Breast surgery is one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures in Turkey, and in this interview we discuss its specifics with experienced plastic surgeon Ercan Karacaoglu.
Professor Ercan Karacaoglu is a plastic surgeon with almost 30 years of experience, specialising in facial, breast and body contouring surgery. The doctor pays particular attention to an individual approach to each patient, natural-looking results and safety at every stage of treatment and recovery.
The interview was conducted by Maria Chabdaeva, head of the international company Beauty by Experts Medical, which organises treatment with leading plastic surgeons in Turkey.
- Good afternoon, Dr Ercan. It’s a pleasure to meet you!
It’s a pleasure to see you too!
- Could you tell us which procedures you specialise in?
I perform almost every type of cosmetic surgery. But if I were to rank them by priority — from the most common to the less frequent — I would say that I perform a lot of facial surgery, including nose surgery, that is, rhinoplasty. In second place, I perform many breast procedures — breast lifts, breast augmentation, breast reconstruction and body contouring surgery. In third place come abdominoplasty, liposuction, arm lifts, all types of abdominal surgery, and body contouring procedures, including thigh lifts or the placement of implants in the thighs and calves.
- What is your favourite operation?
When I perform an operation, I know that the person genuinely needs it. I understand that the surgery can change their life for the better. That makes me feel happy. So my favourite operation is the one that truly helps to change a person’s life.
- Let’s talk about breast augmentation. Which technique do you use and how do you choose it? Does the patient need a breast lift? And which approach will you use — under or over the muscle?
You know, there are certain well-established rules in plastic surgery. If we are talking, for example, about breast augmentation, then it is obvious that first you need to assess how the patient’s breasts look: are they sagging or not? If there is no sagging, then a lift is definitely not needed. But if there is sagging of the nipple-areola complex, then it is sometimes necessary (not as a rule, but in most cases) to combine breast augmentation with a lift. That is why we ask our patients to send us photographs so that we can see the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold. This helps us determine whether only augmentation is required or whether an additional lift is needed. In most cases, almost 95%, I prefer to place the implant under the muscle, because this gives a more stable, longer-lasting result compared with an implant placed over the muscle. As for the incision, it can be made around the nipple, under the breast or in the armpit area. I discuss this point with my patients. In most cases, the scar under the breast is less noticeable. But some patients prefer an incision around the areola — that is fine, and I am quite able to do it. I always follow their preferences, describe the pros and cons of each approach, and together we decide which option will achieve the optimal result.
- Could you tell us which implant shape you use and why?
This also depends on the patient’s preferences. Some of them have a lack of volume in the upper part of the breast. In this case it is better to use round-shaped implants. These implants are also more reliable in the long term: if they rotate, the breast does not become deformed, as happens when anatomically shaped implants rotate. However, in some rare cases, anatomical implants are the right choice for patients due to the particular structure of the chest. But in 85–90% of cases I prefer to place round implants.
- Is there a risk of the breasts sagging after surgery? I mean, if we perform a lift while placing the implants, can the breasts still look saggy after the operation?
The risk of this problem is very low. But yes, it cannot be entirely ruled out — I would say it is around 5%. Sometimes, after 3–4 months, when the result of the operation becomes fully apparent, it may turn out that a minor sagging correction is needed. However, in the majority — that is, in 95% of cases — a second lift is not necessary. We perform operations with a high success rate. But even if you do need a repeat correction, it is a very simple procedure compared with the first one, since it does not require replacing the implant: the surgeon simply tightens the tissue a little.
- If this happens, is the correction carried out at the patient’s expense?
No, the patient only pays for the hospital services.
- Regarding pain — will the patient experience pain after the operation and how long will it last?
If you place the implant under the muscle, there is always a risk of pain. But I carry out certain pain-management procedures before the operation. At the start of the operation I numb the nerves, which gives me greater control over pain during surgery. So it is not a very serious problem for my patients. Three days after the operation some discomfort may occur, but it is easily managed with ordinary painkillers.
- And after what period can we speak of full recovery? When does the patient stop feeling discomfort?
Let’s put it this way: almost 80% of the tension-related pain goes away within three days after the operation. I would clarify that on average it takes about a week. But we still ask our patients to control their arm movements during the first three weeks, to avoid sudden movements and heavy loads. Ten days after the operation they can start driving, and after almost three weeks to a month they can swim, but without vigorous arm movements. Patients should be careful during the first month.
- When can patients return to work after the operation?
After 3 days.
- I mean, they will stay in Istanbul for six days. So after they return to their home country, will they be able to go back to work?
Yes. We simply ask them not to make too many intense arm movements. After a month they will be able to return to sports training.
- Can we talk about the less pleasant side of things — what complications might we face with breast augmentation and lifts? What happens to a patient who has come from abroad and encounters a complication, if one occurs?
Any surgical operation carries certain risks, such as bleeding, infection or slow healing of the postoperative wound. But, thank God, this happens rarely — I would say in 1 case out of 500. In our practice, 99% of patients tolerate the operation well and return home without any problems. We continue to monitor them through social media. And if something does happen, the patient can always come back to us, and we will be sure to resolve the problem.
How to travel to Turkey for breast surgery
The company Beauty by Experts Medical works with trusted clinics and leading plastic surgeons in Turkey in the field of breast augmentation and other aesthetic procedures. All medical facilities undergo strict selection, are equipped with modern technology and meet international standards of quality and safety. The selection of a specialist is carried out under the guidance of director Maria Chabdaeva, taking into account experience, the techniques used and patient reviews. To arrange a trip to Turkey for breast surgery with Ercan Karacaoglu, you simply need to contact the coordinating doctors at Beauty by Experts Medical using the phone numbers listed on the website, or leave an online request. At every stage — from the first consultation to the return home — the patient is accompanied by coordinating doctors. They help with organising the trip, booking the hotel, transfers, and provide translation and ongoing support. This approach makes the process of breast surgery in Turkey as clear, safe and comfortable as possible for the patient.
