The decision to have breast augmentation in Turkey is an important step for many women. It can increase self-confidence and contribute to satisfaction with one’s own body. There are two main methods available: breast enlargement with fat transfer and enlargement with implants. Both procedures have their advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in detail below.
Breast enlargement with implants
In this type of breast augmentation, plastic surgeons use implants to enlarge the breasts. The procedure is described in more detail below:
Before the operation, the patient will have a full consultation with the specialist to discuss any questions or concerns. You can discuss your wishes and concerns and choose the appropriate size, shape and material for the implants. You will also decide with the surgeon where the implant will be placed and where the incision will be made. The doctor will also assess your health and explain the risks, healing process and possible complications.
The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, sometimes with local anaesthetic and twilight sleep. The surgeon makes the planned incision and inserts the implant. For saline implants, the surgeon will first place the empty implant and then fill it. For silicone implants, the expert uses already pre-filled pockets with silicone.
Advantages and disadvantages of breast augmentation with implants
Advantages
- Implants offer a wide range of sizes and shapes, from naturally round to teardrop-shaped.
- High-quality implants are long-term durable and can remain for years.
- The result is often more predictable because the size and shape can be precisely determined.
Disadvantages
- Some women are bothered by the idea of having an artificial material in their body.
- Regular examinations are necessary to monitor the condition of the implants.
- Depending on the cutting technique, visible scars can occur.
Fat transfer breast augmentation
Breast augmentation with your own fat uses your own fat tissue to enlarge the breast. Fat transfer involves several steps and two techniques: liposuction in Turkey and breast augmentation.
First, the team takes fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or hips. The fat grafting takes a certain amount of fat tissue out of the body using a cannula and vacuum pump.
The removed fat is then processed in a specific way to remove excess water and tissue. The cleaned fat is then injected into the breast via a fat transfer procedure. The surgeon places it in small amounts in different places to achieve a natural shape.
After a few months, the final result is stable when the fat has fully integrated and healing is complete. No implants are needed because the body uses its own material. This means there are fewer risks, such as rejection or infection.
Advantages and disadvantages of breast augmentation with fat transfer
Advantages
- Since we inject the fat from your own body, the result feels particularly natural.
- In addition to breast enlargement, we can achieve body shaping through liposuction or a tummy tuck. Some people use this as a support for weight loss.
- Only small puncture sites are created that are barely visible.
Disadvantages
- Compared to implants, the enlargement is more limited, usually by one cup size.
- Some of the fat is broken down by the body. This makes the result difficult to predict.
- Several sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired volume.
- The method is only suitable for women who have sufficient fat reserves.
Similarities and differences between the two methods
Criteria | Implants | Own Fat |
---|---|---|
Change in size | Significant increase in volume | Natural, moderate change |
Material | Artificial (silicone/saline) | Own fatty tissue |
Durability | Many years, regular check-ups | Not permanent |
Scarring | Visible scars | Minimal scars |
Risks of breast enlargement
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation, whether using implants or your own fat, carries certain risks. We divide the risks of plastic surgery in Turkey into general risks and risks specific to each procedure.
After surgery, the wounds may become infected and there may be bruising or bleeding. In rare cases, a further operation may be needed to remove blood. Although the incisions are often small, there may be visible scars. In some people, the scars tend to become lumpy (keloids).
Specific risks of breast augmentation with implants
Capsular Fibrosis (Capsular Contracture)
This is when the body makes a capsule of scar tissue around the implant as part of the healing process. In some cases, this capsule can harden too much, which can cause discomfort, pain or a feeling of tightness in the breast. It can also make the breast look misshapen or unnaturally firm.
Implant Displacement, Rotation, Rupture or Leakage
Implants can shift, resulting in asymmetrical breast shapes. This can occur because of factors like physical activity, trauma, or insufficient support. Rotational displacement is particularly noticeable with teardrop-implants. In some cases, displacement may require corrective surgery.
Breast implants can have tears or ruptures in the outer shell for various reasons. Reasons could be an accident or a problem during the manufacturing process. With saline implants, a rupture is noticeable because the implant deflates quickly. Silicone implants can sometimes rupture without you noticing.
Visible or Palpable Implant Edges (Rippling)
If you have thin breast tissue or little body fat, you may notice the edges of the implant, particularly along the sides. This is called “rippling” and is more common with saline implants. It can happen if the implant is above the chest muscle rather than beneath it.
Additional risks of augmentation with implants
Changes in Sensitivity or Double-Bubble Deformity
Some women may feel more sensitive, while others may feel less or even completely numb. These changes are usually temporary, but in rare cases, they can be permanent. This is because the surgeon stretches or damages the nerves during the surgery.
This can happen if the expert places the implant too low on the chest, while the natural breast tissue is higher. This can make the breast look like two bubbles. This problem can be caused by the surgeon not doing the operation properly, the implant moving, or the patient’s chest shape.
BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)
This type of cancer is linked to textured implants. It affects the immune system rather than breast tissue and often causes swelling, lumps, or fluid build-up around the implant. It is important to detect this early and remove the implant and the scar tissue around it as soon as possible.
Specific risks of breast augmentation with fat
Fat Resorption
Calcifications, Cysts & Uneven Distribution
The injected fat might not fully mix with the tissue around it. This can cause small lumps of calcium or pockets of liquid fat to form. In rare cases, X-ray specialists can mistake these calcifications for abnormalities during a mammogram.
To achieve a symmetrical appearance, the surgeon need to spread the fat evenly. But because everyone’s body heals differently, the distribution can sometimes be uneven. Problems like poor blood supply or technical issues during the injection process can make uneven results more likely.
Fat Necrosis & Oil Cyst Formation
Sometimes, parts of the fat can die because the blood supply is not good enough. This is when cells die and form hard lumps or nodules in the breast tissue. Although fat necrosis is not harmful, it can be upsetting for patients and may require treatment.
Fat cells can sometimes break down and release oils into the surrounding tissue. This can form fluid-filled sacs called oil cysts. While they are usually harmless, they can cause discomfort or concern.
Decision: Which method is the right one?
The choice between breast enlargement with fat transfer or with implants depends on your wishes and needs. Women who want a significant change are better advised to use the implant method. However, if you want a natural result and additional body shaping, the method using your own fat is better.
It is important to know everything about both procedures to make an informed decision. Open communication with our aesthetic clinic in Turkey and realistic expectations are important!