Breast implants in Turkey: types, surgery, results and prices

What are breast implants used for?

Breast implants are medical devices designed to restore or enhance breast volume and shape. They are used in two main contexts: aesthetic breast augmentation and reconstructive surgery.

Aesthetic augmentation

Most patients choose breast implants to enhance the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts, for underdeveloped, asymmetrical, or tubular breasts, or to restore volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight change. In this context, implant type, size, and placement are chosen together with the surgeon based on the patient's anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Reconstructive surgery

Implants are also used in a reconstructive context, following:

• A mastectomy due to breast cancer. After breast removal (mastectomy) performed to treat breast cancer, implant-based reconstruction helps restore volume and contour close to the patient's original anatomy. This reconstruction can be performed immediately, during the same procedure as the mastectomy, or delayed by several months, once complementary treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) are completed.
• An injury or trauma to the breast. An accident, a severe burn, or any other trauma resulting in a loss of breast tissue may also justify the placement of an implant to reconstruct the damaged breast and restore symmetry with the healthy breast.

In these cases, implant-based breast reconstruction is primarily intended to support the patient through a process of physical reconstruction after a medical ordeal, helping her regain a natural silhouette and a better quality of life. The choice of implant type (round or anatomical),size, and surgical technique is made in consultation with the surgeon, based on the patient's body shape, the extent of the mastectomy or injury, and her personal expectations.

Choosing a breast implant material

Breast implants feature a silicone shell, either smooth or textured, filled with one of two materials approved by the FDA:

• Saline solution: if the shell ruptures, the saline is absorbed by the body, but the implant deflates and must be replaced.
• Silicone gel: the most frequently chosen because it feels closer to natural breast tissue. A rupture can go unnoticed, which is why the FDA recommends imaging (ultrasound or MRI) about 5 to 6 years after surgery, then at regular intervals.

Other fillers, such as hydrogel (polyacrylamide),are not approved by the FDA. Polyurethane-coated and macrotextured implants were withdrawn from the French market in April 2019 because of their link with BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma. Ask your surgeon which implant surface is planned and why.

Our partner clinics use internationally recognized breast implant brands such as Mentor breast implants. Ask for the implant brand, model and identification card before surgery.

Breast implant placement techniques

Considering breast augmentation? Two separate decisions shape the outcome: where the incision is made, and where the implant is positioned relative to the muscle. The surgeon selects the approach that suits your body and the type of implant chosen.

Incision site

Periareolar insertion

The implant goes in through an incision around the areola. The scar follows the natural color boundary between breast and areola, which usually makes it discreet. This approach may carry a higher risk of changes in nipple sensation and breastfeeding.

Submammary insertion

An incision is made below the breast fold, which suits larger implants better because positioning is easier. The scar sits in the fold, though visibility varies based on individual anatomy.

Axillary insertion

The incision goes through the armpit, leaving no scar on the breast itself. It is often performed with an endoscope, and is less suited to some implant sizes and anatomies.

Implant position

Independently of the incision site, the surgeon also chooses where the implant sits relative to the pectoral muscle:

Submuscular placement

Placing the implant beneath the pectoral muscle gives more tissue coverage, which helps in thin patients, and is associated with less capsular contracture. It can cause visible movement of the breast when the muscle contracts.

Subglandular placement

The implant sits above the muscle and directly under the breast tissue. This suits patients with enough natural tissue coverage and avoids breast movement during muscle contraction, though the implant may be more visible in very thin patients.

Want to explore breast augmentation options in Turkey? Request a consultation to discuss the approach suited to you.

Preparing for surgery

Tell your surgeon about all your medications and supplements. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually avoided before surgery because they increase bleeding risk. Never stop a prescribed blood thinner on your own: any change is decided with the doctor who prescribed it.

If you take oral contraceptives and have risk factors such as obesity or circulation issues, your surgeon may discuss pausing them with your prescriber. This lowers the chance of blood clots during and after surgery.

Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before your procedure. Smoking slows healing and raises the likelihood of post-operative problems. Following these guidelines lowers your risk of complications.

Adverse effects of breast implants

Breast implant surgery carries certain risks, both during and after the procedure. Your surgeon should discuss these openly with you before you decide to proceed.

Immediate post-surgery effects

Common side effects in the days following surgery include:

• Pain: Typical in early recovery.
• Swelling: Usually temporary.
• Bleeding: May happen during or immediately after surgery.
• Infection: Requires medical attention, from mild to serious cases.
• Altered sensation: Sometimes temporary changes in the breast or nipple area.

Longer-term concerns

Over time, some issues can develop:

• Implant shifting: Asymmetry or movement sometimes occurs.
• Implant rupture: The shell can tear or break.
• Capsular contracture: Scar tissue hardens around the implant, potentially causing pain and shape changes.
• Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): Rare immune system cancer linked to implants, serious but uncommon, requiring prompt medical care.
• Aesthetic concerns: Dissatisfaction with implant size, shape, or appearance.

Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice persistent pain, visible changes, or unusual symptoms. Regular check-ups help catch any problems early.

Have an in-depth conversation with your surgeon before scheduling surgery. Ask about risks, possible side effects, and what steps to take if complications arise. Making an informed choice means understanding both benefits and drawbacks.

Lifespan of breast implants

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. According to the FDA, their lifespan varies from one person to another and cannot be predicted, and the risk of complications increases the longer you have them.

Implants have no expiration date and no fixed replacement schedule: they are removed or replaced in case of a complication, such as rupture or capsular contracture, or at your request.

With silicone implants, a rupture can be silent. The FDA recommends a first ultrasound or MRI about 5 to 6 years after surgery, then at regular intervals, and at any time if symptoms appear.