Breast Augmentation

In some cases, breast size may be smaller than desired. Because breasts are an important part of sexual identity and body image, they are often evaluated and treated for aesthetic reasons. Preferences regarding breast size and shape are influenced by cultural and racial factors, as well as personal expectations. For these reasons, there is debate regarding the ideal standards for breast size in relation to body shape.

However, it should be noted that underdeveloped breasts or breasts that are small according to cultural and racial norms are quite natural reasons for breast augmentation surgery. Small or absent breasts may rarely be associated with certain hormonal or congenital diseases. Breast augmentation surgeries can be performed using the patient's own tissue or external silicone breast implants. While serial fat injections and vacuum procedures are gradually gaining popularity, the use of silicone breast implants is the primary technique we widely and confidently recommend due to its reliable, fast, and predictable results.

Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Prevent Breastfeeding?

The prostheses used are placed behind the breast tissue. Therefore, the glands and ducts involved in milk production are not touched during surgery. For this reason, women who have had breast prostheses can breastfeed when they have children.

Do Silicone Breast Implants Cause Cancer?

Studies have not found an increase in breast cancer rates in patients with silicone breast implants. The low amount of breast tissue in people with breast implants may even cause breast cancer to occur at a very low rate. In recent years, a specific type of tumour has been identified in patients with silicone breast implants. The number of such cases exceeds 150. Considering the millions of people with breast implants, the incidence rate is negligible.

Research on this type of lymphoma (local lymph node tumour) is ongoing, and at present, statistically speaking, it does not pose a risk that would prevent patients who will be using breast implants from undergoing surgery. Based on research findings, the prevailing view regarding this tumour developing in the connective tissue capsule around the implant is that it may be caused by bacteria present in the implant's texture. Further research in this area will provide us with measures to address this low-risk situation.

What Types of Implants Do We Use for Breast Augmentation? How Do We Decide?

Breast implants consist of a silicone shell and a filling inside. The shell can be textured or smooth, and the filling can be saline or silicone gel. The most common choice is textured implants filled with gel. The risk of implants rupturing is very small and is due to technical errors or manufacturing defects. As doctors, we take precautions by using the correct surgical techniques and the most reliable brands.

Breast implants come in different shapes as well as structures; depending on the upper and lower diameters and side diameters, they can be anatomical or round. The height (projection-front-back length) is also an important variable. The sizes of implants with these structures and shapes are measured in ml, i.e. volume. We decide which implant to use for which patient based on variables such as chest measurements, shape, the shape of the sternum (pigeon chest, shoemaker's chest, etc.), arm thickness, height, and overall body weight.

Where and how is a prosthesis placed?

Breast implants can be placed under the muscle, above the muscle, or in a dual plane, which is a combination of above and under the muscle. We decide on the placement based on the patient's breast size and skin thickness. In addition, incisions made under the breast, around the nipple, and in the armpit can be used to place the implant. The most preferred and safest approach is under the breast.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and patients usually stay overnight. A special bra is worn during the potentially painful post-operative period and medication is administered as needed for effective pain control.

What are the risks?

If we divide the risks that arise outside of general anaesthesia into immediate and delayed risks, we can say that:

Excessive bleeding on the night of surgery is called a haematoma. Although it is an unpleasant situation, we see it in about one in a hundred patients. Even if it does not last long, the patient is taken back into surgery at night to stop the bleeding. Infection may develop days after surgery. In this case, the prostheses may need to be temporarily removed.

Risks that may arise later include capsule formation and excessive hardening of the breast, and, in rare cases, leakage of the implant's contents into the tissue. In the event of capsule hardening, the capsule surrounding the implant may need to be loosened through surgery. In the event of leakage, the areas where the silicone has leaked are cleaned after diagnosis by MRI. Although these risks vary, they occur in approximately 10% of cases within the first five to ten years.