Breast reduction
Breast
Is your breast size too large? We use techniques with an internal bra to ensure longer-lasting results. In most cases, it is also possible to preserve the sensitivity of the areola. For more pronounced cases (from 500 g of tissue removal per side), the procedure is medically indicated and is therefore usually covered by health insurance.
Important information and facts about breast reduction
There are well over 100 different surgical methods that fundamentally differ in the incision pattern and the way tissue is removed. Most surgeons master 4–5 different techniques, which they use depending on the anatomical conditions of the breast. For patients seeking advice, it is usually difficult to influence the choice of surgical technique.
To help you better understand the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods, I would like to name the most important parameters that play a role in a breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty):
- Scar pattern
- Type of blood supply to the nipple and areola
- Shaping of the breast
- Durability of the surgical result / creation of an internal bra
- Preservation of nipple sensitivity and responsiveness
During your consultation, you should discuss with your surgeon which of these aspects are particularly important to you.
When using scar-saving techniques, the inner part of the inframammary fold remains untouched, allowing the wearing of low-cut clothing. Unfortunately, these methods can rarely be used for very large breasts. Furthermore, there are techniques that tend to preserve nipple sensitivity better than others but have the disadvantage of offering less control over the shaping of the breast.
Over the past 25 years, methods have been developed to improve the long-term durability of results, characterized by the creation of an internal bra. This technique transfers the weight of the breast from the skin to the internal bra, counteracting sagging over the years. I have also studied this topic in depth and modified a well-established method (the B-technique) to allow for the creation of an internal bra.
For most patients, the scar pattern is of great importance; however, I would like to point out that from an aesthetic perspective, an appealing breast shape is significantly more important than shorter scars.
What should be considered during planning?
- The procedure should ideally be performed only after family planning has been completed. A pregnancy after breast reduction is generally possible; however, it should be expected that the achieved breast shape may deteriorate again due to significant size changes during pregnancy.
- Weight fluctuations of more than 5 kg can also negatively affect the result; therefore, you should have a body weight at the time of surgery that you feel comfortable with and can maintain.
For those affected, a successful breast reduction represents an enormous improvement in quality of life. In addition to relieving back pain, pressure marks from bra straps, and significant posture problems, this procedure can often also eliminate the stigmatizing appearance and the associated feelings of self-consciousness.
Breast reduction summarized
Some important considerations on the topic of breast reduction.
Breast reduction – overview
Results
Before / After
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What our patients say
Dr. Turkof made my lips more beautiful and symmetrical.
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Faq
From what age to what age can a breast reduction be performed?
A breast reduction should ideally not be performed before the age of 18. Physical and breast growth should be complete. If family planning is not yet finished, a technique should be chosen that preserves nipple sensitivity and the ability to breastfeed as much as possible. There is no upper age limit, provided there are no medical or psychological concerns.
What breast reduction methods exist?
There are well over 100 different surgical methods that fundamentally differ in incision pattern and tissue removal technique. Please discuss with your surgeon the advantages and disadvantages of the methods they use.
How do the various breast reduction methods differ?
They differ in scar placement, tissue removal technique, type of blood supply to the nipple and areola, preservation of nipple sensitivity and responsiveness, breast shaping, and the long-term stability of the surgical result. Depending on which of these aspects is most important to the patient, different techniques can be selected.
What scar patterns are possible?
The scar pattern can resemble an inverted T (anchor shape), extend from the areola downward and outward, run vertically downward from the areola, or be limited to the areola itself. For shaping the breast, the anchor-shaped scar pattern is the most effective, as it allows the easiest and most aesthetic contouring. Scar-minimizing techniques can be used when less tissue needs to be removed or when the required nipple lift is not particularly long (< 10 cm).
Can the areola be reduced during breast reduction?
Yes, reducing the size of the areola can be done easily during breast reduction and is usually performed routinely at no additional cost.
Can breast reduction be performed under local anesthesia?
No, breast reduction is an extensive procedure and should be performed under general anesthesia.
Does breast reduction affect the ability to breastfeed?
Generally not, though in rare cases breastfeeding ability may be affected. Only when outdated methods (free nipple grafting) are used is the ability to breastfeed completely lost.
Does breast reduction affect nipple sensitivity?
Some techniques carry a lower risk of reducing nipple sensitivity than others, though they may have other disadvantages. If maintaining nipple sensitivity is particularly important, you should inform your surgeon.
What complications can occur?
The most common medical complication is postoperative bleeding, followed by infection and wound-healing problems (necrosis of the skin and/or areola). When performed correctly, these complications are rare. Result-related complications include asymmetry in size or shape, distorted areolas, and widened scars. Aesthetic complications can almost always be fully corrected; unfortunately, this is not always possible with severe medical complications such as necrosis.
How soon can one resume normal activities after breast reduction?
Generally, normal activity can be resumed after 10–14 days.
What are the long-term results after breast reduction?
If weight fluctuations and pregnancies are avoided, long-term results are generally very good. A reduced breast typically maintains its smaller size. The durability of the result, however, varies — how long the new shape lasts and when sagging may recur depends on the weight of the breast (gravity), the individual tissue quality (firm or loose connective tissue), and the surgical technique used.
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