Subglandular
Behind the breast gland, in front of the chest muscle. No implant movement when you flex.
- Recovery
- Can feel easier
- Suits
- Enough soft-tissue coverage
- Watch for
- Edges or rippling in thin tissue
Breast augmentation Istanbul
Breast Augmentation in Istanbul implants or fat, discreet incisions and one hospital night
Breast augmentation increases breast volume and improves shape, usually with silicone gel implants and sometimes with your own fat. It suits healthy adults at a stable weight who want fuller or more balanced breasts. Plan about 6–7 days in Istanbul.
- 6–7 days in Istanbul
- 1 night in hospital
- Desk work after about a week
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Editorially reviewed by the Vivid Clinic Surgical Board · Last reviewed September 2026
At a glance
What is breast augmentation, and what to expect
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) increases breast size, improves upper-pole fullness and can reduce a difference between the two sides. Most augmentations at Vivid Clinic use silicone gel implants. It changes volume, but it does not lift a breast that has dropped significantly.
- Procedure time
- 1–2 hLonger if combined with a lift
- Stay in Istanbul
- 6–7 daysIncluding 1 hospital night
- Back to desk work
- About 1 weekWalking the same day, with help
- Support bra
- About 6 weeksDay and night at first
- Upper-body training
- About 6 weeksOnce your surgeon agrees
- Settled result
- 3–6 monthsEarly shape at 4–6 weeks
See all procedure details
| Procedure time | Typically 1–2 hours (longer if combined with a lift) |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Hospital stay | 1 night |
| Recommended stay in Istanbul | 6–7 days |
| Walking | Same day, with help |
| Back to desk work | About 1 week |
| Exercise | Light walking from week 1; gym and upper-body training after about 6 weeks |
| Support bra | Around 6 weeks, day and night at first |
| Stitches | Usually dissolvable; dressing checks before you fly |
| Final result | Early shape at 4–6 weeks; implants settle over 3–6 months |
| Results last | Many years, but implants are not lifetime devices and may need replacing |
Real patient results
See the full galleryBreast augmentation before and after
Results from Vivid Clinic patients, shared with consent. Individual results vary. 6 cases shown; each caption states what the photos show and what is not recorded.
Breast augmentation · Case VC-29389 Before: Small breasts under a fitted top. After: Fuller, rounder breast shape under the same style of top.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Breast augmentation · Case VC-29390 Before: Small, slightly asymmetric breasts. After: Fuller, rounder breasts with a more even shape.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Breast augmentation · Case VC-29391 Before: Small breast volume. After: Fuller upper pole and projection.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Breast augmentation · Case VC-29392 Before: Deflated-looking breasts with low volume. After: Fuller, rounder breasts.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Breast augmentation · Case VC-29393 Before: Small breasts. After: Fuller breasts with improved symmetry.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Breast augmentation · Case VC-29396 Before: Small breasts. After: Fuller breasts with more projection.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Photos are unedited clinic composites; before and after photos may differ in lighting, clothing and pose. Consent is on file at the clinic.
Candidacy
Who is breast augmentation right for — and who should wait?
Breast augmentation often suits you if
- You are 18 or over, in good general health and at a stable weight
- Your breasts feel small for your frame, have lost volume or are noticeably uneven
- You do not smoke, or will stop for at least four weeks before and after surgery
- You understand that implants may need future surgery
It may be better to wait if
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning a pregnancy or expect to lose a lot of weight
- You have an untreated breast lump or an abnormal screening result
- You have a medical condition that is not yet controlled
Your surgeon may ask for a breast ultrasound or mammogram first. If your breasts have dropped, a breast lift may be combined with the implant.
Implant placement
Which implant pocket suits you
The implant can sit over the muscle, under it, or in a blend of the two. Your surgeon chooses the plane after measuring your tissue thickness, not by default.
Submuscular
Largely behind the pectoralis major muscle, softening the upper edge in slim patients.
- Recovery
- More uncomfortable early on
- Suits
- Slim patients needing coverage
- Watch for
- Movement when the muscle contracts
Dual plane
Muscle covers the upper implant; the lower part sits directly behind the breast tissue.
- Why
- Upper coverage with a natural lower curve
- At Vivid Clinic
- Frequently recommended
- Chosen by
- Measuring your tissue thickness
Comparing implant types, shapes, profiles or surface textures? See our breast implants guide, which is dedicated to implant choice.
Step by step
How breast augmentation is performed, step by step
The operation typically takes one to two hours. The inframammary incision, a 4–5 cm line in the breast fold, is used most often at Vivid Clinic. Incisions around the areola or in the armpit suit selected patients; read more about breast augmentation incision types.
Marking
Breast fold, midline and incision marked with you standing.
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia by an anaesthetist in a partner hospital.
Pocket
A precise pocket created in the chosen plane.
Sizing check
Temporary sizers confirm symmetry with you sitting upright, if needed.
Implant
Placed with antibiotic irrigation and minimal handling.
Closure
Layered, usually dissolvable stitches, a dressing and support bra.
Your Istanbul journey
Six to seven days, fully coordinated
Your exact schedule is confirmed with your plan. Patients who combine augmentation with a lift or liposuction may stay a little longer.
Day 1
Arrival
A VIP driver takes you from the airport to your hotel. Your patient coordinator checks in with you that evening.
Day 2
Consultation and surgery
Face-to-face consultation, measurements and implant selection, blood tests and anaesthetic review. Surgery is usually the same day.
Days 2–3
Hospital night and discharge
One night under nursing care; most patients walk that evening with help. Your surgeon checks the breasts before discharge.
Days 4–7
Check-ups and fit to fly
Rest, short walks and a dressing check. Around day 6 your surgeon confirms you are fit to fly.
Send your photos. Get a surgeon's review in 24 hours.
A few photos and a short note about your goals — a surgeon recommends the technique, implant approach and hospital stay. Free, no obligation.
Recovery
Breast augmentation recovery, week by week
Tightness and swelling are expected, especially with submuscular or dual plane pockets. Pain is usually controlled with prescribed tablets. Sleep on your back and wear the support bra.
- Week 1Tightness and swelling. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle.
- Weeks 2–3Most patients are back at desk work. The breasts may still look high and firm.Expected phase
- Weeks 4–6Light lower-body exercise first. Upper-body training, running and swimming typically resume around week 6.
- Months 3–6Implants "drop and fluff" as tissue relaxes, and scars fade from pink to pale.
How long breast augmentation results last
Most patients enjoy their result for many years. The FDA states that breast implants are not lifetime devices, and the longer you have them, the more likely another operation becomes.
For silicone implants, periodic imaging to check for silent rupture is recommended. Your surgeon gives you a personal schedule. Avoid driving until you can brake and turn comfortably.
Choosing a technique
Implants or fat transfer: which augmentation is right for you?
In short: most augmentations at Vivid Clinic use silicone gel implants. Fat transfer suits slim-to-average patients with enough donor fat who want a subtle change of about half to one cup.
| Implant augmentation | Fat transfer augmentation | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size change | Chosen precisely, from subtle to significant | About half to one cup per session |
| Upper-pole fullness | Strong and predictable | Softer, more limited |
| Scars | One short incision per breast | Tiny liposuction and injection points |
| Future surgery | Implants may need replacing | Further sessions may be needed for more volume |
Some patients have a composite approach: a moderate implant with fat grafted around it, decided case by case. Read more on our fat transfer breast augmentation page. Already have implants? See breast implant removal for revision options.
Price and packages
What determines your breast augmentation quote
A responsible quote can only be given after a surgeon has reviewed your photos and goals. The consultation is free, and you receive a written, personalised plan.
Your all-inclusive package
Typically covers:
- Surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees
- One hospital night
- Implants
- Medication
- Support bra
- Hotel accommodation
- VIP airport and clinic transfers
- Patient coordinator or interpreter, and follow-up
Your price depends on
- Technique: implants, fat transfer or a composite approach
- Implant choice: brand, gel type, shape and surface
- Combined procedures, such as a lift or liposuction
- Partner hospital, nights needed and any extra tests
Why Vivid Clinic
Meet our medical team
Why patients choose Vivid Clinic for breast augmentation in Istanbul
- Accredited partner hospitals in Istanbul, with an anaesthetist and ward nursing team
- Plastic surgeons, with medical review by Prof. Dr. Özgür Pilancı
- All-inclusive coordination: hotel, transfers, hospital, medication and follow-up
- A multilingual patient team and interpreters, so you understand every step
- 24/7 post-operative support line and remote follow-up at home
Medical review
This page was medically reviewed by a plastic surgeon on the Vivid Clinic team.
Prof. Dr. Özgür Pilancı
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
- Plastic surgery specialist since 2006 (Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul)
- Associate professor since 2015
- Clinical fellow in Rio de Janeiro in 2016
Safety
Risks of breast augmentation and how we reduce them
Breast augmentation is a well-established operation, but no surgery is free of risk. Your surgeon discusses each of these at consultation.
Possible effects
- Bleeding or haematoma, and infection
- Capsular contracture (firm scar tissue tightening around the implant)
- Implant rupture, rippling, displacement or asymmetry
- Changes in nipple or skin sensation; visible or thickened scars
- Rarely, BIA-ALCL, a lymphoma more strongly linked with textured implants
How we reduce them
- Accredited partner hospitals with an anaesthetist present
- A full medical review and blood tests before surgery
- Implant sizing matched to your tissue
- Antibiotic protocols and a planned hospital night
- A check-up before you fly home
Read a fuller overview in our article on breast augmentation surgery risks. The NHS guide to breast enlargement is a useful independent checklist.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about breast augmentation in Istanbul
How many days do I need to plan for breast augmentation in Istanbul?
Plan on six to seven days. You arrive on day one and have your consultation, tests and surgery on day two. You spend one night in hospital, then rest at your hotel. Your surgeon checks your breasts and dressings before confirming you are fit to fly, usually on day six. Patients who combine augmentation with a lift or liposuction may be advised to stay a little longer.
When can I fly home after breast augmentation in Turkey?
Most patients fly home around day six or seven after a final check with their surgeon. Wear compression stockings, walk the aisle every hour and drink plenty of water to lower the risk of blood clots. Keep your support bra on and avoid lifting heavy luggage yourself. The 24/7 support line stays available once you are home.
Can I combine a breast lift with breast augmentation in Istanbul?
Yes, in many cases. If your nipples sit at or below the breast fold, an implant alone may leave a drooping shape. Your surgeon may then suggest an augmentation-mastopexy in the same operation. The combined procedure takes longer and leaves an additional scar around the areola, sometimes with a vertical line. It may need a slightly longer stay, and the decision follows an in-person examination.
Can I still breastfeed after breast augmentation in Istanbul?
Many women breastfeed successfully after augmentation, particularly when the implant is placed through an inframammary incision and behind the muscle, which disturbs less breast tissue. A periareolar incision may carry a higher chance of affecting milk ducts or nipple sensation. If a future pregnancy is likely, tell your surgeon at consultation so the incision and pocket can be planned with that in mind.
Is breast augmentation in Istanbul possible without implants?
Yes. Fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own fat, taken by liposuction from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, to add volume. It suits patients who want a natural-feeling change of roughly half to one cup and have enough donor fat. It cannot match the projection an implant gives, and a second session is sometimes needed. Your surgeon will compare both options with you honestly.
Which incision is used for breast augmentation in Istanbul?
Most often the inframammary incision, a 4–5 cm line in or just above the crease under the breast. It gives a direct view of the pocket, suits almost every implant and is usually hidden by the fold and most bras. A periareolar incision along the lower edge of the areola, or an axillary incision in the armpit, suits selected patients. Your surgeon explains the trade-offs of each.
Free assessment
Plan your breast augmentation in Istanbul
Send a few photos and a short note about your goals through WhatsApp or the form. A Vivid Clinic surgeon reviews them, and your coordinator comes back with a personalised plan. It is free and there is no obligation.
- 1Share your details and photosHere, or by WhatsApp on +90 545 742 3565.
- 2Medical review within 24 hoursThe recommended technique, implant approach, hospital stay, how long to stay in Istanbul and your quote.
- 3Your personalised Istanbul planDates, hotel, transfers and your coordinator’s contact.
Get my free breast augmentation plan
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