Breast augmentation is the most performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the world. In Turkey, it’s also one of the most competitive — meaning you have access to experienced surgeons, top-tier implant brands, and accredited facilities at costs that make the UK and US look extraordinary by comparison. The average price for breast augmentation in Istanbul is £2,000–£3,200 all-in. In the UK, you’d pay £4,500–£7,500 for the same procedure.
That gap matters. But cost alone doesn’t tell you whether a surgeon is right for you. This guide covers everything: implant types, incision options, sizing, recovery, and what to actually look for when choosing a clinic in Istanbul.
Implant Types: Round vs Anatomical
The first decision is implant shape. This affects how your result looks — and how it looks when you move, not just when you’re standing still.
Round Implants
Round implants create fullness in the upper pole — the area above the nipple. This gives the look most commonly associated with augmented breasts: full, rounded, with visible cleavage. Because they’re symmetrical, rotation isn’t a concern. They work well for patients who want a noticeable increase in volume and projection.
Round implants tend to be slightly more affordable and have a long safety track record. Most patients in Turkey choose round silicone implants.
Anatomical (Teardrop) Implants
Anatomical implants are shaped like a natural breast — fuller at the bottom, tapering towards the top. They produce a more natural silhouette, particularly in women with little existing breast tissue. The trade-off: they’re textured (to prevent rotation) and slightly pricier. If an anatomical implant rotates, revision surgery may be needed.
Which is better? Neither, universally. It depends on your body shape, existing tissue, and the look you want. A surgeon who pushes one option without examining you properly isn’t giving you personalised advice.
Surface Texture: Smooth vs Textured
Implant surface affects how the implant sits and behaves over time.
Smooth implants move more naturally within their pocket — they shift slightly when you move, which can look more natural in motion. Textured implants grip the surrounding tissue and hold position. They were historically used to reduce capsular contracture rates, though evidence on this is mixed. Highly textured implants have been associated (in rare cases) with BIA-ALCL, a form of lymphoma. The absolute risk is very low — approximately 1 in 30,000 — but it’s worth discussing with your surgeon.
Most surgeons in Istanbul currently favour smooth round implants for standard augmentation.
Sizing: How to Choose the Right Volume
Implant volume is measured in cubic centimetres (cc). A 300cc implant doesn’t translate to a specific cup size — cup sizes vary between brands and don’t account for band size or body frame. The same 300cc implant looks dramatically different on a petite 50kg woman versus a 75kg woman with a broader chest.
Most surgeons use a combination of: chest measurements, current breast dimensions, and your stated goals. Some use sizers — implants placed in a special bra during consultation — to give you a visual sense. 3D imaging is available at some Istanbul clinics.
A good rule: if you’re unsure between two sizes, go smaller. You can always revise upward. Going too large creates long-term problems — skin thinning, bottoming out, and difficulty with future procedures.
Implant Placement: Over or Under the Muscle?
Where the implant sits relative to the chest muscle changes the final look and feel.
- Subglandular (over the muscle): Faster recovery, more projection, easier surgery. But implants can be more visible if you have thin tissue coverage.
- Submuscular (under the muscle): More natural appearance, better coverage over the implant, lower capsular contracture rates. Recovery is more uncomfortable — the muscle is cut and takes longer to settle.
- Dual plane: A hybrid — the upper part of the implant is under the muscle, the lower part is under breast tissue. Widely used for patients with some existing breast tissue who want a natural result.
For most patients, dual plane placement gives the best combination of natural appearance and adequate coverage. But this is surgeon-dependent — technique matters as much as placement choice.
Incision Options
Three incision sites are commonly used. All result in small scars, but their placement differs:
- Inframammary (under the breast fold): Most common. The scar sits in the natural crease and is largely hidden. Best access for accurate implant placement.
- Periareolar (around the nipple edge): The scar blends into the colour change at the areola margin. Slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation and a minor risk of bacterial contamination from milk ducts.
- Transaxillary (through the armpit): No scar on the breast at all. More technically demanding. Less common in Turkey but available at specialist centres.
Inframammary remains the gold standard for most augmentations. If a specific incision is important to you, discuss it early — not after the surgeon has already planned the procedure.
Breast Augmentation Turkey Cost vs Europe
| Country | Average Cost (All-in) | What’s Typically Included |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Istanbul) | £2,000–£3,200 | Surgery, anaesthesia, 1-night hospital stay, implants, aftercare |
| United Kingdom | £4,500–£7,500 | Surgery, implants (follow-up often extra) |
| Germany | €5,000–€8,000 | Surgery, implants |
| United States | $6,000–$10,000 | Surgeon fee only (facility & anaesthesia extra) |
The implants used in Turkey are the same brands available in the UK: Mentor, Motiva, Sientra, Sebbin. The cost difference comes from lower facility and labour costs — not from switching to an inferior product.
Istanbul Clinic Advantages
Istanbul has over 50 JCI-accredited hospitals — more than any other city in Europe. The competition has driven up quality and driven down prices simultaneously. Clinics that want to attract international patients compete hard on patient experience: private rooms, English-speaking coordinators, airport transfers, hotel partnerships, and direct surgeon access post-surgery.
This doesn’t mean every clinic in Istanbul is good. There are high-volume, low-quality operations here too — particularly ones that advertise primarily on social media with suspiciously low prices and no named surgeon. Red flags: no named surgeon on the website, prices 40% below market, no follow-up protocol, “guaranteed results” language.
What to look for: a board-certified plastic surgeon (Turkish Board of Plastic Surgery or equivalent European/US board), accredited facility, before/after photos of real patients, and a consultation process that involves the surgeon — not just a coordinator.
Recovery: What to Expect
Breast augmentation recovery varies significantly based on placement. Under-muscle placement takes longer.
- Days 1–3: Tightness and soreness, particularly if submuscular. Pain is managed with medication. Drains are not usually used for standard augmentation.
- Week 1: Most patients move around comfortably. Light desk work is possible by day 4–5. Avoid raising arms above shoulder height.
- Weeks 2–4: Swelling peaks around day 3–5, then gradually reduces. Implants sit high initially — they drop and soften over 4–8 weeks as the pocket settles.
- Month 3: Final result visible. The implants have settled, swelling is gone, and scars are beginning to fade.
Flying home after 5–7 days is standard for most patients. Avoid lifting anything heavy for 4 weeks. Sports bras are required for 6–8 weeks.
Implant Lifespan and Revision
Modern silicone implants are not lifetime devices, but they don’t have a fixed expiry date either. Many last 15–20 years without issue. You don’t need to replace implants on a schedule — only if you develop a problem (capsular contracture, rupture, or if you simply want a change).
Rupture rates for modern silicone implants are low — around 1% per year after year 10, according to manufacturer data. MRI scans are sometimes recommended at 10 years to check implant integrity, though not all guidelines require this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
In most cases, yes. Submuscular placement and inframammary incision preserve milk ducts. Periareolar incisions carry a slightly higher risk of affecting lactation. Tell your surgeon if breastfeeding is a future priority — it changes the approach.
Will implants affect mammograms?
Implants can partially obscure breast tissue on mammograms. Radiologists use displacement views (Eklund technique) to image around the implant. Always tell your radiographer you have implants. This applies regardless of where you have surgery.
How long until I see the final result?
Approximately 3 months. The immediate post-surgery appearance — high, firm, and swollen — is not the final result. Implants drop and soften over 6–8 weeks. Swelling continues to reduce through month 3. Photos taken at 2 weeks post-op are not representative.
What’s capsular contracture?
The body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue (capsule) around any implant. In some patients this capsule thickens and contracts, causing the breast to feel firm and sometimes look distorted. It affects roughly 5–10% of patients long-term. Treatment ranges from medication to surgical capsule removal.
Is breast augmentation in Turkey safe?
Yes, when performed by a qualified surgeon in an accredited facility. The risks of breast augmentation in Turkey are the same as anywhere else — the procedure carries the same inherent risks. What varies is the quality of the surgeon and facility. Do your due diligence: verify credentials, read real patient reviews, and confirm the hospital is accredited.
How do I book with Dr. Elvan Bayraktar?
Contact us via the form below or WhatsApp. Online consultations are available — you can share your goals, photos, and medical history before committing to travel. Dr. Elvan will provide a clear recommendation on implant type, size, placement, and incision based on your anatomy.
