How Long Does Breast Surgery Take?

Apr 15, 2021

3 min read

Updated: Sep 27

Breast aesthetic surgeries are among the most frequently chosen aesthetic procedures in the world of plastic surgery. So, how long does breast surgery take? We have written this article for you. Enjoy reading.

The duration of breast aesthetic surgery varies depending on the purpose of the operation. Let's look at each one individually.

Clock face symbolizing how long breast surgery takes

Breast Augmentation Surgery Process

Breast augmentation surgery is the most requested surgical procedure among aesthetic operations. A detailed examination before the surgery is important. During the examination, the person's complaints, wishes, and expectations are determined. Silicone implants that suit the body proportions and meet expectations are discussed in full detail. Drawings and measurements are made before the surgery.

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia. For this reason, it is recommended to stay in the hospital the night after the operation. You can be discharged the next day and begin the rest period.

Breast augmentation surgery takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. After 4–5 days of rest, you can return to work.

Woman in a white bra, representing breast augmentation surgery

Breast Reduction Surgery Process

Breast reduction surgery falls within the scope of both aesthetic surgery and medical treatment. It is one of the most requested operations. All complaints and findings are identified during the detailed examination before surgery, and measurements and drawings are made.

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It is important to stay in the hospital for one night after the operation, and you can be discharged the next day. A period of quality rest afterward is extremely important. A follow-up check is carried out after 1 week. Returning to work can take 1 week to 10 days; if returning to work is not urgent, up to 2 weeks of quality rest is recommended.

The duration of breast reduction surgery varies according to the technique to be used. For a patient aged 50–55, the operation is shorter, since the milk glands do not need to be preserved; it usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. In younger patients and those who may breastfeed, the technique used preserves the milk glands, so the operation time is directly extended and can take approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Woman holding her breast, representing breast reduction surgery

Breast Lift Surgery Process

Breast lift surgery is the surgical procedure performed for sagging breast deformity, which many women dread. It is also one of the most requested operations. All aspects are discussed during the detailed examination before surgery.

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Staying in the hospital for one night after the operation is sufficient, and you are discharged the next day. Just like breast reduction surgery, it is a surgical procedure that requires a period of quality rest. A follow-up check is carried out after 1 week. There is no need to rush back to work; if it is not urgent, 2 weeks of rest is recommended.

The duration of breast lift surgery varies according to the procedure to be performed. A breast lift alone takes approximately 2 hours. In some cases, breast implant surgery is added to the breast lift; in that case, the operation time is directly extended and reaches approximately 3 hours.