The installation of breast implants is the most widely performed procedure globally, with nearly 1.8 million procedures in 2019 (source ISAPS). Around 400,000 women have already taken the plunge in Turkey, and demand remains high for what you need to know before getting started.
Breast implants are never an easy task; you have to be sure of the type of breast you want and its volume and accept the idea that you will be operated on.
At least another time to replace them, two to three times if you go there at 25, Because an aesthetic operation is never harmless despite advances in anesthesia and safer technical gestures. And the question of security remains central.
What is a Breast Increase?
A surgical procedure consists of placing breast prostheses to increase the breast. Breast increase can also correct slight breast ptosis, especially when the loss of volume is following limited pregnancy or weight loss.
When the relaxation is essential, the surgeon will advise doing a breast-plasty simultaneously. “When the nipple goes lower than the submammary groove, you also have to go up the breast,” says Dr. Bertand Mattéoli, cosmetic surgeon. Lip modeling is sometimes considered when the desired increase is minor, around a bra cap (see below).
Breast Implants
The First Consultation
The surgeon evaluates your medical history and examines your breasts to plan the procedure, considering factors like asymmetry, skin quality, and desired size. They discuss suitable implants, incision locations (around the areola, armpit, or under the breast), and implant placement (above or behind the muscle).
Preoperative requirements include exams like mammography and avoiding aspirin or smoking. Risks and complications, along with costs, are explained. Informed consent and signed documents are required before surgery.
The Different Breast Prostheses
Breast implants are typically made of a silicone shell, sometimes with polyurethane foam, and filled with either cohesive silicone gel or saline. Silicone gel implants are most common due to their natural look and feel, while saline implants are harmless if ruptured. The surgeon and patient choose the implant type based on factors like:
- Filling material: Silicone gel (natural feel, limited leakage) or saline (safe if ruptured).
- Shape: Round or anatomical (breast-shaped).
- Shell texture: Smooth, micro-textured, or textured.
- Projection: Available in varying degrees of projection.
These decisions ensure the implants align with the desired aesthetic result.
The Right Volume for Breast Implants
Choosing the right implant size is crucial, as it’s hard to visualize the result of a “300 cc” implant, the average size used in Turkey. Patients should honestly consider the desired breast size and style—classic, elegant, or less natural—to avoid disappointment after swelling subsides. Test implants can help, and trying them with a white V-neck T-shirt offers a realistic view of the effect on the neckline and figure.
The Quality of Breast Implants
Patients should ask their surgeon about the quality and brand of implants used. Following the P.I.P. scandal, the ANSM has strengthened monitoring of implant manufacturers and distributors, enhancing safety, particularly regarding the LAGC-AIM risk.
Replacement of Breast Implants
You never know when to replacement of breast implants 10 to 15 years later. This replacement must be carried out well in advance in the event of a problem, for example, a rupture of the implant or a shell.
How Long Does It Take to See the Final Results of Breast Implants?
Right after, the breasts are swollen so bigger than they will be once the edema disappears within a month. You have to wait 3 to 6 months to assess the final result and one year for healing.
What Is the Cost of Breast Implants?
The cost typically ranges from €4,000 to €7,000, including taxes.
Capsular Contracture (The Hull Problem)
Capsular contracture, a common complication, affects 2% to 20% of patients. The risk is lower with micro-textured prostheses (2%–5%) or polyurethane implants, though the latter is less common in Turkey and not used in the U.S. due to their firmness.
- Stage 1: Detectable only by the surgeon.
- Stage 2: Palpable but not visible.
- Stage 3: Visible and causes discomfort.
- Stage 4: Painful and requires reoperation.
Treatment options include removing or replacing the implant with a different texture, removing the capsule, or modifying the implant’s placement.
Breast Prostheses and Cancer
Studies confirm no increased risk of breast cancer from implants. However, a rare risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (LAGC-AIM) exists, with 19 cases reported among 400,000 implant users, mainly involving micro-textured models. Preventive removal isn’t advised due to the low risk, but surgeons must inform patients of potential risks.
What is Lipomodeling?
Lipomodeling, or fat grafting, removes fat from areas like the belly or thighs, processes it, and injects it into the breasts. Suitable for women under 35 without a cancer history, it offers a modest size increase (up to one cup). Touch-ups may be required to address asymmetry or fat loss. It’s also used alongside implants to smooth imperfections or soften cleavage.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
A qualified surgeon should be certified in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. Recommendations from satisfied patients can help, but trust and communication with the surgeon are essential for a positive experience and follow-up care.
