The most important factor that makes a woman feel beautiful is the harmony and elegance of her body. When there is a disharmony in physical appearance, a woman may start experiencing concerns related to body image. Her self-confidence is shaken. Small and problematic breasts always create subconscious distress for a woman.
Breast aesthetics refer to surgical procedures that restore the breasts to a size and shape that harmonizes with the body in patients whose body image has been affected due to various reasons. In this article, I will address one of the most commonly performed surgeries under the umbrella of breast aesthetics—breast augmentation—and discuss who is a suitable candidate for this procedure, what the surgery entails, and what to expect before and after the operation by answering the most frequently asked questions from my patients.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is a surgical procedure used to improve the size, volume, proportion, and overall appearance of the breasts in patients who are at least 18 years old and have naturally small breasts or have experienced breast volume loss due to factors such as weight loss, aging, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It is also performed in cases of breast asymmetry.
The most effective and safest method for breast augmentation is the use of silicone implants. Alternatively, augmentation can be achieved using the patient's own fat tissue. However, methods involving the injection of foreign, filler-like substances into the breasts are not recommended. In today's world, where one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer, such procedures are not considered safe, and I strongly discourage them. Fat grafting, while an option for selected patients, provides only limited augmentation and often requires multiple sessions.
On the other hand, silicone implants—which I will discuss in this article—are the most popular, easiest to perform, and quickest method, yielding the most predictable results. With the high-quality implants available today, we can achieve very successful and long-lasting breast augmentation results.
Preoperative Planning and Implant Selection
For patients considering this surgery, preoperative planning involves taking measurements and considering factors such as height, weight, chest width, torso length, shoulder width, and hip width in alignment with the patient's expectations. Based on these evaluations, we determine the most suitable brand, shape, and volume of implants.
The implants I use are FDA-approved (approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration), have been proven to be safe for the body, and are recognized as non-carcinogenic. These silicone breast implants also provide a natural feel. In terms of shape, breast implants are broadly classified as round or teardrop (anatomical). However, today, chip-enhanced implants that adapt to gravity and behave like both round and teardrop implants are also available. The type of implant to be used is decided together with the patient, based on clinical examination findings and expectations.
The incision location for the procedure can vary. The surgery can be performed through an incision around the areola (periareolar), an incision under the breast fold (inframammary), or an incision in the armpit (transaxillary). My personal preference, which I find both safer and more practical, is the inframammary incision.
Implant Placement: Submuscular vs. Subglandular Positioning
Breast implants can be placed in three different anatomical locations:
- Under the chest muscle (submuscular placement)
- Under the muscle fascia (subfascial placement)
- Above the muscle but under the breast tissue (subglandular placement)
The most suitable placement is determined before the surgery based on the patient’s breast tissue characteristics, muscle structure, lifestyle (such as whether they are an athlete), and personal expectations. The most critical factor here is to carefully select the best-suited technique for the individual.
Preparation for Surgery
For patients who smoke, it is essential to quit smoking at least 1-2 weeks before surgery, as smoking increases certain risks. Before the procedure, we also complete all necessary breast imaging tests to ensure there are no contraindications.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. An overnight hospital stay is usually sufficient. Patients can return to their daily, non-strenuous activities within 24 hours. Depending on the nature of their work, most patients can return to their jobs within 3 to 7 days.
Sutures are placed using special techniques, and no stitches need to be removed postoperatively. Patients are advised to keep the waterproof dressings on their incisions for the first 3-4 days.
For optimal results, patients should wear a supportive surgical sports bra for 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. Upper body, arm, and core exercises (such as weightlifting) should be avoided for at least 2 months.
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether breast augmentation with silicone implants affects breastfeeding. The answer is no—this procedure does not interfere with breastfeeding. Additionally, breast implants can be used for a lifetime as long as regular annual check-ups confirm there are no complications.
The Benefits of Breast Augmentation Surgery
This procedure has a short recovery period and does not significantly impact social life. It enhances the appearance of the breasts by making them fuller and more attractive, correcting size asymmetries, eliminating sagging, and improving the proportions of the breasts in relation to the rest of the body. As a result, clothing fits better, and most importantly, self-confidence is significantly boosted.
As a female plastic surgeon, I am here to assist you with any concerns related to breast aesthetics.
With love,
Op. Dr. Nuray ÖZTÜRK
Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
