Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation surgeries are operations that change the size and shape of the breast.

Breasts may grow disproportionately during puberty, one may be smaller than the other. Even if a woman was satisfied with her breasts in the past, now she may feel uncomfortable because they have lost their fullness due to weight gain, breastfeeding or aging, their shape has changed, and therefore they begin to look different.

In these cases, women can have natural-looking breasts that are more compatible with their body shape by correcting the shape and size of their breasts with breast augmentation surgery.

When deciding how much to enlarge the breast, the desire of the person, the current situation and the dimensions of the rib cage are taken into consideration. Two methods are used in breast augmentation surgery. One of them is fat injection into the breast, known as 'lipofilling', and the other is breast implants, also known as 'prosthesis', which is still the most popular method.

The breast implants used are silicone prostheses. Silicone prostheses do not react with any tissue after being placed in the body and their molecular structure does not change. As a result of technological developments, the structure, softness, durability and shape of silicones have enabled natural results to be obtained in breast augmentation surgeries.

The choice of the prosthesis to be used is made according to the patient's expectations, breast structure, rib cage shape and soft tissue thickness, as a result of the preoperative physician's evaluation. Again, the physician and the patient decide together on issues such as the entry site of the operation, the placement and dimensions of the prosthesis.

Prosthesis alone may not be sufficient in breasts that have lost their fullness, that are loosened and that are severely sagging. In this case, breast lift surgery should be performed in addition to prosthesis application.

The results of breast augmentation surgery depend on many factors. Factors such as the current size of the breasts, the diameter of the breast base, asymmetric development of the breasts, sagging in the breast, the shape of the chest wall, the elasticity of the skin and deformities in breast development may affect the outcome of the surgery. Pregnancy and aging may cause some changes in postoperative appearance.

What is breast augmentation surgery?

These are surgeries that change the size and shape of the breast by applying fat injection or breast implants to the breast.

Why is breast augmentation performed?

Breast augmentation surgery is performed to correct the shape and size of the breasts, which have lost their fullness due to weight gain, breastfeeding or aging, have changed their shape, and therefore cause discomfort because they have a different appearance, to give a more harmonious appearance with the body.

What is the best age for breast augmentation?

People over 18 years of age can undergo this surgery. There is no upper age limit.

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?

If one of the following applies to you, you may be a candidate for breast augmentation surgery;

If you complain that your breasts are small,
If your clothes do not fit the hips and chest area in the same harmony,
If you feel uncomfortable wearing bikinis and tight clothes,
If your breasts have lost their fullness and decreased in size after birth,
If the shape and size of your breasts have changed after losing weight,
If you have asymmetry between your breasts.

What should I do before the surgery?

Before breast augmentation, breast ultrasound is performed if you are under 40 years old, and mammography and breast ultrasound are performed if you are over 40 years old.

Your physician takes a detailed story. Your general health condition, drug allergies, operations you have undergone until that day - for example, breast biopsy - and treatments are questioned. A breast examination is performed before the operation. The volume and shape of your breasts, the structure of your skin and the location of your nipples are examined. Photographs will be taken.

Blood thinners, aspirin, painkillers containing ibuprofen, flu medicationes and contraceptives should not be used for at least 1 week before surgery. It is also recommended to discontinue substances known to dilute blood such as vitamin E, fish oil, ginseng, green tea, herbal teas, flaxseed.

Smoking and alcohol should be stopped at least 1 week before the operation.

Step by step operation process:

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is applied.

Surgical procedure: The surgical incision is most commonly made in the inframammary fold, less commonly in the lower part of the nipple or in the armpit area. The room for the prosthesis can be prepared in front of the pectoral muscle (i.e. just behind the breast tissue) or behind it. The dual plan technique, which is a combination of these two techniques, can also be used. The entry site is closed with absorbable suture materials.

What should I expect after breast augmentation surgery?

After the surgery, a small bandaging is applied and a surgical bra is worn to provide breast support.

Breast augmentation surgery is not a painful surgery. Mild to moderate pain that may occur afterwards responds well to simple painkillers.

In the early period, there may be swelling, numbness in the nipple and mild bruising. These disappear spontaneously in a short time.
There is a minimal scar at the incision site that can be easily concealed.

What should I pay attention to after breast augmentation surgery?

You can take a shower on the 2nd day.

Home rest is recommended for the first 3 days.

Bandages are removed on the 3rd postoperative day.

You should not smoke for one week after the operation.

Aspirin should not be taken for 3 weeks due to its bleeding-enhancing effect.

Surgical bra is used for 3 weeks.

Weight lifting and exercises using arms should be avoided for 3 weeks.

Light sports can be started as of the 3rd week.

Stitches do not need to be removed because they dissolve spontaneously. Since hidden sutures are applied, the incision scar on the skin surface is minimal.

When can I return to work after breast augmentation surgery?

You can return to work one week after the operation.

What is the recovery time after breast augmentation surgery?

It is possible to return to normal life completely at the end of one week.

What results should I expect after breast augmentation surgery?

Factors such as the current size of the breasts, the diameter of the breast base, asymmetrical development of the breasts, sagging breasts, the shape of the chest wall, the elasticity of the skin and deformities in breast development can affect the result of the surgery.

It may take 6-9 months to finalise the appearance after breast implant.

Rapid weight gain and loss, breastfeeding and the aging can cause changes in breast fullness and shape. The results of breast augmentation surgery depend on many factors.

How long does a breast prosthesis last?

Thanks to technological developments, silicone prosthesis has now gained features that can last a lifetime. The possibility of any wear, tear and deformation in the silicone prosthesis over the years is negligible.

Does the risk of cancer increase after breast augmentation surgery?

Various researches have been carried out on this subject all over the world for years. These studies have repeatedly proven that breast prostheses do not increase the risk of cancer in any way.

Frequently Asked Question
Can you enlarge your breasts with exercise?

It is not possible to actually increase breast size with exercise. However, strengthening the rib cage muscles with exercises caused breasts to stand more upright.
What is breast augmentation surgery?

These are surgeries that change the size and shape of the breast by applying fat injection or breast implants to the breast.
What is the best age for breast augmentation?

People over 18 years of age can undergo this surgery. There is no upper age limit.
What are the options for breast augmentation?

Two methods are used in breast augmentation surgery. One of them is fat injection into the breast (Lipofilling) and the other is breast implants (Prosthesis), which is still the most popular method.
What can I do to enlarge my breasts?

The most common method for breast augmentation is silicone implants. To a lesser extent, fat injection is also used.
How common is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation with implants has become one of the most popular surgeries in the last 10 years
What is the difference between breast augmentation and implants?

Breast augmentation surgery allows you to have fuller and properly shaped breasts. It can be performed with two different methods by fat injection into the breast or by placing a prosthesis, i.e. implant, into the breast.
Are there different types of implants?

There are different types of implants according to their content, shape and surface characteristics. According to their content, those filled with serum or silicone gel are the most commonly used. According to their shape, they can be round or drop-like. According to their surface, they can be smooth or rough. These new generation implants are very resistant to pressure and impacts. They do not need to be replaced over time or for reasons such as pregnancy. For this reason, they are called 'Life Time', that is, 'lifelong silicones'. Today, two types of Life Time implants are used. One of them is round and the other is drop-shaped silicone implants. With round silicones, the upper side of the breast looks fuller. Drop-shaped silicones, on the other hand, lift the breast more from the bottom and give the person a completely natural appearance. Life Time implants are almost the consistency of normal breast tissue. Thus, both the sense of touch is natural and the movement of the implants with the body appears normal.
Which implant is better? Round? Or teardrop?

With round implants, the upper side of the breast looks fuller. Teardrop-shaped silicones, on the other hand, lift the breast more from the bottom and give the person a completely natural appearance.
Which implants look the most natural?

Drop-shaped silicones lift the breast more from the bottom and give the person a completely natural appearance.
Which implants feel more natural?

Life Time implants have almost the consistency of normal breast tissue. Thus, both the sense of touch is natural and the movement of the implants with the body appears normal.
Do implants increase the risk of cancer?

There is no scientific data showing that breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer.
What is the most common breast implant size?

After your physicians's examination, the most suitable breast implant is determined together with you, taking into account your body measurements, the shape of your rib cage and your expectations. Between 100 ml and 800 ml breast implants are available.
What is considered a large implant?

The largest breast implant has a volume of 800 ml. Those between 400 ml and 800 ml are considered large breast implants.
Will I have to undergo any additional implant-related surgery during my lifetime?

If the shell that naturally surrounds your breast implant thickens, the implant may become stuck and dislocate. In this case, your implant will be replaced with a new operation. However, this situation is very rare. In cases of skin laxity, asymmetry, sagging and insufficient breast tissue after breast implant removal, an additional surgical intervention may be required.
How do you choose the breast implant size?

After your physician's examination, the most suitable breast implant is determined together with you, taking into account your body measurements, the shape of your rib cage and your expectations.
If I choose to remove the implants in the future, how will my breasts look afterwards?

Laxity, asymmetry and sagging of the skin may develop after breast implant removal. In addition, there may not be enough breast tissue left. In these cases, an additional surgical intervention may be required.
Is there an age limit for breast implants?

The lower age limit for breast implants is 18 years. There is no upper age limit.
Which breast implant is right for me?

The most suitable prosthesis for you is selected after your physician's examination. The most important criterion at this point is your physical characteristics. Your age, height, shape of your rib cage, breast shape and size and your preference are taken into consideration.
Should I lose weight before the implant?

Being at the ideal body mass index allows a better evaluation of your body shape, rib cage structure, actual breast size and shape. Under these conditions, it is healthier in order to determine the most suitable prosthesis for you.
Which implants are the safest?

Silicone implants are the most reliable and best implants.
Why do implants harden?

The implants harden if the shell that naturally surrounds your breast implant thickens.
Can breast implants be rejected?

The breast implants used today are made of silicone. Silicone is also an inert material, i.e. it does not react with tissue. Therefore, implant rejection is out of the question.
When should breast implants be replaced?

Only if the shell that naturally surrounds your breast implant thickens, the implant may become stuck and dislocate. In this case, your implant will be replaced with a new operation. This situation is very rare.
Will breast implants enlarge if I gain weight?

Breast implants are not affected by your weight gain. However, weight gain and loss can negatively affect the appearance obtained after breast augmentation surgery.
Can I have breast augmentation without implants?

The method of breast augmentation without implants is fat injection. The fat taken from your own body, usuaaly the abdominal fat, is specially prepared and applied to the breast.
Can breast implants last 30 years?

Silicone implants produced with the latest technologies have the chance to be used for a lifetime.
What happens when a breast implant breaks?

Since these new generation implants are very resistant to pressure and impact, you can use them for a lifetime without any problems.
Can fat be transferred to my breasts?

Yes. Fat injection is one of the methods used for breast augmentation.
Can you use someone else's fat for breast augmentation?

No, you cannot. Fat injection is considered a tissue transplant. However, you can use specially prepared fat taken from your own body for breast augmentation.
How long does breast fat transfer take?

Breast fat transfer takes 1.5-2 hours.
How can I enlarge my breasts without surgery?

Apart from prosthesis, fat injection is applied for breast augmentation. Fat cells taken from one's own body, usually from the abdominal region, are specially prepared and injected into the breast.
Can autologous fat be used for breast augmentation?

Yes. If fat injection is to be performed for breast augmentation, the person's own fat cells are used.
How is breast augmentation performed with autologous fat?

Fat cells taken from different parts of the body are injected into the breast after being specially prepared.
Can you put belly fat onto the breasts?

Yes, you can. The fat aspirated from the abdominal area is injected into the breast.
How much fat is required for lipofilling of the breasts?

Depending on the condition of your breasts, 150-400 ml of fat can be transferred
How long does fat transfer to the breasts take?

It takes 1.5-2 hours to transfer fat to the breasts.
Is fat transfer to the breast painful?

No, it is not. Liposuction is performed first. This is done under general anaesthesia. Therefore, no pain is felt.
Should I wear a bra after breast fat transfer?

Yes. Bras that are not tight and without underwire are recommended. Sports bras are generally preferred.
How should I sleep after breast fat transfer?

You should sleep with the upper body upright and without any pressure on the breasts.
When can I exercise after breast augmentation with autologous fat?

You can exercise after 2 to 3 weeks.
How long does it take to recover from fat transfer to the breasts?

You can return to your normal life after 4 to 5 days.
What are the risks of fat transfer to the breasts?

Although at a very low rate, bleeding, oedema, asymmetry in the breasts may be observed.
How effective is breast augmentation with autologous fat?

Fat injection is one of the two techniques used in breast augmentation surgery.
How long do the breasts last with autologous fat?

In fat transfer obtained by liposuction, it is 60% permanent, and if stem cell transfer is also performed, it is 75% permanent.
Is breast fat transfer permanent?

If the fat to be transferred is obtained by liposuction, it is 60% permanent, and if stem cell transfer is also performed, this is then 75% permanent.
What is the success rate of fat transfer breast augmentation surgery?

Although it varies from person to person, up to 60% of the fat injected into the breast remains.
Which is better? Silicone or autologous fat?

Breast augmentation achieved with silicone implants is more permanent than autologous fat injection.
How do you know how big your breasts will be after surgery?

After your physician's evaluation, the appearance of your breast will be shared with you by 3-D simulation method.
Which controls should be performed before breast surgery?

Before breast augmentation, breast ultrasound is performed if you are under 40 years of age, and mammography and breast ultrasound are performed if you are over 40 years of age.
What should I pay attention to before breast augmentation surgery?

Blood thinners, aspirin, painkillers containing ibuprofen and flu medications should not be used for at least 1 week before surgery. It is also recommended not to use substances known to dilute blood such as vitamin E, ginseng, green tea, herbal teas, flaxseed. Smoking should be stopped at least 1 week before the operation.
Can breast augmentation surgery be performed awake?

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.
Do breast implants sag over time?

Sagging of the breast is a natural process due to aging no matter if you have a breast implant or not. However, since implants poses a greater weight on the breast, this might cause a more sagging appearance.
Is a breathing tube inserted during breast augmentation?

Yes, since the operation is performed under general anaesthesia, a breathing tube is inserted.
Is there an alternative to breast implants?

One of the two methods used in breast augmentation surgeries is breast implants and the other is fat injection into the breast.
Can your nipples still get hard after breast implants?

Changes in sensation in the nipple may occur because the breast implant causes tension on the nerves leading to the nipple. Numbness in the nipple often regresses in the first 3 months. Rarely, it may take up to 1-1.5 years for the sensation to return in the nipple.
What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?

Problems such as bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing or asymmetry are very rarely seen after breast augmentation surgery performed by an experienced plastic surgeon at modern equipped hospitals. The body surrounds the breast prosthesis with a shell. If this shell thickens, the prosthesis may be squeezed and displaced and the prosthesis may need to be replaced with a new operation, although rarely.
How long does it take for breast implants to look normal?

Life Time implants have almost the consistency of normal breast tissue. Thus, both the tactile sensation is natural and the movement of the implants with the body appears normal. However, birth, breastfeeding, weight gain, weight loss and ageing can adversely affect the postoperative appearance.
What are the advantages of breast augmentation surgery?

Beast augmentation with implant is one of the most popular surgery in tha last ten years, due to liability of the implant and the surgical improvements. Since the surgery is painless and takes only one to two hours, it has become the most preffered method.
What happens to implants in old age?

As a natural consequence of aging, sagging develops in tissues. Whether you have implants in your breast or not, it will still sag a little with age.
Will my breast look different over time after breast augmentation surgery?

Although pregnancy, breastfeeding and aging can negatively affect the result of surgery, the appearance of the breasts is generally long-lasting.
Which implants are carcinogenic?

There is no scientific evidence that breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer.
When do implants soften?

New generation implants do not soften.
What can I do about pain after breast augmentation?

Mild to moderate pain after surgery responds well to simple painkillers.
When is it completely painless after breast surgery?

It is not correct to say that breast augmentation surgery is a painful surgery.
How severe is the pain after breast surgery?

It is not correct to say that breast augmentation surgery is a painful surgery.
Should I wear a surgical bra after breast augmentation surgery?

Yes, you should. Surgical bras accelerate the healing process. If you do not use these bras or stop using them before the recommended time, your breast implant cannot fully adapt to its new shape and size. Therefore, it may slip out of place.
When can I stop wearing a surgical bra after breast augmentation surgery?

3 weeks after the operation, you can stop wearing the surgical bra and switch to a support bra without underwire. You should wear this bra day and night for 2 weeks. However, you can only not wear a bra 6 weeks after surgery.
Can I sleep without a bra after breast augmentation?

4 weeks after the operation, you may stop wearing a bra at night.
When should I start breast massage after augmentation?

Breast massage can be applied for up to 6 months, starting one month after the operation, as recommended by your physician.
How long after breast augmentation surgery can I raise my arms?

It is not recommended to raise your arms above shoulder level for at least 2 weeks after surgery. You should not lift anything heavy for 6 weeks. You should not carry anything heavier than 5 kilos before 3 months.
When can I wash my hair after breast augmentation surgery?

It is recommended to wait 2 weeks to wash your hair on your own.
How long after breast augmentation surgery can I drive?

In general, you can drive as soon as the use of painkillers is over and you feel comfortable behind the wheel. This can take from a few days to a week.
Why is it not allowed to drive after breast augmentation surgery?

Driving in the early recovery period can cause pain and dislocation of the breast implant.
How do you sleep after breast augmentation?

It is recommended that you sleep upright after breast augmentation surgery.
For how long should I sleep upright after breast augmentation surgery?

You should sleep in an upright position for at least one to two months (on average 6 weeks) after the operation. In this way, there will be less pressure on the incision site and implant and swelling will regress more quickly.
How long should I l sleep on my back after breast surgery?

It is recommended to sleep on your back for 1 to 2 months after the operation.
Can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation surgery?

For the first month or two, it is recommended to lie on your back and upright at an angle of 30-45 degrees. However, you can sleep on your side after 6-8 weeks (approximately 2 months).
Why don't you lie on your side after breast surgery?

It is not recommended to lie on your side for the first 6-8 weeks. During this period, wound healing is completed and you do not risk having problems with your stitches. In addition, since the implant placement process is still very new, you will cause asymmetric pressure on the implant by lying on your side.
When can I shower after breast augmentation surgery?

You can take a shower on the 2nd day after the operation.
When can I do push-ups after breast augmentation surgery?

You can do push-ups 4 weeks after the operation.
How long should you avoid swimming after breast augmentation surgery?

Swimming is not recommended for the first 4 weeks.
When can I run with breast implants?

2 weeks after the operation, you can start running at a light to moderate cardio pace.
How long does it take to recover after breast augmentation surgery?

Full recovery can take up to 4 weeks.
How long after birth can I have breast augmentation surgery?

For breast augmentation surgery after childbirth, it is recommended that you wait until you stop breastfeeding and reach the ideal weight you want.
Does breast augmentation prevent pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Breast implants do not interfere with pregnancy or breastfeeding, as the breast itself is not cut off in breast augmentation surgery.
Which movements cannot be performed after breast surgery?

The first 4 weeks after the operation is the most important time for the implant to settle into place. During this period, the chest muscles should not be forced to work. Therefore, one should not lift more than 5 kg, carry heavy back/side bags, open and close car doors for the first 4 weeks. Avoid exercises that will strain the back and rib cage muscles. For example, exercises such as golf, tennis, push-ups, pilates, yoga, swimming can be done after 4 weeks.
How long can I return to work after breast surgery?

You can return to work one week after the operation.
Can you breastfeed with submuscular implants?

Implants do not interfere with breastfeeding regardless of their placement.
Will I be able to have my annual breast screening as usual?

Mammograms with prosthetic breasts may require special techniques. However, your routine breast screening should continue as recommended in the guidelines.