Breast Augmentation in Turkey

What happens in breast augmentation surgery?

Preparation before the surgery

• The doctor will analyze if the patient is an ideal candidate for the procedure through a comprehensive evaluation. If the surgery is a good option for the patient, the doctor will evaluate the type, expectations, and results of the procedure. 
• After the surgery is confirmed and scheduled, the patient is asked to quit smoking and avoid taking any medicines that may increase the risk of bleeding. The medical team will also instruct when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery. 
• The pre-operative instructions are crucial for having a safe and healthy recovery. 

Surgery and early post-operative period

• The appropriate implant type, size, and shape are chosen based on the patient’s expectations from the surgery.
• The methods used for the surgery will be determined based on implant type and body proportions, and may vary with incision type and implant placement.
• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient will remain unconscious during the surgery without feeling any pain. 
• The entire procedure takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. 
• The plastic surgeon will place the breast implants using minimal incision, considering the ideal implant type and size according to the chest dimension, tissue capacity, patient’s expectations, and daily lifestyle.
• The incision is made as per the plan discussed with the patient before the surgery. The surgeon then creates a pocket or cavity between the breast and the rib cage. 
• Based on the type of placement pre-decided, the breast implant is placed in this pocket.
• Once the implant is centralized and positioned correctly, the incision is stitched back with sutures. 
• The incision site is covered with a gauze dressing. The plastic surgeon may also place small draining tubes to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid and blood around the incision line.

 The incision options for breast enlargement surgery are:

1. Periareolar incision: The surgeon cuts the outer edge of the areola, nipples.
2. Inframammary incision: The incision is made in the crease, inframammary unfold underneath the breast. It leaves a thin scar that can be easily concealed in the fold underneath the breast. This incision allows the surgeon to place a larger silicone implant with precision.
3. Transaxillary incision: The incision is made under the armpit. The surgeon places the implant using a specialized camera and surgical instruments. It results in a small scar on the armpit, but no scar on the breast.

There are two ways in which a breast implant can be inserted after making the incision:

1. Subglandular placement: In this method, the breast implant is positioned between the tissue of the breast and the chest muscle
2. Submuscular placement: The breast implant is placed just behind the chest muscle

After the surgery

• As breast augmentation surgery is an outpatient procedure, patients can usually go home on the same day after the surgery. However, some patients might need to stay in the hospital for a night or two. 
• There might be slight pain and recognizable swelling on the breast(s) after the surgery. Some patients may also notice some bruising in the skin of the breast. 
• Scar tissue will form along the incision line, but it will fade over time. However, the color left behind may never be identical to the skin tone.
• Sometimes, patients are advised to use a compression bandage and wear a sports bra to support the breasts. This also helps ensure the correct positioning of breast implants post-surgery. 
• The pain is usually minimal and tolerable by most patients. The plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medications, if needed, to manage the pain. 
• If the sutures are made with non-absorbable stitches, and a drain is placed, the doctor will remove them during the first post-operative follow-up visit or schedule a date for their removal. 
• For the next 2-3 weeks after the boob job, swelling and soreness will be seen that will subside over time. 
• The doctor will advise avoiding strenuous activities for a particular time, and If the patient has a physically demanding job, they will need to take time off for three or more weeks. No heavy lifting and activities like running are allowed during this time.
• A patient should immediately consult a plastic surgeon if they experience symptoms such as warmth and redness in the incision line or breast, fever after the surgery.