5.0(14)
Op. Dr. Murat Yaman
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 11+years exp.
- 5,000+surgeries
- 6Treatments
Turkish · English
From€2,890
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Breast Surgery
Breast augmentation with silicone implants
What breast augmentation with silicone implants involves, how cohesive silicone gels and anatomical or round shapes work, submuscular versus subglandular placement, approximate costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, what realistic before-and-after results look like, recovery milestones, potential complications such as capsular contracture, and how to choose an accredited surgical team.
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Verified surgeons for Breast Augmentation with Silicone Implants
4 doctors Compare doctors, ratings and prices — ask any of them for a free quote.
Prof. Dr. Ayhan Numanoğlu
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 56+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
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Dr. Erdem Tezel
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 37+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
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60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
Prof. Dr. Özhan Çelebiler
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 44+years exp.
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Breast augmentation with silicone implants: what is it and how does it work?
Breast augmentation with silicone implants is a surgical procedure that enhances the size, projection, and shape of the breasts. The operation places pre-filled silicone elastomer prostheses beneath the natural mammary gland or under the pectoralis major chest muscle. Modern implants contain cohesive silicone gel—often termed "gummy bear" gel—which binds together internally to preserve structural shape, provide a natural tactile softness, and resist migration in the event of shell damage.
When asking what is breast augmentation with silicone implants, patients learn that it is a volumetric and contouring procedure rather than an operation for severe skin laxity. It restores volume lost through pregnancy or weight reduction and corrects congenital asymmetry. Before committing to surgery abroad, understanding surgical techniques and recovery expectations is essential. For an overview of comprehensive body procedures, explore our guide to plastic surgery treatments in Turkey.
Cohesive gel, round or anatomical: how do modern silicone implants differ?
Silicone implants come in diverse shapes, profiles, and surface textures to suit varied chest anatomy and aesthetic goals:
- Round silicone implants: Create uniform fullness throughout the breast with pronounced upper pole cleavage. They maintain a consistent appearance even if the prosthesis rotates within its pocket.
- Anatomical (teardrop) implants: Feature a gentle slope at the top and fuller projection at the bottom, mimicking natural breast contours. They suit patients with minimal breast tissue seeking subtle enhancement.
Surfaces are smooth or micro-textured. Smooth shells move naturally within the pocket, whereas micro-textured shells adhere to tissue to prevent rotation. Profile options range from moderate to high projection, matching chest width to desired projection.
Dual-plane, submuscular or subglandular: which implant pocket suits your anatomy?
The surgical plane where the silicone implant sits determines the natural feel, appearance, and long-term stability of the breast. Surgeons assess existing soft-tissue thickness to select one of three pocket locations:
- Dual-plane placement: The upper half of the implant sits under the pectoralis muscle, while the lower portion rests under the mammary gland. This provides a smooth upper slope without visible borders while letting the lower pole expand naturally.
- Submuscular (subpectoral) placement: The implant is placed fully behind the chest muscle, providing maximum tissue coverage and reducing visible rippling in lean patients.
- Subglandular (prepectoral) placement: The implant sits above the muscle, directly behind breast tissue. Recovery is faster with less muscular soreness, but requires sufficient natural tissue to conceal implant edges.
Does breast augmentation with silicone implants produce permanent, natural-looking results?
Cohesive silicone implants provide predictable, long-lasting enhancement in breast volume and projection. When sized appropriately for chest dimensions, they deliver natural contouring and realistic motion. However, silicone implants are not lifetime devices. Although modern cohesive gels are exceptionally resilient, health authorities advise that implants may require replacement or revision after 10 to 15 years due to tissue changes or normal device wear.
In addition, implants add volume but cannot correct substantial breast ptosis (sagging). When the nipple sits below the lower breast crease, a concurrent mastopexy (breast lift) is necessary. Patients addressing significant asymmetry sometimes combine augmentation with a contralateral breast reduction to achieve balanced proportions.
Breast augmentation with silicone implants cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The cost of silicone breast enlargement varies according to country, hospital accreditation, surgeon experience, and implant manufacturer (such as Mentor, Motiva, or Polytech). Below are approximate cost ranges across major medical travel destinations:
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,500 – €4,800 |
| United Kingdom | €5,500 – €10,500 |
| United States | €6,000 – €13,000 |
| Germany | €5,000 – €9,500 |
The lower cost in Turkey reflects competitive operating overheads and currency rates rather than reduced clinical standards. When researching care, breast augmentation with silicone implants price considerations must always be balanced against surgical accreditation. A standard package in Turkey includes preoperative diagnostics, anaesthesia, hospital stay, certified implants with warranty documentation, compression garments, medication, and transfers. You can request a tailored quote via our free quote page.
Silicone implants, saline implants or fat transfer: how do the techniques compare?
Patients considering breast augmentation frequently weigh cohesive silicone prostheses against saline implants and autologous fat transfer:
| Technique | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone gel implants | Significant volume increase, defined upper pole fullness, symmetry correction | Requires incisions and pocket dissection; implants may require replacement over time |
| Saline-filled implants | Patients wanting smaller incisions or non-silicone filling | Firmer feel, higher risk of visible rippling, sudden deflation if the shell leaks |
| Autologous fat transfer | Modest volume enhancement (half to one cup size), natural feel without implants | Requires sufficient donor body fat; variable fat survival rate; cannot create dramatic projection |
Cohesive silicone remains the benchmark for breast augmentation due to its natural viscosity and tissue-like compliance. While silicone implants address female enhancement, male patients seeking chest contouring for excess glandular tissue can explore gynecomastia surgery. Your surgeon should explain which approach fits your anatomy.
Incision placement and surgical steps during silicone breast enlargement
Silicone breast enlargement is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The procedure follows four core stages:
- Incision: Most commonly placed in the inframammary fold beneath the breast, where the resulting scar sits concealed within the natural crease. Alternative incisions include the periareolar border or transaxillary (armpit) route.
- Pocket creation: The surgeon carefully dissects a pocket behind the breast gland or chest muscle, coagulating small blood vessels to minimise bleeding.
- Implant placement: A sterile "no-touch" insertion funnel introduces the silicone implant into the pocket without skin contact, substantially reducing contamination risk.
- Layered closure: The pocket and incisions are closed using internal absorbable sutures, followed by supportive dressings and a surgical compression bra.
Who is a suitable candidate for silicone breast implants, and who should reconsider?
Good candidates are healthy adults with realistic aesthetic expectations. You are generally a suitable candidate if:
- You have completed physical breast development (aged 18 or older).
- Your weight is stable, and you are dissatisfied with breast volume, post-pregnancy deflation, or asymmetry.
- You are a non-smoker or able to stop nicotine use for at least four weeks before and after surgery.
Conversely, surgery should be postponed if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have abnormal mammograms, or have uncontrolled systemic medical conditions. Implants should not be pursued as an answer to body dysmorphia or unrealistic expectations.
Breast augmentation with silicone implants recovery: timeline and what before and after photos show
Recovering from breast augmentation with silicone implants requires structured care. For patients choosing breast augmentation with silicone implants Turkey packages, a stay of 6 to 7 nights is standard to complete postoperative checks before flying home.
- Days 1 to 3: Chest tightness and swelling peak, particularly with submuscular placement. Prescribed analgesics ease soreness, and gentle walking is encouraged.
- Weeks 1 to 2: Most patients discontinue prescription painkillers within seven days and resume desk work. Driving can restart once arm mobility is unrestricted.
- Weeks 3 to 6: Swelling subsides. A seamless surgical compression bra must be worn continuously. Light walking is permitted, but heavy lifting and vigorous exercise remain restricted until week six.
- Months 3 to 6: In this "drop and fluff" stage, the chest muscles relax, allowing the implants to descend naturally into the lower pocket and soften.
Reviewing authentic breast augmentation with silicone implants before and after photographs shows how mature results develop over three to six months as swelling resolves.
Safety, capsular contracture and potential risks of silicone breast implants
Cohesive silicone implants are rigorously monitored and approved by regulatory bodies, including the UK MHRA and US FDA. Understanding breast augmentation with silicone implants risks ensures informed choices. Possible complications include:
- Capsular contracture: Scar tissue around the implant may thicken and contract (Baker grades I–IV), causing firmness or discomfort. Severe cases may require capsulectomy and implant replacement.
- Implant rupture: Cohesive gel stays within the shell if damaged ("silent rupture"). Periodic ultrasound or MRI checks verify shell integrity.
- Fluid collections: Seromas or hematomas around the pocket may require clinical drainage. Aseptic insertion funnels minimise infection risks.
- Sensation changes: Nipple or breast numbness is usually temporary as sensory nerves recover, though permanent alterations can occasionally occur.
- Rare conditions: Regulators monitor BIA-ALCL, a rare immune-system condition associated primarily with textured implants, and systemic symptoms termed Breast Implant Illness (BII).
Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon in Turkey and essential questions to ask
Selecting a certified specialist is essential for clinical safety and natural results. Ensure your surgeon is certified by the Turkish Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (or international bodies like EBOPRAS or ISAPS), operating in an accredited hospital with dedicated intensive care and qualified anaesthetists.
Red flags include clinics withholding implant details before arrival, pressure discounts, or absence of aftercare. Learn how it works to understand the full patient journey before travelling.
Ask these key questions during your consultation:
- Which silicone implant brand, shell texture, and profile do you recommend for my anatomy, and why?
- Do you advise a dual-plane, submuscular, or subglandular pocket?
- Will I receive official manufacturer warranty and tracking cards for my implants?
- What is your documented revision rate for capsular contracture?
- What follow-up support is provided once I return home?
Submit your details through our free quote form to receive a personalised medical assessment.
Hospitals with Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Breast augmentation with silicone implants is a surgical procedure that places cohesive silicone gel prostheses behind the mammary gland or under the chest muscle to increase breast size, projection, and symmetry. Modern cohesive silicone gel mimics the tactile feel of natural breast tissue while maintaining structural stability and shape over time.
Yes, provided the implant size and profile match your chest dimensions and tissue thickness. Cohesive silicone gels are formulated to replicate the softness and movement of natural breasts. Placing implants in a dual-plane or submuscular position provides adequate tissue coverage, preventing visible implant borders and creating a smooth, natural transition across the upper chest.
Breast enlargement with silicone implants in Turkey generally ranges from €2,500 to €4,800, compared with €5,500 to €10,500 in the UK. The price varies based on the implant brand, surgical technique, and whether a concurrent breast lift is required. Packages typically include hospital fees, certified implants, compression garments, medication, and transfers.
Photographs taken three to six months post-surgery show settled, symmetrical breasts with improved volume and projection. Early photos taken in the first month often show high-riding, swollen breasts; final photographs demonstrate the mature 'drop and fluff' stage where implants have settled naturally into the lower pole and incisions have faded into faint lines.
Most patients return to sedentary desk work within seven to ten days. You must wear a supportive post-operative surgical bra continuously for four to six weeks to stabilise the implants. Light walking is encouraged immediately, while strenuous workouts, heavy upper-body lifting, and intense aerobic exercise must be avoided for at least six weeks.
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia so you feel nothing during the procedure. Afterwards, patients commonly report chest tightness and muscular soreness akin to an intense chest workout, particularly with submuscular placement. Discomfort peaks over the first 48 hours and is effectively managed with prescribed analgesics and muscle relaxants before easing significantly.
Silicone breast implants are not lifetime devices, but modern cohesive implants are durable and designed to last 10 to 15 years or longer without complication. Replacement or removal is only required if you develop issues such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or if you desire a size change due to natural body ageing.
Yes. Cohesive silicone implants have been extensively evaluated and approved by international health authorities including the FDA and MHRA. The cohesive gel remains bound within the elastomer shell even if punctured, minimising tissue migration. Regular ultrasound or MRI monitoring is advised over time to ensure the shell integrity remains intact.
Neither technique is universally right for every patient; the choice depends on your anatomy and goals. Silicone implants provide significant, predictable volume expansion and upper cleavage in a single operation. Fat transfer provides subtle enhancement (around one cup size) using your own tissue, but requires sufficient donor fat and does not create high projection.
Most plastic surgeons recommend a stay of 6 to 7 nights in Turkey. This itinerary allows for your initial hospital consultation, pre-operative tests, the surgical procedure, one overnight hospital stay, and essential post-operative check-ups to assess wound healing and remove surgical dressings before you are certified safe to fly home.
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