Breast aesthetic surgery is a very popular procedure for women who want a natural appearance and a result in harmony with their body proportions. Choosing the right surgeon is a critical factor in achieving a natural look.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ is a plastic surgeon with scientific studies on breast aesthetic surgery. For natural-looking breast augmentation, she aims to achieve the expected results by using techniques suited to each patient's anatomy.
What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is a surgical procedure performed to increase the volume of the breasts and achieve a more aesthetically balanced appearance. This operation is an option for women who have congenitally small breasts or who have lost volume after childbirth, breastfeeding or weight loss.
Breast augmentation surgery is generally performed with two different techniques: breast implants and the fat transfer method.
Choosing the Right Procedure
The most critical decision in breast aesthetic surgery is whether to choose breast implants or fat transfer. Both methods can provide a natural result for the right patients.
Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)
This method, in which fat tissue taken from another area of the body is injected into the breasts, is one of the breast augmentation methods. It leaves no scars and, because it uses the body's own tissue, it gives a more natural feel.
However, fat transfer can provide only a limited increase in volume, and because some of the transferred fat tissue is reabsorbed, it can result in an asymmetrical appearance or in the desired volume not being achieved. For patients who want a large increase in volume, it may need to be combined with implants.
Breast Implants
It is a suitable option for patients who want a more noticeable increase in volume. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ chooses a suitable implant by taking into account patients' body proportions and expectations. In shape, implants are round or anatomical (teardrop) and, in surface texture, micro-textured, nano-textured or smooth implants.
The implant is chosen according to the patient's existing breast structure, skin elasticity and aesthetic expectations. This provides both a natural appearance and long-term comfort.
Choosing a Size in Harmony with Your Body Proportions
In breast aesthetic surgery, bigger is not always better. If a size that suits the body structure is not chosen, an artificial appearance may result.
To determine the right size, during the pre-operative examination Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ measures the patient's body and breast diameter and calculates skin thickness in order to identify the implant best suited to the patient's body structure.
How Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 1-2 hours. Implant placement or fat transfer is carried out using surgical techniques chosen according to the patient's body structure.
During implant placement, the surgeon uses whichever is appropriate of the subfascial (beneath the muscle fascia), submuscular (beneath the muscle) or subglandular (above the muscle) techniques. Subfascial breast implant placement gives the patient a more natural appearance, but as the technique is more difficult than the other methods, it must be performed by an experienced plastic and aesthetic surgeon; otherwise, it may lead to complications and undesirable results. Placing the implant beneath the muscle is more appropriate for patients who genuinely have very little breast tissue.
Breast augmentation with fat transfer, on the other hand, is performed by removing excess fat with liposuction, purifying it through special processes and injecting it into the breasts. This method both contours the body and adds volume to the breasts. However, the results of breast augmentation with fat injection are less satisfactory than those of breast augmentation with implants, and repeat surgery may be needed, because some of the fat tissue is reabsorbed and the desired volume may therefore not be achieved.
Choosing a Surgeon: Experience and Expertise
Finding the right surgeon is one of the most important factors determining how natural the surgical results look. A plastic surgeon experienced in breast aesthetic surgery helps you achieve the expected results.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ:
- She trained at Mayo Clinic in the USA and Ghent University in Belgium and has international experience.
- She has numerous scientific publications and academic studies on breast aesthetic surgery.
- She holds the qualification certificate of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS).
- She listens to her patients' expectations and offers solutions suited to their personal needs.
An experienced surgeon keeps communication with the patient strong and makes the most appropriate choice of technique and implant. In addition, the surgeon closely follows the patient's recovery before and after the operation.
The Process after Breast Augmentation Surgery
After breast augmentation surgery, patients can usually return to their daily lives within 1-2 weeks. However, the doctor's recommendations should be followed to ensure a healthy recovery.
The following points should be observed after surgery:
- Wearing a special medical bra: It reduces swelling and helps the breasts heal in the correct shape.
- Avoiding heavy lifting: For the first few weeks, it is necessary to avoid lifting heavy objects and straining the chest muscles.
- Regular check-ups with the doctor: Check-ups to monitor the recovery process should not be missed.
Swelling and mild tenderness are normal after surgery and usually disappear within a few weeks. The results settle completely within 3-6 months and the breasts take on their natural appearance.
For patients who want a natural look in breast aesthetic surgery, the most suitable option should be determined according to individual needs. Whether fat transfer or an implant is preferred, the choice of size and form should suit the body's proportions.
Working with a specialist surgeon in this field is important both aesthetically and for your health. With her scientific background and international experience, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ serves her patients with the aim of natural and balanced breast aesthetic surgery.
To get preliminary information from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ about the period before and after surgery, or to book an appointment, you can click here.
