Breast Reduction Malpractice in Turkey – A Legal Guide for Patients

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure aimed at reducing the size and weight of the breasts to relieve physical discomfort or achieve aesthetic goals. It is often chosen by women experiencing chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, posture issues, or emotional distress due to overly large breasts. In some cases, patients undergo the surgery primarily for cosmetic reasons, seeking a more proportionate figure.

Turkey has emerged as a global hub for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, attracting thousands of patients every year due to its competitive prices, skilled surgeons, and modern facilities. However, despite the country’s strong reputation in medical tourism, not all procedures go as planned. When negligence occurs, patients can suffer life-changing physical, emotional, and financial harm. This is where breast reduction malpractice cases arise.

This guide explains what constitutes malpractice, the legal framework in Turkey, the challenges for international patients, and how Oran Partners can help you secure justice and compensation.

Understanding Breast Reduction Malpractice

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In breast reduction surgery, malpractice can stem from:

1. Surgical Errors

Mistakes during the procedure can cause:

  • Asymmetry – uneven removal of breast tissue or improper reshaping.
  • Excessive tissue removal – leading to loss of natural breast shape or contour.
  • Nerve damage – causing permanent loss of nipple sensation or chronic pain.
  • Poor wound closure – resulting in visible scarring or wound dehiscence.

2. Lack of Informed Consent

Patients have a legal right to be fully informed about:

  • The risks and benefits of the surgery.
  • Possible complications such as infection, asymmetry, or loss of nipple sensation.
  • Alternative treatments that could achieve similar results.

Failing to provide this information—and obtaining written consent—can constitute malpractice.

3. Post-Operative Negligence

Neglecting proper aftercare may lead to:

  • Infections due to unsterile environments or inadequate wound management.
  • Delayed healing from poor monitoring of the recovery process.
  • Unaddressed complications, such as hematomas or fluid buildup.

4. Unqualified Practitioners

In rare but serious cases, surgeries are performed by individuals without proper licensing or training. This significantly increases the risk of malpractice and poor outcomes.

Legal Framework for Breast Reduction Malpractice Claims in Turkey

Turkey’s healthcare laws are designed to protect patients and hold medical professionals accountable. Victims of malpractice have the right to seek both financial compensation and justice through the legal system.

1. Proving Negligence

To bring a malpractice claim, you must show:

  1. Duty of Care – The surgeon had a legal obligation to provide competent medical treatment.
  2. Breach of Duty – They failed to meet the expected standard of care.
  3. Causation – This breach directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.
  4. Damages – You suffered measurable harm, whether physical, emotional, or financial.

Evidence is essential, including:

  • Medical records and consent forms.
  • Before-and-after photographs.
  • Expert medical opinions.

2. Filing a Complaint

Before filing a lawsuit, patients often submit a formal complaint to:

  • Turkey’s Ministry of Health
  • The Turkish Medical Association or the relevant professional body

These organizations investigate malpractice claims and can issue warnings, fines, or revoke licenses.

3. Initiating a Lawsuit

If your complaint is unresolved, you can file a civil lawsuit seeking damages such as:

  • Medical expenses (including corrective surgery and follow-up care)
  • Loss of income due to recovery time or disability
  • Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
  • Emotional damages for reduced self-esteem or psychological trauma

4. Time Limits

The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Turkey is generally five years from the date of the incident. However, exceptions exist, so it is best to seek legal advice immediately.

Challenges for International Patients

International patients face unique obstacles in breast reduction malpractice claims:

  • Language Barriers – Legal proceedings and medical records are in Turkish, requiring accurate translation.
  • Distance & Coordination – Managing a legal case from abroad can be logistically difficult.
  • Evidence Gathering – Accessing complete medical records may require in-country legal assistance.
  • Understanding Turkish Law – Medical malpractice laws and processes differ from those in many other countries.

How Oran Partners Can Help

Oran Partners is Turkey’s only law firm exclusively dedicated to medical malpractice cases. With decades of combined legal and medical expertise, we are uniquely positioned to represent victims of breast reduction malpractice—particularly international patients.

Why Choose Oran Partners?

  • Specialized Knowledge – We focus solely on malpractice, giving us unmatched expertise.
  • International Client Support – We assist foreign clients with translation, communication, and remote case handling.
  • Proven Track Record – We have secured favorable outcomes in complex cosmetic surgery malpractice cases.
  • Compassionate Representation – We understand the physical and emotional impact of botched surgeries.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Breast Reduction Malpractice

If you believe you have been a victim of negligence, you should:

  1. Document Everything
    • Keep a timeline of your surgery, recovery, and any complications.
    • Save all medical records, consent forms, and receipts.
    • Take clear, dated photographs of your results and complications.
  2. Seek a Second Opinion
    • Consult an independent, qualified surgeon to evaluate the harm caused.
  3. Contact a Malpractice Lawyer
    • Reach out to a specialized firm like Oran Partners to review your case.
  4. Act Quickly
    • Don’t wait until the statute of limitations is close to expiring—early action strengthens your case.

Potential Outcomes of Your Case

A successful claim can:

  • Cover corrective surgery costs.
  • Provide compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering.
  • Hold negligent surgeons accountable, potentially preventing future harm to others.

Conclusion – Protecting Your Rights After Breast Reduction Malpractice in Turkey

Breast reduction surgery can greatly improve quality of life when performed correctly. However, when negligence occurs, the results can be physically and emotionally devastating.

If you have suffered harm due to breast reduction malpractice in Turkey, it is crucial to know your rights, act promptly, and seek expert legal help. At Oran Partners, we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of medical malpractice victims—both local and international.