- What their patient satisfaction rates are?
- What breast reduction method would they recommend for you, and why?
In addition, you should find out if they are registered with the Turkish Medical Association and/or have memberships with international organizations like the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). It’s also a good idea to check the breast reduction before and after photos of other patients in their portfolio.
Lastly, the surgeon performing your breast reduction surgery should have liability insurance. You should not simply consider the cost of breast reduction surgery when making your final decision. It’s important that your surgeon is qualified and experienced.
Why Should I Choose Turkey For Breast Reduction Surgery?
You can consider getting a breast reduction in Turkey for two main reasons: affordability and quality care by experienced surgeons. In Turkey, a breast reduction costs half as much as it does in the UK, so if you’re looking for a lower breast reduction cost, you can consider medical tourism.
Another reason why Turkey is so popular is that you can find many experienced, specialist surgeons here. Owing to the large influx of patients from different countries, they also have a more diverse patient portfolio.
Additionally, surgeons are required to be registered with the Turkish Medical Association and operate in facilities that are regulated by the Ministry of Health. They are also required to have liability insurance by law. Provided you find a good surgeon, you can get excellent results through a breast reduction in Turkey.
Pre-operative Do’s and Dont’s for Breast Reduction Surgery
How Is A Breast Reduction Done?
Depending on the patient’s gender, needs and expectations, plastic surgeons can use different techniques to perform a reduction of the breast.
Liposuction, the vertical and anchor methods are the most commonly used among plastic surgeons.
You will be provided with full overnight care for the hours following your plastic surgery.
It will take around 2-3 hours and is done under general anaesthesia.
Breast Reduction Techniques
1. Liposuction For Breast Reduction
When mainly fat tissue is to be removed, liposuction is done for breast reduction. It’s commonly done in gynecomastia surgeries.
However, women who’ve lost significant weight or have given birth may also need it. Liposuction on its own is less invasive than making incisions for removing tissue and tightening underlying muscles.
But it’s only possible if the patient requires a slight size reduction and has minimal sagging.
2. Vertical Breast Reduction
The vertical breast reduction procedure involves creating lollipop-shaped incisions on the breast from which breast tissue can be removed.
One incision is made around the areola, while the other runs down vertically from this incision.
By removing the tissue and fat, the surgeon can create a smaller breast while also providing a breast lift. While there will be breast reduction surgery scarring, it will be hidden in the breast crease.
3. Anchor Breast Reduction
The anchor method is similar to that of the vertical incisions but features a third incision along the crease of the breast.
In particular, this method is used for patients seeking a dramatic reduction in size or for those who have noticeable sagging or asymmetry.
As with vertical incisions, there will be breast reduction scarring, but in both cases, they should fade with time.
Recovery Process After Breast Reduction Surgery
It’s typically recommended that you take 2-3 weeks off for breast reduction recovery. However, some people return to work just one week after depending on their nature of work.
You need to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous physical activities for 4-6 weeks. But you’re encouraged to take short walks a few days after to improve blood circulation.
It’s common to experience pain for 1-2 weeks. Meanwhile, it’s important to avoid straining, bending, and lifting since these activities can cause more pain with bleeding and/or swelling during recovery from breast reduction.
Wear your provided support bra or sports bra for a few weeks. You will have stitches, but they should dissolve in about 4 weeks. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully during the breast reduction surgery recovery.
The results of breasts’ reduction are noticeable immediately, but you can see the final results only after 6 months.
Side Effects And Complications Associated With Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery can cause temporary side effects, such as
- Bruising
- Soreness
- Redness,
- Swelling,
- Tightness
- Reduced sensitivity
These side effects should diminish a few days after the surgery. However, breast reduction surgery scars can take 12-18 months to fade.
Additionally, this surgery also carries certain risks, such as:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Skin discolouration
- Damage to deeper structures
- Fluid build-up
- Loss of skin/tissue where incisions meet
- Loss of nipple and areola tissue or sensation in them
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cardiac or pulmonary complications
- Necrosis
Your plastic surgeon will try to reduce or eliminate risks where possible. So, make sure to choose an experienced professional.
And contact Longevita’s Aftercare team if you experience any complications during recovery.
Other Procedures To Have With Breast Reduction Surgery
Liposuction, tummy tuck, and rhinoplasty are the common procedures that are performed with breast reduction.
Facial surgeries like eyebrow lifts, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, or lip lift can also be done together with breast reduction in Istanbul.
Multiple surgeries at the same time are safe as long as you’re healthy, but there’s a limit. Contact us if you want to combine breast reduction surgery with other plastic surgeries.
FAQ
Can I have a breast enlargement and uplift after reduction?
Yes, it is possible for you to get implants and uplift surgery after breast reduction to change the shape of your breasts.
How long do I have to stay in Turkey for breast reduction?
You’ll have to stay in Turkey for around 7 days for your breast reduction. During this time you’ll have appointments for consultation, surgery, and check-up. You can fly back home afterwards.
Is the surgery clinic registered with a health care authority?
The hospital where you’ll undergo breast reduction surgery is registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and has Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.
How long do breast reduction results last?
Normally, breast reduction surgery results last forever. However, gaining significant weight or getting pregnant can change the breast’s size and shape.
Can breasts grow back after breast reduction?
Rarely breasts can grow back after a reduction. This regrowth can occur due to weight changes, hormonal imbalance, medications, and having surgery at a young age.
How painful is a breast reduction?
Breast reduction is done under general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. However, after the surgery, you can feel pain for a couple of weeks. Your surgeon will prescribe you painkillers for its management.
How big do your breasts need to be to get a reduction?
A breast reduction does not require you to have a particular breast size. If your breast size is causing you physical and mental problems, you can consider getting this surgery.
Can you put me in touch with anyone else who’s had breast reduction in Turkey with you?
Yes. We can share the contact details of our previous patients who’ve given their consent.
Can you breastfeed after a breast reduction?
While you might be able to breastfeed after breast reduction, this surgery can possibly affect the overall supply of the milk, depending on how it was performed. If your nerves and milk ducts were affected during the surgery, it can have consequences for your ability to breastfeed. It’s important that you discuss this possibility with your surgeon.
Is breast reduction surgery safe?
Done by an experienced surgeon, a breast reduction surgery is quite safe. But since no surgical procedure is without risk, you should discuss the potential risks and complications of breast reduction with your surgeon. It may include infection, changes in sensitivity, blood clotting, skin discolouration, etc.
Are breast reduction scars permanent?
Any surgical procedure in which incisions are made can leave scars. They might not completely go away, but they should normally heal and fade with time.
Can I sleep on my side after breast reduction?
Your surgeon may advise you to wait for a few weeks before sleeping on your sides as that might put pressure on the incisions. Usually, sleeping on the back with the support bra on is advised, but you must talk to your surgeon about this first.
Can I sleep without a bra after breast reduction?
Patients are usually advised to wear a support bra for a few weeks post-operatively as it is meant to help with the breast reduction healing process. If you’re considering otherwise, ask your surgeon if it’s okay to do so.
Do breasts drop after breast reduction?
Even following a breast reduction, your breasts can drop in instances where your breasts grow in size, either due to pregnancy or weight gain. The quality of your skin will also naturally change due to ageing, and gravity will also pull your breasts downward. However, these changes might not be as dramatic as they would be without the surgery.
Do I have to lose weight before breast reduction?
It’s better if you’re at your ideal weight before the surgery since weight loss after the surgery might leave you with sagging skin, which will affect the overall outcome. However, understandably, some women also find it difficult to lose weight because of discomforts caused by their breasts. You should seek the advice of a medical professional to determine your suitability for this procedure.
What's the minimum size for breast reduction?
There is no standard size at which you are eligible for breast reductions. Although, if you’re trying to get the surgery on the NHS, they might have specific requirements on what your BMI should be, how much your breast size will be reduced, how your breasts have affected you, etc.
Reviewed and Approved by Prof Fuat Yuksel
