Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the size of the breasts, adds volume or improves their shape and symmetry. It can be performed with silicone, saline, gummy bear or teardrop implants placed over or under the chest muscle, or with fat taken from another part of the body. It also restores volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss.

Breast augmentation takes two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia, followed by a one-night hospital stay. Recovery time is one to two weeks, after which daily activities can be resumed gradually.

Breast augmentation, which aims to increase your self-confidence by improving your physical appearance, is a comprehensive surgical procedure that our surgeon performs with many different techniques. The doctor performs this surgery to increase the size, correct the shape, or add volume to your breasts. Breast augmentation aims to meet your aesthetic expectations and give you a more balanced body proportion.

There are different types of breast augmentation surgery, and each one is customized by the surgeon according to your needs and expectations. There are various techniques, such as gummy bear, teardrop, and natural breast augmentation, each offering different advantages.

For example, gummy bear breast augmentation uses form-stable implants made of a thicker silicone gel that holds its shape, while teardrop breast augmentation aims to give your breasts a natural slope. In the natural breast augmentation procedure, the specialist transfers fat from the body to your breasts, aiming for a natural look.

The surgeon usually performs this procedure under general anesthesia, and it takes two to three hours. During the surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions to insert implants or transfer fat. The doctor usually makes these incisions in areas such as the inframammary fold, around the nipple, or in the armpit.

When placing breast implants, the surgeon may prefer different placement methods. For example, over the muscle breast augmentation refers to the doctor placing the implants over the chest muscle. In another method, under muscle breast augmentation, the doctor places the implants under the chest muscle. Our doctor will choose these placement methods according to your body structure and aesthetic expectations.

The recovery period after surgery may vary depending on factors such as your general health condition, the technique used by the surgeon, and the method of implant placement. It is normal to have swelling, bruising, and mild pain in your breasts during the first days of breast augmentation recovery.

In addition, regular post-operative breast massage, as recommended by your surgeon, aims to help the implants settle into position. The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies depending on factors such as the technique preferred by the specialist and the complexity of the procedure.

Breast augmentation surgery is a popular surgical intervention for women to improve their aesthetic appearance and increase their self-confidence. However, as with any surgical intervention, there are suitable candidates for this surgery, and these candidates must meet certain criteria. So, who is suitable for breast augmentation surgery, and who should consider it?

This surgery is generally suitable for women who would like larger breasts or whose breasts differ from each other in size or shape. Women who would like to change the size or shape of their breasts choose this surgery to address their aesthetic concerns. In addition, women who have lost breast volume as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or rapid weight loss are also suitable candidates for this surgery.

Another important criterion to consider in selecting suitable candidates for this surgery is your general health condition. This surgery is suitable for those who are in good general health and don’t have a serious chronic disease or health problem that would increase the risk of surgery. In addition, candidates considering this surgery should be able to adapt to the post-operative recovery process.

Our specialist performs breast augmentation with various techniques, and each technique offers different advantages. Having detailed information about the types of breast augmentation surgery can help you choose the method that suits you. Here are the types of breast augmentation surgery and the characteristics of each:

• Silicone implants: These implants are filled with silicone gel and are designed to feel natural. You can choose them to increase the volume of your breasts and give them an aesthetic appearance. Their main advantage is that they look and feel similar to real breast tissue when you touch them.

• Saline implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline and are filled by a specialist during surgery. You can also opt for this to add volume and fullness. Because they are filled after placement, they can be inserted through smaller incisions. If a saline implant leaks, the body absorbs the saline and eliminates it naturally [1]. The surgeon can adjust the size during the surgery.

• Gummy bear implants: These implants are made of a thicker silicone gel and are firmer than traditional implants. They keep their shape even if the implant shell breaks [1]. They aim for a natural look.

• Teardrop implants: These shaped implants are fuller in the lower part than in the upper part. They aim to give the breast a natural slope rather than the rounder upper contour of a round implant.

• Breast augmentation with fat transfer: This is a method in which the doctor injects fat from another part of your body into your breasts. This method aims for a natural-looking, fuller appearance.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, knowing what to expect during this process can help reduce your pre-operative anxiety and help you make an informed decision. The consultation you will have before this surgery is one of the most important meetings you will have with our surgeon. Here is what the breast augmentation consultation covers:

• The surgeon will first take a comprehensive medical history to assess your general health status. At this stage, you should provide information about your previous surgeries, current health problems, medications, and allergies. We will also assess your lifestyle habits, such as smoking habits and alcohol consumption. This information helps our surgeon create a treatment plan suited to you.

• The type and size of implant you choose during this surgery are of great importance for the surgical results. Your surgeon will explain in detail the differences between the implants and the advantages and disadvantages of each, and help you choose the one that suits you.

• Our specialist also provides detailed information about the post-operative recovery process. The doctor will also inform you about the care instructions you should pay attention to in the post-operative period, the medical products you should use, and regular doctor checks.

Proper preparation before this surgical intervention supports a smoother operation and helps you work toward the result you want. Take a look at the things you should pay attention to during the preparation process for breast augmentation surgery:

• The surgeon may order some blood tests and health screenings before surgery. These tests are important for the doctor to assess your general health and determine whether you are suitable for surgery. Our anesthesiologist will also assess your health condition and determine whether you are suitable for anesthesia. The specialist will also inform you about the anesthesia process and explain the possible risks.

• If you smoke, we recommend that you stop smoking four to six weeks before the operation and for the same period after it [2]. Smoking can slow your recovery and increase the risk of complications. Limiting your alcohol consumption can also support your recovery after surgery.

• Blood thinners increase your risk of bleeding during and after the surgery [1] and put the recovery process at risk. For this reason, your surgeon may ask you to stop taking such medications before surgery. It is also imperative that you inform your surgeon about other medications you take regularly.

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet before surgery helps your body prepare for surgery. Regular exercise also supports your general health.

Breast augmentation surgery also has certain risks and potential complications. Knowing and understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision before surgery and better manage the postoperative process. Here are the risks and complications of breast augmentation surgery:

• Infection may develop in the wound area during or after surgery. Infection can prolong the postoperative healing process and may require additional treatments, including removal of the implant if it does not respond to antibiotics [3].

• Bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. A collection of blood called a hematoma usually forms soon after surgery; small hematomas may be absorbed by the body, while larger ones may need to be drained surgically [3].

• A capsule of connective tissue forms around your breast implants as your body’s natural response. This capsule can sometimes tighten and harden, squeezing the implant, distorting its shape and causing pain [3]. This condition, which we call capsular contracture, can lead to the hardening and deformation of your breasts.

• Fluid may collect around the implant, a condition called seroma. The body may absorb a small seroma, while a large one requires a surgical drain [3].

• The implant may shift from its original position, the breasts may look uneven, or wrinkling of the implant may be felt or seen through the skin [3].

• Breast implants can leak or rupture over time. With silicone implants, a rupture often causes no symptoms and is known as a silent rupture, which is detected with MRI or ultrasound [3]. With saline implants, the saline leaks out immediately or over several days and the breast loses its size or shape [3].

• Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon cancer of the immune system linked to breast implants, with a low but increased risk in people who have implants with a textured surface [2].

• Some people with breast implants report symptoms that affect the whole body, such as tiredness, memory problems, skin rash and joint pain, often called breast implant illness. The link between these symptoms and implants is not fully understood [2].

• Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and complications such as capsular contracture or rupture may require further surgery to remove or replace the implant [3].

• With fat transfer, some of the transferred fat cells may die (fat necrosis), and benign cysts or calcifications may form in the breast [4].

• After this surgery, you may experience a change in sensation in the nipple or breast, which may be temporary or permanent [3].

• Surgery leaves scars in the areas where the specialist made the incisions. These scars usually fade over time but do not disappear completely. To minimize scar formation, you should use the creams and lotions recommended by your doctor in the post-operative period and protect yourself from the sun.

This process consists of a series of procedures that require meticulously planned steps and the expertise of our surgeon. Understanding how the surgeon performs the breast augmentation surgery step by step can help reduce your preoperative anxiety and shows you how the process progresses. Here is the breast augmentation surgery step by step:

Anesthesia

You will be under general anesthesia for your comfort and convenience during the surgery. Our anesthesiologist will evaluate your health condition and provide information about the anesthesia process.

Making the incisions

To place the implants, the surgeon makes incisions in the areas you have previously identified together. The specialist usually makes these incisions in areas such as the inframammary fold, around the nipple, or in the armpit. Our doctor carefully chooses the location of the incisions so that the post-operative scars are less noticeable.

Placement of the implants

After making the incisions, your surgeon carefully places the implants. The surgeon can place the implants over the muscle or under the muscle. The doctor determines the placement method according to your body structure and aesthetic expectations.

Closing the incisions

After inserting the implants, the surgeon carefully closes the incisions. The stitches may vary depending on the skin structure and the incision site. In some cases, the specialist may apply special glue or tape over the stitches. After the operation, you stay in the hospital for one night so that the effects of the anesthesia can wear off. During this time, your surgeon and our team monitor your recovery.

The post-operative recovery process is as important as the surgical process. This process is of great importance for the successful results of the surgery and your comfortable recovery. Following the surgeon’s instructions and taking the necessary care supports a smoother recovery. Here are the things you may encounter and need to pay attention to during the recovery process after breast augmentation surgery:

• First days after surgery: The first few days after surgery are one of the most critical periods of your recovery. You should get plenty of rest during this period. Adequate rest is necessary for your body to adapt to the healing process. It is quite normal to have pain and swelling in the breasts after surgery.

• First week and beyond: The first week of your recovery period is usually when the effects of the surgery are felt most intensely. You should have regular check-ups with your doctor during the first week after surgery. These checks are of great importance in terms of monitoring your healing process and the early diagnosis of possible complications. For at least two weeks, you should avoid anything that causes strain or raises your pulse or blood pressure [2]. You should not do any heavy lifting for at least four weeks, and a return to sports may take up to six weeks [1].

• Second week: During this period, the healing phase usually starts to feel easier. Soreness and swelling are likely for a few weeks after surgery, and bruising is also possible [2]. You should be patient until these symptoms disappear completely. After this stage, you can gradually return to your daily activities.

• Long-term recovery process: Scar care supports the complete healing of your surgical incisions and helps reduce the appearance of your scars. You can perform scar care by using the creams and lotions recommended by your doctor.

Breast augmentation aims for physical changes that can also affect how you feel about your body. Understanding the results before and after breast augmentation surgery can help you make informed decisions during this process. The surgery increases the volume and fullness of your breasts. The shape and symmetry of your breasts can also be improved with this procedure, which can improve your overall body balance.

Breast augmentation surgery also aims to increase your self-confidence. Addressing your aesthetic concerns can help you feel more comfortable in your social and personal lives. The change in the size and shape of your breasts can also widen your choice of clothes and help you wear the clothes you want more comfortably.

Breast augmentation surgery aims to meet your aesthetic expectations. Pre-operative preparation, surgical intervention, and post-operative care are of great importance for this process to be successful and smooth. The goal of the surgery is a result that supports your quality of life.

The cost of breast augmentation depends on several factors. Having information about the cost before the surgery can help you plan your budget and make informed decisions.

The final price is determined by the type of implant, the surgical technique and the complexity of the procedure. There are price differences between silicone and saline implants, and silicone implants are usually more expensive. Special implants, such as gummy bear implants, can also increase the cost.

Our professional team aims for a natural-looking result that matches your goals, with personalized approaches and the experience of our surgeon. Contact us to plan your breast augmentation.