Are special tests required before surgery?
Before any breast surgery, the breasts must be evaluated to identify any potential issues. Depending on age and family history, a breast ultrasound, mammogram, or both may be required.

How is breast reduction performed?
Each patient’s anatomy and needs are different, so the surgical approach may vary. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 2–3 hours.
In most cases, an incision is made around the areola, a second vertical incision extends from the areola down to the breast crease, and a third horizontal incision is made along the inframammary fold, forming an inverted “T” shape. Excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed, the nipple and areola are repositioned higher, and the skin is closed around the breast to create a smaller, firmer, and more youthful contour. In some cases, the horizontal incision may be short or even unnecessary.
In some cases, the horizontal incision may be short or even unnecessary. Liposuction may also be used as an adjunct in the armpit area to improve breast contour.
In rare cases involving extremely large breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be completely detached and grafted into their new position to ensure adequate blood supply. In such situations, nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed may be affected.
Τα ράμματα που χρησιμοποιούνται είναι συνήθως εσωτερικά και απορροφήσιμα, ενώ συνήθως τοποθετούνται και δύο λεπτές παροχετεύσεις για την πρόληψη δημιουργίας αιματώματος.

What should I expect after surgery?
The procedure lasts about 3 hours, and hospital stay is typically one day. The drains are removed the day after surgery, the dressing is changed, and you may return home.

Postoperatively, wearing a comfortable wire-free bra (such as a sports bra or nursing bra) is recommended for approximately one month. Pain is usually mild and managed with oral pain medication. Some swelling is normal and gradually subsides over 2–3 months as the breasts settle into their final shape. Scars initially appear red and slightly firm, then gradually soften, turn pink, and eventually fade to a lighter color, becoming minimally noticeable. This scar maturation process takes several months but may be accelerated with daily massage.
Sensation around the nipple may initially be reduced but usually returns within a few months.

What complications may occur?
The most common issues involve wound infection, despite preventive antibiotics being routinely administered. If infection occurs, healing may be slightly delayed, but the final result is usually not affected. In cases of very large breasts or in women who smoke, blood supply to the nipple and areola may be compromised. In such situations, complete detachment and repositioning of the nipple-areola complex may be necessary, which can affect sensation and breastfeeding ability. Rarely, minor bleeding may occur and require surgical treatment. Scarring is not considered a complication, as scars typically mature and become less noticeable over time.

When can I return to normal activities?
From the first or second day after surgery, you may move around freely, although household tasks should be avoided for 1–2 weeks. Return to light work is usually recommended after two weeks, while full return to normal activities is expected after 4–6 weeks.