Breast reduction is an operation to make heavy breasts smaller, lighter and better proportioned to the rest of the body. For many women the main reason is not appearance but comfort: relief from neck and back ache, bra straps cutting into the shoulders, skin irritation under the breasts and difficulty exercising. On this page Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Korkmaz, a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Antalya, explains how the operation works, what the risks are and how to plan your stay if you are travelling from the UK or elsewhere.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction (medically, reduction mammoplasty) removes part of the breast gland, fat and excess skin, then reshapes the remaining tissue and moves the nipple and areola to a higher position. Because the breast is also lifted, the procedure combines a reduction with a lift.
The aim is a breast that is smaller and firmer while the nipple keeps a blood supply through a “pedicle” – a bridge of tissue that stays attached. The areola is usually reduced in diameter at the same time so that it suits the new breast size.
Who is a suitable candidate for breast reduction?
You may be suitable if large breasts cause physical or emotional problems and you are in reasonably good general health. Suitability is always decided at a medical examination, not on the basis of photos alone.
Typical reasons people seek a reduction include:
- persistent neck, shoulder or upper back ache linked to breast weight
- grooves in the shoulders from bra straps
- rashes, sweating or skin infections in the fold under the breasts
- difficulty finding clothes or sports bras that fit
- breasts that are clearly different in size (asymmetry)
- feeling self-conscious or limited in sport and daily activities
Factors that need careful discussion include smoking, diabetes, a high body mass index, blood-clotting disorders, a personal or family history of breast cancer, and plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Breast reduction is generally performed once breast development is complete, which is usually after the age of 18.
Which breast reduction techniques are used?
The technique depends mainly on how much tissue needs to be removed, how far the nipple has to move and the quality of your skin. Three approaches are common:
| Technique | Scar pattern | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical (“lollipop”) | Around the areola and a vertical line down to the fold | Moderate reductions with good skin quality |
| Inverted-T (“anchor” or Wise pattern) | Around the areola, vertical line and a scar in the fold under the breast | Larger reductions and more skin excess |
| Nipple grafting technique | Anchor-type scars; the nipple is removed and replaced as a graft | Very large reductions where a pedicle would be unsafe |
In selected cases with mainly fatty breasts, liposuction alone may reduce volume with smaller scars, but it does not lift the breast or remove skin. Your surgeon will explain which option is realistic for you and why.
How is the operation carried out?
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 2–4 hours. The new position of the nipple and the skin incisions are marked while you are standing, before the operation.
During surgery, excess gland, fat and skin are removed, the remaining tissue is shaped into a higher, more compact breast and the nipple–areola complex is repositioned. The incisions are closed in layers, often with dissolving stitches. Drains are sometimes used for a short time. Removed tissue can be sent for pathology examination.
Most patients stay in hospital for one night and are seen again the following day before discharge.
What are the risks and possible complications?
Like every operation, breast reduction carries risks, and you should weigh them carefully. Most problems are minor and manageable, but some can need further treatment or another operation.
Possible complications include:
- bleeding or haematoma – a collection of blood that may need to be drained
- infection – usually treated with antibiotics
- wound-healing problems – particularly where the vertical and horizontal scars meet; more likely in smokers and people with diabetes
- changes in nipple or skin sensation – reduced, increased or, rarely, lost sensation, which may be temporary or long-lasting
- reduced blood supply to the nipple or areola – rare, but it can lead to partial or complete tissue loss
- fat necrosis – firm lumps of damaged fatty tissue that may need investigation
- visible or thickened scars, including hypertrophic or keloid scars
- asymmetry in size, shape or nipple position
- difficulty or inability to breastfeed in the future
- seroma (fluid collection), blood clots in the legs or lungs, and risks related to anaesthesia
- the possibility of a revision operation if healing or the result is not as expected
The individual risk profile depends on your health, the size of the reduction and your lifestyle, so it is discussed in detail at your consultation.
What should I do before breast reduction surgery?
Good preparation makes a real difference to healing. You will receive written instructions, but the main points are:
- Stop smoking and nicotine products (including vapes and patches) ideally at least 4–6 weeks before surgery and do not restart during healing. Nicotine narrows small blood vessels and raises the risk of wound breakdown.
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements. Blood thinners, aspirin, some painkillers and supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E and herbal products may need to be paused under medical guidance.
- Share your medical history, including any personal or family history of breast cancer, previous breast surgery and recent screening results.
- Aim for a stable weight before surgery rather than planning a large weight loss afterwards.
- Postpone surgery if you develop a cold, fever or other infection.
- Bring two or three soft, non-wired supportive bras in a larger size than you expect, and front-fastening tops.
How long is recovery after breast reduction?
Most people feel ready for light daily activities within about a week and return to desk work after 2–3 weeks. Full recovery, including the settling of swelling and the maturing of scars, takes many months.
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Tightness, swelling and discomfort controlled with prescribed painkillers; short walks encouraged |
| Week 1 | Wound check and dressing change; most people manage light self-care |
| Weeks 2–3 | Dissolving stitches start to disappear; return to office work is often possible |
| Weeks 4–6 | Avoid lifting, pushing and pulling with the arms; gradual return to sport after review |
| Months 3–6 | Breasts soften and settle; scars are often still pink |
| Months 6–12 | Final shape develops and scars usually fade gradually |
A supportive post-operative or sports bra is usually worn day and night for around 4–6 weeks. Mild stinging, burning or shooting sensations are common while nerves recover. Your own timeline may be shorter or longer than these typical ranges.
How long should I stay in Antalya and when can I fly home?
For breast reduction we usually recommend planning 7–10 days in Antalya. This allows a wound check before you travel and time to deal with any early problem such as bleeding or infection, which tend to appear in the first days.
Before flying, the wound should be healing well and you should be able to walk comfortably. On the flight, wear loose clothing and your support bra, drink water, walk in the aisle when you can and follow any advice on compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots. If you have additional risk factors, longer travel or more complex surgery, the recommended stay may be longer.
What aftercare do I need once I am back in the UK?
Your recovery continues at home, so plan support for the first weeks. Before you leave, you will receive written aftercare instructions and a summary of your operation. We remain reachable by WhatsApp or phone to answer questions and review photos of your wounds.
It is sensible to let your GP know that you have had surgery abroad and to arrange a local practice nurse for dressing checks if needed. Seek urgent local medical help for signs such as rapidly increasing swelling on one side, fever, spreading redness, shortness of breath or calf pain.
How long do the results last?
The reduction in breast volume is long-lasting, but the breasts continue to age. Weight changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal changes and gravity can all affect size and shape over the years. Keeping a stable weight helps the result last.
How do I get started?
The first step is an assessment of your health and your goals. You can send us your questions and, if you wish, photos for a preliminary discussion; the final decision about whether surgery is suitable for you is made only after a face-to-face medical examination in Antalya. Please use our contact page or call or message us on WhatsApp, Monday to Saturday, 08:30–18:00.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to choose my new cup size?
You can tell us the size you would like, and this guides the plan. However, cup sizes vary between brands and countries, so surgeons plan by proportion, tissue volume and your frame rather than by a letter. At the examination we discuss a realistic range that keeps the breast healthy, well supplied with blood and in balance with your shoulders and hips.
Do I need a mammogram before breast reduction?
It depends on your age, personal history and family history. Many surgeons ask for breast imaging such as an ultrasound or mammogram for patients over a certain age or with risk factors. If you have had recent screening in the UK, bring the report with you. Any removed tissue can be sent for pathology examination where indicated.
Can breast reduction be combined with other operations?
Sometimes. Breast reduction is occasionally combined with liposuction of the side chest or with another body procedure. Combining operations lengthens anaesthesia time and can increase the risk of complications such as blood clots, so it is only considered if your general health allows it. The decision is made individually at the medical examination.
What happens if I gain weight after a breast reduction?
Breast tissue still contains fat after surgery, so significant weight gain can make the breasts larger again, and weight changes or pregnancy can alter their shape over time. Reaching a stable weight before surgery and keeping it afterwards helps the result last longer. Ageing and gravity will still change the breasts gradually.
Is it normal for one breast to look different during healing?
Yes, in the first weeks it is common for one side to be more swollen, firmer or higher than the other. Swelling settles at different speeds and the breasts gradually soften and drop into position over several months. Small differences can remain, because no two breasts are ever identical. Persistent or sudden one-sided swelling should be reported at once.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery · Medical Director, AYT Clinic
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and expected results are assessed individually during an examination.