What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is an operation that enlarges the breasts, usually with silicone gel implants. It can add volume, improve fullness in the upper part of the breast and reduce a visible size difference between the two sides.
Women consider the operation for different reasons: breasts that never developed to the size they expected, volume loss after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or weight loss that has left the breasts looking empty. Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Korkmaz, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery in Antalya, plans the operation around your measurements, tissue quality and the result you have in mind. It is worth knowing from the start that an implant adds volume but does not reliably lift a breast that has dropped. If the nipple sits at or below the fold under the breast, a breast lift on its own or combined with an implant may be the more suitable option.
Who may be suitable for breast augmentation?
You may be a suitable candidate if you are in good general health and have clear, realistic expectations. Whether surgery is right for you is decided at a medical examination, not online.
Factors that usually point towards suitability:
- You are 18 or older and your breasts have finished developing.
- Your weight has been stable for several months.
- You are not pregnant and have stopped breastfeeding at least six months ago.
- You do not smoke, or you are prepared to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
- You have no active infection and no untreated breast condition.
Some health issues, such as poorly controlled diabetes, blood clotting disorders or certain heart and lung conditions, increase the risks of surgery. Please share your full medical history, medicines and supplements before your consultation so that this can be assessed properly.
Which implant, incision and placement are used?
There is no single approach that suits everyone. The implant, the incision and the pocket are chosen together after examining your chest wall, breast width, skin elasticity and the amount of your own breast tissue.
Implant type and shape
Silicone gel implants are used in most breast augmentations today. Modern implants contain a cohesive gel that holds its form if the shell is damaged. Implants come in round and anatomical (teardrop) shapes and in different profiles, which describe how far the implant projects forward. Size is not just a cup size: the base width of the implant needs to fit your chest, otherwise the result can look unnatural or the implant can become visible at the edges.
Incision options
| Incision | Where the scar lies | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Inframammary | In the fold under the breast | Most commonly used; good access and control; scar usually hidden by the fold |
| Periareolar | Along the lower edge of the areola | Can blend into the colour change; may affect nipple sensation or breastfeeding slightly more |
| Transaxillary | In the armpit | No scar on the breast itself; access to the pocket is more limited |
Implant placement
The implant can be placed under the breast tissue (subglandular), partly under the chest muscle (dual plane) or under the muscle (submuscular). Placement under the muscle generally gives more soft-tissue cover, which can be helpful in slim women with little breast tissue. Placement above the muscle may suit women with more natural tissue. Your surgeon will explain which option fits your anatomy and why.
How is breast augmentation performed?
The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia and typically takes about 1–2 hours. Most patients stay in hospital for one night.
After the incision is made, a pocket is created for the implant in the planned layer. Many surgeons use sizers during the operation to check symmetry and proportion before the final implants are inserted. The incision is closed in layers, and a support bra or dressing is applied. A drain is not always needed; when it is used, it is usually removed within one or two days. You will be seen the next day before discharge and given written instructions on wound care, medication and activity.
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Like every operation, breast augmentation carries risks. Most patients recover without serious problems, but you should understand the possible complications before you decide.
- Bleeding (haematoma) and fluid collection (seroma), which may need drainage or a return to theatre.
- Infection, which occasionally requires removal of the implant.
- Capsular contracture: the scar capsule around the implant tightens, making the breast firm, painful or misshapen. It may need further surgery.
- Implant rupture or leakage, which may not cause symptoms and is usually confirmed by imaging.
- Implant malposition, rotation or rippling, especially where tissue cover is thin.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which are often temporary but can last.
- Asymmetry and visible scarring, including thickened scars in some skin types.
- Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): a rare cancer of the immune system, mostly linked to textured implants. Late swelling of a breast should always be checked.
- Systemic symptoms: some women report fatigue, joint pain or other symptoms they attribute to their implants, sometimes called breast implant illness. Research into this is ongoing.
- General risks of surgery and anaesthesia, such as blood clots in the legs or lungs.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and further surgery may be needed in the future. These points are discussed in detail at your consultation.
How long is recovery after breast augmentation?
Most people return to desk work after about 1–2 weeks, but full healing takes longer. The breasts usually sit high and feel tight at first, then gradually soften and settle over 3–6 months.
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Tightness, swelling and soreness; pain relief is usually needed; rest with your upper body raised |
| End of week 1 | Wound check; most people walk comfortably and manage everyday tasks |
| Weeks 1–2 | Return to light desk work if comfortable; no lifting or stretching above the head |
| Weeks 4–6 | Support bra day and night as advised; gradual return to lower-body exercise |
| Week 6 onwards | Upper-body training and heavier lifting reintroduced step by step |
| Months 3–6 | Swelling settles and implants drop into their final position |
| Up to 12 months | Scars continue to fade and soften |
You can usually drive once you can wear a seatbelt comfortably and perform an emergency stop without pain, which is often after 1–2 weeks. Check your insurer’s conditions too.
How long should I stay in Antalya and when can I fly home?
If you are travelling from the UK or elsewhere, plan to stay in Antalya for about 7–10 days. This allows a wound check and a review before you leave.
Flying shortly after surgery raises the risk of blood clots. The timing of your return flight is confirmed at your follow-up appointment rather than in advance. On the journey, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, walk around when possible and wear compression stockings if advised. Arrange help with luggage, because you should not lift heavy bags for several weeks.
How is aftercare arranged once I am back in the UK?
Aftercare continues after you return home, and you should plan it before you travel. You will receive written instructions and a way to contact the clinic, including by WhatsApp, for questions and photos of your wounds.
Tell your GP that you have had surgery. Your GP can help with general concerns, but may not provide routine cosmetic follow-up. Seek urgent medical attention locally if you notice sudden swelling of one breast, increasing redness, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or a painful, swollen calf.
How should I prepare for breast augmentation?
Good preparation reduces avoidable risks. You will receive individual instructions, but the general principles are:
- Stop smoking and nicotine products at least 4 weeks before surgery and do not restart during healing.
- Pause aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers and supplements that thin the blood, but only after discussing this with your doctor.
- Have any requested blood tests or breast imaging done in good time.
- Bring loose, front-fastening clothes and arrange support for the first days.
Next step: a medical consultation
A consultation is the place to discuss your goals, examine your breasts, review implant options and talk openly about risks. Only after this assessment can you and your surgeon decide whether breast augmentation is suitable for you. You can contact the clinic to arrange an appointment in Antalya or to send initial questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Many women are able to breastfeed after breast augmentation, because the implant sits behind the glandular tissue rather than inside it. However, every breast operation can affect milk ducts or nipple sensation to some degree, and some women have difficulty breastfeeding regardless of surgery. If you plan to have children, mention this at your consultation, as it can influence the choice of incision.
Will implants affect future mammograms?
You can still have breast screening with implants. Tell the radiographer about them before the scan, because special positioning views are used to see as much breast tissue as possible. Implants can hide a small part of the tissue, so attending routine screening and examining your breasts regularly remain important after surgery.
Do breast implants need to be replaced at some point?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Many last for many years, but problems such as capsular contracture, rupture or position change can make further surgery necessary at any time. There is no fixed replacement date; a change is usually advised when a problem appears or when the breasts change with age, weight or pregnancy. Regular check-ups help detect issues early.
What is the minimum age for breast augmentation?
Cosmetic breast augmentation is only considered for adults aged 18 or over whose breast development has finished. There is no strict upper age limit; what matters more is general health, breast tissue quality and realistic expectations. Women over 40, or with a family history of breast cancer, are usually asked to have breast imaging before surgery.
How long should I wait after pregnancy before having breast augmentation?
Breast size and shape change considerably during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Surgeons usually recommend waiting until at least six months after you have stopped breastfeeding and your weight is stable, so that the breasts have settled. Planning surgery on settled tissue makes the choice of implant size and the need for a lift easier to judge.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery · Medical Director, AYT Clinic
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and expected results are assessed individually during an examination.