Hello, dear readers, I’m Dr. Ahmet Kaplan. Today, we’re going to chat about an operation that significantly boosts women’s self-confidence and brings a big smile to their faces when they look in the mirror: Breast Implant Surgery. I’ll explain everything you’re curious about this procedure, thoroughly, in a friendly yet informative way. Ready? Let’s embark on this fascinating journey!

What is Breast Implant Surgery? Let’s Get Acquainted!

First, let’s clarify the question: What is breast implant surgery? Also known as “augmentation mammoplasty” in medical terms, this procedure involves the use of silicone prostheses to increase the volume of your breasts, give them a fuller and more aesthetic form, or correct congenital or acquired asymmetries. In essence, it’s a process of creating a personalized work of art that allows you to feel more at peace and happier with your body. Every woman’s body structure and aesthetic expectations are unique, which is why this operation is planned entirely for you, meticulously carried out to achieve the look of your dreams. And the best part? These life-changing procedures are expertly performed right here in Istanbul, Turkey, a globally recognized hub for aesthetic surgery.

Before the Big Day: The Preparation Process

Behind every successful operation lies a detailed and meticulous preparation process. Breast implant surgery is no exception. From the moment you first step into our clinic in Istanbul, I want you to know that we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Examination and Evaluation: Let’s Get to Know You!

The first and most crucial step in this process is getting to know you closely and understanding your expectations. During this examination, I focus on the following:

• Your General Health: We start by checking your overall health. We’ll discuss any chronic conditions, medications you’re taking, or surgeries you’ve had in detail. Your health is always our priority.
• Breast Structure Analysis: I meticulously examine the existing structure of your breasts, skin quality, elasticity, and chest wall measurements. This guides us in selecting the right implant and placement.
• Implant Selection: A Personalized Touch: This is perhaps one of the most exciting steps! Together, we determine the most suitable implant type (round or anatomical/teardrop-shaped), size, and placement (under the muscle or over the muscle) for you. This selection considers not only your aesthetic expectations but also your body type and lifestyle. Round implants provide a fuller décolletage, while anatomical implants offer a more natural, teardrop shape.

Imaging and Planning: See the Future!

We leverage the latest technological advancements!

• 3D Simulation Programs: Thanks to advanced 3D simulation programs, you can preview how your breasts will look after the surgery, almost as if you’re looking at yourself in a mirror before the operation even takes place. This not only addresses your concerns but also ensures that your expectations perfectly align with my planning. These programs allow us to virtually try on different implant sizes and collectively decide on the ideal outcome.
• Implant Filling Material: The most commonly used implants today are filled with silicone gel. These implants offer a feel close to natural breast tissue. Rarely, saline-filled implants may also be preferred. We’ll decide which is more suitable for you based on your expectations and body type. Silicone gel implants minimize the risk of leakage due to their cohesive gel and offer safer use.

Pre-Surgery Recommendations: Small Steps, Big Differences!

There are some critical points to pay attention to before surgery. These are crucial for the success of the operation and the comfort of your recovery process:

• Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: It’s very important to stop smoking and consuming alcohol at least a few weeks before the operation. Smoking negatively affects wound healing, while alcohol can have a blood-thinning effect. This can increase anesthesia risks and slow down your recovery.
• Blood-Thinning Medications: If you’re taking any blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, certain pain relievers, etc.), you must stop them under medical supervision for a specific period before surgery. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding during the operation. I will explain in detail which medications to stop and for how long.
• Fasting on Surgery Day: On the day of surgery, you must arrive on an empty stomach as general anesthesia will be administered. You’re typically asked not to eat or drink anything from midnight the night before the operation. Adhering to this rule is vital for anesthesia safety.

Operation Day: Dreams Come True in Istanbul!

Yes, the big day has arrived right here in Istanbul! The operation is performed entirely under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety, and it typically lasts around 1 to 2 hours. Now, let’s examine the process step by step:

1. Incision Placement: An Artistic Touch

The incision site is determined based on where the implant will be placed, aiming for minimal visibility. This is where my surgical expertise and aesthetic understanding come into play. The most commonly used incision methods are:

• Areolar Edge (Periareolar Incision): This incision is made along the edge of the areola, the dark area around the nipple. Thanks to the natural color transitions in this area, scars are highly camouflaged and become almost invisible. This method is ideal for patients concerned about scarring.
• Inframammary Fold (Inframammary Incision): This incision is made in the natural crease under the breast. This is one of the most commonly preferred and safest incision methods. The scar is hidden within the natural fold of the breast, making it invisible when standing or wearing a bra. This incision also allows me to have the best view of the surgical field and perform the procedure more controllably.
• Armpit (Transaxillary Incision): This incision is made in the armpit. With this method, no scar is left on the breast itself, but implant placement can be longer and technically more challenging. It can be performed more precisely using endoscopic methods.

The choice of incision site is determined based on your breast structure, the size of the implant, and, of course, your preference. Our goal is always to leave the most aesthetic and least visible scar.

2. Pocket Creation: The Implant’s New Home

After the incision is made, a special pocket is created where the chosen implant will be placed. This pocket can be prepared in two different ways, depending on which layer of the breast it will be placed in:

• Subglandular (Over the Muscle) Placement: The implant is placed directly under the breast tissue, on top of the pectoral muscle. This method can shorten operation time and speed up recovery. However, in patients with very thin skin, the edges of the implant may be more noticeable. It’s generally preferred for patients with sufficient breast tissue who desire a natural descent.
• Submuscular (Under the Muscle) Placement: The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle. This method allows the implant to appear more natural because the muscle layer covers the upper part of the implant, providing a softer transition. It’s ideal for very thin patients with minimal breast tissue to prevent the edges of the implant from being visible. It’s also believed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture (the formation of a hard capsule around the implant). The recovery period might be slightly longer as the muscle needs time to heal.

Both placement techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll decide together which one is most suitable for your body type, lifestyle, and aesthetic expectations after a detailed evaluation.

3. Implant Insertion: The Final Touch

Once the pocket is ready, the pre-selected and custom-determined implant (round or teardrop shape) is meticulously inserted into the created pocket under sterile conditions. At this stage, correct and symmetrical placement of the implant is of great importance. Minor adjustments are made if necessary to ensure the implant sits exactly as desired.

4. Incision Closure: The Healing Process Begins

After the implant is placed, the incision is closed with aesthetic stitches. These stitches are usually dissolvable and do not need to be removed. Then, a special dressing is applied to the operation area. Sometimes, thin tubes called drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation after the operation; these are usually removed within a few days.

Post-Surgery Recovery: Step by Step Towards Comfort

Just as important as the operation itself is the recovery period. I’ll be by your side every step of the way to ensure your recovery is as comfortable and smooth as possible.

• First 24-48 Hours: Mild Discomfort: It’s completely normal to feel mild pain and swelling immediately after surgery. Don’t worry, I’ll prescribe effective pain relievers to keep this discomfort under control. You might experience some restricted movement in your arms during the first few days. You should definitely avoid lifting your arms above your head and lifting heavy objects.
• Week 1: The Power of the Support Bra: You’ll need to wear a special support bra after surgery. This bra helps the implants stay in the correct position, reduces swelling, and supports the healing process. You should wear this bra continuously for a specific period (usually 4-6 weeks) as instructed. During this time, you must strictly avoid strenuous exercises and arm-straining movements. Be careful when showering, ensuring the incision sites don’t get wet.
• Weeks 2-4: Swelling Decreases, Form Settles: During this period, your swelling will visibly decrease, and the implants will gradually settle into their natural positions. Your pain will have significantly lessened. You can gradually return to your normal daily activities, but still avoid strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting. You might be able to return to work during this period, but it depends on the nature of your job.
• After 6 Weeks: Full Recovery and Your New Self: Around 6 weeks, full recovery is generally achieved. Swelling almost completely subsides, and your breasts reach their final form. You can now start light sports and return to your daily life completely. Your scars will fade and become less noticeable over time. At this stage, you’ll feel better, and the smile on your face when you look in the mirror will be even bigger.

Risks and Complications: For Informed Decisions

As with any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery carries certain potential risks and complications. However, with an experienced surgeon and proper techniques, these risks can be minimized. Here’s what you need to know:

• Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection. To reduce this risk, you’ll be given antibiotic treatment before and after surgery, and sterile conditions are maintained during the procedure. Symptoms may include redness, increased warmth, pain, and fever. It can be easily controlled with early diagnosis and treatment.
• Capsular Contracture (Hardening): A capsule forms around the implant as a natural defense mechanism of the body. In some cases, this capsule can thicken excessively and harden, compressing the implant and leading to firmness, pain, or breast distortion. This condition can range from mild to severe and may require surgical intervention in some cases. Submuscular placement may help reduce this risk.
• Implant Displacement or Rotation: Rarely, implants can shift or rotate. Especially with teardrop-shaped implants, rotation can lead to breast shape distortion. In such cases, corrective surgery may be required.
• Loss of Sensation (Temporary): You might experience a temporary decrease or increase in sensation in the nipple and surrounding breast area. This usually returns to normal within a few months, but rarely can be permanent.
• Hematoma (Blood Accumulation) or Seroma (Fluid Accumulation): Blood or fluid accumulation can occur after surgery. This usually resolves on its own or is drained.
• Implant Leakage or Rupture: Modern silicone implants are very durable, but very rarely, they can leak or rupture over time. In such cases, the implant may need to be replaced. Even if gel implants leak, the risk of the gel flowing out is minimal.
• Wrinkling or Rippling: Especially in patients with insufficient breast tissue and those who choose large implants, wrinkling or rippling may be visible on the edges or surface of the implant.
• Asymmetry: Although great care is taken to ensure symmetry, minimal asymmetries can occur due to natural body asymmetry or differences in the healing process.

I’m always here to provide detailed information about these risks and address your concerns. The important thing is to make an informed decision by knowing all the possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): All Your Questions Answered

Many patients considering breast implant surgery have similar questions. Here are the most frequently asked ones and their answers:

1. How long do breast implants last?

Modern silicone implants are quite durable and generally have a lifespan of 10-15 years. However, this is not an “expiration date.” If you don’t experience any issues (pain, firmness, shape distortion, etc.), it’s not mandatory to replace your implants. However, it’s recommended to have your implants checked regularly and evaluated with an MRI at specific intervals (usually every 3 years). These controls allow us to monitor the condition of the implants and detect any potential problems early.

2. Will there be a scar after surgery?

Yes, as with any surgical procedure, there will be some scarring after breast implant surgery. However, thanks to my meticulous surgical techniques and strategic selection of incision sites, these scars will fade, thin, and become less noticeable over time. They are often hidden within the natural folds of the breast or along the edge of the areola, making them quite difficult to detect from the outside. I will provide you with specific recommendations for scar care after surgery, which will help the scars heal better.

3. Can I breastfeed with breast implants?

Absolutely yes! Breast implants are placed either under the breast tissue or under the muscle in a way that does not damage the milk ducts, so they do not affect your ability to breastfeed. You should know that this surgery does not pose an obstacle if you wish to become a mother and breastfeed your baby. Many of my patients have successfully breastfed their babies despite having implants.

4. Do I need to get an MRI after breast implant surgery?

Yes, it’s important for patients with silicone implants to have their implant status regularly checked. It’s generally recommended to have a breast MRI for control usually every 3 years. This is the most reliable method to assess the integrity of the implant and detect any potential leakage or rupture early. I will provide you with regular reminders about this.

5. Do breast implants cause cancer?

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on this topic, and to date, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that silicone implants increase the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, breast implants do not cause cancer. However, even with implants, it’s crucial not to neglect your regular breast cancer screenings (mammograms, ultrasounds, etc.). This is essential for every woman’s health, regardless of the presence of implants.

6. Will I lose sensation in my nipple after surgery?

You might experience a temporary change in sensation, such as loss or increase in sensation, in and around the nipple after surgery. This is due to the nerves being affected during the operation and usually returns to normal on its own within a few weeks or months. Very rarely, a small percentage of patients may experience permanent sensory changes. However, most of my patients report no problems with nipple sensation once the healing process is complete.

Say Hello to Your Confidence!

My dear readers, breast implant surgery, when performed with proper planning, meticulous surgical application, and by an experienced surgeon, is a safe and highly satisfying procedure that can truly bring about a positive change in women’s lives. This is not just a physical transformation but also a spiritual one. The happy expression you see when you look in the mirror is worth everything.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, don’t hesitate to ask all your questions. You’re welcome to visit our clinic here in Istanbul, Turkey, for a detailed examination, share your expectations with me, and together we can create a personalized plan. Because your happiness is my priority.

Stay well,

Dr. Ahmet Kaplan