What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to increase breast volume using silicone implants or, in some suitable patients, fat injection.
Goals
● To achieve a fuller breast appearance
● To balance body proportions
● To define the décolleté line
● To restore volume after childbirth or weight loss
● To help correct breast asymmetry
Who Is It Suitable For?
It is a suitable treatment option for patients:
● With small breast volume
● Whose breast volume has decreased after childbirth
● Who have lost fullness after weight loss
● With breast asymmetry
How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?
The surgery is planned according to the patient's anatomy and expectations. The type, size, shape and placement plan of the implant are determined individually.
● Patients usually prefer the maximum implant volume the chest wall can accommodate, placed under the muscle for a more natural and fuller look.
● If the patient prefers a more natural appearance, a partially submuscular technique called the dual plane is required.
● If the patient wants a very large implant, it must be placed under the skin. The submuscular volume is limited and related to the diameter of the chest wall; implant volumes exceeding this are placed under the skin.
Methods Used
Breast Augmentation with Silicone Implants
This is the most frequently preferred method. The implant is placed under the breast tissue or under the muscle.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Injection
Volume can be increased by transferring fat taken from another part of the body to the breast. It is generally used not for augmentation but for shaping the décolleté area.
Where Are the Incisions?
Depending on the surgical plan, the incision may be in one of the following areas:
● The fold under the breast
● Around the nipple
● The armpit
The choice of incision is determined by the patient's anatomy and the surgical planning.
Implant Selection
Breast implants come in different size, shape and projection options.
Factors Considered
● Chest wall width
● Existing breast tissue
● Skin structure
● Height-to-weight ratio
● The look the patient desires
● Expectation of a natural or more pronounced result
Recovery Process
● Discharge is usually possible the next day
● In the first days, there may be pain due to the tightness created by the implant.
● Daily life can be resumed within a few days
● For sports activities, the doctor's recommendation should be awaited
● It may take a few weeks to a few months for the breast shape to settle
Frequently Asked Questions
The implants are lifelong. If no complications develop after the surgery, they do not need to be replaced.
It provides long-lasting results. However, over time, ageing, pregnancy, weight changes and tissue structure can affect the outcome.
Breastfeeding is preserved because the breast tissue and milk ducts are not cut.
Any surgical procedure may leave scars. However, incisions are planned in areas as concealed as possible and may fade over time.
Mild to moderate discomfort may occur in the first days. It can usually be controlled with medication.
Many patients with desk jobs can return within a few days. For those doing physical work the period may vary, but a return is generally possible after 1 week to 10 days of rest.
📖 For explanations of the medical terms on this page, see the Aesthetic Surgery Glossary
