Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to obtain larger breasts via aesthetics. Breast augmentation surgery can be performed in cases where a person is not satisfied with the size of the breast, it is also an option for women who are undergoing cancer treatment and have their breasts removed as well. There are various types of implants that can be used in breast augmentation surgery, and the appropriate material is decided according to the needs of the person.

How is the (Breast Augmentation) Surgery Performed?

Not every person may be suitable for breast augmentation surgery. For this reason, first of all, it should be made sure that the person is suitable for this surgical procedure. If the person is suitable for the procedures, surgery can be performed. During breast augmentation surgery, implants filled with salt water or silicone gel are placed at the point where the breasts should be. This procedure is performed with an incision made under the chest and the implant is placed under or on the chest muscles. This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and thus no pain is felt. It is normal for pain to occur for some time after surgery. The type of implant used affects the healing process.

For Whom Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?

Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure performed on people who are not satisfied with their breast size. The reasons for applying for breast augmentation surgery are often the following:,

• Enlarging small breasts

• Regrowing shrunk breasts linked to weight loss

• Eliminating the appearance of asymmetrical breasts

• Creating the breast appearance again after Mastectomy                

Placement options

Implants placed during breast augmentation surgery can be placed behind the breast tissue or behind the breast muscles.

Submuscular Placement

In submuscular placement, the implants are placed behind the chest muscle. Implants placed with this option can provide a fuller breast appearance. It is also a suitable option for people with little breast tissue.

Subglandular Placement

In subglandular implant placement, the implants are placed behind the breast tissue. It can be considered a suitable procedure, especially for people who experience sagging in their breasts.

Types of breast implants

The type of implant used is as important in the procedure as the placement technique of the implants. Breast implants have different options in many categories such as surface, filling and shape. Especially prominent types of implants are those filled with silicone gel or saline liquid. But which type of implant should be used should definitely be decided together with the surgeon.

Breast Implants Filled with Gel Inside

In breast implants filled with gel, the inside of the silicone shell is filled with a silicone gel. This gel-filled silicone is placed on the person's chest. They may need to be checked more than saline-filled breast implants.

Breast Implants Filled with Saline Inside

In saline-filled implants, the filler material is solutions such as salt water. This liquid is contained in a silicone shell and is sterile. The liquid can be placed in the breast as filled in the implant, and in some people, the shell can be filled with liquid during surgery. Saline-filled breast implants are available in more than one form and have a smooth shell.

Implant Shapes

Breast implants are basically available in two different ways. These are round and teardrop shapes. Round implants are used to provide a larger volume in the breast, while tear implants can provide a wider volume. Depending on the image the person wants, the most appropriate implant shape is decided together with the surgeon.
Implant Surfaces
The outer surfaces of breast implants are made of silicone structure. Silicone structure can be smoother or textured. They can also be found in thicknesses ranging from thin to thick. The surface of textured implants is rougher and can be used to prevent involuntary muscle contraction. But smooth implants are also available for a more natural feeling and appearance. Smooth implants also provide a softer feeling.

Do Silicone Prostheses Used in Breast Augmentation Surgery Explode?

Silicone prosthesis used for surgery can tear over time. Explosions may occur due to reasons such as poor quality implant use, the operation being performed by an inexperienced surgeon who is not an expert in their field, and an impact on the breast. There is a possibility of tear of the implant regardless of the type of filling. But when a saline-filled implant tears, salt water can be removed from the body by mixing with the body, while gel-filled implants may not be noticeable in a short time when torn since they do not mix with the body. Therefore, it is important to check in regular intervals against the risk of tear of gel-filled implants. When a gel-filled implant explodes, pain, tenderness, or image distortions may occur in the breast over time.

What Are the Things That Need to Be Done Before Breast Surgery?

Since breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, a blood test must definitely be performed before. At the same time, the surgeon who will perform the procedure should also be informed about the medications used and existing diseases. Apart from these, the information provided by the surgeon should be taken into account.

How Long Does It Take to Recover (After Breast Surgery)?

The stitches used for breast surgery disappear completely within an average of 2 months. But if a drain has been placed due to the risk of edema formation, this drain should be removed at the end of the period specified by the doctor. During the recovery process, it is important to avoid physically heavy activities for up to 2 months and not to get impacts on the breasts.

What is the Ideal Ratio in Breast Aesthetics?

In breast aesthetics, the person's wishes determine the size. But it is also important that the breast shape is proportional to the size. According to the rule known as the golden triangle, the distance between the nipples should be equal to the distance between the hole of the neck and the nipple.

How is the Healing Process After Breast Aesthetics?

The healing process after breast aesthetics may differ for each woman. Because many factors such as the material used, the significance of the process performed affect this process. But full recovery occurs on average within 1-2 months.

What are the Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery?

As with any surgical operation, there are risks in breast aesthetics. These risks often refer to complications that occur during or after the procedure. But these complications tend to occur due to poor hygiene conditions, poor quality material use, and surgeries that are not performed by a specialist. Complications include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Change of feeling in the breasts
• Implant tear
• Asymmetrical appearance
• Visible implant

Is There an Age Limit For Breast Augmentation Surgery?

It is correct to wait until a person reaches adulthood for breast augmentation surgery. Although the age of application of some implants is determined as 22, there are also implants that are not a problem in application after the age of consent. But there is no specific age limit for breast implants.

How Long Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Take?

The operation may take up to 60-90 minutes depending on the wishes of the person and the procedures to be performed. These are procedures where a patient can usually be discharged on the same day.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Prices

The most important factor in breast augmentation surgery prices is the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure. The operation performed with a specialist surgeon in the field reduces the risk of complications. At the same time, the implant material and the amount of filler used are also factors that affect prices.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does a scar remain after breast augmentation surgery?

Postoperative scars vary depending on the area where the incision was opened. Incision scars tend to disappear over time and heal themselves so much that they are invisible. Incisions are opened from concealable areas to completely eliminate the appearance.

Is breast augmentation surgery an obstacle to breastfeeding?

After breast augmentation surgery breastfeeding is possible. But the area where the implant is placed can affect their ability to breastfeed. It is necessary to consult the doctor about this issue before the operation.
Will there be sagging again after breast augmentation surgery?
Implants have an average durability of more than 10 years. But due to implants that lose their properties over time, the breasts may start to sag again.

How to decide on breast size?

To decide on breast size, a person needs to take into account their lifestyle and desires. While people who do sports may feel uncomfortable with very large implants, people who want to correct asymmetry may find it appropriate to choose an implant that is the same size as their other breasts. At the same time, a person's breast tissue can also play a role in this choice. The size must be decided together with the surgeon.

How long is the lifespan of silicone prostheses used in breast augmentation surgery?

The silicone prosthesis used for large breasts should definitely be selected with high quality. Although the average durability is more than 10 years, a quality implant and regular check-ups can increase this process to more than 20 years.

Is there a loss of sensation after breast augmentation surgery?

This condition, a loss of sensation in the nipples, which may be observed for a while after breast augmentation surgery, is also temporary. At the same time, the loss of sensation observed in general is considered a complication and may be the result of an unsuccessful surgery. It is not expected to experience serious loss of sensation after surgery.

Breast reduction is a type of breast aesthetic operation that can be performed for many different reasons. The operation is performed in the form of surgery at Liv Hospital Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. It is performed to make the breasts smaller, lighter and shaped. Women and men can benefit from this breast aesthetics operation.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty as it is medically called, is a procedure that serves to provide a breast size that is more proportional to the patient's body and to prevent disorders caused by excessively large breasts (macromastia). Disproportionately large breasts may lead to posture problems, physical and mental distress and pains. Patients with large breasts may have some physical activities restricted in daily life, they may have back pain, or people may be uncomfortable just because of their aesthetic appearance. Breast reduction surgery is an operation that provides a solution to such situations. Usually, surgery to relieve these and similar symptoms is also preferred by people who do not have symptoms but are not satisfied with the size of the breasts.

How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It usually takes between 2 and 5 hours.  There are several different surgical methods that can be used. The specialist physician who will perform the procedure performs the operation by choosing one of these different methods depending on the shape and size of the breast. These methods are:

• Liposuction Method: The surgeon inserts a tube into the vacuum device by opening small incisions in the area of the procedure. This tube works by pulling fat and liquids out of the breast. This method is preferred when less breast reduction will be performed, that is, if the breast is smaller and it is thought that the skin can compensate for the difference.

• Lollipop Method or Vertical Incision: This method is preferred if a moderate reduction is to be performed or if sagging in the breast is desired to be corrected. The surgeon makes incisions from around the areola (the colored area around the nipple) to the area under the breast, and removes excess tissue and fat, shapes the breast and lifts the breast.

• Reverse T Incision method (Anchor Method): This method is performed by making incisions along the lower fold of the breast, towards the bottom of the areola by the surgeon. It is usually preferred for large breast reductions and in cases where there is a lot of sagging or unevenness.

  Since breast surgery is a major surgical operation (i.e., general anesthesia is used), the patient stays in the hospital for one day after the surgery.

For Whom Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

Everyone with a large chest size is a candidate for problems caused by this condition. A large chest is the cause of back pain. In addition, it can restrict various physical activities, negatively affect psychological and physical health, and lead to aesthetic discomfort. However, whether or not to have surgery is entirely the choice of people. When women and men need it, they can have this surgery and see the benefits.

How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed on Women?

Large breasts, especially breasts that are not proportional to the size of the body, can lead to many problems in women. Back, neck, breast and shoulder pain are foremost problems. There may be pain and injury caused by a bra strap on the shoulders. Difficulty finding clothes suitable for the upper body is also a common condition. In addition, large breasts can also cause difficulties during physical exercise. Breast reduction surgery gives positive results in women suffering from these conditions.

How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed on Men?

The condition in which one or both breasts are larger than normal in men is called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can occur as a result of hormonal imbalance or as a result of breast tissue growth due to excessive weight-increasing estrogen levels. Breast reduction surgery is a good option for men with gynecomastia. If there is a proportional size in the breasts due to just being overweight, or obese, this surgery is not performed.

What are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

The risks associated with breast surgery exist, just like with any surgery. As for general anesthesia, there are problems such as allergic reactions, chest infections, blood clots, heart attacks, stroke, and death, just like all surgeries with general anesthesia. The problems that may occur due to breast reduction surgery can be listed as follows: scars, heavy bleeding, infection, swelling, bruising, pain, healing problems, asymmetry, decreased sensation, damage to deeper structures, and allergic reaction.
It is possible that these problems will arise, but this does not mean that they will definitely occur. Factors such as being healthy and not smoking increase the chances of success of each operation, as well as they are important factors in breast reduction operations. If you need breast reduction surgery but are afraid of these disadvantages, you can find out how much risk you are at by consulting your specialist physician about these fears.

Is There an Age Limit For Breast Reduction Surgery?

There is no age limit for breast reduction surgery. Only breast development should be completed. In the medical literature, this is defined as Tanner stage 5. The doctor you consult can tell you after the examination whether the surgery is suitable for you.

How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?

Each operation differs depending on various variables. However, to say a general time value; the operation is expected to take at least 2 hours and at most 5 hours. The time may be prolonged depending on the complications that may occur.

What to Pay Attention to After Breast Reduction Surgery

After surgery, a one-day hospitalization is an expected result, as general anesthesia is administered. After the operation, you can walk and do light work within two weeks. It is considered normal for the first two weeks to pass with pain and swelling. During these two weeks, you should not lift heavy things and be alert to the symptoms that your doctor tells you to watch out for. It may take about six weeks for you to return to your normal exercises.
Since breast reduction surgery is performed with different methods, in different sizes, what needs to be paid attention to after surgery for each person will also vary. However, when you see an unexpected symptom after surgery, that is, if your wounds heal late, if you see swelling in an unexpected area, or if you suspect problems such as inflammation or loss of sensation, it may be useful to contact your doctor without wasting time.

Breast Reduction Surgery Prices

Breast reduction surgery prices will vary depending on where you prefer to have the surgery. You can consult the healthcare institutions where you want to have surgery to get information about this.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does a scar remain after breast reduction surgery?

Scars may remain on the skin after any operation. Even if there are no problems after surgery, the places where the surgery was performed may look redder, slightly lumpy and puffy. You can help heal these wound sites with dressings and then creams recommended by your doctor. It has been stated that most people do not have very visible scars after recovery. However, this healing process of the skin can take up to two years.
As with any operation, this situation varies from person to person. If you are already prone to scarring, it may be good to discuss this with your surgeon before surgery.

Why do breasts sag?

Breasts of any size can sag, but due to gravity, large breasts are more prone to sagging. In addition, aging, hormone changes, pregnancy, weight gain and loss, and menopause can also cause sagging breasts. There are no studies showing that breastfeeding causes breast sagging.

Is breast reduction surgery an obstacle to breastfeeding?

If you are planning to breastfeed in the near future, it may be a good idea to postpone breast surgery. It is important to remember that the breasts, like the entire body, change during pregnancy and this will affect the outcome of the surgery. Most plastic surgeons prefer to wait for the breast to return to its normal shape after the breastfeeding process for surgery. This is also between 6 and 12 months. 

* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .