Ankara Breast Surgery Specialist

Breast augmentation surgery generally takes 1.5 - 2 hours; however, depending on the scope of the procedure, the technique selected, and the implant placement plan, this duration can extend up to 3 hours. Cases involving only implant placement tend to have shorter surgical times, while augmentation combined with a lift naturally takes longer. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient's preoperative preparation process takes approximately 30-45 minutes. After surgery, the patient is monitored in the recovery room for 1-2 hours before being transferred to their room. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem provides detailed information about the surgical duration during the preoperative consultation based on the patient's anatomy and the complexity of the selected procedure.

Yes, modern silicone breast implants are FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved and their safety has been proven through years of clinical studies. Today's cohesive gel (gummy bear) implants have a solid structure that prevents gel leakage even in case of rupture. The risk of implant rupture is extremely low, and quality brands typically offer lifetime warranties. Silicone implants are made from biocompatible materials and there is no scientific evidence linking them to autoimmune or systemic diseases. Long-term safety is ensured through regular post-operative check-ups and ultrasound or MRI imaging when necessary to monitor the implant's condition. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem uses certified and reliable implant brands that meet international standards.

Yes, breast lift (mastopexy) and augmentation can be combined in the same surgery, and this combination is a very frequently preferred approach. Especially for patients experiencing both volume loss and sagging after pregnancy and breastfeeding, both issues can be resolved in a single session. In combined surgery, the breast tissue is first reshaped, the nipple is repositioned to its ideal location, and then an appropriately sized implant is placed. This approach saves the patient from a second surgery and recovery period. However, in some cases where sagging is very advanced, the surgeon may recommend a two-stage procedure for safer and more predictable results. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem evaluates the degree of sagging and tissue quality during examination to decide whether the combined or staged approach will yield the best results.

Rest is recommended during the first week after surgery; however, short walks around the house are encouraged to support blood circulation. From the second week, light-paced walks can be started and basic daily activities can be gradually resumed. In the third and fourth weeks, lower body exercises (treadmill, light cycling) can be started with the surgeon's approval. Intense activities such as upper body exercises, weight lifting, swimming, and running can be resumed no earlier than 6-8 weeks; this period is necessary for the implant to fully settle and tissues to heal. Activities like yoga, pilates, and stretching can be started after 4-6 weeks, but positions that strain the chest muscles should be avoided. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem individually monitors each patient's recovery process and determines the timing for returning to sports during follow-up examinations.

Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) treatment is performed using different surgical techniques depending on the cause and degree of enlargement. In mild cases where fatty tissue is dominant, effective results with minimal scarring are achieved through VASER liposuction. In cases where glandular tissue is prominent, surgical excision is preferred through a small incision around the areola. In most cases, liposuction and surgical excision are combined to effectively remove both fat and glandular tissue. In advanced gynecomastia cases, excess skin is also removed to give the chest wall a flat and masculine appearance. The procedure takes 1-2 hours under general anesthesia, and the patient is usually discharged the same day or the next day and can return to daily activities within 1-2 weeks.

Modern techniques used in breast augmentation surgery generally do not damage the milk ducts or mammary glands, so the ability to breastfeed is largely preserved. When submuscular implant placement and inframammary fold incision are preferred, the breast tissue and milk ducts are not directly interfered with during surgery, minimizing the impact on breastfeeding. With periareolar incisions made around the areola, there may theoretically be some impact on breastfeeding due to proximity to milk ducts; however, in practice most patients can breastfeed without problems. In breast reduction surgeries, breastfeeding capacity may be partially affected because some breast tissue is removed and the nipple is repositioned; therefore, patients who still plan to have children may be advised to postpone surgery. Sharing your breastfeeding plans and future pregnancy plans with your doctor during the preoperative consultation is very important for selecting the most appropriate surgical technique.

Implant size selection is one of the most critical stages of a successful breast augmentation surgery and requires the evaluation of multiple factors together. The patient's chest wall width, existing breast tissue amount, skin elasticity, height-to-weight ratio, shoulder width, and overall body proportion are measured in detail. During the consultation, trial (sizer) implants are used to test different sizes on the patient's body, and the patient can visually evaluate different options in front of a mirror. Implant volume is expressed in cc (milliliters); options generally range from 150 cc to 600 cc, with every 150 cc roughly corresponding to one cup size increase. The choice between round or anatomical (teardrop) implants also affects size perception; anatomical implants offer a more natural profile at the same volume, while round implants provide more pronounced fullness in the upper pole. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem performs custom measurements for each patient to achieve results that are proportional and natural-looking, establishing the ideal balance between the patient's expectations and anatomical realities.

Breast reduction surgery is performed on individuals experiencing physical problems caused by large breasts, such as chronic back pain, neck pain, permanent bra strap grooves on shoulders, skin irritation beneath the breasts (intertrigo), postural problems, and difficulty exercising. Patients who have psychological and aesthetic concerns about their breast size, struggle with clothing choices, and desire a proportional appearance are also candidates for this operation. Surgery is generally recommended for patients who are 18 years or older, in good general health, and ideally have completed family planning. During surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed; the nipple is repositioned upward to give the breasts a more youthful, lifted, and proportional form. The surgery typically takes 2-4 hours and the patient stays one night in the hospital. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem selects the most appropriate technique among inverted T, vertical (lollipop), or periareolar approaches based on each patient's needs to minimize scarring.

As with any surgical procedure, scars are inevitable in breast surgery; however, modern surgical techniques and appropriate incision planning minimize scarring, and scars become quite inconspicuous over time. When the inframammary fold incision is preferred in breast augmentation, the scar is hidden in the natural fold area and is easily concealed by a bikini or undergarment. With periareolar incisions made around the areola, the scar is camouflaged in the color transition between the areola and skin. In breast reduction and lift surgeries, scars remain around the areola, in a vertical line descending from the nipple, and in some cases in an inverted T shape along the breast fold; however, these scars fade significantly within 6-12 months. The appearance of scars can be greatly improved during the healing process through the use of silicone-based gel or sheets, sun protection, and laser treatments when necessary. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem aims to maintain the highest scar quality by using fine suture techniques and layered closure methods during surgery.

Modern silicone breast implants can generally be used without problems for 10-20 years or longer; many patients carry their implants for 25 years or more without experiencing any issues. Implants do not have a specific expiration date, and the notion that they need to be routinely replaced every 10 years is not accurate according to current medical data. However, annual or biannual follow-up examinations should be conducted to monitor the implant's condition, capsule formation, and changes in breast tissue. Revision surgery may be planned in cases of capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture, implant displacement, or changes in aesthetic appearance. New-generation cohesive gel (gummy bear) implants have a solid structure that prevents gel leakage even in case of rupture, a condition known as silent rupture that can be detected by MRI. Leading implant manufacturers offer lifetime warranties and free replacement programs in case of rupture or capsular contracture.

The return-to-work timeline varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient's occupation. Patients with desk or office jobs can generally return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery, while this period may extend to 4-6 weeks for physically demanding occupations. Driving can usually be resumed about 2 weeks after surgery, once pain medication is no longer needed and arm movements become comfortable. During the first few weeks, arm movements should be limited and heavy lifting (over 5 kg) must be strictly avoided. Full recovery and unrestricted return to all activities typically occurs within 6-8 weeks. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem individually monitors each patient's recovery process and provides personalized guidance on activity resumption timing during follow-up examinations.

Breast surgery prices vary depending on several factors and are determined individually for each patient. Key factors affecting the price include the brand and type of implant to be used (round/anatomical, textured/smooth surface), the scope of the surgical technique (augmentation only, combined with lift, reduction), hospital and operating room usage fees, anesthesia team fees, and the special compression garment/bra to be used post-operatively. The surgeon's experience and level of expertise also play an important role in pricing; working with a plastic surgeon with vast experience provides a significant long-term advantage in terms of safe outcomes and low revision rates. An in-person examination and consultation is necessary to receive the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem offers a free initial consultation, allowing patients to receive detailed information about the surgical plan and costs.

Silicone implants and fat transfer are two different methods used in breast augmentation, each with its own unique advantages. Silicone implants provide predictable and permanent volume increase; they are the ideal choice for patients aiming for one or more cup size increases. Fat transfer provides natural fullness by injecting fat cells harvested from the patient's own body (usually from the abdomen, waist, or hip area) into the breasts without using implants; however, the volume increase achievable in a single session is generally limited to half to one cup size. Fat transfer is suitable for patients who have reservations about implants, desire a slight volume increase, or want to create a natural cover over existing implants. In some patients, both methods are combined with fat injection over the implant; this hybrid approach provides both the desired volume and an extremely natural feel. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem evaluates the patient's body structure, amount of fat tissue, and aesthetic goals during examination to recommend the most appropriate method.

Breast lift (mastopexy) surgery is performed using different surgical techniques depending on the degree of sagging. For mild sagging, the periareolar (donut) technique performed around the areola provides a lift with minimal scarring. For moderate sagging, the vertical (lollipop) technique that descends from around the areola downward is preferred, achieving a more pronounced lifting effect. For advanced sagging, the anchor (inverted T) technique following the areola circumference, a vertical line, and the inframammary fold is applied for maximum reshaping. In all techniques, the nipple and areola are repositioned to the ideal location, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped. Depending on the patient's wishes, an implant can also be placed along with the lift, or volume can be added through fat transfer. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem evaluates each patient's degree of sagging, tissue quality, and aesthetic expectations to determine the most appropriate technique and the approach that will leave the least scarring.

Breast reduction surgery can be covered by SGK (Social Security Institution) when there is medical necessity. Medical necessity criteria include chronic back and neck pain caused by large breasts, permanent bra strap grooves on shoulders, recurrent skin infections beneath the breasts (intertrigo), and physical activity limitations. To have the surgery covered by SGK, the patient must first be examined by a plastic surgery specialist at a public hospital and a medical necessity report must be issued. This report must document that the breast size causes physical complaints and that the surgery is for therapeutic purposes. Breast reduction surgeries performed for aesthetic purposes are not covered by SGK and are privately charged. You can schedule a consultation appointment with Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem for detailed information and guidance on SGK processes.

Wearing the correct bra after surgery is crucial for the success of the healing process and the permanence of results. Immediately after surgery, the patient is fitted with a special medical compression bandage or surgical bra, which is worn continuously for the first few days. For the first 6 weeks, a wireless, front-closure or zippered medical sports bra should be worn day and night; these bras support the breasts, helping the implant settle in the correct position and reducing swelling. Underwire bras must absolutely not be worn for at least 8 weeks; wire pressure can damage healing tissues and increase scar formation along incision lines. After the sixth week, with the surgeon's approval, a transition to soft, supportive everyday bras can be made. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem evaluates the bra during post-operative follow-up examinations and determines the appropriate transition timing.

Breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer; this has been confirmed repeatedly through comprehensive scientific research. However, a rare type of lymphoma called BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) has been associated at very low rates with textured surface implants in particular. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer; it is a type of lymphoma originating from immune system cells and can be treated by removing the implant when detected early. FDA data shows this risk to be approximately 1 in 30,000. Mammography can be performed on patients with implants; the breast tissue can be effectively imaged behind the implant using a special positioning method called the Eklund technique. Regular breast screenings (mammography, ultrasound, and MRI when necessary) are recommended for all women regardless of implants, and it is very important for patients with implants not to skip these screenings.

Yes, breast asymmetry is a very common condition and can be successfully corrected surgically; in fact, some degree of asymmetry naturally exists in the vast majority of women. Different surgical techniques can be applied to each breast for asymmetry correction; for example, an implant can be placed in the smaller breast while reduction or lift can be performed on the larger breast. In some cases, symmetry is achieved by using different sized implants in both breasts; for example, a 300 cc implant may be placed on one side and a 250 cc implant on the other. In cases of mild asymmetry, volume balancing through fat transfer can minimize surgical intervention. Nipple position and areola size differences can also be simultaneously corrected as part of the asymmetry correction surgery. Op. Dr. Irfan Erdem determines the cause and degree of asymmetry through detailed measurements and examination, creates a separate surgical plan for each breast, and aims for the most symmetrical result possible.