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Breast augmentation in Turkey: implants, recovery and how long to stay

Breast augmentation increases breast size with silicone implants (or, less often, your own fat). It usually takes 1–2 hours under general anaesthetic, and clinics typically plan 5–7 days in Istanbul. Implants are not lifetime devices: ask for your implant card with the brand, model and serial number.

Updated 30/10/2026 · general information, not medical advice

Key facts

AnaesthesiaGeneral anaesthetic

Procedure time1–2 hours

Nights in hospital0–1 night

Time in Turkey5–7 days

Flying homeUsually from day 5, once cleared

Desk workAfter 7–14 days

ExerciseAfter about 6 weeks

Final result3–6 months

Typical ranges for a healthy adult (sources at the bottom of the page). Your surgeon or dentist sets your own plan after examining you.

What it is

The surgeon places an implant behind the breast tissue or partly behind the chest muscle (dual plane), through an incision usually in the fold under the breast. Choice of size, shape (round or anatomical) and placement depends on your chest measurements and tissue. If the breasts are also low, a lift may be needed at the same time.

Techniques

Silicone implants – round or anatomical

Most augmentations use cohesive silicone gel implants; shape is chosen according to your anatomy and goals.

Placement: subglandular or dual plane

Behind the breast tissue, or partly behind the muscle for more coverage in slim patients.

Incision: inframammary, periareolar, axillary

Most commonly in the breast fold.

Fat transfer

Uses your own fat for a modest increase; limited volume and some fat is reabsorbed.

Augmentation-mastopexy

Implant and lift in one operation when the breasts also sag.

Who it suits

Usually a good candidate

Breasts you feel are small or asymmetric
Volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss
Good general health and realistic expectations

Think twice / discuss first

Significant sagging without a lift
Plans for pregnancy soon
Expecting implants to last for life without checks
History of breast disease – needs imaging and discussion first

Your stay in Istanbul, step by step

Day 1Consultation, implant sizing, tests.
Day 2Surgery (1–2 hours); day case or one night.
Days 3–5Hotel rest; support bra; arms below shoulder height.
Days 5–7Check-up and wound review before flying.

Recovery timeline

Week 1Tightness and swelling; support bra day and night.
Weeks 1–2Desk work; no lifting.
Week 6Exercise and upper-body training usually resume.
Months 3–6Implants settle into their final position.

Risks and complications

Capsular contracture (hardening around the implant)
Rupture or leakage; implants may need replacing over time
Infection, haematoma
Changes in nipple sensation
Visible rippling, malposition, asymmetry
BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma associated mainly with textured implants – ask which surface is used

This list is not exhaustive. Your surgeon should explain the risks that apply to you, in writing, before you consent.

Cost: what drives the price

Implant brand and type, the surgeon, the hospital and package contents (tests, garments, check-ups, hotel) drive the price. Ask for the implant brand and model to be written on the quote.

Few Istanbul facilities publish prices for this treatment on their own website, and we only show prices that facilities publish themselves. Ask for a written, itemised quote.

Questions to ask the clinic

Which implant brand, model, size and surface (smooth or textured)?
Will I get an implant card with the serial numbers?
Above or below the muscle, and why for me?
Who will follow up if I have a problem at home?
What does the guarantee cover, and for how long?

Clinics in Istanbul for this treatment

These 6 Istanbul facilities from our cosmetic surgery list are among the most searched from the UK. Check with each one that it performs this exact procedure, who the surgeon is, and where it takes place.