Breast augmentation in Turkey is a surgical option for people who want to increase breast volume, refine breast contour, or achieve proportions that better match their body. Common reasons include naturally small breasts, volume loss after pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight changes, or noticeable asymmetry. Planning is medical as well as aesthetic: breast tissue, chest wall shape, skin quality, lifestyle, and expectations are evaluated together. In Istanbul, Dr. Caner Kaçmaz assesses each patient individually to design an approach that supports balanced, natural-looking proportions while prioritising safety and long-term follow-up.
What Is It?
Breast augmentation most commonly uses silicone breast implants to add volume and shape. The goal is not simply “bigger breasts,” but a form that is compatible with the breast base, shoulder width, waist–hip ratio, and ribcage. Nipple position, the degree of sagging, and skin excess are also assessed; if significant ptosis is present, implants alone may not be sufficient and a breast lift may be recommended.
Silicone implants differ by volume, base width, projection, shape, and surface features. Round implants can emphasise upper-pole fullness, while anatomically shaped (teardrop) implants may provide a softer transition in selected body types. Surface characteristics, gel cohesiveness, and manufacturer documentation are considered during selection. A suitable implant cannot be reliably chosen based only on photographs; measurements and examination are required.
Results vary from person to person; a medical examination is essential - consult your surgeon.
How Is It Performed? (Technique)
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital operating room. The surgical plan is built around incision location, the anatomical plane for the implant pocket, and the implant’s shape and volume, tailored to breast anatomy, skin elasticity, chest wall shape, asymmetry, lifestyle, and goals.
Implant selection: Implants vary in base width, projection, volume, shape (round or anatomical), and surface. Selection aims to match the implant to the patient’s chest and soft-tissue coverage, not simply to a desired cup size. Surface texture, gel cohesiveness, and validated manufacturer information are reviewed.
Incision options: Common choices are the inframammary incision under the breast fold, the periareolar incision at the areola edge, and the transaxillary incision in the armpit. The inframammary approach is frequently used for controlled access and to position the scar in the natural fold. Periareolar approaches require careful planning regarding sensation and milk ducts.
Implant pocket: Placement may be subglandular (beneath breast tissue), submuscular (beneath the pectoral muscle), or dual-plane (partly under muscle, partly under breast tissue). In patients with thinner tissues, submuscular or dual-plane placement can help reduce implant edge visibility; early muscle-related tightness can be more noticeable. In patients with adequate tissue thickness, subglandular placement may be considered.
Closure and dressing: Incisions are closed in layers. A special surgical bra is used after surgery. Drains are rarely used in our practice, and their need is determined by the operative plan.
Technique Option |
When Considered? |
Key Point |
|---|---|---|
Inframammary incision |
Often used when the inframammary fold is defined. |
Provides controlled access to the pocket; scar planned within the fold. |
Periareolar incision |
Considered if areola diameter and tissue characteristics are suitable. |
Requires careful planning regarding sensation and milk ducts. |
Submuscular or dual-plane |
Preferred in patients with thinner soft-tissue coverage. |
Early post-op muscle tightness can be more pronounced. |
Subglandular placement |
Considered in selected patients with adequate tissue thickness. |
Assess for implant edge visibility and rippling risk. |
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
Suitable candidates are adults with completed breast development, good overall health, and realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot achieve. Reasons for surgery include congenital small breasts, volume loss after pregnancy or weight change, noticeable asymmetry, or reconstructive needs.
Suitability involves reviewing chronic conditions, medications, smoking and nicotine exposure, breast examination findings, family history, skin elasticity, and the degree of ptosis. Surgery may be postponed in cases such as uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding/clotting disorders, active infection, or other factors that raise surgical risk. Pregnancy plans, current breastfeeding, and expected major weight changes are also important for timing.
The Process: From Consultation to Surgery
The process begins with a detailed consultation. For international patients, an initial virtual pre-consultation can review medical history, photographs, previous operations, medications, allergies, and aesthetic goals. This does not replace the in-person examination, but it helps determine candidacy and preparation.
During the in-person assessment in Istanbul, Dr. Caner Kaçmaz evaluates chest width, breast base, nipple position, asymmetry, tissue thickness, skin quality, and sagging. These measurements guide implant base width, volume, and projection. If sagging is present, a breast lift may be advised together with or instead of augmentation.
Preoperative preparation may include blood tests, anaesthesia evaluation, and breast imaging (such as ultrasound or mammography) when indicated by age or history. Do not stop any regular medications, blood thinners, or supplements without medical guidance. Patients are advised to avoid jewellery, contact lenses, make-up, and perfume on the day of surgery and to wear front-opening, comfortable clothing. Smoking and nicotine should be stopped as instructed, as they can impair healing.
Surgery is performed in hospital conditions. The duration depends on the technique and whether additional procedures are planned. A surgical bra is used afterwards, and discharge timing depends on the patient’s general condition, pain control, and anaesthesia assessment. Patients travelling for surgery should plan enough time in Istanbul for examination, surgery, early recovery, and surgeon-approved follow-up before returning home.
Recovery Timeline
Time Period |
What to Expect |
|---|---|
First 24-48 hours |
Pressure, tightness, swelling, and discomfort are common. Pain medication and a supportive bra are used. Arm movements are limited; avoid sudden reaching, heavy lifting, and chest-straining motions. Sleeping on your back with the upper body slightly elevated may be advised. Gentle walking supports circulation. |
Days 3-7 |
Swelling and bruising can persist. Many patients resume light daily activities, but incisions should be kept clean and dry, and the surgical bra should be worn as instructed. Return to desk work depends on job demands and individual recovery. |
Weeks 2-3 |
Oedema decreases; implants begin to integrate with the tissues. Light activities such as brisk walking can usually be increased gradually when approved by the surgeon. |
Weeks 4-6 |
Exercise is reintroduced only with approval. Avoid running, swimming, weight training, and chest-focused workouts until cleared. |
After 3 months |
Most swelling has improved, scars continue to mature, and breast shape becomes more stable. Final implant settling and tissue softening may continue for months. |
Recovery is individual. Follow personalised instructions on sleeping position, showering, garment use, travel, wound care, scar care, sun protection, and activity restrictions.
Risks and Safety
Breast augmentation is surgery and carries real risks. Possible complications include bleeding, haematoma, infection, seroma, delayed wound healing, visible or widened scars, changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent), pain, swelling, asymmetry, implant malposition, rippling, capsular contracture, implant rupture or leakage, and the need for revision surgery. General anaesthesia also has risks that must be assessed before the operation.
Implants are not lifetime devices. Future monitoring or additional surgery may be needed because of ageing, pregnancy-related changes, weight fluctuation, implant changes, or preference. Radiology teams should be informed that implants are present during breast imaging. Rare implant-associated conditions and any late-onset swelling around the implant should be discussed at consultation and medically evaluated if they occur. Seek medical attention promptly for sudden enlargement, one-sided hardness, redness, fever, severe pain, or discharge.
Safe care relies on appropriate patient selection, sterile operating-room standards, suitable implant choice, anaesthesia assessment, nicotine control, adherence to post-operative instructions, and regular follow-up. No surgical procedure is risk-free, and results vary from person to person.
Dr. Caner Kaçmaz's Approach
Dr. Caner Kaçmaz, a board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon in Suadiye/Kadıköy, Istanbul, plans breast augmentation through personalised measurements and assessment rather than a standard volume suggestion. The aim is a plan that matches body proportions, respects tissue limits, and considers daily comfort.
Expectations about natural appearance, cultural aesthetic preferences, clothing habits, and social lifestyle are discussed alongside anatomical findings and safety. For patients travelling to Turkey, the clinic team supports multilingual communication, virtual pre-consultation, medical-travel coordination, scheduling, and follow-up planning. The final decision and implant selection are made after an in-person examination and surgical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The duration depends on the selected technique and whether additional procedures, such as a breast lift, are performed at the same time. A more precise estimate is given after examination and surgical planning.
Not by cup size alone. Chest width, breast base, tissue thickness, skin elasticity, lifestyle, and the desired look are assessed together. Measurements and examination guide base width, projection, and volume. A final choice cannot be made reliably from photographs only.
All incisions create scars. Appearance depends on incision choice, skin biology, healing, and scar care. Where possible, incisions are planned within natural creases. Scars usually mature over months.
Implants can improve fullness but do not reliably correct significant sagging. If the nipple is low or excess skin is present, a breast lift may be recommended with augmentation.
Many patients can breastfeed after augmentation, but it cannot be guaranteed. Breastfeeding potential depends on incision choice, existing breast tissue, milk ducts, individual anatomy, and future pregnancy-related changes.
Light walking is usually encouraged early. Running, swimming, weight training, and chest-focused workouts should wait until surgeon approval. Timelines are individual and based on healing progress.
Implants do not need replacement simply because a certain time has passed, but they are not lifetime devices. Evaluation and possible revision are considered if pain, shape change, firmness, suspected rupture, or changing aesthetic goals occur.
Volume increase is noticeable right after surgery, but early swelling, tightness, and high implant position are normal. Softening and settling progress over weeks to months.
Safety is supported by proper patient selection, experienced surgical planning, hospital conditions, appropriate implants, anaesthesia evaluation, and regular follow-up. However, risks cannot be eliminated; discuss all potential risks with your surgeon before deciding.
Information note: Results vary from person to person. This page is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Definitive candidacy, technique, recovery planning, and risk assessment require an in-person or online consultation with your surgeon.