Breast Augmentation: The Complete Guide

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgery procedures worldwide. With proper planning and a personalized approach, it consistently delivers highly satisfying results. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about breast augmentation, from implant selection to recovery expectations.

Why Consider Breast Augmentation?

Patients seek breast augmentation for various reasons: naturally small breast size, volume loss after pregnancy or breastfeeding, noticeable asymmetry between breasts, weight loss-related breast tissue reduction, or reconstruction needs. Every patient's motivation and expectations are unique, making a detailed consultation and open communication with your surgeon essential.

Implant Types

Modern breast implants come in various configurations. By content, silicone gel-filled implants are most popular, offering the most natural feel and appearance. Saline-filled implants are also available but less commonly chosen today. By shape, round implants provide more upper pole fullness, while anatomical (teardrop) implants create a more natural breast slope. Surface options include smooth and textured.

Placement Options

Subglandular (above the muscle) placement offers less post-operative pain and avoids animation deformity. Submuscular (below the muscle) placement provides better implant edge concealment and easier mammography. Dual plane combines benefits of both and is one of the most commonly used techniques today.

Incision Choices

The inframammary fold (beneath the breast) is the most popular incision site, offering excellent surgical access and a well-hidden scar. Periareolar (around the nipple) and axillary (armpit) approaches are also available.

Recovery Timeline

Initial discomfort is managed with prescribed medication. A surgical bra is worn for several weeks. Light activities resume in 1-2 weeks, with full exercise at 4-6 weeks. Implants take several months to fully settle into their natural position — initial tightness and high positioning gradually resolve as tissues relax.

Practical Information — Breast augmentation in Istanbul

Breast augmentation in Istanbul is performed under general anesthesia for 1-2 hours. International patients typically stay 7-10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does surgery take?

Typically 1-2 hours under general anesthesia.

When can I return to work?

Office work: 5-7 days. Physical work: 2-3 weeks.

How long do silicone implants last?

No defined expiration. Replacement only if complications develop.

Can I breastfeed afterwards?

Most techniques preserve milk ducts.

Breast augmentation in Istanbul — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal's Practice

Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal's private clinic is located in central Istanbul, in the Nisantasi district — Istanbul's premier neighborhood for plastic surgery and luxury services. Address: Teşvikiye Cad. No:9/12, Istanbul. The clinic is easily accessible from major Istanbul hotels and from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).

Istanbul has become a leading destination for plastic surgery worldwide, attracting patients from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. International patients choose Istanbul for the combination of board-certified plastic surgeons, modern accredited hospitals, competitive pricing compared to Western Europe and the US, and the cultural appeal of the city itself.

Dr. Erdal's Istanbul practice is structured to provide international patients with seamless coordination: video consultation prior to travel, airport-hotel transfer, English-speaking medical team, accommodation arrangements at partner hotels near the clinic, and full postoperative follow-up. Hospital partners are accredited facilities in central Istanbul with international anesthesia standards. WhatsApp consultations are available at +90 544 850 72 32 for international inquiries.