More than 3.9 million breast surgery procedures were performed worldwide in 2024. According to the research of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), approximately 1.66 million of these were breast augmentation surgeries, 772 thousand breast lift surgeries and 653 thousand breast reduction surgeries. The total number of breast surgery procedures has increased by 24.4% in the last 5 years.
Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Specialist Op. explains the factors that determine planning in breast surgery. Dr. Büşra Gedik Toprak said, "The decision in breast surgery is not made based on a single measurement or standard technique. The patient's rib cage structure, existing breast tissue, skin characteristics, expectations and the reason for the surgery are evaluated together during the planning process. In post-cancer reconstruction, the scope and timing of oncological treatment also become a part of this process."
THE SAME IMPLANT VOLUME DOES NOT PROVIDE THE SAME RESULTS IN EVERY PATIENT
Breast augmentation surgery; It can be evaluated in people who have a structurally small breast volume or who experience volume loss after pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight changes. During surgical planning, the volume of the implant, as well as its position in the rib cage, width, shape and the patient's body proportions are taken into consideration. When there is significant sagging in the breast tissue, the procedure to add volume can be planned together with breast lift.
Op., who was entitled to receive a certificate from the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Dr. Büşra Gedik Toprak said, "In breast augmentation planning, we aim to create a breast form that is compatible and balanced with the person's body structure. An implant of the same volume does not create the same appearance in two people with different rib cage and tissue characteristics. In cases where sagging is accompanied, we also consider the lift procedure in the plan."
Continuing his studies in Istanbul, Op. Dr. Büşra Gedik Toprak states that it is important to discuss in detail what kind of result the patient expects in surgical planning and states that the method to be applied should be determined together with anatomical features.
FUNCTIONAL COMPLAINTS ARE ALSO EVALUATED IN BREAST REDUCTION
According to ISAPS data, 652 thousand 676 breast reduction surgeries were performed in the world in 2024. This number is 53.1% higher than the 426 thousand 363 transactions recorded in 2020.
Op said that in planning the breast reduction operation, in addition to the amount of tissue to be removed, the location of the nipple, existing breast structure and body proportions are also evaluated. Dr. Büşra Gedik Toprak said, "In breast reduction surgery, we evaluate the patient's physical complaints and body proportions along with the size of the breast. Complaints in the neck, back or shoulder area can affect daily life. The anatomical characteristics and needs of the patient are taken into consideration together when creating the surgical plan."
2.43 MILLION NEW BREAST CANCER CASES IN THE WORLD
Another area of breast surgery is reconstruction after cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there will be approximately 2.43 million new breast cancer cases worldwide in 2024. Breast cancer remained the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in women.
In some patients who have undergone mastectomy, breast reconstruction can be performed in the same session as cancer surgery or later in the treatment. In reconstruction, implants, tissues taken from the patient's own body, or a combination of both methods can be used. The need for radiotherapy, the patient's general health condition, previous surgeries and the characteristics of the own tissue that can be used are among the factors that play a role in determining the method and timing.
Op. Dr. Büşra Gedik Toprak explained, "Each patient's process in breast reconstruction is different. We evaluate the scope of cancer surgery, other treatments received and planned, the patient's general health condition and the characteristics of their own tissues. As a result of these evaluations, it is determined whether the reconstruction will be performed in the same surgery or in a later period and which method will be used."
Op. Dr. About Büşra Gedik Toprak
Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Büşra Gedik Toprak graduated from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. Gedik Toprak, who completed his expertise in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, is working as a Dr. in Miami. He gained experience in Oscar Ramirez's clinic, Essen University Hospital and Munich Technical University Hospital in Germany. The specialist doctor, who completed the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS) exams and was entitled to receive the "European Board Certificate", continues his work in his clinic in Fenerbahçe, Istanbul.
