Breasts play an important role in the overall aesthetic appearance of the female body. For many women, a balanced silhouette depends on harmonious proportions between the shoulders, chest, waist, hips, and breast volume. When the breasts are smaller than desired or out of proportion with the body, it may affect the overall body contour and self-confidence.
Breast augmentation surgery (breast implants) is a widely preferred cosmetic procedure designed to enhance breast volume, improve body proportions, and achieve a more feminine contour. In addition to increasing breast size, this surgery can also be performed when there is a noticeable breast asymmetry, helping both breasts appear more symmetrical and balanced.
One of the most commonly used and effective methods for breast enlargement is silicone breast implants. While older techniques using only the patient's own tissue could provide limited results, modern implant-based surgery offers more predictable and long-lasting outcomes. For patients who want a stable and long-term improvement, implants remain the most reliable option.
Methods such as fat injection (fat transfer to the breasts) usually do not provide fully permanent results and may require repeated sessions over time. Therefore, many women prefer silicone implants placed either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscles to achieve a more defined and lasting enhancement.
If you would like more information about breast augmentation in Turkey, learn about breast implant options, or ask about breast augmentation prices, you can contact our clinic in Tekirdag - a convenient location near Istanbul for international patients seeking aesthetic surgery in Türkiye.
What Is a Silicone Breast Implant?
Silicone breast implants are medical devices that have been used safely in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery for many years. They are designed to mimic the natural breast shape and are typically described as soft, balloon-like structures formed in a breast contour.
Today, there are many implant types and profiles, including round implants and teardrop (anatomical) implants. The internal content and outer surface can also vary depending on the product design. After a consultation and physical examination, the surgeon selects the most suitable implant based on the patient's breast anatomy, skin quality, body proportions, and aesthetic expectations. The desired breast look - whether more natural or more lifted and full - is also carefully considered during the planning stage.
What to Know Before Breast Augmentation Surgery
Before breast implant surgery, certain medical evaluations may be required. For patients over the age of 40, it is often beneficial to undergo mammography or breast ultrasound as part of the pre-operative screening. If there are signs or suspicion of breast cancer, breast augmentation should be postponed until the appropriate diagnosis and treatment are completed. Health and safety always come first.
After surgery, mild swelling (edema) and discomfort in the breast area are common and expected. These symptoms usually improve naturally within a short period. Bleeding and infection are rare but possible risks, and antibiotics are typically prescribed to reduce infection risk.
Because the operation involves making an incision in the breast area, temporary changes in nipple sensitivity may occur - sensitivity can increase or decrease. Some numbness around the incision line may also be experienced. In most cases, these changes are temporary.
In rare situations, the body may react by forming a thicker capsule (capsular contracture) around the implant. This may lead to tightness, firmness, or an unnatural breast shape. Mild to moderate capsule formation can sometimes be improved with massage and follow-up care, but severe cases may require implant removal or revision surgery.
It is also important to note that although silicone gel implants have a thin outer shell, they are highly resistant to impact. Normal daily activities and gentle or moderate massage will not damage the implant. Most patients can comfortably sleep on their stomach again approximately two months after surgery, depending on their healing progress.
In some cases, implant content leakage can occur. If gel-filled implants were used, leakage may cause a localized mass. However, if saline implants were placed, leakage is not typically dangerous because the body rapidly absorbs the saline solution. Saline is similar to sterile salt water and is a harmless substance commonly used in medical IV treatments.
Surgical Procedure
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient does not feel pain or discomfort during the operation. The surgical plan is tailored to the individual's anatomy and desired breast size, and the procedure is carried out using modern techniques to achieve a natural-looking, proportional result.
In general, the breast augmentation process includes the following steps:
- Before surgery, the exact intervention on the breast tissue is carefully planned during the consultation and physical examination.
- The duration of the operation varies from patient to patient, but it is usually completed within 1 to 2 hours.
- To enhance breast volume, the breast implant is inserted through an incision made in the breast area.
- For implant placement, a 4-5 cm incision is typically required.
- Depending on the patient's breast structure and tissue characteristics, the implant may be placed either: behind the breast tissue , or under the chest muscle
- Regardless of the incision location, a small scar will remain; however, incision lines are planned to be as discreet as possible and tend to fade over time.
- After the implant is positioned, the incision is closed with sutures, and the surgical procedure is completed.
In recent years, some techniques have also been developed to place implants through the area around the navel using an endoscopic approach. However, this method is not commonly preferred worldwide. The standard and most widely used approach remains placing the implant through an incision made directly in the breast region, as it allows more precise control and predictable aesthetic outcomes.
After Surgery
After breast augmentation surgery (breast implant surgery), hospital stay is not usually required. If the patient feels well and the surgeon confirms everything is stable, discharge can often be completed on the same day.
During the early recovery period, most patients are able to manage daily activities comfortably. In general, the following points should be considered after the operation:
- Patients can usually eat, walk, go to the restroom, and take care of basic needs on their own after surgery.
- Resting at home for a few days is recommended.
- Return to work differs from person to person. If your job does not involve heavy arm movements or intense physical effort, it is often possible to return to work approximately 3 days after surgery.
- The breast area should be protected in the first few days. For this reason, it is recommended to wait at least 4 days before taking a shower.
- During recovery, you should avoid high-temperature environments such as saunas and Turkish baths (hammams).
- A follow-up appointment is typically planned around one week after surgery so the surgeon can check the breast condition and healing progress.
- During the follow-up, surgical tapes applied over the incision may be removed depending on skin healing.
- You should consult your doctor about when to resume sports and exercise. In many cases, intense exercise is not recommended during the first month.
- Even though the breast shape may appear improved immediately after surgery, it may take up to 6 months for the breasts to fully settle into their final shape.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce infection risk. All prescribed medications should be taken exactly as recommended.
- Patients are informed about when to start wearing a bra, which type of bra to choose, and how long it should be used.
- Following your surgeon's recommendations carefully helps make the healing period smoother and more comfortable.
Where Will the Scar Be After Breast Augmentation?
One of the most common concerns before breast implant surgery is scarring. Since breast augmentation is performed through a surgical incision, it is not possible to guarantee "no scar at all." However, it is important to know that the scar usually becomes much less noticeable over time. As healing progresses, the scar color generally fades and becomes closer to the natural skin tone rather than staying as visible as it appears right after surgery.
How noticeable the scar becomes depends largely on the individual's skin type, healing response, and scar tendency. In some patients, scars become barely visible, while in others they may remain more noticeable.
The location of the scar depends on the chosen implant insertion technique. The incision is most commonly made in one of these areas:
- Inframammary fold (under-breast crease / submammary)
- Periareolar incision (around the lower part of the nipple area / circumareolar)
- Axillary incision (under the arm / armpit)
In most breast augmentation surgeries, the nipple is not repositioned. Nipple repositioning is more commonly associated with breast reduction or significant breast lift procedures. Only in rare cases is nipple position adjustment necessary during breast augmentation, and the patient is always informed in advance if such a need is expected.
Patients are encouraged to ask all questions during the pre-operative consultation. This helps build a clear understanding of the procedure and what to expect during the post-operative period.
Can Silicone Breast Implants Rupture?
Another frequently asked question is whether silicone implants can rupture. Implant rupture is considered very rare, especially with modern implant technology. However, rupture may occur in exceptional situations such as:
- severe traffic accidents,
- major trauma,
- falling from a significant height,
- penetrating injuries.
If rupture occurs, implant removal may be necessary. After appropriate treatment and evaluation, it may be possible to perform revision breast augmentation surgery and place a new implant.
Can You Have a Mammogram After Breast Implant Surgery?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, which is why many patients ask whether mammography is possible after breast augmentation. Breast implants do not prevent mammography or clinical breast examinations. Mammograms can still be performed safely after implant surgery.
On mammography, the implant appears as an area that can be distinguished from the surrounding tissue. In most cases, it does not create a barrier to detecting potential breast abnormalities. If a cancer diagnosis occurs, standard treatment approaches (surgery, radiotherapy, etc.) can still be applied.
It is also important to note that silicone breast implants are not proven to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Common Myths About Breast Augmentation Surgery
There are many misconceptions about breast implants. One common myth is that implants are a "foreign material" and will cause serious connective tissue diseases. Claims suggesting breast augmentation leads to connective tissue disorders or makes breastfeeding impossible are not scientifically proven facts.
Not every piece of information online is reliable. Medical decisions should be based on evidence-based information and professional evaluation. If you would like detailed guidance tailored to your body structure and goals, you can contact our clinic for a consultation.
