Breast Implants (FAQ)

1. Why are implants preferred?

It is used to balance facial and body proportions. It is especially applied in the chin, cheekbone, nose, breast, buttocks and calf areas.
It is used to correct congenital anomalies. Implants are an effective solution in cases such as small chin, narrow jaw corners or facial asymmetry.
It is preferred for increasing volume and shaping body contours. Breast and butt implants add volume and achieve the desired form.
It is reliable because it offers stable and permanent results. While fat transfer can be absorbed by the body over time, implants maintain their form for a long time.
It is an alternative for patients who do not have enough fat for fat injection. Implants are the best method for buttock, breast and calf augmentation in thin patients.

2. What are the types of implants?

Silicone implants: The most commonly used type, especially preferred for breast and buttock implants.
Polyethylene (Medpor) implants: Used to correct jaw and cheekbone asymmetries and provide integration into the bone.
Titanium implants: Used in reconstructive surgery and in cases of bone loss.
Hydroxyapatite implants: Biologically compatible with bone and used in jaw and facial aesthetics.
Saline-filled implants: Generally preferred in breast augmentation operations, but not as common as silicone implants.

3. What materials are used to make implants?

Silicone: It is the most commonly used material and is well tolerated by the body.
Polyethylene (Medpor): Thanks to its porous structure, it integrates with the bone and offers stable results.
Titanium: A durable and biocompatible material preferred for reconstruction surgeries.
Hydroxyapatite: It is a tissue-friendly material that can be accepted by the body.
Saline (saline filling): It is a filler used in breast implants, but it does not feel as natural as silicone.

4. What is the safety of implants?

Implants have been used safely in aesthetic surgery for many years. The first breast implant was applied in 1963 and is among the most frequently performed aesthetic interventions today.
The risk of complications is low when performed by experienced surgeons. Incorrect techniques can lead to problems such as infection, capsular contracture or implant displacement.
Breast implants usually need to be replaced every 10 years, but with regular check-ups they can stay in place for longer.
Chin and facial implants are usually permanent for life. Chin implants do not need to be replaced.
Silicone implants have been developed over the years and are approved by the FDA and other health organizations.

5. In which cases are implants preferred over fat transfer?

Implants are preferred when there is not enough fat in the body. Especially in thin patients, implants are recommended instead of fat transfer for buttock and breast augmentation.
Implants are safer when stable and permanent results are desired. While the body can absorb some of the injected fat in fat injection, implants maintain their form for a long time.
Implants are prioritized when a large volume increase is required. While only limited augmentation can be achieved with fat transfer, the desired volume can be achieved more precisely with implants.
Implants are preferred when there are significant deformities in the chin and face. Fat transfer may not be sufficient to correct chin and facial asymmetries.
If irregular results can be seen after fat transfer, implants are a better alternative. While irregular absorption and asymmetries may occur after fat transfer, implants minimize this risk.

6. Who are implant operations suitable for?

It is suitable for healthy individuals who want to emphasize their body contours.
It is recommended for patients who want to correct congenital asymmetries. It can be used in patients with jaw, cheekbone or leg deformities.
It is the best option for patients who do not have enough adipose tissue for fat transfer. Implants are preferred over fat transfer, especially for thin individuals.
It is suitable for patients who want more permanent and stable results. Due to the unpredictability of fat transfer, implant is recommended for patients seeking long-term results.
Suitable for candidates deemed suitable by the surgeon. Depending on the patient’s facial and body structure, the surgeon should determine the most appropriate method.

7. How long can implants stay in the body?

Breast implants last an average of 10 years, but there are cases that do not require replacement for up to 20 years.
Chin and cheekbone implants (especially Medpor) are permanent and usually do not need to be replaced.
Hip and leg implants can be used for many years, depending on the patient’s lifestyle and body structure.
The lifespan of the implants varies depending on the material used, the surgical technique and the patient’s body structure.
Regular medical check-ups are important to monitor the condition of the implant and replacement or revision surgery can be performed if necessary.

8. What is the recovery process after implant surgery?

During the first week, patients should rest and avoid heavy activities. Stretching of the sutures can lead to complications.
Swelling and bruising usually subsides within 2-4 weeks, but full recovery may take 3-6 months.
The corset or bandages recommended by the doctor should be used regularly. These accelerate the healing process and reduce edema.
Light walking promotes healing by increasing blood circulation, but heavy exercise should be avoided.
It is important to avoid sudden movements in the first weeks to allow the implant to settle into place.

9. Which activities should be avoided after the implant?

Heavy lifting, sudden bending and strenuous physical activities should be avoided for the first 4-6 weeks because this may cause the implant to displace.
Sleeping face down should be avoided, especially for breast, buttock and chin implants, as these positions can negatively affect healing.
Hot and humid environments such as pools and saunas should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Such environments may increase the risk of infection.
Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided as it may increase swelling and bruising.
Contact sports should be avoided for the first 6 weeks, because blows to the implant area can lead to complications.

10. What are the complications after implant?

There is a risk of infection, but regular use of antibiotics recommended by the doctor and attention to hygiene rules can reduce this risk.
Although it is rare for the implant to slip or be misplaced, the surgeon’s experience and the use of appropriate surgical techniques minimize this risk.
In some patients, the body may perceive the implant as a foreign object and capsular contracture may develop, resulting in a hard tissue around the implant.
In rare cases, it is possible that the implant may be rejected by the body or leak, which is why regular medical check-ups are important.
Complications such as delayed healing or suture dehiscence usually occur due to improper care or patient non-compliance with recommendations.

11. When is it necessary to replace the implant?

Breast implants usually need to be replaced every 10 years, but some patients may not need replacement for up to 20 years.
Facial implants such as jaw and cheekbone implants are usually permanent and do not need to be replaced.
If the implant shifts, causes discomfort or if capsular contracture develops, implant replacement may be necessary.
Silicone implants need to be replaced surgically if they leak or rupture.
It is important to evaluate the condition of the implant during routine checks for early intervention.

12. What are the care recommendations after implant surgery?

It is important to rest and limit movements for the first 48 hours after surgery. The body goes through a healing process.
Keeping the suture area clean and caring for it with antiseptic solutions recommended by the doctor reduces the risk of infection.
Cold compresses can be applied intermittently for the first 72 hours to reduce swelling and bruising.
It is important to protect from the sun because UV rays can cause darkening of the scars.
Compression garments (corset, bandage, etc.) should be used regularly for the period recommended by the doctor.

13. What are the implant placement techniques?

Facial implants are usually inserted through the mouth or under the chin so that there is no visible scar from the outside.
Breast implants can be placed through incisions in the inframammary fold, armpit or around the nipple.
Butt implants are usually placed in or under the gluteal muscle. This technique provides a more natural appearance.
Leg implants are placed behind the knee or intramuscularly to emphasize leg contours.
The position of the implant during surgery is determined according to the surgeon’s assessment of the patient’s body structure.

14. When are the sutures removed after the implant?

Stitches are usually removed within 7-14 days depending on the surgical site. However, if self-melting sutures are used, they do not need to be removed.
In facial and chin implants, intraoral sutures usually dissolve within 10 days and do not need to be removed.
In breast and buttock implants, the healing process of the sutures may be longer, but healing is usually completed within 10-14 days.
The stitch removal time may vary depending on the patient’s healing rate and the doctor’s recommendations.
If there is redness, swelling or signs of infection at the suture site, a doctor’s check-up may be necessary.

15. What is the duration of pain after implant surgery?

Pain is most intense during the first 3-7 days after surgery, but can usually be controlled with mild painkillers.
In breast and buttock implants, the pain may last longer because intramuscular surgical interventions in these areas may cause more sensitivity.
With chin and facial implants, the pain is usually milder and subsides within a few days.
If the pain worsens or lasts longer than expected, it is important to contact the surgeon.
Gentle walks and pain management methods recommended by the doctor can make the healing process more comfortable.

16. What are the placement techniques for breast implants?

Inframammary fold (inframammary) placement: This is the most commonly used method and the scars are hidden in the breast fold.
Placement around the nipple (periareolar): It is applied by making an incision in the dark area around the nipple.
Underarm (axillary) placement: It leaves less scarring but is more complex in terms of placement.
Insertion through the umbilical region (transumbilical): It is a very rarely used technique.
Positioning under or above the muscle: Implants placed under the muscle provide a more natural appearance, while those placed above the muscle give a fuller result.

17. What should be done for breast implants to provide a natural appearance?

The implant should be selected according to the patient’s body structure. For a natural appearance, a size suitable for body proportions should be determined.
Submuscular placement provides a more natural transition. Especially in patients with thin skin, implants placed under the muscle look less artificial.
The choice of round or anatomical (drop) implants is important. Drop implants can create a more natural slope.
Implant size and projection should be balanced. Overly large implants can cause an unnatural appearance.
The surgeon’s experience is very important. With the correct placement technique, the implant can be made to look natural.

18. What are the situations in which breast implants need to be replaced?

Leakage or rupture of the implant: This is rare with silicone implants.
Capsular contracture: When the body forms a hard tissue around the implant, it can cause discomfort.
Displacement or shifting of the implant: This can occur due to incorrect placement or tissue changes that develop over time.
Changes in the patient’s aesthetic preferences: The patient may want a larger or smaller implant.
Changes in breast tissue over time: Change may be required due to aging, weight changes or the implant becoming incompatible after pregnancy.

19. What role does the patient’s body structure play in choosing fat transfer instead of implants?

Fat transfer gives better results in patients with sufficient fat tissue.
In thin individuals, implants are a better alternative as there is not enough fat.
The patient’s skin elasticity may affect the permanence of fat transfer.
The age factor is important, fat transfer may remain stable longer in younger patients.
Fat transfer is recommended for patients who want more flexible and soft tissue.

20. What are the most common complications associated with breast implants?

Capsular contracture: The body can create a hard tissue surrounding the implant.
Leakage or rupture of the implant: This can occur especially with old or poor quality implants.
Implant displacement: This can occur due to incorrect placement or trauma.
Asymmetry: This can occur if the implants are not placed evenly or heal differently over time.
Infection: It may develop if sterilization rules are not followed.

21. In how many days can I return to daily activities after breast augmentation surgery?

Light daily activities can usually be resumed within 3-7 days.
Heavy lifting and intense physical activities should be avoided for the first 4-6 weeks.
It is recommended to avoid driving during the first week.
Return to exercise and sports activities usually takes 6-8 weeks.
The full recovery process varies from patient to patient, but is completed within 3-6 months.

22. What are the most common mistakes patients make after implant?

Not following the rest period recommended by the doctor and engaging in heavy activities in the early period.
Putting pressure on the implant site or causing the implant to shift due to incorrect lying positions.
Not paying attention to hygiene rules and increasing the risk of infection.
Not stopping smoking and alcohol consumption in the postoperative period slows down the healing process.
Failure to follow up visits recommended by the doctor and late recognition of possible complications.

23. What should be considered to increase patient satisfaction after implant?

A planning that is compatible with the patient’s aesthetic goals should be made.
The surgeon’s experience and the use of appropriate techniques increase the success of the results.
Patients should strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations during the healing process.
The size and shape of the implant should be chosen according to the patient’s face and body proportions.
The condition of the implant should be monitored with long-term follow-ups and controls.