Every breast concern has a matching procedure
Breast surgery is not one operation. The right procedure depends on what bothers you: the size of the breasts, their shape and position, the difference between the two sides, the skin and nipple, or problems after previous surgery. Many plans combine two procedures — for example a lift with an implant, or reconstruction on one side and symmetry surgery on the other.
The figure below shows the six situations we see most often. Each is described in its own guide.
Condition and procedure at a glance
| Your situation | Usual procedure |
|---|---|
| Breast removed by mastectomy | Breast reconstruction — implant or own tissue |
| Small or underdeveloped breasts | Breast augmentation or fat transfer |
| Sagging breasts after pregnancy or weight loss | Breast lift (mastopexy), with or without an implant |
| Large, heavy breasts causing pain | Breast reduction |
| Two breasts of different size or shape | Asymmetry correction |
| Narrow, tube-shaped breasts | Tuberous breast correction |
| Hard, painful or ruptured implant | Implant removal or exchange |
| Inverted nipple or large areola | Nipple and areola correction |
| Enlarged breast tissue in men | Gynecomastia surgery |
| Extra breast tissue in the armpit | Accessory breast tissue removal |
- 01Procedures explainedReconstruction to nipple correction
- 02Combined proceduresOften possible
- 03AnaesthesiaGeneral or local
- 04First stepPhotographs & assessment
Reconstructive breast surgery
Reconstruction rebuilds a breast that has been removed or never developed. It includes reconstruction after mastectomy, preventive (BRCA) mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, oncoplastic surgery during breast-conserving treatment, and the correction of congenital differences such as Poland syndrome.
Changing size and shape
- Augmentation — more volume with a silicone implant or your own fat.
- Lift — the nipple and breast tissue are raised and the skin envelope is tightened.
- Reduction — weight and volume are removed, relieving neck, shoulder and back pain.
- Combined procedures — a lift with an implant, or reduction on one side and augmentation on the other.
Problems with existing implants
Implants are not lifetime devices. Hardening of the scar capsule around an implant (capsular contracture), rupture, a change in position or the simple wish to be implant-free are common reasons for further surgery. Options range from exchange to complete removal with a lift or fat transfer.
Nipple and areola
Inverted nipples, enlarged or uneven areolas and elongated nipples can be corrected with short procedures, usually under local anaesthesia. After mastectomy, the nipple itself can be reconstructed.
Other breast conditions
Gynecomastia — enlarged breast tissue in men — and accessory breast tissue in the armpit are both treated with liposuction, gland excision or a combination of the two, through small, discreet incisions.
- Gland excision
- Liposuction
- Flat, natural male contour
Breast surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
Patients travel to Istanbul for the full spectrum of breast surgery — reconstruction, augmentation, lift, reduction, implant revision and nipple correction — planned by one surgeon trained in both reconstructive and aesthetic techniques. Your case is reviewed online first, so that you know the likely procedure and length of stay before you book travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can two breast procedures be combined in one operation?
Often, yes. A lift is frequently combined with an implant, and reconstruction on one side is often combined with symmetry surgery on the other. Whether combining is safe is decided individually.
How do I know which procedure I need?
Send front and side photographs with a short description of what bothers you. Dr. Fatih Kılıç reviews them and explains the options that suit your anatomy.
Do I need a mammogram or ultrasound before breast surgery?
Depending on your age and history, up-to-date breast imaging is requested before most breast operations.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Fatih Kılıç, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon. This page is for general information and does not replace an individual consultation.