Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) in Istanbul

Plan on 2–3 weeks off work. Pain usually lasts a few days, drains come out after 1–2 days, and stretching, lifting and strenuous exercise wait until about week 6. Swelling and tenderness can last around 3 months, and Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker expects the shape to settle at about 6 months.

The scars run around the areola, down to the breast fold and, with the anchor pattern, along the fold. They are red for the first 6 weeks, still new at 6 months, and by a year usually much closer to your skin tone, often hidden by underwear or a bikini. They are permanent but fade.

Possibly, but the chance is lower. In a meta-analysis, the breastfeeding success rate after reduction was 62%. The odds are better when the column of tissue beneath the nipple is kept attached, and very low after nipple grafting. If breastfeeding matters to you, say so before the technique is chosen.

They can change. Weight gain, pregnancy and hormones can enlarge the breasts again. In teenagers, whose breasts may still be developing, a review of studies reported regrowth in 18%, and 2.7% had a second reduction. Keeping a stable weight helps the result last.

Not for the first weeks. Dr. İlker asks patients to wear a special bra for about 2 months, and some surgeons advise a sports bra day and night for up to 3 months. The bra supports the new shape while the tissues heal, so ask before leaving it off at night.

When you can wear a seatbelt comfortably, which can take a few weeks after a reduction. Until then, travel as a passenger. Check with Dr. İlker before you start driving again, and remember that flying also has to wait at least 5–7 days after surgery.

Stretching, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise wait until about week 6, and Dr. İlker advises avoiding heavy sport for the first 2 months, starting again with walks. Swimming waits until the wounds have fully healed and you are cleared; NHS advice for surgery abroad is to avoid swimming during recovery.

Yes. NHS guidance describes it as a major operation: it is done under general anaesthesia, takes 2–3 hours and usually involves 1–2 nights in hospital. That is why the preparation, the recovery plan and the timing of your flight home matter as much as the operation itself.

There is pain for a few days, which is controlled with medicines. The breasts then stay swollen and tender for up to about 3 months. Pain that suddenly gets worse, a burning feeling or unusual swelling on one side should be reported to the clinic straight away.

Sensation can change, temporarily or permanently, but it often improves over time. The technique plays a part: in one large analysis, the superomedial pedicle was linked with more reduced nipple sensation than the inferior pedicle. With nipple grafting for very large breasts, the nipple has no sensation.

Most women report a clear reduction in back, neck and shoulder pain after surgery, but no surgeon can promise it for you. Results vary from person to person, and your examination looks at how your symptoms relate to the size of your breasts before surgery is recommended.

NHS guidance is to wait 5–7 days after breast surgery before flying, because surgery and flying both raise the risk of blood clots. Plan your stay in Istanbul around this, have your wounds checked before you leave and agree who will see you once you are home.

It depends on your symptoms and your plans. The breasts can enlarge again in pregnancy, which may change the result, and breastfeeding may not be possible after a reduction. If you plan children soon, discuss the timing at your consultation; there is no single right answer.