Breast Aesthetics

Breast Aesthetics
Breast Aesthetics

Breast aesthetics is the general term for cosmetic surgical procedures that aim to bring the size, shape and firmness of the breasts into harmony with a person’s body. At the clinic of Op. Dr. Mert Seçer, breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction and male gynecomastia surgery are performed.

Every patient receives an individual plan based on examination and measurements; the goal is a result that looks and feels natural and suits the body’s proportions.

BREAST AUGMENTATION

Augmentation Mammoplasty

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that increases breast volume and improves breast shape using silicone breast implants. Breast asymmetry and shape irregularities can be corrected at the same time.

Planning and measurements are tailored to the patient’s wishes and body structure. Our aim is to create breasts that look and feel natural.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Women whose breast development is complete and who feel their breasts are small for their body
Those who have lost breast volume after childbirth, breastfeeding or weight loss
Those with a noticeable difference in size or shape between the two breasts (asymmetry)
Those whose general health allows surgery

BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY

Surgery and Recovery

How Is the Surgery Performed?

Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 45 minutes. The shape (round or anatomical) and size of the implant are chosen together with the patient based on measurements taken before surgery.

Depending on the patient’s build, the implant is placed in the subfascial plane (beneath the muscle fascia) or beneath the muscle. According to the plan, it is inserted through an incision in the natural fold under the breast or around the nipple, so the scar stays in a discreet area.

Recovery

Most patients go home the same day or after one night in hospital.
Stitches are removed in the first week.
A sports bra is worn for about 6 weeks after surgery.
Patients can usually return to social life from day 5.
Exercise is not recommended for about 1 month.
Swelling decreases noticeably in the first weeks; it can take 3–6 months for the implant to settle and the breast to reach its final shape.

Implants placed in the appropriate plane usually do not prevent breastfeeding. Patients with implants are advised to continue regular breast check-ups.

BREAST LIFT

Mastopexy

A breast lift (mastopexy) is a cosmetic procedure in which excess skin of sagging breasts is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped and the nipple is moved to a higher position. The aim is to give the breasts a firmer, fuller and more youthful appearance.

Why Do Breasts Sag?

Breast sagging can be caused by gravity, frequent weight gain and loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding and loss of skin elasticity. Ageing and pregnancy loosen the breast skin or empty the breast volume, leading to sagging; over time the breasts lose their firmness and shape. Rarely, sagging can also occur in young women for genetic reasons.

BREAST LIFT SURGERY

Surgery and Recovery

How Is the Surgery Performed?

A breast lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 1–3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. The incision type depends on the degree of sagging: in mild cases only an incision around the nipple is used; in more pronounced sagging, an incision around the nipple plus a vertical (“lollipop”) or inverted-T incision extending to the breast fold is used.

If the breasts have also lost volume, the lift can be combined with breast implants in the same session.

Recovery

Patients usually stay one night in hospital.
Pain and tightness in the first days are controlled with painkillers.
Most patients can return to desk work within 1 week.
Stitches are removed on days 7–10.
A supportive bra is worn for about 6 weeks; strenuous exercise can be resumed after 4–6 weeks.
Scars may be visible in the first months, then fade and mature in about 1 year.

Why Is an Examination Essential?

The breast tissue must be healthy before surgery. Whether there is any mass in the breast can only be determined by examination and tests such as ultrasound and, if necessary, mammography. After the examination, the most suitable solution for the patient is determined.

BREAST REDUCTION

Reduction Mammoplasty

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is surgery that removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin from overly large breasts, bringing them to a size proportionate to the body and reshaping them. Breast size can be genetic, but breast tissue can also grow excessively due to hormones or weight gain.

What Does Breast Reduction Treat?

Back, neck and shoulder pain
Poor posture and hunching
Marks left on the shoulders by bra straps
Rashes and skin irritation under the breasts
Limitations in sports and daily activities

Constant pain harms a person’s health and quality of life. Breast reduction is therefore as much a functional operation as a cosmetic one.

BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Surgery and Recovery

How Is the Surgery Performed?

A detailed examination is carried out before surgery, and the plastic surgeon and patient decide together how much breast tissue will be removed. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 2 hours.

Excess tissue and skin are removed, the remaining breast tissue is reshaped and the nipple is moved higher. This way the surgery also corrects sagging. The removed tissue is routinely sent for pathological examination.

Recovery

Patients usually stay one night in hospital.
Showering is possible 2 days after surgery.
About one week of rest is recommended.
Stitches are removed on day 10.
Heavy work should be avoided for the first month.
Do not sleep on your stomach; sleeping on your back is preferred.
A supportive bra is worn for about 6 weeks.

GYNECOMASTIA

Male Breast Enlargement

Gynecomastia is the excessive growth of breast tissue in men, giving the chest a feminine appearance. A masculine chest matters to men who care about their appearance, and gynecomastia can cause a loss of self-confidence and psychological distress in many men.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Breast tissue development is governed by hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, while male hormones block oestrogen’s growth effect on breast tissue. The balance between these hormones determines whether a man’s breasts are enlarged or normal.

It is common during puberty, and much of the gynecomastia seen in this period regresses on its own over time. Weight gain, certain medications and hormonal disorders can also cause gynecomastia.

GYNECOMASTIA TREATMENT

Surgery and Recovery

How Is Gynecomastia Treated?

An examination is always required before treatment. Examination and the necessary tests determine the type and stage of gynecomastia and check for any underlying problem.

Gynecomastia can be predominantly fatty, predominantly glandular or mixed. In fatty gynecomastia, excess fat is removed with liposuction; if glandular tissue is also present, it is removed through a small incision around the nipple. In patients with advanced sagging, excess skin may also be removed.

Recovery

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 1–2 hours.
Patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day.
A special compression vest is worn around the chest for about 4–6 weeks.
Most patients return to work within a few days to 1 week; sport can be resumed after about 4 weeks.

RISKS

As with any surgical procedure, breast surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation and asymmetry. Operations using breast implants also carry implant-related risks such as hardening around the implant (capsular contracture). Risks are discussed in detail during the examination according to each person’s health.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does breast augmentation surgery take?

Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgery takes about 45 minutes.

Is the breast implant placed under the muscle?

Depending on the patient’s build, the implant is placed in the subfascial plane (beneath the muscle fascia) or beneath the muscle.

When can I return to social life after breast augmentation?

Patients can usually return to social life from day 5. A sports bra is worn for about 6 weeks, and exercise is not recommended for 1 month.

Can I breastfeed with breast implants?

Implants placed in the appropriate plane usually do not prevent breastfeeding.

Can a breast lift and implants be done together?

Yes. If the breasts have also lost volume, the lift can be performed together with implants in the same session.

Does breast reduction leave scars?

Incisions are planned around the nipple and under the breast. Scars may be noticeable in the first months and fade over time.

When can I shower after breast reduction?

You can shower 2 days after surgery; stitches are removed on day 10.

How is gynecomastia surgery performed?

Fatty tissue is removed with liposuction; if glandular tissue is present, it is removed through a small incision around the nipple.

This content was prepared by Op. Dr. Mert Seçer.
Last updated: 22 October 2026