Approach Techniques Results Your Journey Surgeon FAQ Guides Free Consultation
Istanbul, Turkey · Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Relief, proportion and confidence — breast reduction, done right.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS — double board-certified plastic surgeon with 15+ years of experience. Individualised reduction mammaplasty, preserved nipple sensation and breastfeeding potential, full VIP patient journey.

Book Free Consultation WhatsApp
FACS
Fellow, ACS
FEBOPRAS
European Board
4.9 ★
45 Reviews
15+
Years Experience
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal at ACS Clinical Congress 2025 — FACS induction ceremony
★★★★★
4.9 / 5.0
Google · 45 patient reviews
The Approach
Why breast reduction with Dr. Erdal?

Every breast reduction is individually planned based on your anatomy, symptoms and goals. Dr. Erdal's approach prioritises long-term shape, preserved nipple sensation and breastfeeding potential, and the least visible scar pattern appropriate to your case.

  • ✓
    Individualised pedicle & incision choice

    Dr. Erdal selects the optimal pedicle (inferior, superomedial, superior) and incision pattern (Wise, vertical, periareolar) based on your breast size, degree of ptosis, skin quality and goals. No one-size-fits-all.

  • ✓
    Nipple sensation & breastfeeding preserved when possible

    Pedicle-based techniques keep a living connection between the nipple and the underlying gland. Most patients retain normal nipple sensation and the potential to breastfeed. Free nipple graft is reserved only for very large reductions.

  • ✓
    Shortest appropriate scar

    The scar pattern (Wise anchor, vertical lollipop, or periareolar) is matched to your anatomy and the volume being removed. Every incision is placed so that it can be hidden by bras and most swimwear, and closed meticulously for the finest possible healing.

  • ✓
    Drain-free recovery whenever safe

    Dr. Erdal has adapted his no-drain philosophy to breast reduction whenever safely possible. For larger cases, a small temporary drain may be used for 24–48 hours and removed before you leave hospital — never sent home with you.

  • ✓
    Long-term shape in mind

    Internal support of the gland (shaping the breast from within) and precise pedicle design produce a result that looks good not just at 3 months, but at 3 years. Gravity is accounted for from the start.

  • ★
    Double board-certified & academically published

    Dr. Erdal holds FACS and FEBOPRAS fellowships, with 30+ peer-reviewed publications. He combines surgical expertise with an evidence-based approach.

What determines your plan
The six variables of reduction planning

Every breast reduction is a combination of decisions. Here is what Dr. Erdal evaluates for you — and why each matters.

⚖️

Resection Amount

The weight of tissue removed per side — typically 400–1,200 g, but ranging from small aesthetic reductions to over 1,500 g for severe macromastia. Dr. Erdal plans this with your new target size and safety margins for nipple viability in mind.

🌱

Pedicle Choice

Inferior pedicle is the workhorse for larger reductions. Superomedial pedicle gives elegant upper-pole fullness. Superior pedicle suits smaller reductions. Free nipple graft is reserved for very large cases.

✂️

Incision Pattern

Wise (anchor) — the classic inverted-T scar, best for large reductions and poor skin quality. Vertical (lollipop) — shorter scar, no long horizontal line. Periareolar — smallest scar, for very minor reductions only.

💫

Nipple Sensation

Pedicle-based techniques preserve nerve supply to the nipple. Most patients retain normal sensation. Temporary changes over 3–6 months are common. Dr. Erdal designs the pedicle to protect the fourth intercostal nerve wherever possible.

🤱

Breastfeeding Potential

Pedicle techniques keep the nipple connected to glandular tissue, so breastfeeding remains possible for most patients. Full feeding cannot be guaranteed (even without surgery), but the potential is preserved whenever anatomy allows.

📐

Long-Term Shape

Internal sutures shape the breast from within to resist gravity. The new nipple position, upper-pole fullness and projection are planned for how they will look at 1 year and beyond — not just the first post-op photograph.

Techniques
Choosing the right technique

Dr. Erdal selects the pedicle and skin pattern individually for each patient based on anatomy, breast size, and aesthetic goals. In his practice, superomedial pedicle and superior pedicle — both with Wise pattern — are the two most frequently performed combinations, but the best option is always the one tailored to you.

Superomedial Pedicle · Wise Pattern

Blood supply from upper-inner gland. Reliable for a wide range of reduction sizes with an anchor-shaped scar.

  • Versatile for moderate to large reductions
  • Excellent upper-pole fullness
  • Robust nipple blood supply
  • Preserved nipple sensation

Superior Pedicle · Wise Pattern

Blood supply from above with an anchor-shaped scar. Strong long-term aesthetic outcome.

  • Good for moderate reductions
  • Preserved nipple sensation (4th intercostal nerve protected)
  • Durable upper-pole projection
  • Reliable, reproducible shape

Inferior Pedicle · Wise Pattern

Blood supply from below, anchor-shaped scar. A classic workhorse technique.

  • Suitable for larger reductions (>500 g/side)
  • Reliable nipple blood supply
  • Strong breastfeeding preservation
  • Predictable, reproducible shape

Free Nipple Graft · Wise Pattern

Reserved for very large reductions where pedicle length would jeopardise nipple viability.

  • Allows very large tissue removal
  • Safer when a pedicle would be too long
  • Used only for carefully selected cases
  • Erotic sensation typically lost

The "Most Frequently Performed" label reflects the two pedicle-and-incision combinations Dr. Erdal uses most often in his own practice — not a universal preference. Every case is evaluated individually, and your anatomy decides which technique is safest and most effective for you.

Before & After
Real patient results

Breast reduction by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal. All patients photographed from front, oblique and lateral angles. Nipple areas are covered to protect patient identity. Tap any image to enlarge.

Case 1
Pre-op → 2 Months Post-op
Case 1 frontal view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Frontal
Case 1 oblique view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Oblique
Case 1 lateral view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Lateral
Case 2
Pre-op → 2 Months Post-op
Case 2 frontal view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Frontal
Case 2 oblique view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Oblique
Case 2 lateral view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Lateral
Case 3
Pre-op → 2 Months Post-op
Case 3 frontal view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Frontal
Case 3 oblique view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Oblique
Case 3 lateral view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Lateral
Case 4
Pre-op → 2 Months Post-op
Case 4 frontal view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Frontal
Case 4 oblique view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Oblique
Case 4 lateral view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Lateral
Case 5
Pre-op → 2 Months Post-op
Case 5 frontal view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Frontal
Case 5 oblique view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Oblique
Case 5 lateral view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Lateral
Case 6
Pre-op → 2 Months Post-op
Case 6 frontal view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Frontal
Case 6 oblique view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Oblique
Case 6 lateral view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Lateral
Case 7
Pre-op → 2 Months Post-op
Case 7 frontal view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Frontal
Case 7 oblique view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Oblique
Case 7 lateral view - pre-op and 2 months post-op
Lateral

All patient photographs are used only with explicit written consent. All cases performed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal. Individual results vary — your consultation will clarify what is realistic for your anatomy.

Your Istanbul Journey
End-to-end care, from first contact to home

Every international patient receives a fully coordinated experience — not just surgery, but a seamless journey.

💬
01

Free Video Consultation

Share your photos (frontal and lateral) and a brief description of your symptoms via WhatsApp or the contact form. Dr. Erdal personally reviews your case. A free video consultation is scheduled within 24 hours. You'll receive a personalised recommendation including technique, expected resection amount and realistic outcome.

💰
02

Transparent & Affordable Pricing

You receive a clear, all-inclusive quote with no hidden costs. Surgery fee, hospital stay, pre-op tests and aftercare materials are all covered — no surprises on the day.

✈️
03

VIP Airport Pickup

A private transfer meets you at Istanbul Airport upon arrival and takes you directly to your accommodation. No taxis, no stress, no language barriers.

🏨
04

Hotel Coordination

We coordinate your stay at Antwell Suites İstanbul — a premium recovery-friendly residence close to the clinic, with full kitchen, spacious rooms and marble bathrooms.

🔬
05

Pre-Op Day

The day before surgery: comprehensive pre-operative blood tests at an A+ accredited hospital, anaesthesiology consultation, and an in-person consultation with Dr. Erdal — including pre-operative marking and final discussion of your surgical plan.

🏥
06

Surgery Day

Breast reduction performed by Dr. Erdal under general anaesthesia at an A+ accredited hospital. Surgery typically takes 2.5–4 hours depending on size and technique. One to two nights hospital stay is included for comfort and monitoring.

🩺
07

Post-Op Follow-Ups

Daily check-ups with Dr. Erdal's team during your stay in Istanbul. Surgical bra fitted, wound checks, tape changes and personalised recovery guidance at each visit. Your post-operative surgical bra and medical tapes are provided free of charge.

📱
08

Return Home — Day 5–7

Most breast reduction patients fly home on day 5–7. Dr. Erdal performs a final check-up and provides detailed aftercare instructions, including scar-care guidance. If you'd like to stay longer, Istanbul is a wonderful city to explore. After returning home, photo & video follow-ups are scheduled at 1 month, 3 months and 1 year, with unlimited WhatsApp support throughout.

Antwell Suites İstanbul — Your recovery residence

Premium 1+1 suite aparthotel · Close to clinic · Fully equipped for recovery

Antwell Suites features a small clinic on the ground floor, allowing early post-operative follow-up appointments to be conducted right at the hotel — so you can recover in maximum comfort without unnecessary travel.

Antwell Hotel Istanbul exterior Antwell Hotel living room Antwell Hotel bedroom
1+1 Suite Full kitchen Separate bedroom Large bathroom Close to clinic Recovery-friendly Daily housekeeping

🤝 Companions are warmly welcome. Having a companion is particularly helpful after breast reduction, since lifting is restricted in the first days. Your companion stays in the same 1+1 suite with you and uses the VIP transfer vehicle — at no extra charge.

Your Surgeon
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal
Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal — Plastic Surgeon Istanbul Dr. Erdal — ACS Clinical Congress 2025, FACS Induction

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal

MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS · Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS) — inducted ACS Clinical Congress 2025
  • FEBOPRAS — Fellow, European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
  • Associate Professor — Plastic Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine
  • International training: Memorial Sloan Kettering (USA) & Ghent University Hospital (Belgium)
  • 15+ years of surgical experience with thousands of breast and body contouring procedures
  • Award-winning surgeon: ISAPS World Congress 2023 — Gold & Bronze Award
  • 30+ peer-reviewed publications in international journals
  • Member of ACS, ASPS, ISAPS, EBOPRAS & TPRECD
  • Ministry of Health — International Health Tourism Authorization
  • English consultation · direct surgeon communication · no third-party agents

"Breast reduction is one of the most rewarding operations I perform — the relief from back, neck and shoulder pain is often immediate, and the new proportion gives patients a confidence they've been missing for years."

— Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS
ACS FACS, ASPS, ISAPS, EBOPRAS, TPRECD
The Team
Personal care, from first contact
Dr. Erdal and clinic coordinator

A dedicated team for international patients

From your very first inquiry to your post-operative follow-up, our team ensures you feel fully supported at every step. Our clinic coordinator personally manages all international patient communication — consultation scheduling, travel guidance and ongoing remote follow-up after you return home.

All communication is conducted in English. We respond to WhatsApp and email inquiries within 24 hours, seven days a week. No third-party agencies — direct surgeon communication at every stage.

Peer-Reviewed Research
30+ publications in leading international journals

Dr. Erdal is an active researcher with work published in Annals of Plastic Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and ISAPS journals.

Patient Reviews
What patients say

All reviews sourced directly from Google. 4.9 stars · 45 verified reviews.

★★★★★

"As someone terrified of surgery, choosing Dr. Erdal was the best decision of my life. From the very first consultation, the confidence he gave me left all my fears behind. I am incredibly happy with my results — natural and exactly what I hoped for."

B.A.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"I had an excellent experience and couldn't be happier with the entire process and results. From the first consultation, I felt listened to, understood, and genuinely cared for. The results look natural, balanced, and exactly what I hoped for — better than I imagined. A true artistic eye."

M.D.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"Dr. Erdal is incredibly attentive both before and after surgery. A surgeon with whom you will feel completely safe. He explains the entire process in detail beforehand. His new clinic is bright and beautiful. I highly recommend him."

S.A.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"Dr. Erdal performed my surgery 2.5 years ago. I am truly satisfied with both the result and his care. Despite being an anxious person, he patiently answered all my questions. The result is very natural and suits my body perfectly."

Y.D.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"I met Dr. Erdal and simply said 'I trust you completely.' Not a single person has guessed I had surgery. He is a master of his craft — patient, warm, and exceptional. The result changed my confidence entirely."

G.K.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"Everything from consultation to post-op was perfectly organized. The hospital was modern and clean. Dr. Erdal's calm and professional demeanor made me feel safe throughout. Absolutely worth travelling to Istanbul for."

L.M.
Google Review · 5 stars
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Breast reduction in Turkey costs significantly less than in the US, UK or Europe — typically 50–70% less — while maintaining the same quality of care and surgical expertise. Dr. Erdal provides a transparent, all-inclusive quote after your free consultation. The fee covers surgery, hospital stay, pre-operative tests, surgical bra and aftercare.
Dr. Erdal individualises every breast reduction. In his practice, the two most frequently performed combinations are the superomedial pedicle with Wise pattern and the superior pedicle with Wise pattern — both offering reliable nipple blood supply, preserved sensation, and durable long-term shape. The pedicle and incision pattern are selected based on breast size, degree of ptosis, skin quality and your goals.
In the inferior pedicle technique, the nipple-areola complex remains attached to a pedicle of breast tissue rising from below. This provides reliable blood supply, excellent nipple sensation and good breastfeeding potential. It is the most widely-used technique worldwide for moderate and large breast reductions and is typically paired with a Wise (anchor) pattern skin incision.
The vertical scar technique — often called the Lejour or lollipop technique — uses a shorter incision that avoids the long horizontal scar along the breast fold. The result is a scar that circles the areola and runs vertically to the fold. It is ideal for small-to-moderate reductions in younger patients with good skin elasticity.
Good candidates are women who experience back, neck or shoulder pain from heavy breasts, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin irritation under the breast, difficulty exercising or finding clothes that fit, or simply wish for a more proportional breast size. Non-smokers with stable weight and realistic expectations tend to have the best outcomes.
Most patients return to light daily activities within 7–10 days. Office work can typically be resumed within 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks. The surgical bra should be worn for 4–6 weeks as instructed. Swelling gradually resolves over 2–3 months, with the final shape settling at 6–12 months.
Dr. Erdal holds the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate. Istanbul has world-class hospital infrastructure, and Dr. Erdal operates in fully accredited A+ facilities. Turkey is one of the top five medical tourism destinations globally.
Pedicle-based techniques — inferior, superomedial and superior pedicles — preserve a connection between the nipple and underlying glandular tissue, maintaining the potential to breastfeed. Breastfeeding cannot be guaranteed (even in women who have never had surgery), but the majority of patients who attempt it after pedicle-based reduction are able to do so to some degree. Free nipple grafting eliminates breastfeeding potential and is used only for very large reductions.
Most patients retain normal or near-normal nipple sensation. Temporary reduction in sensation is common for the first 3–6 months as nerves heal. Permanent partial numbness occurs in a minority of patients. Free nipple graft (used only for very large reductions) results in loss of erotic sensation, so this technique is reserved for specific cases and discussed openly during consultation.
There is no fixed upper limit — Dr. Erdal has performed reductions removing over 1,500 g per side. The amount of tissue removed depends on your starting size, desired final size, skin quality and safety considerations for nipple viability. A typical reduction removes between 400 g and 1,200 g per side.
Most breast reduction patients stay 5–7 days in Istanbul. This includes pre-operative tests, surgery, post-operative follow-ups and a final check-up before flying home. Because breast reduction is a longer operation than augmentation, we prefer a slightly longer observation period before you travel. Remote photo and video follow-up continues after you return home.
The Wise pattern creates an anchor-shaped scar: around the areola, vertically down to the breast fold, and horizontally along the fold. The vertical scar technique creates a lollipop-shaped scar with no long horizontal line. All scars are placed where they can be hidden by bras and most swimwear. With meticulous closure and proper scar care, scars typically fade to fine lines over 12–18 months.
As with any surgery, breast reduction carries risks including infection, bleeding, wound healing problems, asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation, and — rarely — partial or complete nipple-areola loss in very large reductions. Scar quality varies between individuals. Serious complications are uncommon. Dr. Erdal discusses all risks openly during consultation and takes every precaution to minimise them. His meticulous surgical technique and A+ hospital environment help ensure the safest possible outcome.
Yes. In practice, every breast reduction includes a lift component — the nipple-areola complex is repositioned upwards and excess skin is removed. You do not need a separate mastopexy procedure. The reduction and lift are performed together through the same incision pattern.
Yes. Breast reduction is commonly combined with liposuction of the axillary (armpit) region, abdominal procedures (tummy tuck), or a rhinoplasty under the same anaesthetic when medically safe. Dr. Erdal evaluates whether combining procedures is appropriate for each patient during the consultation.
Dr. Erdal holds dual international fellowships (FACS and FEBOPRAS), has 30+ peer-reviewed publications, won Gold and Bronze at ISAPS World Congress 2023, and maintains a 4.9-star rating across 45 patient reviews. He provides direct surgeon communication at every stage — no agents or third parties — and operates only at A+ accredited hospitals.
Dr. Erdal has adapted his no-drain philosophy to breast reduction whenever safely possible. For smaller reductions, the procedure is typically performed drain-free. For very large reductions, a small temporary drain may occasionally be used for 24–48 hours and removed before you leave hospital — you are never sent home with a drain in place.
The Wise pattern is the classic technique — an anchor-shaped scar running around the areola, vertically down to the breast fold, and horizontally along the fold. It is versatile and suitable for any reduction size. The vertical scar (lollipop) technique avoids the long horizontal line. It produces a shorter scar but is best suited to small-to-moderate reductions with good skin elasticity.
A well-performed reduction produces a lasting lift. Some gradual settling over the first year is normal and expected — this is called "dropping and fluffing." Long-term shape is influenced by skin quality, weight fluctuations, pregnancy and ageing. Maintaining stable weight and wearing a supportive bra during exercise helps preserve the result.
Absolutely — companions are warmly welcome. Having a companion is particularly helpful after breast reduction, since lifting is restricted in the first days. Your companion stays in the same 1+1 suite at Antwell Suites and uses the VIP transfer vehicle — at no extra charge.
Dr. Erdal provides an all-inclusive package covering surgery, hospital stay (1–2 nights), pre-operative blood tests, post-operative surgical bra, medical tapes, VIP airport transfer, hotel coordination and all follow-up appointments during your stay in Istanbul. There are no hidden costs.
New size is decided together with you based on your body proportions, current size, goals and safety considerations. We avoid cup-size promises because bra cups vary by brand and by the final shape. Most patients aim for a size that is proportional to their frame, allows comfortable exercise and fits in standard bras — typically a B, C or small D cup depending on the starting point.
Dr. Erdal operates at fully accredited A+ hospitals in Istanbul. Post-operative follow-ups can also be conducted at the clinic located on the ground floor of Antwell Suites, where patients stay during their recovery — offering maximum comfort and convenience.
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia at an A+ accredited hospital. A pre-operative anaesthesiology consultation is included the day before surgery to ensure your safety and comfort.
International patients travelling to Turkey for breast reduction typically pay out-of-pocket. Some UK, European and US insurance plans reimburse part of the cost when medical necessity can be demonstrated (chronic back/neck/shoulder pain, rashes, postural issues). We can provide detailed medical documentation in English to support any insurance claim you wish to file.
Revision after breast reduction is uncommon but may occasionally be needed for scar refinement or minor asymmetry. Dr. Erdal provides ongoing support and follow-up. Any concerns are addressed openly, and a personalised plan is discussed with you. Your wellbeing and satisfaction are always the priority.
Patient Guides
Learn more about breast reduction

In-depth guides written by Dr. Erdal to help you make an informed decision.

Breast Reduction Cost in Turkey (2026 Guide) → Breast Reduction Techniques — A Patient's Guide → Breast Reduction Recovery Timeline → Wise Pattern vs. Vertical Scar — Which Is Right for You? → Turkey vs. UK & Europe — Honest Comparison →
Get in Touch
Start your consultation today

Our team responds within 24 hours. Send photos (frontal and lateral views) directly via WhatsApp for the fastest initial assessment. Free video consultation available.

💬
WhatsApp — fastest response
+90 544 850 72 32
📷
Instagram — before & after gallery
@dr.ayhanisikerdal
📍
Location
Istanbul, Turkey

WhatsApp instead

✓ Thank you — your request has been received. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.

We respond within 24 hours. Your information is kept strictly confidential.

Official Authorization
Ministry of Health certified for international patients

Dr. Erdal's clinic holds the official International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate issued by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health — ensuring quality, safety and legal compliance for international patients.

International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate — Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health

Certificate No: 2026034015610080000444996 · Issued: 10.03.2026 · Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Health Services