- Overview
What is a Breast Reduction?
Large breasts are not simply an aesthetic concern. For many women they are a source of genuine, daily physical discomfort — chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, skin irritation beneath the breasts, difficulty exercising, problems finding clothing that fits and a persistent self-consciousness that affects how you move through the world. These are not minor inconveniences. They are quality of life issues that deserve a real, lasting solution.
Breast reduction, medically known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin — reducing the size and weight of the breasts and reshaping them into a more proportionate, lifted and natural form. The result is not just a smaller breast. It is a lighter, more comfortable, more proportionate and more confident version of yourself — one that most patients describe as life changing in a way that goes far beyond appearance.
At Dr. Orman’s clinic, every breast reduction is approached as an entirely individual procedure. The amount of tissue removed, the reshaping technique used and the final size and shape are all decided in close consultation with you — ensuring the result is proportionate to your body, harmonious with your figure and aligned with your personal vision of what feels right for you.
Physical Relief
Reducing the size and weight of the breasts delivers immediate and lasting relief from the chronic back, neck and shoulder pain that large breasts cause — one of the most profound and immediate benefits of this procedure.
Natural Proportion
Every breast reduction is designed to deliver a result that is proportionate to your body — creating a naturally balanced silhouette that complements your individual figure.
Improved Quality of Life
The ability to exercise comfortably, find clothing that fits and move through daily life without physical discomfort or self-consciousness is consistently reported as transformative by patients following breast reduction.
Reshaping and Lifting
Breast reduction does not simply reduce size — it reshapes and lifts the breasts simultaneously, delivering a more youthful, defined and aesthetically pleasing result.
Long Lasting Results
With a stable weight the results of a breast reduction are designed to be long lasting — delivering a permanently improved breast size, shape and comfort.
- Who Is Suitable
Is Breast Reduction right for you?
Breast reduction is one of the most consistently rewarding procedures in aesthetic surgery — for both physical and emotional reasons. Here is what Dr. Orman looks for when assessing suitability.
Good candidates are typically:
- Experiencing chronic back, neck or shoulder pain attributed to the size and weight of the breasts
- Dealing with skin irritation, rashes or infections beneath the breast fold
- Finding it difficult to exercise comfortably or find well-fitting clothing due to breast size
- Feeling self-conscious about the size of their breasts and its impact on their appearance and confidence
- In good general health with no unmanaged underlying medical conditions
- Non-smokers or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- At a stable weight and not planning significant weight loss after surgery
- Holding realistic expectations about outcomes, scarring and recovery
You may wish to wait if:
- You are planning further pregnancies as this can affect the results of your reduction
- You are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are planning significant further weight loss as this may affect breast size and the final result
- You smoke and are not willing to stop before and after surgery
- You have unmanaged health conditions that may affect anaesthesia or healing
- You are significantly above your target weight
- The Procedure
What happens during your breast reduction procedure?
Breast reduction is a carefully planned procedure that requires both surgical precision and an artistic understanding of breast anatomy and proportion. Here is a step by step overview of what to expect.
Consultation & Planning
Before surgery, Dr. Orman conducts a thorough consultation to assess your breast size, shape, tissue characteristics, skin quality and your goals. The amount of tissue to be removed, the reshaping technique and the final size and shape are all planned specifically around your body and your vision of the result — ensuring the outcome is proportionate, natural and completely aligned with what you want to achieve.
Anaesthesia
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia in an internationally accredited private hospital in Istanbul. You will be completely comfortable and unaware throughout the entire procedure.
Incisions
Incisions are carefully placed to allow access to the breast tissue while keeping scarring as discreet as possible. The most common pattern is an anchor or lollipop shaped incision — the choice depends on the amount of tissue to be removed and your specific anatomy. Incision placement is confirmed during your consultation.
Tissue and Skin Removal
Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are carefully removed — reducing the size and weight of the breasts while preserving the natural structure of the remaining tissue. Dr. Orman works meticulously to ensure both breasts are reduced symmetrically and proportionately.
Reshaping and Nipple Repositioning
The remaining breast tissue is reshaped into a more natural, lifted and aesthetically pleasing form. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a more youthful and proportionate position on the newly shaped breast — a critical step in achieving a natural and beautiful final result.
Closing and Support
All incisions are carefully closed and a supportive surgical bra is fitted to protect the breasts, minimise swelling and support the healing process. You are then moved to your private recovery room where Dr. Orman will visit you personally before discharge.
- The Recovery
What to expect during your breast reduction recovery.
Breast reduction recovery is very manageable for most patients — and many are surprised by how quickly they begin to feel the physical relief that was the reason they sought the procedure in the first place.
Timeline:
Days 1–3
Some swelling, bruising and tightness across the chest is completely normal. Pain is well managed with prescribed medication. A surgical bra must be worn continuously and rest is essential during this period. Many patients report feeling immediate relief from the weight and discomfort of their previous breast size even at this early stage.
Week 1–2
Swelling begins to reduce and bruising starts to fade. Most patients feel significantly more comfortable by the end of the first week. You will attend a follow-up appointment with Dr. Orman before returning home. Light daily activities can be resumed but lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided.
Week 2–6
Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities from around week 2. The surgical bra continues to be worn as advised. The breasts begin to settle into their new shape and the result becomes increasingly natural in appearance.
Month 1–3
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Orman, typically around 6 weeks. The breasts continue to settle and soften. Scars begin to fade and soften during this period.
Final Results
Final breast reduction results are typically fully visible between 3 and 6 months after surgery once the breasts have fully settled into their new shape and size. The lighter, more proportionate and naturally shaped breasts you and Dr. Orman discussed are now fully revealed.
Activities to avoid during recovery:
- Underwired bras for at least 6 to 8 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Orman
- Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks
- Sleeping on your stomach for at least 4 to 6 weeks
- Swimming or submerging incisions in water for at least 6 weeks
- Smoking throughout the entire recovery period
- Significant weight fluctuations which can affect the appearance of your results
Large breasts are not something you simply have to live with. Relief, proportion and confidence are closer than you think.
- Why Breast Reduction
Lighter. More proportionate. More comfortable in every way.
Breast reduction is one of the few aesthetic procedures that delivers as much physical benefit as it does cosmetic — and patients consistently describe it as life changing.
Immediate Physical Relief
The relief from chronic back, neck and shoulder pain following breast reduction is one of the most immediate and profound benefits patients experience — often felt within the first days of recovery.
Naturally Proportionate Result
Every reduction is designed to deliver a breast size and shape that is proportionate to your individual body — creating a naturally balanced silhouette that feels entirely right for your frame.
Freedom to Move
Exercising comfortably, finding clothing that fits and moving through daily life without physical restriction or self-consciousness — breast reduction patients consistently describe this newfound freedom as transformative.
Reshaped and Lifted
Breast reduction does not simply reduce size — it simultaneously reshapes and lifts the breasts for a more youthful, defined and aesthetically beautiful result.
Long Lasting Results
With a stable weight the structural changes made during a breast reduction are long lasting — delivering a permanently improved breast size, shape and quality of life.
World Class Care in Istanbul
All procedures are performed in internationally accredited hospitals in Istanbul with full concierge support from airport transfer to final follow-up.
- Breast Aesthetics
Breast Reduction
- Hospital Stay
1 Night
- Operation Duration
2–4 Hours
- Anaesthesia
General
- Stay in Istanbul
5–7 Days
- Recovery Duration
4–6 Weeks
- Start Your Journey
Relief, proportion and confidence — starting with one conversation.
Breast reduction is one of the most life changing procedures Dr. Orman performs — for reasons that go far beyond appearance. His consultation is honest, unhurried and completely free. There is no pressure and no obligation.
- FAQs
Everything you need to know before taking the next step.
We understand that choosing a surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often.
The amount of tissue removed depends entirely on your existing breast size, your goals and what will look most proportionate on your individual body. Dr. Orman discusses the planned reduction in detail during your consultation — ensuring the final size is one you are completely comfortable with and that looks naturally balanced with your figure.
Breast reduction can affect the ability to breastfeed depending on the technique used and the amount of tissue removed. For patients who wish to preserve their breastfeeding ability, Dr. Orman will discuss the most appropriate technique during your consultation. It is important to raise this concern before surgery so it can be factored into the surgical planning.
Breast reduction does leave scarring as a result of the incisions required to remove tissue and reshape the breast. Dr. Orman places incisions as discreetly as possible and uses meticulous closure techniques to minimise scarring. Scars continue to fade and soften significantly over 12 to 18 months and most patients find them entirely acceptable given the profound improvement in their quality of life.
Yes. Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the size and weight of large breasts is one of the most common reasons women seek breast reduction — and relief from this pain is one of the most immediate and consistently reported benefits of the procedure. Many patients describe the improvement in physical comfort as the most significant change of all.
With a stable weight the results of a breast reduction are long lasting. The breast tissue removed during surgery does not return. Significant weight gain after surgery can increase remaining breast tissue over time and pregnancy can also affect results — which is why Dr. Orman advises patients to complete their family before undergoing the procedure where possible.
All procedures are performed in internationally accredited private hospitals in Istanbul by a board-certified surgical team. As with any surgical procedure there are risks which Dr. Orman discusses openly and honestly during your consultation. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon significantly minimises these risks.
Cost depends on the specific elements of your personalised treatment plan. Dr. Orman provides fully transparent, all-inclusive pricing during your consultation covering surgery, hospital fees, accommodation, transfers and aftercare with no hidden costs.
- Get in touch
Let's Begin Your Journey.
Dr. Orman understands that choosing to have a Breast Reduction is deeply personal. His consultation is a conversation honest, unhurried and completely confidential. There is no pressure and no obligation.
- Related Procedures
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Breast Lift
Restore a youthful, lifted position to the breasts — often performed alongside or as part of a breast reduction.
Breast Asymmetry Correction
Address differences in size, shape or position between the breasts for a balanced, symmetrical and natural result.
Mommy Makeover
A personalised combination of procedures to restore the body after pregnancy and breastfeeding.