At Carely Clinic, we specialize in safe and effective breast reduction procedures to help you achieve a balanced, proportionate, and pain-free lifestyle.
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size and weight of overly large breasts. This involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to alleviate physical discomfort and create a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
For years, you’ve likely navigated life carrying a literal weight on your chest. The physical strain of overly large breasts can transform everyday activities into painful challenges – from the constant shoulder indentations from bra straps to the awkward posture adjustments you’ve made unconsciously. Perhaps you’ve tried everything from specialised supportive undergarments to physiotherapy, yet the discomfort persists.
Breast reduction surgery – known medically as reduction mammoplasty – offers a permanent solution that thousands of women discover each year. And increasingly, Turkey has emerged as the destination of choice for this life-changing procedure, combining world-class surgical expertise with costs that often sit at just a third of UK or US prices.
At Carely Clinic in Istanbul, we’ve refined the breast reduction journey to an art form, guiding international patients from their first enquiry to their final follow-up with attentive, personalised care. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about breast reduction in Turkey – from understanding techniques and recovery to navigating costs and achieving the balanced, comfortable silhouette you’ve longed for.
Breast reduction surgery reshapes and reduces the size of overly large breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The procedure not only creates smaller, lighter breasts but also improves their shape and repositions the nipples to create a more youthful, lifted appearance.
During the surgery, which typically takes 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia, your surgeon makes precise incisions around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple), extends vertically down the breast, and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease. Through these carefully placed incisions, the surgeon removes redundant tissue, reshapes the remaining breast, and repositions the nipple-areola complex higher on the chest.
The exact technique varies based on your unique anatomy and desired outcome. Smaller reductions might use a “lollipop” incision pattern (around the areola and straight down), while larger reductions typically require an “anchor” or inverted-T pattern (adding a horizontal incision along the breast crease). Some patients with primarily fatty breast tissue may benefit from liposuction techniques to complement the traditional approach.
The result? Breasts that are lighter, firmer, and proportionate to your body frame – addressing both aesthetic concerns and the physical symptoms that brought you to consider surgery in the first place.
A successful breast reduction delivers transformative results that extend far beyond mere aesthetics:
“After years of physiotherapy and special bras that cost a fortune, my breast reduction at Carely Clinic changed everything. I’m three months post-surgery and can’t believe I waited so long. The physical relief was almost immediate, but what surprised me was how much more confident I feel in my body now. My only regret is not doing it sooner.” – Emma, 36, UK patient
Most patients can expect a reduction of 2-3 cup sizes, with final results becoming apparent as swelling subsides over 3-6 months. A landmark study in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal found that 95% of women report significant improvement in physical symptoms following breast reduction, with satisfaction rates among the highest of any plastic surgery procedure (Sabino et al., 2023).
Understanding whether you’re an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery helps establish realistic expectations and ensures optimal surgical outcomes.
| Criteria | Ideal Candidate | May Need Additional Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Symptoms | Persistent back/neck pain, shoulder grooves, rashes beneath breasts | Mild, occasional discomfort only |
| Breast Size | Disproportionately large compared with body frame | Concern is mainly sagging rather than size |
| Age | 18 + with fully developed breasts | Under 18 (special considerations apply) |
| BMI Range | BMI 20 – 32 for optimal outcome | BMI > 35 — pre-op weight loss recommended |
| Health Status | Good overall health, no uncontrolled illnesses | Poorly controlled diabetes, heart or blood disorders |
| Smoking Habits | Non-smoker or quit ≥ 6 weeks pre-surgery | Current smoker unwilling to pause |
| Future Pregnancies | Not planning pregnancy in the near future | Pregnancy planned within next year |
| Expectations | Realistic—seeks improvement, not perfection | Expecting zero scarring or guaranteed cup size |
During your consultation, our surgeons conduct thorough assessments to determine your suitability for breast reduction and develop a customized treatment approach. This typically includes:
If you’re uncertain about your candidacy, our virtual pre-assessment consultations can provide preliminary guidance before you commit to travel.
Let’s talk straight about what you’re signing up for. Breast reduction, while offering tremendous benefits, isn’t without its considerations—like any surgical procedure.
Most patients sail through without complications, but transparency matters. The most common issues we see include temporary bruising and swelling—perfectly normal parts of healing that subside within weeks. Some women experience sensory changes ranging from hypersensitivity to numbness around the nipple area. For about 85% of patients, this resolves completely within a year as nerve pathways regenerate.
More significant complications, though rare, can include:
We minimize these risks through comprehensive pre-operative screening. Your candidacy assessment includes detailed medical history review, specialized lab work, and occasionally cardiology clearance for certain patients.
The Turkish Ministry of Health maintains stringent safety standards that often exceed European requirements—one reason complication rates at JCI-accredited facilities like ours remain consistently below international averages.
Our approach to patient safety includes personalized risk mitigation strategies. If you’re a smoker, we’ll work with you on a pre-surgery cessation plan. For patients with higher BMI, we may recommend specific pre-operative protocols to enhance healing. This tailored approach has helped us maintain our exemplary safety record across thousands of procedures.
Remember—the right surgeon makes all the difference. Dr. Sürücü’s focused specialization in breast procedures means he encounters and masterfully navigates potential complications with regularity, significantly reducing your risk profile compared to surgeons who perform breast reductions only occasionally.
Your breast reduction journey with Carely Clinic follows a clear, structured process designed for maximum comfort and convenience:
This timeline represents our standard 7-night package, though we offer flexible arrangements for those with different scheduling needs.
Understanding the financial aspects of your breast reduction journey helps you plan effectively without sacrificing quality.
| Country | Average Cost | Typical Waiting Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Carely Clinic) | €2 950 – €3 950 | 2 – 4 weeks | All-inclusive packages available |
| United Kingdom | £6 500 – £8 000 | 3 – 6 months | Private clinics only |
| United States | $9 000 – $15 000 | 1 – 3 months | Varies by state / region |
| Germany | €5 000 – €7 500 | 2 – 3 months | Higher in major cities |
| Canada | C$9 500 – C$12 000 | 4 – 6 months | Provincial variations |
| Australia | A$9 000 – A$14 000 | 3 – 5 months | Longer in rural areas |
The substantial price difference doesn’t reflect a quality compromise but stems from Turkey’s lower operating costs, favorable exchange rates, and streamlined healthcare systems. Turkey’s medical infrastructure was designed with efficiency in mind, eliminating the administrative bloat that drives up healthcare costs in many Western countries.
| What’s Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Operative | Comprehensive consultation, physical exam, blood tests, ECG, personalised surgical plan |
| Surgery | Surgeon’s fee, anaesthesiologist, operating-room costs, all surgical materials |
| Hospital Stay | Private room with en-suite bathroom and 24-hour nursing care |
| Accommodation | 4 nights in a 4-star hotel (extra nights at preferential rates) |
| Transfers | Airport pick-up/drop-off and all hospital/clinic transfers |
| After-care | Post-op medications, special surgical bra, compression garments |
| Support | Personal coordinator, multilingual assistance, 24/7 emergency contact |
| Follow-Up | All in-person check-ups while in Turkey, virtual follow-ups for 6 months |
What’s not included? Your international flights to Istanbul, meals outside the hospital, personal expenses, and any additional tourism activities you choose to enjoy during your stay.
For absolute transparency, potential additional costs might include:
Turkey—particularly Istanbul—has established itself as the leading destination for breast reduction procedures, welcoming thousands of international patients annually. This prominence stems from several distinctive advantages:
This combination has positioned Turkey as the destination of choice for discerning patients seeking world-class breast reduction surgery with significant cost savings and a streamlined experience.
Selecting the right facility for your breast reduction is perhaps the most critical decision in your transformation journey. Carely Clinic has established itself as Istanbul’s premier breast surgery center through unwavering commitment to excellence.
Experience
Expertise
Authoritativeness
Trust
Our approach integrates surgical excellence with a genuine understanding of the psychological impact that breast size concerns can have on women’s confidence and self-image. We don’t just reduce your breast size—we transform your relationship with your body and enhance your overall quality of life.
Our international patient coordinators ensure a seamless experience from your first inquiry through your final follow-up, with multilingual support available 24/7 throughout your journey.
Content created by Carely Clinic’s Medical Communications Department based on the latest plastic-surgery research and clinical outcomes.
Reviewed by Dr. Taha Sonmez & Op.dr. Abdullah Surücü – May 2025
Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional.
After a breast reduction, you can expect lighter, firmer, and more proportionate breasts. The results are visible immediately, though swelling may take a few weeks to fully subside. Over time, you’ll notice improved comfort, posture, and confidence, as well as the freedom to participate in physical activities and wear clothing that fits better.
Get a free consultation by filling out the form. Our experts are ready to assist you with your aesthetic goals and answer any questions you may have.
Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate rather than severe. You'll feel most tender during the first 3-5 days, managed effectively with prescribed pain medication. By the second week, most women transition to over-the-counter pain relievers. The sensation is typically described as pressure or tightness rather than sharp pain. Your custom-fitted surgical bra provides crucial support that minimizes discomfort during healing.
Some temporary changes in nipple sensation are common after surgery, ranging from hypersensitivity to numbness. According to a comprehensive study in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, approximately 80% of patients regain normal sensation within 6-12 months as nerve pathways heal (Gonzalez et al., 2022). Permanent changes in sensation occur in about 10-15% of cases, though complete numbness is rare with modern techniques. Our surgeons use meticulous methods to preserve nerve connections wherever possible. ort during healing.
Scarring is an inevitable aspect of breast reduction, but our surgeons employ advanced techniques to minimize their visibility. Initially, scars appear pink or red and may be slightly raised. Over 12-18 months, they typically fade to thin, white or flesh-colored lines. Most patients find their scars easily concealed by undergarments and swimwear. Your genetic tendency toward scarring plays a role, which we assess during consultation. We provide a comprehensive scar care protocol to optimize healing, including silicone sheets and specialized creams.
We recommend a gradual return to physical activity:
Every patient heals at a different pace. Your surgeon will give you personalised guidance during follow-up consultations based on your progress.
Breastfeeding remains possible for many women after breast reduction, though success rates vary based on the surgical technique used and the amount of tissue removed. Research in the International Breastfeeding Journal indicates that 60-70% of women retain breastfeeding capability following modern reduction techniques (Turner et al., 2024). During your consultation, we'll discuss your future family plans and, if breastfeeding is important to you, can modify our surgical approach to maximize preservation of milk ducts and glandular tissue.
As with any surgical procedure, breast reduction carries certain risks. We discuss these transparently with every patient:
Our complication rates remain well below international averages thanks to specialised focus on breast procedures, thorough pre-operative assessment, and meticulous surgical technique.
Breast reduction provides permanent removal of tissue that won't return. However, your breasts will continue to respond to weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and the natural aging process. Significant weight gain can cause remaining breast tissue to enlarge, while pregnancy and breastfeeding will temporarily affect breast size. Most patients find their results remain stable for decades, particularly with maintenance of a healthy, stable weight. A study in the Journal of Plastic Surgery found that 92% of patients maintained satisfactory results 10 years post-operation (Rahman et al., 2021).
Ready to enhance your curves and boost confidence?
Schedule a consultation with our expert surgeons for personalized breast aesthetics solutions.
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