Deutsch
Español
Français
العربية
Română
Русский
Breast augmentation (breast enlargement) in Istanbul
If you are considering implants to add volume, restore fullness after pregnancy or weight loss, or even out a size difference, this page explains the choices, the recovery, the risks and the long-term checks.
- Operation time About 1.5 hours (typically 60–90 minutes)
- Hospital stay Usually one night
- Time in Istanbul At least 5–7 days after surgery before flying
- Back to work Desk work in 1–2 weeks; physical work after 3 weeks
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation increases the size and fullness of the breasts, most often with silicone gel or saline implants. It can restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, give a rounder shape or reduce a difference in size. The implant is placed through an incision, usually in the fold under the breast, in front of or behind the chest muscle. The operation takes about 60–90 minutes under general anaesthesia, and most people return to desk work within 1–2 weeks. Implants are not lifetime devices and need monitoring over the years.
What it can do
- Add volume to small breasts, or to breasts that have lost fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.
- Give a rounder shape with more fullness in the upper part of the breast.
- Reduce a difference in size, using a different implant on each side.
- Be combined with a breast lift when the breasts have also dropped.
What it cannot do
- Lift sagging breasts on its own: an implant adds volume, not lift.
- Last for life: implants are not lifetime devices and may need further surgery.
- Make both sides identical: small differences are natural and usually remain.
- Stop ageing, weight change, pregnancy or menopause from changing the breasts.
Is it right for you?
Augmentation is considered for people in good general health whose breasts have finished developing and who want the operation for themselves. Whether it suits you is decided at an in-person examination.
Usually a good fit if
- Your breasts feel small for your frame.
- They have lost volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or with age.
- They differ in size or did not develop fully, including a tubular (tuberous) shape.
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and your breasts have finished developing.
- You accept that implants need checks, and possibly further surgery, over the years.
Better to wait or consider alternatives if
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding: surgery waits until this period is over.
- Your breasts have dropped noticeably: an implant alone will not lift them.
- You smoke or vape and cannot stop around the operation, as nicotine slows healing.
- You are under 18 (in the United States, the FDA approves saline implants from 18 and silicone gel from 22 for cosmetic augmentation).
- You are doing it to please someone else, or you expect a result that never changes.
Techniques
Four decisions shape the operation: filling, shape and surface, position and incision. All of them are agreed at your consultation.
Silicone gel or saline
Silicone gel feels closer to natural tissue and wrinkles less, but a leak is often silent, so regular scans are advised. A leaking saline implant deflates and the body absorbs the salt water, though folding and deflation are more likely over time.
Best for
Most people wanting a natural feel; Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker generally prefers silicone.
Round or anatomical (teardrop)
Round implants give more fullness and keep their shape if they turn. Anatomical implants are fuller at the bottom, but a rotated one can distort the breast. Dr. İlker uses round implants for upper fullness and anatomical ones for a natural slope.
Best for
Round: upper fullness. Anatomical: a sloping profile.
Smooth or textured surface
Smooth implants feel softest but can move and ripple. Textured implants move less and showed less capsular contracture in one 10-year study (9.0% against 17.5%), but BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma, occurs mainly with textured implants. Ask which surface is proposed, and why.
Best for
A choice weighing implant movement against the BIA-ALCL risk.
Over the muscle, under it or dual plane
The implant can sit in front of the chest muscle, behind it, or in a dual plane combining both. In one 10-year study, severe capsular contracture affected 15.7% of implants under the muscle and 26.3% over it.
Best for
Depends on your tissue cover, the implant size and your goals.
Incision site
Implants go in through the fold under the breast, the edge of the areola or the armpit. Dr. İlker most often uses the fold, with an incision of about 4.5 cm. The belly-button route is linked to more complications.
Best for
The fold under the breast suits most patients.
Your own fat instead
For a modest increase, fat taken by liposuction can be injected instead of an implant, or alongside one. Part of it is reabsorbed in the first months. See fat transfer breast augmentation.
Best for
A small increase, if you have fat to spare.
Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker
Specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery
- Specialist training: Dokuz Eylül University
- Medical degree: Trakya University
- Health tourism authorization: ST-2657
- Dr. İlker speaks English and Turkish.
How Dr. İlker approaches breast augmentation
Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker is a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, trained at Dokuz Eylül University, with her practice in Bakırköy, Istanbul. She writes that she makes a point of answering every question and explaining what you will go through during and after surgery.
She uses round and anatomical implants, prefers silicone to saline and most often places the implant through the fold under the breast. Patients stay one night in hospital, and dissolving stitches mean nothing needs removing.
- A cup size, not a band size She explains that an implant changes the letter in your bra size (the cup), not the number (the band), which follows your chest measurement.
- A mammogram first after 40 If you are over 40, she asks for a mammogram before surgery.
- A female surgeon Dr. İlker is a woman; some patients find breast concerns easier to discuss with a female surgeon.
- Examination before decisions Implant, size, placement and incision are agreed only after an in-person examination, with written consent once your questions are answered.
The operation, step by step
The operation usually takes 60–90 minutes, and Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker allows about 1.5 hours.
-
Consultation
Your goals, measurements and medical history are reviewed, and implant type, size, placement and incision are agreed.
-
Admission and marking
You are admitted on the day of surgery after fasting, and the incision and implant position are marked on your skin.
-
Anaesthesia
Dr. İlker uses general anaesthesia, so you are asleep throughout.
-
Creating the pocket
The breast tissue is lifted away from the chest muscle to make a pocket in front of or behind it, and the implant is centred behind the nipple.
-
Closing
The incision is closed in layers with dissolving stitches. A small drain is sometimes placed.
-
Waking up
You wake in a support bra or elastic bandage, to be worn day and night, and stay one night in hospital.
Your days in Istanbul
Plan at least 5–7 days in Istanbul after surgery. NHS guidance is not to fly sooner after breast surgery, because surgery and flying both raise the risk of blood clots.
-
Examination and tests
Before surgery
Arrive early enough for the pre-operative examination, tests and any imaging; the plan is confirmed and consent signed.
-
Operation and one night in hospital
Surgery day
You arrive having fasted and stay overnight. A companion helps once you are discharged.
-
Rest, not sightseeing
The first days
Acute pain usually eases within 1–5 days. Keep the bra on, avoid lifting, and skip alcohol, sunbathing, swimming and tours.
-
Wound check and a follow-up plan
Before you fly home
Have your wounds checked, and agree who will see you at home and how to reach the clinic.
Recovery, day by day
Typical ranges from NHS, Cleveland Clinic and ASPS guidance and from Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker's own protocol; yours may differ.
- Day 1
The first night
You stay in hospital with dressings and a support bra. The chest feels tight and sore, and pain relief is given.
- Days 2–3
Soreness eases
Acute pain usually settles within 1–5 days; activity stays limited to avoid bleeding into the implant pocket. Dr. İlker expects a return to social life after 3–4 days if the chest is protected.
- Week 1
Swelling
While swollen, the breasts look larger and higher than planned. No driving for at least a week; flying becomes reasonable after 5–7 days.
- Week 2
Back to desk work
Most people return to desk work after 1–2 weeks. Avoid effort that raises your heart rate for at least 2 weeks.
- Weeks 3–4
Physical work, light sport
Physical jobs need at least 3 weeks off, and heavy lifting waits at least 4 weeks. Dr. İlker allows light sport from about a month.
- Months 2–3
Most activities return
Most people resume normal activities, including active sport, around week 6; recovery is typically complete at 6–8 weeks.
- Month 6
Settling
The shape keeps settling and the scars mature, though they may still look lighter or darker than your skin.
- Month 12
Yearly check-up
A yearly examination is recommended, and scars move closer to your skin tone.
- Year 5–6 onwards
Scans for silicone implants
Without symptoms, the FDA recommends a first ultrasound or MRI 5–6 years after surgery, then every 2–3 years.
Contact us straight away if you notice
- Fever, or a breast that becomes red, warm or increasingly painful.
- Pus or fluid from a wound, or a wound that opens.
- Rapid, painful swelling or hardening of one breast.
- Pain, swelling or warmth in one calf.
- Shortness of breath, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat: call your local emergency number.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Aftercare at home
- Wear the support bra day and night for as long as advised.
- Look after the wounds exactly as instructed.
- Avoid lifting and strenuous effort until you are cleared.
- Avoid alcohol, sunbathing and swimming while you heal; once healed, use silicone gel or sheets and SPF 30+ on the scars.
- Keep a written record of your implants' manufacturer, model, size and surface, and examine your breasts regularly for life.
Risks and how they are reduced
Every operation has risks, and implants add their own; the FDA advises assuming you may need further surgery. Most 10-year implant studies were funded by manufacturers.
Risks are lowered by stopping nicotine 4–6 weeks before and after surgery, reviewing medicines, wearing the support bra, avoiding strain early on and waiting 5–7 days to fly. Later, self-examination, yearly checks and scans of silicone implants help find problems early; report any swelling or lump that appears, even years on.
| Risk | How often |
|---|---|
Capsular contractureThe scar tissue around the implant tightens, making the breast firm, misshapen or painful. In 10-year studies, severe contracture affected roughly 5–19% of first augmentations; it can need surgery and may recur. | Common |
Further surgeryIn one 10-year study, 25.5% of first-time patients had another operation; in another, more than half of repeat operations were for cosmetic reasons such as a size change. See implant revision. | Common |
Rupture or leakA saline implant deflates visibly, but a silicone rupture is often silent, and MRI is the most effective way to detect it. Rates vary widely between implants and studies. | Varies |
Sensation changesNipples may become more sensitive, less sensitive or numb, temporarily or permanently. | Varies |
Rippling, shifting or asymmetryAn implant can ripple, move, rotate or sit differently on each side, and correcting this sometimes needs surgery. | Varies |
Bleeding, fluid or infectionA haematoma, seroma or infection may need treatment or removal of the implant, and can make contracture more likely. | Uncommon |
BreastfeedingIn a 2023 meta-analysis, 82.25% of women with implants breastfed, against 88.45% of women without. | Varies |
BIA-ALCLA lymphoma of the immune system, not breast cancer, found in fluid or scar tissue around the implant and linked mainly to textured implants (estimates: 1 in 3,817 to 1 in 30,000 people with them). Swelling, a lump or fluid usually appears years later, on average after 7–10 years; treatment is removal of the implant and capsule. Removal without symptoms is not recommended. | Rare |
Other cancers in the capsuleSquamous cell carcinoma and other lymphomas have been reported very rarely in the capsule, with all implant types, 7–42 years after surgery. | Rare |
Systemic symptomsSome people link fatigue, joint pain, memory problems or rashes to their implants (breast implant illness). There is no test, a causal link is unproven, and some report improvement after removal. | Varies |
Anaesthesia and blood clotsAny major operation raises the risk of blood clots, which can be life-threatening, and flying soon after surgery adds to it. | Rare |
Results and how long they last
At first, swelling makes the breasts look larger and higher. Over several weeks the implants settle, and within a few months the breasts look and feel more natural. Scars fade over months to a few years.
Breasts keep changing with age, weight, pregnancy and menopause, and some people later choose a lift or an implant change. Even so, in one 10-year study 81.8% of patients still had their original implants.
How long it lasts: Implants are not lifetime devices: for many people, replacement or removal comes up at around 10–15 years, with regular checks before then.
With any surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. We recommend a detailed consultation with your doctor before any procedure.
Before and after
Before and after photos are shared only with patients’ written consent. You can ask to see examples during your consultation.
Before and afterQuestions to ask at your consultation
Take these to any surgeon you see — including us.
- What is your specialist training, and how often do you perform this operation?
- Which implant (manufacturer, model, surface, size), placement and incision do you recommend for me, and why?
- Will I get my implant details in writing, and is the implant recorded in a registry?
- Which hospital will I be in, and who gives the anaesthetic?
- How long should I stay in Istanbul, and when are my check-ups?
- Who do I contact once I am home, and what happens if there is a complication?
- What does the plan include, and which later costs (scans, replacement) should I expect?
- How could this affect breastfeeding and future mammograms?
What shapes your plan and quote
Your plan and quote follow your examination, because the key choices depend on your breasts, your skin and your goals.
- The implant: filling, shape, surface, size and manufacturer.
- Anything added in the same operation, such as a lift or fat transfer.
- Tests beforehand, such as blood tests and a mammogram.
- The hospital stay and anaesthesia.
- Future costs: scans for silicone implants and possible replacement or removal.
We do not publish prices: every plan is personal and is written for you after your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long do breast implants last? Do they need replacing every 10 years?
There is no fixed replacement date. Implants are not lifetime devices and their lifespan cannot be predicted, so the FDA advises planning for further surgery. For many people, replacement or removal comes up at around 10–15 years, yet in one 10-year study 81.8% of patients still had their original implants.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Many women can, but some cannot. In a 2023 meta-analysis, 82.25% of women with implants breastfed, against 88.45% without, and milk supply may be slightly lower. Placement under the muscle tends to affect milk production less, so mention any plans at your consultation.
Under or over the muscle: which is better?
Neither suits everyone: the choice depends on the implant, the size you want and your build. In one 10-year study, severe capsular contracture was less frequent under the muscle (15.7%) than over it (26.3%). A dual-plane pocket combines the two and suits some breast shapes.
How long after breast augmentation can I fly home?
Wait at least 5–7 days: NHS guidance advises this after breast surgery because surgery and flying both raise the risk of blood clots. Agree your check-up days before booking the return flight. Once you have fully healed, flying with implants is no problem.
When can I sleep on my side?
There is no fixed day. Some surgeons prefer you to sleep on your back for the first few weeks after breast surgery, depending on healing and implant position. Ask Op. Dr. Bilgehan İlker at your check-up before you change position.
When can I drive and go back to work?
Avoid driving for at least a week. Most people take 1–2 weeks off before returning to desk work, and jobs involving lifting or physical effort need at least 3 weeks. Dr. İlker describes a return to social life after 3–4 days if the chest is protected from knocks.
When can I exercise or lift weights again?
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least 4 weeks. Dr. İlker allows light sport after about a month, and most people are back to active sport by around week 6. Build up gradually, and ask before restarting chest exercises.
Is breast augmentation painful?
The first days are sore. Acute pain usually eases within 1–5 days, while tenderness and swelling can last several weeks; pain relief is prescribed. Pain that keeps getting worse, especially with swelling of one breast, is a reason to contact the clinic straight away.
Is breast augmentation safe? Is it permanent?
Approved implants go through extensive testing and most patients have no serious complications, but the risks are real, from capsular contracture to a rare lymphoma. The result is not permanent either: breasts change and further surgery may be needed. Ask about each risk at your consultation.
Do implants cause breast cancer? Can I still have mammograms?
The FDA has found no link between silicone gel implants and breast cancer; BIA-ALCL is a rare lymphoma of the immune system, not breast cancer. You can still have mammograms. Tell the radiographer about your implants first, because extra views and an adapted technique are used.
Silicone or saline: which should I choose?
Silicone gel feels closer to natural tissue and wrinkles less, but a leak is often silent, so scans are needed over the years. Saline deflates visibly if it leaks and the body absorbs the fluid, but folding and deflation are more likely. Dr. İlker generally prefers silicone.
What happens if I have a problem after I return home?
Agree this before you travel. NHS guidance advises asking in advance what happens if there is a complication, where check-ups will take place and whether further surgery would mean travelling back. Keep your implant details and surgical notes, and tell your own doctor about the operation.
Medical informationThe information on this page is general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a diagnosis or treatment. Every surgical and interventional procedure carries risks, which will be explained to you in detail during your consultation. Whether this procedure suits you can only be decided after an in-person examination and assessment. We encourage you to also seek independent advice from your own doctor before deciding.
Sources
- FDA: Risks and complications of breast implants
- FDA: Things to consider before getting breast implants
- FDA: Questions and answers about BIA-ALCL
- MHRA (GOV.UK): Breast implants and ALCL
- NHS: Breast enlargement (implants)
- NHS: Cosmetic surgery abroad
- ASPS: Breast augmentation
- ASPS: Breast implant safety
- Cleveland Clinic: Breast augmentation
- Spear & Murphy 2014: Natrelle implants at 10 years (PubMed)
- Chen et al. 2023: Breastfeeding with breast implants (PubMed)
A conversation, at your pace.
Would you like to talk your options through?
Send us your questions in your own words. The first step is always an examination, and you can take as long as you need to decide.
- Nef 22 Ataköy, D Blok, Kat 1, Daire 36, Çobançeşme E-5 Yanyol Cad. No:22, Bakırköy / İstanbul
- Monday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00
- +90 542 280 27 51
- Dr. İlker speaks English and Turkish.
Thank you — your question has reached the clinic.
The team will reply using the contact details you gave. If you would like to talk sooner, continue on WhatsApp — your request is already written for you.
Continue on WhatsApp