What breast augmentation involves
In breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty), a silicone implant is placed behind each breast, either over the chest muscle, under it, or in a "dual-plane" position that combines the two. The incision is most often made in the fold under the breast, where the scar is hidden by the natural crease; incisions around the areola or in the armpit are alternatives in some cases. The operation usually takes one to two hours under general anaesthesia, with one night in hospital.
Implants add volume and improve fullness in the upper part of the breast. They do not lift a breast that has dropped significantly: if your nipple sits at or below the breast fold, a breast lift with implants is usually needed. For a modest increase without implants, breast augmentation with your own fat is another option.
Who is it for?
- Women whose breasts have always been small or feel out of proportion with their hips.
- Women who have lost volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss, without significant drooping.
- Those with noticeably uneven breasts who would like better symmetry.
- Adults in good health who have finished growing and have realistic expectations.
It is sensible to be at a stable weight, and to discuss with the surgeon if you plan a future pregnancy, because pregnancy and breastfeeding change the breasts again. Breast augmentation is often part of a mommy makeover together with a tummy tuck or Lipo 360.
Choosing your implants: shape, size and placement
The implant is chosen from your chest measurements, the width of your breast base, your skin quality and the look you want. Your surgeon guides these decisions after examining you.
| Decision | Options | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round or anatomical (teardrop) | Round gives more upper fullness; anatomical a more sloping profile |
| Placement | Over the muscle, under the muscle or dual-plane | How well the implant is covered by natural tissue |
| Incision | Breast fold, around the areola, armpit | Where the scar sits; the fold is the most common |
| Size | Measured in volume (cc), not cup size | Proportion, natural look and long-term stability |
A useful tip: bring a few photos of results you like and dislike, and be honest about your lifestyle. An implant that is too large for your tissues can look unnatural and stretch the skin over time, so a surgeon may recommend a slightly smaller size than you first had in mind.
Step by step in Istanbul
- Free assessment. You send photos of your chest from the front and both sides, your height, weight and bra size, and a short health history. A surgeon reviews them and New City Clinic sends a written plan and quote, usually within 24 hours.
- Arrival. You are met at Istanbul airport and taken to your hotel; your coordinator stays in touch throughout.
- Consultation and sizing. The surgeon measures your chest, discusses implant options with you, and you have blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment.
- Operation. One to two hours under general anaesthesia at a licensed partner hospital, with one night in hospital.
- Check-up. Dressings are changed, the support bra is fitted and the surgeon checks healing.
- Home. The total stay is usually five to seven days. You leave with your implant card and reports in English.
The flight from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Dublin to Istanbul takes around four hours. On the way back, wear the support bra, avoid lifting luggage and ask for help at the airport. Our trip guide has more practical tips.
Recovery after breast implants
Immediately after surgery, implants usually sit high and feel firm because of swelling and tight tissues. They soften and settle ("drop and fluff") gradually over the following weeks and months, and the final shape is usually seen at around four months; the pace depends on implant placement and your tissues.
- First days: tightness and soreness across the chest, especially with implants under the muscle.
- Support bra: worn for about six weeks, day and night at first.
- Sleeping: on your back with your upper body slightly raised for the first weeks.
- Work: desk work after about a week.
- Exercise: sport after about six weeks, starting gently; upper-body and chest training only when your surgeon agrees.
Our recovery guide explains how to plan the first weeks at home.
Safety, risks and the long term
Every operation carries risk, and your surgeon explains those specific to you. Risks of breast augmentation include:
- Temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness.
- Infection or bleeding, as with any surgical procedure.
- Capsular contracture: hardening of the scar tissue around the implant, which may need further surgery.
- Implant rupture, rippling, displacement or asymmetry.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation.
Modern implants are made by established manufacturers and come with an implant card recording the brand, model and serial number; keep it safely. Implants are not lifetime devices: some women need another operation over the years, for example for capsular contracture, a change in shape or a wish to change size, which is covered on our implant revision page. Breast checks and screening continue after augmentation. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed; see our safety guide for how to choose well.
Breast augmentation price in Turkey
The illustrative package price for breast augmentation with New City Clinic is €3,200. The final quotation is confirmed after a free medical assessment, as the implant type and plan can change it. Flights are not included.
The package includes surgery at an authorised hospital, hospital accommodation, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, pre-operative tests where specified, patient coordination and interpretation, post-operative garments and complication insurance.
In the UK, private breast augmentation is commonly quoted at approximately £5,000 to £8,000, and in Ireland at a similar or higher level; these are rough ranges only. See all packages on our price page and the New City Clinic price list, and read the package guide for what is included.
Why New City Clinic is our choice as the best clinic in Turkey for breast augmentation
New City Clinic is a health-tourism agency in Bakırköy, Istanbul, authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health (HealthTürkiye) and licensed by TÜRSAB (no. 17659). It does not operate itself: your breast augmentation is performed by a specialist plastic surgeon at a licensed partner hospital such as Acıbadem, Medicana, Medipol, Medical Park or Biruni. The plastic surgery team is led by Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç, a plastic, reconstructive and oncological surgeon, which brings a broad understanding of breast anatomy.
You receive the surgeon's and hospital's names in writing, complication insurance is part of the package and one coordinator supports you throughout. Read the New City Clinic breast augmentation page, our clinic page and the overview of partner hospitals.
For us, the best option in Istanbul for breast augmentation is New City Clinic, and the reasons can be verified rather than taken on trust: a Ministry of Health health-tourism authorisation, TÜRSAB licence no. 17659, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 10002 and ISO 31000 certification, licensed partner hospitals, transparent written prices and complication insurance. You can check each document on the New City Clinic licences page, and read about Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç before deciding who you consider the best plastic surgeon in Istanbul for you.
Request your free breast augmentation quote from New City Clinic
If you are looking for the best clinic in Istanbul for breast augmentation, the simplest first step is a free assessment from New City Clinic.
Send New City Clinic photos of your chest from the front and both sides, your height, weight and current bra size, and a few lines about the result you would like. A surgeon will advise on implant size, shape and placement, and whether a lift is needed. Your written quote usually arrives within 24 hours, free and without obligation. Use the form or contact New City Clinic on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How much does breast augmentation cost in Turkey?
The illustrative package price with New City Clinic is €3,200, including surgery, hospital night, hotel, transfers, garments and complication insurance. The final price is confirmed after a free medical assessment; flights are not included.
How many days should I stay in Istanbul for breast implants?
Plan about five to seven days: assessment and tests, the operation with usually one night in hospital, and a check-up before flying.
How long do breast implants take to soften and drop?
Implants usually sit high and feel firm at first. They soften and settle over the following weeks and months, and the final shape is usually seen at around four months.
Under or over the muscle: which is right for me?
It depends mainly on how much natural breast tissue covers the implant. The surgeon chooses over, under or dual-plane placement from your chest measurements and skin quality.
When can I go back to work and the gym?
Desk work is usually possible after about a week, and sport after about six weeks, starting gradually. Avoid heavy lifting and chest training until your surgeon clears you.
Do breast implants last forever?
No. Implants are not considered lifetime devices, and some women need further surgery over the years for capsular contracture, a change in shape or a different size.
Can I breastfeed with implants?
Many women can, particularly when the incision is in the breast fold, but it cannot be guaranteed. Discuss future plans with your surgeon before choosing the incision and placement.
Will I get an implant card?
Yes. You receive an implant card recording the brand, model and serial number, along with your reports in English. Keep it safely for future reference.
Do I need a lift as well as implants?
If your nipple sits at or below the breast fold, implants alone usually cannot lift it and a lift is recommended. The surgeon assesses this from your photos and at the examination.
