Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)?

Breast augmentation surgery is a surgical procedure to increase breast size and provide breast fullness.
This procedure can be performed with implants placed under the breast tissue or with the use of one’s own fat tissue.
Breast augmentation can be preferred for aesthetic concerns, as well as after surgeries that cause breast loss, such as mastectomy.

Breast augmentation surgery is a popular aesthetic operation, especially for women with small breasts.
It allows women to achieve a more proportionate body structure by improving the size, shape and overall appearance of their breasts.

Who is Breast Augmentation Suitable for?

Breast augmentation surgery is a suitable option for women who are not aesthetically satisfied with their breasts and want to have fuller and more prominent breasts.
Situations where this surgery is suitable are as follows:

• Having small breasts: Breast augmentation surgery is an ideal option for women who are unhappy with the size of their breasts.
• Loss of volume in the breasts: After pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss, the volume of the breasts may decrease.
  This can also be corrected with breast augmentation surgery.
• Asymmetrical breasts If one breast is noticeably smaller than the other, breast augmentation surgery can correct this asymmetry.
• Reconstruction after massectomy: For women who have had their breasts removed due to diseases such as breast cancer, breast augmentation surgery allows their breasts to be reconstructed.

The most suitable candidates for breast augmentation surgery are people in good general health, non-smokers and people with realistic expectations.
A preliminary interview with the surgeon is of great importance to determine whether the person is physically suitable for surgery.

Before Breast Augmentation Surgery

A detailed interview with your surgeon before breast augmentation surgery is extremely important for the success of the surgical process.
During this meeting, you should clearly communicate your expectations and wishes to your surgeon.
Your surgeon should also inform you about the surgical process, the types of implants used and the possible risks.

Preoperative preparations may include the following steps:

• Breast measurements and implant selection: The surgeon evaluates your breast size and body proportions.
  The size and shape of the implant and the filling material (silicone or saline) are decided together.
• Medical evaluation: Your medical history, current health status and any medications you are taking will be assessed.
  Imaging tests such as mammography or ultrasound may be ordered at this stage.
• Surgery planning: Preparations are made for the day of surgery and recommendations are made, such as stopping smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery.

Types of Breast Implants

Two types of implants are usually used in breast augmentation surgery: silicone implants and saline implants.
Both implants have their own advantages and are chosen according to the needs of the individual.

1. Silicone Implants:

   • It is filled with silicone gel and offers a softness very similar to natural breast tissue.
   • It is especially preferred by women who want a natural look.
   • If the implant is damaged, the gel may leak into the body, but this leakage is not harmful to the body.
     The condition of the implants should be monitored with regular check-ups.

2. Saline Implants

   • It is filled with sterile brine.
   • In case of damage to the implant, the saline is absorbed by the body and excreted naturally.
   • Such implants usually offer a less natural feel, but the implant size can be adjusted during surgery.

Your surgeon will guide you in determining the type of implant that best suits your body structure, lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?

Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and the operation takes about 1 to 2 hours.
The surgical process includes the following steps:

1. Making the incision: Three different incision sites can be preferred by the surgeon for the placement of the implants:

   • Inframammary fold (inframammary incision)
   • Nipple circumference (periareolar incision)
   • Armpit (transaxillary incision)

   Which incision technique to use depends on the size of the implant and your body structure.

2. Placement of the implant: The implant is placed under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle.
   The surgeon chooses the method that best suits your body structure and desired appearance.

3. Closing the incisions: After the implants are placed, the incisions are closed with sutures.
   Since the sutures will be hidden under the skin, visible postoperative scars are kept to a minimum.

After the surgery is complete, your breasts are bandaged and supported with a surgical bra.

Postoperative Recovery Process

The recovery process after breast augmentation surgery may vary from person to person, but in general, patients can return to their normal activities after a few days of rest.
Full recovery usually takes between 4 to 6 weeks.

Things to consider after surgery:

• There may be mild swelling and tenderness during the first week.
  Your surgeon may recommend painkillers for these symptoms.
• You will need to wear a special surgical bra during the healing process.
  This bra helps to support the breasts and help the implants to settle.
• Weight lifting and intense physical activity should be avoided for several weeks.
• It is important to go for regular medical check-ups until full recovery is complete.

Your surgeon will give you detailed information about postoperative care and other issues to be considered.

What are the Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation surgery has some risks.
These risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Displacement or leakage of the implant
• Capsular contracture (formation of a hard tissue around the implant)
• Scars

To minimize these risks, it is important to choose an experienced surgeon and follow the doctor’s recommendations in the postoperative period.

Results of Breast Augmentation Surgery

After breast augmentation surgery, the results are visible immediately, but it may take several months for the breasts to be fully finalized.
It is during this time that the implants settle, the swelling subsides and the breasts take on a natural appearance.

The results of breast augmentation surgery are usually long-lasting, but aging, weight changes and hormonal factors can cause changes in the shape of the breasts over time.
In such cases, revision surgeries may be considered.