Breast Surgery in Turkey: Augmentation, Lift and Reduction

What is breast surgery?

Breast surgery is a set of solutions for different concerns rather than a single operation. When volume is lacking, augmentation with an implant or fat transfer adds fullness. After pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight change, a breast lift restores position and firmness. When breast weight causes back, neck and shoulder pain, a reduction removes excess tissue. If an existing implant has aged, hardened or no longer suits you, an implant exchange or revision is planned.

The right operation depends on how much breast tissue you have, skin elasticity, where the nipple sits relative to the breast fold, the shape of the chest wall and what you hope to achieve. Often a single technique is not enough: a deflated, drooping breast may need a lift combined with an implant in the same session.

Who is a candidate?

Breast surgery suits adults in good general health with realistic expectations who can follow a structured recovery. Common reasons include:

• Naturally small breasts or a visible difference in size between the two sides
• Loss of fullness and sagging after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight fluctuation
• Large breasts causing back, neck and shoulder pain, bra-strap grooves or skin irritation
• An existing implant that has hardened, shifted, rippled or simply no longer matches your preferred size
• Changes in breast shape after significant weight loss

Active smoking, poorly controlled chronic conditions, a planned pregnancy or ongoing breastfeeding may mean surgery should be postponed, and a family history of breast cancer calls for imaging beforehand. If you also want to address the abdomen after childbirth, a combined mommy makeover can be considered.

Techniques and options

Breast augmentation with implants

Most breast augmentation in Turkey is performed with cohesive silicone gel implants. Beyond volume, the implant's base width and projection matter: an implant wider than your chest frame looks unnatural, so selection is based on measurements rather than a number alone.

Round or anatomical (teardrop)?

Round implants give more upper-pole fullness and cannot rotate. Anatomical implants place volume lower with a softer slope above, which can suit slim patients with very little breast tissue who want a subtle result.

Under or over the muscle?

Submuscular or dual-plane placement hides the implant edges better in thin patients and makes mammography easier to read. Subglandular placement (over the muscle) may suit patients with adequate breast tissue or those who train heavily. Dr. Esmer uses a dual-plane approach for most patients to combine the advantages of both.

Incision options

The inframammary fold incision is the most widely used: the scar sits in the crease and gives the surgeon the best control. A periareolar incision runs along the border of the areola, and a transaxillary incision in the armpit leaves no scar on the breast but offers less control.

Breast lift (mastopexy)

Depending on the degree of sagging, a periareolar, vertical (lollipop) or inverted-T incision pattern is used. The nipple is repositioned, excess skin removed and the tissue reshaped; an implant can be added in the same operation if volume has been lost.

Breast reduction

Excess tissue and skin are removed and the nipple moved to its new position. In most patients nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed are preserved as far as possible, and relief from pain is usually noticeable.

Fat transfer to the breast

Fat is harvested from the abdomen or flanks, purified and injected into the breast. It gives a natural increase of roughly one cup size for patients who prefer not to have implants, although part of the fat is reabsorbed. See our fat transfer page for details on the technique.

Implant exchange and revision

Capsular contracture, implant displacement, rippling or a change in desired size are addressed by removing the implant, cleaning the capsule where needed and placing a new implant, sometimes with a lift.

First consultation and planning

The process can begin with an online assessment: standardised photographs, height and weight and a description of your goals allow Dr. Esmer to outline suitable options and a likely plan.

At the in-person examination, chest width, breast base diameter, the distance from nipple to fold, skin quality and any asymmetry are measured. Patients considering augmentation try implant sizers inside a bra so that the volume decision is based on a real silhouette rather than an abstract number.

Pre-operative tests include a blood count, clotting tests and an anaesthetic review. Depending on age, family history and findings, a breast ultrasound or mammogram is requested, and existing implants are assessed by imaging. The planning discussion then settles the incision, implant type, expected scars and recovery timeline.

Before surgery

Good preparation affects both anaesthetic safety and the quality of your recovery:

• Smoking and nicotine: stop at least four weeks before surgery and for four weeks afterwards, including vaping and patches; nicotine impairs wound healing and blood flow.
• Blood thinners and aspirin: aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, omega-3 and herbal supplements are usually paused around ten days beforehand; prescription anticoagulants are adjusted only with medical approval.
• Alcohol: avoid for the final week.
• Fasting: nothing to eat or drink from eight hours before surgery; the anaesthetic team confirms the exact time.
• What to bring: passport or ID, a list of your regular medication, a loose front-opening top and slippers.
• Support bra: a post-surgical sports-style bra is provided or specified in advance.
• Company: we recommend having someone with you for the first 24 hours after discharge.

The operation day

You are admitted to hospital in the morning. After final checks, Dr. Esmer completes the surgical markings while you stand, since symmetry and incision placement are planned upright. The anaesthetist reviews you and the operation is carried out under general anaesthesia.

Duration depends on the procedure: augmentation alone usually takes 1–1.5 hours, a lift or reduction 2–3 hours, and combined procedures somewhat longer. A support bra is fitted at the end of surgery. Small drains may be used briefly for lifts and reductions; augmentation alone rarely needs them.

You stay in hospital for one night with pain relief, antibiotics and anti-nausea medication as needed, and are discharged after a check the following morning.

Recovery and aftercare

Tightness, mild swelling and, with submuscular placement, a feeling of pressure are normal at first; pain is usually well controlled with medication and eases within three to four days.

• Support bra: worn day and night for the first 4–6 weeks; underwired bras only once Dr. Esmer approves.
• Drains: if used, typically removed within one to two days.
• Sleeping position: on your back, slightly propped up, for the first two to three weeks; avoid lying on your side or front.
• Showering: usually possible after 48 hours following the dressing instructions.
• Activity: short walks from the day of surgery reduce clot risk. Avoid lifting arms above shoulder height and carrying weight for two weeks; sport and chest exercises wait six weeks.
• Scar care: silicone gel or tape begins once the sutures are removed and continues for 6–12 months. Keep scars out of the sun.
• Massage: only if and how Dr. Esmer advises for your implant type.

Most swelling settles by six weeks; implants soften and settle into position over three to six months, and the final result is judged at around one year.

Risks and how they are minimised

As with any operation, breast surgery carries risks; what matters is that they are discussed openly and actively reduced.

• Bleeding and haematoma: reduced by stopping blood thinners, meticulous surgical control of bleeding and the support bra.
• Infection: a sterile no-touch insertion technique, antibiotic irrigation of the pocket and prophylactic antibiotics keep this low.
• Capsular contracture: hardening of the natural membrane around an implant. Submuscular placement, precise pocket dissection and strict hygiene protocols reduce the risk.
• Changes in nipple sensation: usually temporary; incision and technique are chosen to protect the nerve branches.
• Asymmetry and shape concerns: limited by measurement-based planning and upright markings.
• Scar quality: depends on individual healing; scar care and sun protection help.
• Rare implant-related issues: the rare lymphoma associated with textured implants (BIA-ALCL) and implant rupture are explained at consultation, and you receive your implants' brand and serial numbers.

A fully equipped, licensed hospital, an experienced anaesthetic team and close follow-up make most of these risks predictable and manageable.

For international patients

For patients arriving from the UK, Europe and the Middle East, the journey starts with an online assessment so the plan is largely settled before you travel. On arrival in Istanbul you have your examination, tests and final planning, and surgery usually follows within a day or two.

For breast surgery we recommend a total stay of 5–7 days in Istanbul. This covers the first dressing check and a final review before you fly. On long flights, compression stockings, regular movement and plenty of fluids are advised; Dr. Esmer confirms when you are fit to fly.

The coordination team arranges airport transfers, accommodation close to the hospital and an interpreter if needed. Once home, follow-up continues through WhatsApp photo updates and scheduled video calls, and we can liaise with your local doctor for suture checks. Read more on our international patients page.

How the price is determined

Many patients search for the cost of breast augmentation in Turkey before enquiring. Under Turkish regulations medical services cannot advertise prices, so there is no price list on this website; a personalised quotation is given after evaluation.

The main factors that determine the fee are:

• The type of procedure (augmentation, lift, reduction, fat transfer, revision) and any combination
• The implant brand, type (round or anatomical, smooth or textured) and warranty cover
• Operating time, type of anaesthesia and length of hospital stay
• Additional steps in revision surgery, such as capsule removal
• Pre-operative tests, garments and medication
• Accommodation and transfer packages for international patients

After your online assessment you receive a transparent, itemised quote.

Why Dr. Göktuğ Esmer

Dr. Göktuğ Esmer is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon and a member of ISAPS. In breast surgery his priority is a natural result that fits your proportions rather than one that looks "done"; implant size is chosen from measurements as much as from preference.

Safety sits at the centre of every plan: a fully equipped hospital, an experienced anaesthetic team, sterile implant protocols and no combining of procedures beyond safe limits. Follow-up does not end when you leave Istanbul; international patients continue with photo and video reviews throughout the first year. To ask a question or request an assessment, visit our contact page.

Recovery Timeline

The timeline below shows a typical course; healing speed varies between patients.

Before / After

Results shared with patient consent. See more on Instagram: @doctorg.official

Frequently Asked Questions – Breast Surgery in Turkey: Augmentation, Lift and Reduction

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