Plastic Surgery

Breast Surgery

Aesthetic or reconstructive breast surgery, planned with the plastic-surgery team after examination.

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Procedures
Augmentation, lift, reduction
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Time in Istanbul
Often 5–7 nights
Back to desk work
Often after 1–2 weeks
Overview

About Breast Surgery

Breast surgery covers operations that change the size, shape or position of the breasts: augmentation, lift, reduction, asymmetry correction and male chest reduction.

The right choice depends on your anatomy and goals. A lift changes position and shape, augmentation adds volume, and reduction removes tissue to ease physical symptoms. Some plans combine more than one.

Suitability

Who it may be suitable for

  • Concerns about breast size, shape, position or symmetry
  • Breasts that have finished developing and a stable weight
  • No plans for pregnancy in the near future, or an understanding of how it may affect the result
  • Good general health, a stable weight and no smoking, or willingness to stop

These are general points only. Whether an operation is suitable for you is decided by the treating surgeon after an in-person examination, your medical history and any tests they request.

The process

How it works

  1. Remote review

    You share photos and your medical history. The surgeon gives a first opinion on whether the operation is suitable and what it could realistically achieve.

  2. Consultation in Istanbul

    The surgeon examines you in person, confirms the plan, explains the risks and arranges pre-operative tests before you give consent.

  3. Surgery

    The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia, usually in one to four hours, often with an overnight stay.

  4. Check before you fly

    The surgeon reviews healing before you travel home, and you receive written aftercare instructions and remote follow-up.

Aftercare

What to expect and aftercare

  1. First days

    Tightness, swelling and soreness are common. You wear a supportive surgical bra and avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height.

  2. Weeks 1–2

    Stitches are checked or removed. Many people return to desk work, avoiding lifting and upper-body exercise.

  3. Weeks 4–6

    Exercise is gradually reintroduced with the surgeon’s approval. You continue to wear a supportive bra.

  4. Months 3–12

    The breasts settle into their final shape and scars mature. Results are usually assessed after several months.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Good to know

Risks and considerations

  • Breast surgery can affect nipple sensation and, depending on the operation, the ability to breastfeed.
  • Breast screening remains important. Tell the radiographer about any implants or previous surgery.
  • All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, blood clots and reactions to anaesthesia.
  • Scars are permanent. Surgeons place them where they are easiest to hide, but how they mature varies from person to person.
  • Smoking and nicotine products significantly increase the risk of wound-healing problems. Most surgeons ask you to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
  • Results take months to settle and cannot be guaranteed. Some people need a revision procedure.
FAQ

Common questions

Which breast operation is right for me?

That depends on whether you want to change volume, position, shape or symmetry. The surgeon explains the options after examining you.

Can I breastfeed after breast surgery?

Many people can, but some operations, particularly reductions and lifts, can reduce the ability to breastfeed. Discuss this before surgery if it matters to you.

How long should I stay in Istanbul after surgery?

It depends on the operation. Many are planned around one to two weeks so the surgeon can check you and remove stitches or drains before you fly. Flying soon after surgery raises the risk of blood clots, so your surgeon confirms when it is safe to travel.

How is the cost decided?

The price depends on the operation the surgeon recommends after examining you, the hospital stay and any combined procedures. You receive a written, itemised quote before anything is booked, with no obligation to proceed.

Related treatments
Next step

Talk to a coordinator about Breast Surgery

Share your details and a coordinator will reply with clear next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.

This page is general information, not medical advice; a treating clinician confirms your plan after assessment. ELAVIA Global coordinates care; clinical evaluation and treatment are delivered by independent, licensed partner facilities and their specialists.