Case Study 21: Breast Reduction and Breast Lift for Large, Heavy Breasts

Case summary

• Patient: 36-year-old woman from the UAE

• Procedures: breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) with breast lift (mastopexy)

• Surgeon: Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic, Istanbul

• Goal: smaller, lifted, well-shaped breasts in proportion with her body, and relief from physical discomfort

The patient's concerns

This patient's main concern was the size of her breasts. Large, heavy breasts commonly cause back, neck and shoulder pain, grooves from bra straps, skin irritation under the breasts and difficulty exercising or finding clothes that fit. With size usually comes sagging, because the weight stretches the skin and supporting tissues.

Breast reduction and lift: why together?

Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to make the breasts smaller and lighter. A breast lift raises and reshapes the breast and repositions the nipple-areola complex to a youthful height. In a patient with large, heavy breasts, reducing size without lifting would leave a low, flat breast, and lifting without reducing would not relieve the weight. Performing both in one operation gives the best shape and the greatest functional benefit.

What was done

The technique is chosen according to breast size, the degree of sagging and skin quality:

• Wise-pattern (anchor) reduction is used for significant reductions: excess skin and tissue are removed and the breast is reshaped, with scars around the areola, vertically down to the fold and hidden in the fold.

• Vertical or periareolar lift techniques are used for smaller reductions and milder sagging, with shorter scars around the areola and, when needed, a vertical line.

The nipple-areola complex was kept attached to its blood supply and moved to a higher, natural position; the areola was reduced in diameter where needed; and the breast was reshaped into a rounder, lifted form. Learn more on the breast surgery page.

Result

The patient's breasts are smaller, lifted and better proportioned, and the reduction relieves the physical strain of heavy breasts, making daily life and exercise easier. See more in the breast surgery before and after gallery.

Recovery

A support bra is worn for about six weeks. Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks and to full exercise after six weeks. Scars fade over 12–18 months.

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Frequently asked questions

Will I be able to breastfeed after breast reduction?

Many women can, especially when the tissue beneath the nipple is preserved, but it cannot be guaranteed.

Are the results permanent?

The reduction is permanent; the lift ages naturally and is affected by weight change and pregnancy.

Does breast reduction relieve back pain?

For most women with large breasts, yes, and satisfaction rates with the procedure are very high.

Next step

See more on the case studies page or contact Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic for a consultation with Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas.

Will I be able to breastfeed after a reduction or lift?

Often yes, because the nipple stays attached to its blood supply and to a column of gland tissue. It cannot be guaranteed, so tell your surgeon if you plan to breastfeed.

How visible are the scars?

They follow the areola and the breast fold and fade over months. Scar care and sun protection make a measurable difference to how they settle.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients are back at desk work within one to two weeks and return to sport after about six weeks, wearing a support bra throughout the healing period.

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About the author

Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas is a European Board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon based in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience, author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press) and founder of the Closed Atraumatic Rhinoplasty Course. Read verified patient reviews or book a consultation.

This article is for general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.