Reviewed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya — a qualified physician and specialist plastic surgeon (ISAPS, TPRECD). Surgery is carried out at Acıbadem, an accredited private hospital in Istanbul. General information, not medical advice.
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue and skin to create a lighter, firmer and better-proportioned shape — and, for many, to relieve the back, neck and shoulder pain that large breasts can cause. It is one of the most satisfying procedures in plastic surgery, both aesthetically and physically.
What is breast reduction?
A reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, reshapes the remaining breast and repositions the nipple to a natural height. The result is smaller, lifted, more comfortable breasts in proportion with your body. Because it also lifts, it combines the benefits of a reduction and a mastopexy.
Why women choose it — and the scar patterns
Breast reduction removes excess tissue and skin, then lifts and reshapes, to relieve symptoms and improve proportion. It is as much functional as aesthetic.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Functional relief | Eases neck, back and shoulder pain, bra-strap grooving, skin irritation and exercise limits from very large breasts. |
| Vertical (“lollipop”) | A shorter-scar pattern for moderate reductions. |
| Inverted-T (“anchor”) | For larger reductions with more skin to remove. |
| Includes a lift | A reduction reshapes and lifts at the same time, so the result sits higher and firmer. |
Are you a good candidate?
- Large breasts causing back, neck or shoulder pain, grooving from bra straps, or skin irritation.
- Difficulty exercising or finding clothes that fit.
- A stable weight, good general health and realistic expectations.
Because it often relieves genuine physical symptoms, breast reduction is as much about comfort and health as appearance.
Wondering if you are a candidate?
Send photos and a short note about what bothers you. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and gives you a realistic surgical opinion.
How it is performed
Under general anaesthesia, excess tissue and skin are removed, the breast is reshaped and lifted, and the nipple repositioned. The scar pattern depends on the amount removed and is planned to be as discreet as possible.
Recovery
Soreness and swelling settle over one to two weeks with a support bra. Most people return to desk work in about two weeks and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Relief from the weight is often noticed early; the final shape refines over months.
Risks and safety, honestly
Breast reduction is well-established and, for many women, life-changing — but honesty about risk matters. It leaves permanent scars that fade over time, can reduce the ability to breastfeed and alter nipple sensation, and carries the usual surgical risks of bleeding, infection and slow healing, a little higher in smokers. At Clinic Elia the procedure is performed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya at Acıbadem, with a frank conversation about the trade-offs and your priorities.
Results
Results are long-lasting. Significant future weight change or pregnancy can affect the breasts, but the reduction in size and the relief it brings are durable.
Cost in Turkey
A breast reduction in Turkey costs well below UK, EU and North American prices, within an all-inclusive package. Your quote follows an assessment.
Your surgeon
Procedures at Clinic Elia are led by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya, a specialist in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Your suitability and plan are confirmed after an honest assessment.
Get a surgeon’s honest opinion
Send photos from the front and in profile on WhatsApp. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and you get a realistic opinion and one clear, all-inclusive quote — with no pressure and no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Will breast reduction relieve my back and neck pain?
For many people it significantly relieves the pain, grooving and irritation caused by heavy breasts — one of the main reasons it is done.
Does it also lift the breasts?
Yes — a reduction reshapes and lifts as it reduces, so the breasts are smaller and higher.
Where are the scars?
The pattern depends on the amount removed; scars are placed as discreetly as possible and fade over time.
Can I breastfeed afterwards?
It may be possible depending on the technique, but reduction can affect breastfeeding. Discuss this with your surgeon if it matters to you.
How much smaller will I be?
That is planned with you, balancing your goals with a natural, proportionate shape.
Is it painful?
Discomfort is usually moderate and well controlled; many people feel relief from the weight early on.
How long do I stay in Turkey?
Usually around 7 days, confirmed in your plan.
Is it done for medical reasons?
Often, yes — very large breasts cause neck, back and shoulder pain and skin problems, and reduction relieves them as well as improving proportion.
Can I breastfeed after a reduction?
It may be possible but reduction can affect it more than a lift; tell your surgeon if future breastfeeding matters to you.
What scars will I have?
Usually a lollipop or anchor pattern depending on how much is removed; they fade over the first year.
Will they stay smaller?
Yes, with stable weight; significant weight gain or pregnancy can change the result.
Does it include a lift?
Yes — reshaping and lifting are part of the same operation, so the breasts sit higher and firmer.
Are the before-and-after photos real?
We show only genuine, consented results. Learn what to check in our honest before & after guide.
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Considering breast reduction?
Message us on WhatsApp for a free, honest assessment. See also breast lift and plastic surgery in Turkey.