Vacation in Istanbul and breast augmentation surgery with 250ml silicone implants – report from Monday, October 15, 2012
12.10.2012
Experience report of aesthetic cosmetic surgery in Istanbul
Ramona S., 26 years old
Due to a botched Macrolane Gel treatment, I used my already planned one-week vacation in Turkey to repair the damage as best as possible. In the spring of 2012, I underwent Macrolane Gel treatment with a dermatologist in Switzerland. 140 ml of hyaluronic acid gel was injected into each breast using a syringe. Since I was afraid of surgery and the resulting scarring in the breast crease, injecting a gel made from my own skin tissue through small injection sites seemed like a good alternative.
At first, everything seemed fine; the difference wasn’t huge, but the increase in breast volume was already very valuable to me, and I was quite satisfied with the result. I wanted to see how the size and shape of my breasts changed and how I liked it, so I could later decide whether or not I might want to undergo definitive breast augmentation surgery.
Unfortunately, pockets formed at the injection sites through which the Macrolane gel was injected into my breasts, leaving unsightly, visible, and palpable dents! My dermatologist then had to reopen the injection sites to squeeze out the accumulated hyaluronic acid gel. Unfortunately, the injection sites didn’t close at all afterward, and even after several weeks, a considerable amount of gel continued to leak out!
When a considerable amount had accumulated on the right side, and after squeezing out the mass, which was about the size of a small apple, the size difference was already visible, and therefore the gel on the left side also had to be removed. To squeeze out the remaining gel, the dermatologist reopened the injection site on both sides a second time and squeezed out as much of the remaining material as possible. Due to the unfortunate outcome of the procedure, my doctor was at least generous enough to refund the majority of the costs, minus a portion of the material costs. Apparently, my doctor had already treated over three hundred women with Macrolane, but such an unfortunate situation as with my breasts had never occurred before!
Since I had endured a lot of discomfort and still hadn’t achieved an increase in breast volume, I decided to have breast augmentation done using implants.
I’ve now started researching online and have also contacted surgeons in the region to inquire about the options, procedure, and costs. Breast augmentation in Switzerland is very expensive, and the result of surgery performed by a Swiss surgeon isn’t necessarily better than that of a foreign doctor.
Having spoken with several friends who had breast augmentation surgery both in Switzerland and abroad, I was able to see for myself that the procedures and results performed abroad are very good and professional. Since comparatively more cosmetic surgeries are performed abroad than in Switzerland, my trust in the experience and expertise of a foreign doctor was even greater than in that of a Swiss surgeon. Especially considering that my botched procedure was performed in Switzerland!
So I came across the Swisslasik website and contacted the agency, first by email and then in person. I received all the information I needed quickly and with friendly advice. Of course, the exact size and other details can only be discussed with the doctor in person in Istanbul. I decided to have the surgery at Acibadem Istanbul, and an appointment was made for a preliminary examination with the cosmetic surgeon.
Upon arrival at the airport, my companion and I were already expected and immediately driven to our hotel in a private car. The driver was always punctual and took me to the hospital the very next morning for a preliminary examination. Due to the specific situation with the botched procedure caused by the Macrolane gel, the surgeon wanted to perform an ultrasound scan beforehand to determine where and how much of the remaining material was still in my breasts before inserting the desired 250ml silicone implants. Without knowing how and where this remaining material was distributed in my breasts and being able to better assess the associated increased risk of infection, he wouldn’t operate otherwise! Of course, I agreed to the additional examination, as I also wanted to minimize the risk of infection. It was also very reassuring to feel that the doctor was genuinely concerned about my well-being and didn’t simply want to perform the surgery at any cost. Because he had told me that if too much residual tissue remained, he would refuse to perform the operation for my protection and, of course, for his own!
The ultrasound revealed that small amounts of Macrolane gel remained in both breast pockets. On the left side, it was also evident that a small amount had been injected into the pectoral muscle. The gel in the pectoral muscle could not be removed and is causing a slight, temporary difference in breast size, as the remaining material will need to be naturally absorbed, a process that will take approximately twelve to eighteen months from the start of the injections.
After several doctors reviewed my images and consulted with each other, the surgeon concluded that he would perform the operation. Before inserting the silicone implants, he would remove as much of the remaining gel as possible. To minimize the risk of infection, he also insisted that I stay in the clinic for observation for at least two days instead of one. I agreed, and the operation was able to begin the following morning.
In the preparation room, the surgeon made the necessary markings and we discussed the final details. Afterward, I was dressed in a surgical gown and compression stockings before being wheeled into the operating room on a bed. As soon as I was transferred from the gurney to the operating table, I was given the anesthesia and drifted peacefully into a deep sleep. When I woke up, I didn’t realize at first that the surgery was already over. So I asked the doctors when it would start. I was told that everything had gone well and without complications, and when I lifted my head to look at my breasts, I immediately saw the difference and the beautiful result. After a short rest, I was taken to a private room on the upper floors. The room at Acibadem Maslak was very nicely furnished, and I lacked nothing for the next two days. The nursing staff was always incredibly kind and took wonderful care of me. The food was very good, a blend of traditional Turkish and modern cuisine. There were even two trays at every meal, so that there was always an extra meal available for a companion.
After the second night, the drains could finally be removed. The pain was manageable, with only an uncomfortable pressure, especially in the mornings and late evenings, but just a few days later I was able to manage without painkillers or with very little. My breasts were naturally still swollen for a few days, and the skin was very tight. It takes between two and four months, depending on the individual, for the skin to soften and reach its final shape.
But even shortly after the surgery, and even after just two days, it was clear that my breasts had taken on a beautiful and full shape. The result is very beautiful and symmetrical. I was, and still am, very happy with my new body shape! Happy and, most importantly, healthy, I was able to leave the hospital to enjoy a few more days in Istanbul. A few days later, I had my final check-up with the surgeon before flying home after a 10-day stay. I felt absolutely no pain on the plane, and the following days and weeks passed without any complications. It’s now been over two months since the surgery. The scars are still red, of course, but the healing is progressing well. The support bra I received at the clinic fits perfectly, and I wear it every day, at night, and even when exercising. All in all, I can only speak positively about my cosmetic surgery in Turkey and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested.