Breast aesthetic surgery is a cosmetic operation performed with the goal of addressing problems in the patient’s breast area. If the person has breasts smaller than the ideal size, a breast augmentation surgery is performed; if the breasts are larger than the ideal size, a breast reduction surgery is carried out. In cases where there is sagging, a breast lift surgery is performed. If the person is male and has an enlarged breast problem, gynecomastia surgery is applied. In short, these surgeries are performed through different methods depending on the specific issue the patient has.
Contents
- Why Is Breast Aesthetic Surgery Performed?
- Why Is the Aesthetic Appearance of the Breasts Important?
- How Are the Techniques to Be Applied in Breast Aesthetic Surgery Determined?
- How Long Does Breast Aesthetic Surgery Take?
- What Are the Types of Breast Aesthetic Surgery?
- Breast Augmentation Surgery
- How Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
- Breast Reduction Aesthetics
- How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
- Breast Lift Aesthetics
- How Is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
- Gynecomastia Surgery
- Who Can Undergo Breast Aesthetic Surgery?
- What Is the Preoperative Process for Breast Aesthetic Surgery?
- What Is the Postoperative Process for Breast Aesthetic Surgery?
- Does Breast Aesthetic Surgery Leave a Scar?
Why Is Breast Aesthetic Surgery Performed?
Breast aesthetic surgeries are procedures carried out based on the individual’s desires and expectations. Breast augmentation surgeries can also be performed following the partial or complete removal of breast tissue due to cancer or similar reasons.
The breast is an element that ensures both aesthetic and physical harmony in the female body. The breast structure, which begins to develop during puberty, usually completes its growth around the ages of 18–20. However, it may undergo various changes later in life. Factors such as childbirth, breastfeeding, rapid weight gain or loss, and aging can all cause changes in the breasts. In addition, due to genetic factors or certain diseases, the breasts may develop less than normal or become larger than usual. At this point, the procedure consists of interventions aimed at restoring the aesthetic balance of the body.
Why Is the Aesthetic Appearance of the Breasts Important?
Women care about their body aesthetics as much as they care about facial beauty. Having a proportional, youthful, and firm body significantly increases women’s self-confidence. It also plays an important role in clothing choices.
In addition to being seen as a symbol of femininity, the breasts hold great importance in maintaining the aesthetic harmony of a woman’s body. When a woman looks in the mirror, one of the key elements she wishes to see in terms of overall body balance is full, well-proportioned breasts.
How Are the Techniques to Be Applied in Breast Aesthetic Surgery Determined?
Sagging of the breasts can occur structurally, after childbirth, due to weight loss, or as a result of aging. Deformities such as downward-facing nipples, drooping, skin laxity, and loss of breast volume may be observed. Breast lifting is performed through circular, radial, and horizontal incisions around the nipple area. The breasts are reshaped, and the nipples are elevated. The excess of loose skin is removed, and the remaining skin is sutured. Many types of breast lift surgeries have been described, and some of them have become more popular over time.
Depending on the location and length of the incisions, vertical mammoplasty is usually performed with an incision around the nipple extending downward. In our practice, we create an inverted T-shaped incision by adding a horizontal incision under the breast. When shaping the breast, we prefer the vertical mammoplasty technique, as it leaves minimal scarring and helps reduce breast width. If the breast tissue has decreased, silicone implants can be placed simultaneously to complete the reshaping using an augmentation mammoplasty approach. In cases where the breasts are larger and fuller than desired, reduction surgeries are performed.
How Long Does Breast Aesthetic Surgery Take?
The duration of breast aesthetic surgery varies depending on several factors. For example, a procedure involving silicone breast implants typically takes about one hour. The surgeon determines the course of the surgery, and depending on the postoperative condition, the patient may stay in the hospital for one night and be discharged the next day.
What Are the Types of Breast Aesthetic Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed using silicone-based prosthetic implants that mimic the natural shape of the breast. These silicone materials are filled with a gel-like silicone substance. They are highly durable and resistant to deformation. Even if they are punctured due to high pressure or blunt trauma, the gel is not fluid, so it does not leak or spread into the surrounding tissues. The implants come in round and teardrop shapes — round ones are hemispherical, while teardrop-shaped ones are anatomical, meaning fuller at the bottom and flatter at the top. Their surfaces can be smooth, textured, or coated with materials such as polyurethane. These implants are placed under the breast through various incision sites.
Using techniques such as breast augmentation, lifting, or reduction, breast asymmetries can also be corrected. For instance, one breast may be augmented while the other is reduced; one lifted while the other is augmented; or both may be adjusted in different proportions.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgeries are performed when the breasts are small or when the individual desires larger breasts, even if they are already normal in size.
In Ankara, breast augmentation is most commonly achieved by placing silicone breast implants structures that give the breast its desired shape and volume beneath the breast tissue. The size of the implants should be determined by considering the patient’s body proportions. Simply placing an implant of a certain size is not sufficient; the skin and breast tissue must also be evaluated together. These implants have a gel-like consistency similar to natural breast tissue and contain a semi-fluid silicone substance. They can be either round or teardrop-shaped.
They are placed under the muscle (submuscular), under the fascia (subfascial), or under the breast tissue (subglandular). Small incisions are made under the breast, around the areola, or through the armpit to create a pocket in which the implant is positioned.
These implants are highly durable and resistant to significant pressure. However, if the continuity of the outer capsule is disrupted by a sharp or piercing object, it is considered ruptured. Even in such cases, since the silicone is not in liquid form, it does not leak or spread into the surrounding tissues—it remains in place.
The steps involved in a breast augmentation surgery can be listed as follows:
- A breast implant suitable for the patient’s breast shape and size is selected and applied.
- General anesthesia is administered.
- The procedure lasts approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours.
- Although usually not necessary, a hospital stay of about one day may sometimes be required.
How Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
In breast augmentation surgery, also known as vertical mammoplasty, we make an incision around the areola extending downward. This incision is commonly referred to as a “lollipop-shaped scar” among the public.
Achieving the best breast shape with minimal scarring is possible through this method. In cases of very large breasts, an inverted T incision can also be used for reshaping.
Women who have lost one or both breasts due to cancer or traumatic events may also undergo breast augmentation surgery.
The factors that can affect the success of breast augmentation surgery are as follows:
- Surgical planning,
- Communication between the patient and the surgeon,
- The surgical process itself,
- The postoperative recovery period.
In addition to these factors, the patient’s expectations regarding the surgery must be realistic. Extremely large breasts may not only appear unbalanced aesthetically but can also cause neck and back pain over time. Therefore, during surgical planning, the intended breast size and the type and shape of the implant to be used are determined through a thorough and qualified evaluation process.
Breast Reduction Aesthetics
Breasts that are large in proportion to the body can be reshaped through breast reduction surgery. This procedure helps achieve a more aesthetically pleasing breast appearance while also creating a breast size that does not hinder daily activities.
Having breasts that are disproportionately large compared to body shape can cause several problems, including:
- Neck and back pain,
- Excessive sweating and skin irritation,
- Unpleasant odor due to perspiration,
- Inability to exercise comfortably,
- Difficulty in choosing clothes,
- Breast sagging caused by excessive breast size.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
In Ankara, several different methods and incision techniques have been defined for breast reduction surgery. The most commonly used method involves the inverted T incision. However, in recent years, the vertical mammoplasty technique, which uses only a vertical incision, has become our preferred approach because it leaves minimal scarring and provides a longer-lasting, well-shaped result. This method allows for a firmer and more lifted breast contour.
In these surgeries, the primary goal is to achieve the desired breast shape while minimizing scarring. Another crucial point is the reshaping of the areola and nipple. It is essential to avoid risks such as distortion and circulatory impairment, which can be prevented by adhering to the principles that protect the blood vessels supplying the breast and nipple. The sagging breast tissue and nipples are reshaped according to the degree of enlargement and other contributing factors.
The steps of breast reduction aesthetics can be summarized as follows:
- In minor procedures, sedation or local anesthesia may be used; however, general anesthesia is generally preferred.
- The surgery typically lasts 2–3 hours.
- After the operation, a hospital stay of about one day is usually required, though hospitalization is not necessary for limited interventions.
Breast Lift Aesthetics
Breast lift surgery is a procedure preferred by women who have had multiple pregnancies, breastfed for a long time, experienced significant weight fluctuations, or suffer from hormonal imbalances.
This procedure can also be combined with breast augmentation. Men who experience breast enlargement problems due to genetic or hormonal factors can overcome this issue through gynecomastia surgery.
Breasts may sag due to various lifestyle habits and several contributing factors, including:
- Genetic factors,
- Significant weight gain or loss,
- Frequent pregnancies,
- Prolonged breastfeeding,
- Engaging in heavy sports activities,
- Advanced age.
How Is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Breast lift surgery can be performed using three different techniques: Periareolar, Lollipop, and Inverted T methods. These surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and typically take about 2–3 hours to complete.
In sagging breasts, the position of the nipple is measured, and the degree of sagging is assessed to determine the most appropriate method for repositioning it to a normal level. The breast tissue and skin are reshaped, and the nipple is lifted to its ideal height. To achieve this, incisions are made around the areola, under the breast, and/or in a radial pattern.
In some cases, Ankara breast lift surgeries are performed with the support of implants. When the breast tissue has atrophied and there is insufficient volume, fullness is restored with a breast implant, and the breast is reshaped using lifting techniques. These combined procedures are referred to as augmentation mastopexy or breast lift with augmentation.
In cases of large breasts, the situation is slightly different. In addition to the lifting procedure, a reduction in breast size is also performed. A portion of the breast tissue is removed to achieve the desired breast dimensions.
The steps involved in a breast lift procedure can be summarized as follows:
- Since no breast tissue is removed, the use of a drain is not necessary.
- The patient can shower two days after the surgery.
- A special sports bra must be worn for 4–6 weeks following the operation.
- During the first 4–6 weeks after surgery, the patient should avoid lying face down.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast that occurs due to certain hormonal causes. It appears in approximately 85% of males during puberty. However, male breast enlargement can also result from endocrine or hormonal disorders or as a side effect of certain medications.
In men, enlarged breasts not only create an unaesthetic appearance but can also lead to issues such as difficulty exercising, challenges in clothing selection, skin irritation, and excessive sweating. For these reasons, gynecomastia surgery is performed.
The steps involved in a gynecomastia operation can be summarized as follows:
- Fat removal can be performed through liposuction, or the enlarged breast tissue can be excised through a surgical incision made along the edge of the areola.
- The operation takes approximately 1–2 hours.
- It is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Hospitalization is not required after the procedure.
Who Can Undergo Breast Aesthetic Surgery?
Another frequently asked question about breast aesthetic surgery is who can undergo this procedure and under what conditions it is performed.
The situations and individuals suitable for the operation are as follows:
- It is performed on adults aged 18 and above, provided that there is no need for emergency medical intervention.
- If the breast size is significantly larger than ideal and causes health problems that affect daily comfort, breast reduction surgery can be performed on patients under 18 years old.
- In male patients with breast enlargement problems, gynecomastia surgery is performed.
- If the breasts are smaller than ideal, breast augmentation surgery is carried out.
- If the breasts are larger than ideal, breast reduction surgery is performed.
- In cases of breast sagging caused by large breast size, a breast lift surgery may also be applied.
What Is the Preoperative Process for Breast Aesthetic Surgery?
There are several important factors to consider before undergoing breast aesthetic surgery. One of the most crucial is ensuring that the patient’s desired breast size is realistic. Particularly in breast augmentation procedures, choosing implants that are disproportionately large can lead to various problems that negatively affect quality of life.
Before a breast augmentation surgery, the type of implant and the material it is made from should be carefully selected. Otherwise, it may not be possible to achieve a breast appearance that suits the body’s natural contours. In addition to breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lift surgeries can also be performed, and in some cases, breast reduction and lift procedures are combined.
For male patients undergoing surgery for breast enlargement (gynecomastia), a detailed medical examination is performed beforehand to determine the underlying cause of the condition, and the appropriate treatment method is then applied. The surgeon performing the operation should be a qualified and experienced specialist, and the operating room must be properly sterilized to eliminate any risk of infection.
It is also very important that the patient and surgeon align their expectations and mutually agree on the surgical plan, as this significantly increases postoperative satisfaction.
Prior to surgery, the patient’s overall health condition should be evaluated, and the immune system should be strengthened. Additionally, medications with blood-thinning effects should be discontinued under a doctor’s supervision, and smoking should be stopped before the operation.
What Is the Postoperative Process for Breast Aesthetic Surgery?
Every factor that requires attention after breast aesthetic surgery directly affects whether the treated area heals as intended, the comfort of the recovery period, and the overall satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Throughout this process, the patient must carefully follow and apply all the instructions and recommendations given by the surgeon.
After the operation, the level of pain experienced is minimal. If dissolvable sutures are used, there is no need for suture removal. In the early postoperative period, swelling or bruising may occur, but these typically subside within 10 days.
Following breast augmentation surgery, most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within 3 to 5 days.
During this period, individuals should avoid heavy training for 1 or 2 months. In addition, sleeping in a face-down position is not recommended for 3 months.
Contrary to what is commonly believed, after breast surgeries, activities such as traveling by plane, heavy sports, swimming, and deep diving are not prohibited. For women with breast implants, air travel, combat sports, and deep diving activities are not a restriction.
Also, after breast augmentation surgery, patients can have routine check-ups such as breast examination, ultrasonography, tomography, mammography, or magnetic resonance imaging. The procedure does not prevent healthy breast examinations.
The points to pay attention to after breast aesthetic surgery can be summarized as follows:
- Depending on how the surgery went, the doctor may or may not require the patient to stay in the hospital,
- The patient should be careful to take the medications prescribed by the doctor. The use of medications is very important for relieving postoperative pain and preventing possible infections,
- The use of antibiotics should not be discontinued during the period determined by the doctor,
- It is also important that the patient does not neglect postoperative check-ups.
Does Breast Aesthetic Surgery Leave a Scar?
There are two common areas where implants are typically placed during breast aesthetic surgeries. These areas are the areola (around the nipple) and the inframammary fold, where the lower edge of the breast meets the chest wall. The scar that forms after breast aesthetic surgery is approximately 4–5 cm in length. In addition, due to the location of the surgical area, the scar is very difficult to notice.
Which medications should be avoided before breast aesthetic surgery?
Before breast aesthetic surgery, aspirin and other blood-thinning medications should not be used. Herbal teas and certain vitamins may also increase bleeding and should be avoided. Steroid-containing medications that delay wound healing should also be discontinued. Additionally, medications that may cause allergic reactions or interact negatively with anesthesia drugs should be stopped prior to surgery.
When can one return to work after breast aesthetic surgery?
The recovery period and return to work after breast aesthetics vary depending on the individual’s pain threshold and the surgical method used. In procedures such as breast lift and reduction, since they involve skin and tissue adjustment, patients generally feel better sooner. In breast augmentation, some tightness or pressure may be felt during the first few days, which is normal.
When do scars from breast aesthetics fade?
Scars from breast aesthetic surgery are designed to appear as fine lines. They are initially pinkish in color, but within 1–2 months they gradually fade and become less noticeable. As wound healing theoretically continues for 1–1.5 years, the degree of fading depends on genetic and individual healing factors. Using certain creams or gels can help accelerate scar healing.
Does breast aesthetic surgery affect breastfeeding?
There are various types of breast aesthetic procedures, and some may affect breastfeeding depending on the technique used. The methods we prefer preserve the milk ducts and do not negatively affect breastfeeding. In breast augmentation, silicone implants are placed behind the breast tissue. In breast reduction, the connection between the nipple and the breast tissue is preserved, ensuring that milk flow through the ducts is not obstructed.
How is preoperative planning done for breast aesthetics?
The planning process differs for breast augmentation and breast reduction. In breast augmentation, the desired breast size is first determined using different sizes of silicone sizers, allowing the patient’s expectations to be confirmed visually and digitally. In breast reduction, the target reduction amount is determined based on the patient’s preferences, and the ideal nipple and breast positioning are planned accordingly to achieve the desired shape and proportion.
In which situations is breast aesthetic surgery performed?
Breast aesthetics are performed when the breasts are not in ideal proportion or shape and include various surgical interventions.
If the breasts are disproportionately large or small compared to the body, surgery may be performed to restore balance. For large breasts, breast reduction is applied; for small breasts, augmentation can be done. In some cases, one breast may be enlarged while the other is reduced to achieve symmetry.
Do silicone implants prevent breastfeeding?
No, silicone implants do not prevent breastfeeding. When implants are placed, the milk glands are not damaged, so there is no obstacle to breastfeeding.
Can breast augmentation and breast lift be done at the same time?
Yes, breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries can be performed simultaneously without any problem.
Can breasts grow again after breast reduction surgery?
It is rare for the breasts to enlarge again after breast reduction surgery. However, weight gain, certain medications, or pregnancy can cause some regrowth, though returning to their previous size is unlikely.
Does breast reduction surgery increase cancer risk?
No, breast reduction surgery does not increase the risk of cancer. In fact, by removing excess breast tissue, it may even slightly reduce the risk.
Are breast implants permanent?
Breast implants typically last between 10 to 20 years.
When can I return to work after breast aesthetic surgery?
Most patients can return to work about one week after breast aesthetic surgery. However, if your job involves intense physical activity, it is recommended to wait 2–3 weeks before returning.
