Breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after aesthetic procedures in Turkey, chosen by women to enlarge, reshape or restore harmonious breast proportions. The right choice of implants, the placement technique and an experienced surgeon directly affect how natural the result looks and how comfortable the recovery is. In this interview we take a detailed look at the key questions that most often concern patients.
Dr. Celal Alioglu is a Turkish plastic surgeon who performs the full range of aesthetic procedures. His main areas of focus are rhinoplasty, breast surgery and abdominoplasty, as well as body-contouring and facial rejuvenation procedures. In breast surgery he pays special attention to the patient’s anatomy, the selection of suitable implants and gentle tissue handling for a natural and long-lasting result.
The interview was conducted by Maria Chabdaeva, director of the international company Beauty by Experts Medical, which arranges treatment with leading plastic surgeons in Turkey.
- It’s a pleasure to see you in Istanbul. I’d like to know which operations you prefer to perform and what exactly you specialise in?
I am a plastic surgeon and perform all kinds of aesthetic procedures. I work with all types of rhinoplasty and all types of breast surgery. I enjoy performing body-contouring and facial rejuvenation procedures. My three main areas are rhinoplasty, breast surgery and abdominoplasty.
- Which implants do you use when performing breast augmentation?
I work with silicone implants. They come in two shapes — anatomical and round. The choice of implant depends not only on the patient’s wishes. First and foremost it is important to take into account the anatomy of her body. We should aim for the result of the operation to look harmonious, and this is exactly the argument I make to my patients. If the breast is initially teardrop-shaped and sits low, it is worth choosing anatomical implants so that the shape looks natural.
- Which brands of implants do you use?
I mainly use implants from two brands — Polytech and Mentor. At the moment there are certain difficulties with the availability of implants from some brands, possibly following the pandemic. We cannot always obtain all sizes of Polytech implants, so I currently work mostly with Mentor. In terms of quality, price and feel they are equivalent.
- Does a patient need to replace the implant after surgery — for example, after 10, 20 or 30 years?
If there are no problems, we do not replace the implants and do not recommend doing so. But after 10 years of use, patients should have an annual MRI to check the condition of the implant surface.
- Can a patient breastfeed after implants are placed?
Of course.
- Does this not depend on whether the implant is placed under or over the muscle?
No. However, this question is a subject of debate among patients. Some believe that placement under the muscle is safer for breastfeeding. That is a misconception. When choosing the placement method, it is important that the patient has enough of her own breast tissue to cover the implant. If there isn’t enough, we place the implant under the muscle. In all other cases it should be placed over the muscle.
- Why? How does this affect the patient?
The muscle is not part of the breast tissue; it belongs to the chest wall. That is why using the muscle is anatomically incorrect. We resort to it only when we have no other option — for example, if the patient does not have enough of her own breast tissue. Over time the breast tissue may descend, while the implant held by the muscle stays in place. This creates a deformity that we call the “waterfall effect”. That is precisely why we try not to place implants under the muscle.
- Tell us how the recovery process after surgery goes. How painful is it?
Recovery varies. A lot depends on what happens on the operating table. If the surgeon handles the tissues gently during the operation, recovery is less painful. In addition, the patient’s pain threshold matters, as does the surgical method itself. If the muscle is involved when placing the implant, patients experience slightly more pain.
A great deal also depends on the patient herself. For example, I enlarge a patient’s breasts, and when I come for the post-operative check-up I can’t find her in the room — she has already gone outside. But there are cases when I arrive and see the patient crying from pain. It really depends on the person. In breast surgery the hardest days are the first 4, and then a quick recovery follows.
- Do you do anything to ease the pain in the first days?
Of course. We give painkillers, and they last for the first week. In addition, as I already said, I try to handle the soft tissues gently so that recovery is less painful. I also try to work faster in order to prevent severe tissue swelling. This too helps reduce the pain.
- When will the patient be able to return to normal life, and what final result can be expected?
Recovery goes almost the same way as after rhinoplasty. After a week patients can return to their usual life with some restrictions. After a month they can work and do sports. The final result can be assessed after six months to a year.
- Thank you very much, doctor. This has been a very interesting interview.
Thank you too.
How to travel to Turkey for breast augmentation with Dr. Celal Alioglu?
Dr. Celal Alioglu performs breast augmentation and correction using modern silicone implants and an individually chosen placement technique. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, the volume of her own tissue and the desired result, the surgeon selects the implant shape, the placement method and the recovery plan.
Beauty by Experts Medical works with trusted clinics and specialists in the field of plastic surgery. All medical facilities undergo strict selection, are equipped with modern technology and meet international standards of quality and safety. The surgeon is selected 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 augmentation with Dr. Celal Alioglu, simply 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 your return home — you will be accompanied by a team that will take care of the organisational matters and help you feel confident.
