Breast enlargement or breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery for increasing breast size with breast implants or fat transferred from other parts of the body.
It can also be performed for altering the shape of breasts or diminishing any asymmetry in breast size.
Breast Enlargement Procedure
Breast augmentation can take from one to two hours and is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
Incisions are made in the previously agreed area during consultations, most commonly around the nipples, under the breasts, or in the underarm area.
Breast implants are inserted either under or over the chest muscle, depending on the type of implant and desired outcome.
Patient Profile
Breast enlargement is usually sought by patients seeking to enlarge their breast size, the correct asymmetry between breasts, and improve breast shape and volume.
You should be healthy, have fully developed breasts, not pregnant or breastfeeding to have a breast enhancement.
Breast Enlargement Costs
Costs of breast enlargement can vary widely according to the surgeon’s experience and the exact type of procedure. Costs of breast augmentation in Turkey and many other cosmetic procedures are much lower compared to Europe and the US.
In most cases, the costs of breast augmentation surgery are not covered by health insurance.
Always inquire about the full price, which considers the price of surgery and additional costs such as anesthesia fees, operating room facilities and hospital costs, examinations, second procedure cost if necessary, etc.
Consultation
During breast enlargement surgery consultations, the following is discussed: surgical goals; medical history, particularly previously done mammograms and biopsies and family history of breast cancer; substances used currently, including medications, supplements, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco; current health status; the expected outcome; postoperative care and potential complications.
The size and shape of breasts are measured and examined as well as the nipples and surrounding skin. Photographs are taken, and breast enhancement options are discussed, after which the surgeon recommends an appropriate course of treatment.
It is advised to make full use of the consultation appointment in order to make as informed of a decision as possible. It is essential for the breast enhancement’s success to honestly answer all of the surgeon’s inquiries and openly ask about anything requiring clarification.
Breast Implants
Breast implants can be roughly divided into two categories: saline-filled and silicone gel-filled breast implants.
Saline implants have silicone shells that are filled with saline, i.e., sterile saltwater.
Silicone gel implants have silicone shells that are filled with silicone, a plastic gel. These implants entail more risk in the case of an implant rupture than saline implants but generally feel more natural.
The shells of both types of implants can be smooth or textured, depending on the patient’s preference.
Before The Surgery
The following will be requested from you before having your breast surgery:
- Getting tests for medical evaluation
- Abstaining from nicotine
- Abstaining from aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Abstaining from recreational drugs
- Taking specific medications or adjusting current medication
Postoperative Care Recovery
After breast enlargement surgery, the breasts are covered with gauze and elastic bandages as they heal. Thin tubes might be placed under the skin for draining any build-up of excess blood or fluids.
You are instructed on what medication to use for healing and how to take care of the chest area during your recovery. A follow-up appointment is arranged.
During the first few days, activity should be reduced to a minimum, and any form of physical strain should be avoided for up to six weeks after breast enhancement.
One to five days are usually needed for the pain to recede, while the swelling typically goes down after several weeks when the breast enhancement’s final results should be visible.
The breast enhancement scars can take from a couple of months to a few years to fade.
It is advised to make inquires with your surgeon concerning the period immediately after the surgery and during recovery. You may have questions about where you will be placed after the surgery, what medications you will be given, and when to arrange an appointment for follow-up care.
Regular examinations should be done to determine the condition of the implants and overall health of the breasts.
Disclaimer
Breast enlargement is not intended to correct sagging breasts – for this issue, a breast lift would be recommended. This procedure can be performed at the same time as breast enlargement in most cases.
In some cases, multiple surgeries are needed for the best results.
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last indefinitely. After the initial breast augmentation surgery or surgeries, future surgeries might be needed to replace the implants.
The appearance of breasts after breast augmentation surgery may change over time due to weight loss, pregnancy, aging, and gravity. In these cases, patients often opt for breast lifts or replacement of implants.
