Breast lift (mastopexy) in Türkiye

What it is

Mastopexy, commonly called a breast uplift, is an operation to remove extra loose skin from the breasts and to lift and reshape them so they look more youthful. Breasts droop with age, after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and after weight loss, because the skin and the fibrous ligaments that support the breast stretch. The operation cannot recreate that fibrous support; it reshapes the breast by removing skin, remodelling the tissue and moving the nipples up to a better position. The areola can also be made smaller.

There are different types of lift, and different types leave different scars. The most common has a cut around the areola and vertically under the breast; sometimes there is also a cut in the crease under the breast, giving an anchor shape. The type should depend on your breast size and the result you want, so ask which is planned and where the scars will lie.

If the breasts are small as well as drooping, a lift can be combined with silicone implants, which is the only way to increase fullness above the nipples, though the weight of the implants can make the breast droop again. Read breast augmentation before agreeing to a combined operation. If your main concern is size, see breast reduction.

Who it is for, and who it is not for

Results are most favourable in women with small, saggy breasts, although breasts of any size can be lifted. The result may not last as long with heavy breasts. A lift will not last for ever: gravity, pregnancy and weight gain take their toll.

If you are overweight or planning a pregnancy, your surgeon may suggest delaying. If you smoke, stopping at least six weeks before surgery helps reduce the risk of complications. UK surgeons also say that nobody needs an urgent breast uplift, and that if you are not given time to think, you should look elsewhere.

How it is done in Türkiye

The operation is normally done under general anaesthetic and often involves an overnight stay in hospital, depending on its extent. You may wake with two small tubes draining each breast for a short time, and with a firm bra or dressing that continues until the stitches come out, about 10 days to 2 weeks later. Plan on at least two weeks off work and a month without strenuous exercise, including swimming.

The register's own scheme files breast lift under plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery; Turkish plastic surgery is a five-year specialty. Ask for the surgeon's specialty and certificate in writing.

On facility type, the Ministry's rules for outpatient facilities let a medical centre operate only under a surgical permit limited to the specialties named on it; patients graded ASA 3 or above (a standard anaesthetic risk grade) cannot be operated on there, and observation is limited to 24 hours. A polyclinic may not run around the clock or have an emergency unit. A hospital can admit you overnight. We found no rule that ties this operation to one facility type, so ask for the place in writing.

The register records that a facility is authorised to treat international patients; each facility enters its own treatment list, and the authorisation does not certify the procedure.

What to check before you book

• The surgeon, by name, specialty, and that they will operate themselves: how to check a doctor.
• The place, type and authorisation number: how to read one.
• The plan: technique, scar pattern, any change to the areola, and whether implants are included.
• If implants: make, model, size and lot or serial number in writing, and an implant card.
• The anaesthetist, named, present throughout.
• Clot risk: UK surgeons' guidance notes a small risk of thrombosis of the leg veins, especially if you take the contraceptive pill, and advises changing to another method at least six weeks beforehand. Ask your own GP before you travel.
• Two consultations, the first in person, with a cooling-off period.
• Your flight: 5 to 7 days is the public-health minimum; ask for the surgeon's clearance in writing.
• Records and follow-up: operation note, anaesthetic record, discharge summary, your file (what to ask for), and who removes stitches and drains.

What a package must state

• The technique, scar pattern, and whether implants or areola reduction are included.
• Surgeon and anaesthetist names and specialties; facility name, type, address and authorisation number.
• Nights in hospital and type of room.
• Bras, dressings, drains, medicines: included or charged separately.
• Consultations, stitch removal, review dates, minimum stay.
• Follow-up after you return, for how long, in which language.
• Who treats and who pays for a complication or revision, and in which country.
• Documents you will be given.

Risks, complications and aftercare

As with any major operation under general anaesthetic there is a small risk of chest problems, particularly in smokers, and a small risk of thrombosis in the leg veins. Rarely, heavy bleeding after the operation needs a return to theatre. Occasionally infection, usually from germs lying dormant in the ducts of the breast, makes part of a wound break down, which prolongs healing and worsens the final scar. Some people have an inborn tendency for scars to stretch or to stay thick, red and irritable for a long time.

Over 6 to 12 months scars fade from red to pale, but they are extensive and permanent: it is not possible to reshape drooping breasts without significant scars. Contact the clinic promptly for unexpected pain, burning, unusual swelling or skin colour change. See aftercare abroad.

Questions to ask in writing

• Who will operate, with what specialty? Please send the certificate.
• Which technique, and where will the scars lie? Please give a diagram.
• Are implants included? If so, which exactly?
• Where will the operation take place, and where will I spend the night?
• Who is the anaesthetist, and are they present throughout?
• How many days must I stay, and when will you confirm I may fly?
• Who removes stitches and drains, and who reviews me at 1 to 2 weeks and later?
• If I have a wound problem at home, whom do I contact, and who pays?
• What documents will I receive?
• Can I see the contract and cancellation terms before paying any deposit?

This page is an information service, not medical advice. Clinimora is an independent, patient-funded research service. It does not sell treatment, does not diagnose and does not recommend any clinic.