Your breasts may not have reached the size that would make you happy. Or you were happy about your breast size in the past but now, after getting older, weight loss and gains or after birth or lactation, they may have lost their fullness and look like they have become empty. In such cases, the size and shape of your breasts can be corrected using prosthesis allowing you to gain your self-confidence again.

Today the only valid operation used for breast enlargement is the breast enlargement operation carried out using prosthesis. During the first examination, your doctor would assess your current breast tissue, breast wall structure and diameter and check for a possible sagging. In light of the patient’s expectations and above mentioned assessments, the doctor decides whether or not the patient is an appropriate candidate and determines the type and size of the prosthesis to be used as well as the location where the prosthesis will be placed and the location of the incision. If there is also sagging of breasts, breast lifting operation as well can be recommended in addition to breast enlargement.

General anesthesia is preferred for this operation and the surgery lasts around 1.5-2 hours. There are two types of breasts prosthesis: those filled with silicone gel and those filled with normal saline. Both of these prosthesis types are covered with silicone material. They can be circular or drop-shaped and their surfaces can be smooth or ragged. During the initial examination, your doctor would decide on the most appropriate type and size for the prosthesis taking into account your requests, existing breast tissue and breast wall.

The incision to place the prosthesis can be made at 3 different places during the breast enlargement operation:

1) Right on the curve under the breast

2) Around the nipple
3) From underarm

Location of the incision: this may change depending on the patient’s requests, type of the prosthesis to be used and the preferences of the surgeon.

The prosthesis can be placed right beneath the breast tissue or beneath the muscle located under the breast tissue.

A small medical dressing is applied after the surgery and the patient wears a bra. The patient can return home on the same day or your doctor may ask you to stay at the clinic one night. Patients are usually able to return to work after a few days. However, they are not recommended to lift heavy items for 3 weeks and lift their arms particularly on the first days.

What are some undesirable conditions that might occur after the surgery?

Bleeding and infection risks that can be observed with any type of surgery can be observed with breast enlargements as well. In case of an infection, the patient may have to undergo antibiotics treatment. If the patient does not respond to antibiotics treatment, the prosthesis may have to be removed.

The most important complication observed in breast enlargement operations is capsule contracture. Usually, the human body covers the breast prosthesis with a crust named capsule. In a very small percentage of patients, this crust becomes thicker putting pressure on the breast prosthesis and changing its shape. This condition is called capsule contracture and a new operation is needed to remove this capsule and in some rare cases the prosthesis will have to be replaced.