What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery is a surgical procedure performed to increase breast volume, give the breasts a fuller appearance, and/or reduce the volume difference between the two breasts. The most common method is the placement of breast implants.
 

Who is it suitable for?
You may be a suitable candidate for evaluation if you have any of the following:
- Dissatisfaction with breast volume (genetically small breasts)

- Volume loss after weight loss or childbirth/breastfeeding

- Significant asymmetry between the two breasts

- Need for volume/shape adjustment after breast reconstruction

Suitability is evaluated together with examination findings, skin quality, existing breast tissue, rib cage measurements, and the individual's expectations.
 

What are the implant options?
Implants are generally classified by:
- Content: Silicone gel / saline

- Shape: Round / anatomical (teardrop)

- Surface: Smooth / textured

The choice depends on these characteristics. The desired appearance is customized to each individual based on breast tissue thickness, your measurements, and the surgical plan.
 

Where is the implant placed?
There are 3 common options:
- Supramammary fold (above the breast muscle)

- Submuscular fold (under the muscle)

- Dual plane

Which plane is more suitable is determined by factors such as breast tissue thickness, sports habits, existing sagging/skin laxity, and the desired fullness.
 

Where are the incisions (scars) made?
The most common incision locations are:
- Inframammary fold (under the breast)

- Periareolar area (around the nipple)

- Axillary (underarm)

 

The visibility of scars depends on the incision location as well as the individual's skin structure, wound healing, and care. How is the surgery performed? How long does it take?
It is usually performed under general anesthesia. The duration varies depending on the planned technique, but is approximately 1-2 hours for most patients (this may vary from person to person).
 

Pre-operative preparation
Frequently recommended topics:
- If you smoke: quit/reduce before surgery if possible

- Adjustment of blood thinners and certain supplements (e.g., vitamin E, fish oil, etc.)

- Planning of necessary examinations (blood tests, imaging if needed, etc.)

- Clarification of measurements and prosthesis selection during examination

 

Recovery and return to daily life
General timeline (may vary from person to person):
- First 2–3 days: Tenderness, swelling, and a feeling of tightness may occur.

First 1 week: Return to work is possible for some patients (depending on the nature of the work).

- 2–4 weeks: Gradual return to light exercise.

- Around 6 weeks: A safer period for more intense sports/upper extremity strenuous activities for most patients.

Using a supportive bra and follow-up examinations are important parts of the recovery process.
 

Safety, risks, and “what you need to know”
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries risks. Most frequently discussed topics:
- Bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma)

- Capsular contracture (hardening of the capsule around the implant)

- Altered sensation (temporary or rarely permanent in the nipple/breast)

- Asymmetry, implant displacement, rippling

- Implant rupture/leakage and the need for additional surgery over time

- Scarring problems

 

Important notes (rare but important):
- A rare type of lymphoma called BIA-ALCL has been reported in association with textured implants.

The FDA publishes updated information sheets on rare reports of cancers in the capsule tissue associated with breast implants and general risks/complications.

- Some patients may describe systemic symptoms (fatigue, “brain fog,” joint and muscle pain, etc.) that they associate with implants; FDA reporting and evaluation topics exist on this subject.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Do the implants last a lifetime?
Breast implants are not "lifetime guaranteed" devices. Over time, check-ups, follow-ups, and in some patients, replacement/additional surgery may be necessary.
 

2) Do they look natural?
Naturalness is closely related to accurate measurements, appropriate implant selection, placement plan, and existing tissue thickness. The desired appearance will be clarified during the examination.
 

3) "How many cc should I have?"
CC alone is not the correct measure. The appropriate range for you is determined by evaluating chest width, breast base, skin laxity, and target form together.
 

4) Is the surgery very painful?
In the first few days, there may be tenderness similar to tension and muscle pain. Pain varies depending on the placement plan and individual threshold, and can usually be managed with medication.
 

5) Is a breast lift also necessary?

If there is significant sagging, implants alone may not be sufficient. In some patients, a breast lift (mastopexy) + implant combination is planned.
 

6) Does it affect breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is possible in many patients; However, this cannot be guaranteed for every patient. The incision site, breast tissue, and existing anatomical condition are important.
 

7) Can I have a mammogram/USG/MRI?
Yes. Imaging can be done; however, you need to inform the team performing the imaging about the presence of implants. The follow-up plan is tailored to the individual.
 

8) Is silicone implant rupture detectable?
Saline implant rupture is usually noticeable; silicone gel implant rupture can sometimes occur without symptoms. The FDA shares recommendations for imaging screening after certain years, even if there are no symptoms in silicone gel implants.
 

9) When can I return to work?
For desk jobs, some patients can return within 5-10 days. The time may be longer for jobs requiring physical exertion.
 

10) When can I do sports?
Light walking can be started early. For high-intensity upper body exercises, most patients need to wait a few weeks. A clear plan will be given during follow-up examinations.
 

11) Will the scars be very noticeable?

Scars are more prominent initially; they usually fade over time. Scar quality depends on individual wound healing. The process is supported with scar care recommendations.
 

12) What is capsule contracture?
Breast hardening/shape change can occur when the capsule that the body naturally forms around the implant thickens and hardens. Treatment varies from monitoring to surgery depending on the degree.
 

13) What happens if the implant ruptures?
Monitoring or replacement may be necessary depending on the situation. A plan is made according to complaints, examination, and imaging findings.
 

14) What is BIA-ALCL, is it very common?
BIA-ALCL is a rare condition more often associated with textured implants. In the late stages, evaluation is necessary with findings such as swelling, fluid accumulation, and masses in the breast.
 

15) Is “breast implant illness” (BII) real?
Some patients report systemic complaints that they associate with implants. These symptoms can vary widely, and evaluation is done on an individual basis; the FDA provides information on reported systemic symptoms in this regard.
 

16) How often should check-ups be?
Closer monitoring in the first year, followed by annual check-ups, may be recommended. The program varies depending on the implant type and individual risks.
 

17) Will my breasts immediately reach their “final shape” after surgery?
There may be swelling and “elevation” in the first few weeks. The breast shape will become more natural over weeks to months.
 

18) Are the results guaranteed?
Surgical results vary from person to person due to anatomical differences and healing dynamics. The goal is to achieve the best aesthetic result with the safest method.

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The content on this page is for general informational purposes only; it does not replace diagnosis and treatment. The appropriate surgical method and implant selection are determined through face-to-face examination and medical evaluation.

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