- Breast Augmentation
- Surgical procedure that increases breast size and improves shape using silicone or saline implants. Also known as augmentation mammaplasty. One of the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedures globally.
- Subfascial Breast Augmentation
- Implant placement beneath the pectoral fascia (a strong tissue layer covering the chest muscle) but above the muscle itself. Provides extra tissue coverage compared to subglandular without muscle distortion. Most commonly used technique in modern practice.
- Dual Plane Breast Augmentation
- Implant placement where the upper portion sits under the pectoral muscle while the lower portion sits under breast tissue. Three variations (Type I, II, III) provide different levels of muscle release. Combines benefits of both above- and below-muscle planes.
- Subglandular Breast Augmentation
- Implant placement above the pectoral muscle, beneath breast tissue only. Shortest surgery and recovery time; suitable for patients with adequate breast tissue thickness and no significant ptosis.
- Submuscular Breast Augmentation
- Implant placement completely beneath the pectoral muscle. Maximum soft-tissue coverage; lower visible rippling risk. Suitable for very thin patients with minimal breast tissue.
- Inframammary Fold (IMF) Incision
- Most common breast augmentation incision. Placed in the natural crease beneath the breast (inframammary fold). Direct surgical access, minimal interference with breast tissue or milk ducts, scar hidden in natural fold.
- Transaxillary (Armpit) Incision
- Alternative breast augmentation incision in the armpit fold. Leaves no scar on the breast itself. Less direct surgical access; suitable for patients with average implant size requirements who specifically prioritise no breast scar.
- Periareolar Incision
- Incision around the lower border of the areola. Scar hides at natural pigment border. Passes through breast tissue with potential effects on milk ducts and nipple sensation. Less commonly used in modern practice.
- Silicone Gel Implant
- Most common breast implant type globally. Cohesive gel maintains shape and feels natural. FDA-approved with extensive safety data. Sometimes called 'gummy bear' implants when highly cohesive.
- Saline Implant
- Implant filled with sterile saltwater after insertion through a smaller incision. Permits valve-based size adjustment intraoperatively. Less natural feel than silicone gel.
- Round Implant
- Most common implant shape. Provides fullness in the upper pole and a classic, symmetrical look. Symmetric so cannot rotate out of position.
- Anatomical (Teardrop) Implant
- Asymmetric implant shape mimicking natural breast — more projection at the lower pole. Must remain in correct orientation. Suits patients seeking the most natural-looking result.
- Implant Profile
- How far the implant projects from the chest wall relative to its base width. Low (widest base, minimal projection), moderate (balanced), high (narrow base, strong projection), or extra-high (narrowest base, maximum projection).
- Implant Volume (cc)
- Implant size measured in cubic centimetres. Typical range 200–500cc; 300–350cc most common for natural results. Cup size is NOT an accurate target for surgical planning — cc volume on appropriate base width is the precise measurement.
- Implant Surface Texture
- Outer surface of the implant: smooth, microtextured, textured, or polyurethane-coated. Each has distinct characteristics regarding tissue integration, capsular contracture risk, and implant stability.
- Capsular Contracture
- Tightening of the natural scar capsule that forms around any breast implant. Can cause firmness, distortion, or discomfort. Risk 1–3% per year cumulative; lower with subfascial/dual plane techniques and textured implants.
- Breast Ptosis
- Breast sagging — specifically, the position of the nipple-areolar complex relative to the inframammary fold. Graded I (mild), II (moderate), III (severe), or pseudoptosis (volume below NAC level).
- Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
- Surgical procedure to reposition existing breast tissue to a more youthful position without significantly reducing volume. Indicated for ptosis without volume excess. Often combined with augmentation as augmentation-mastopexy.
- Augmentation-Mastopexy
- Combined breast augmentation and lift in a single procedure. Indicated for patients with both volume deficiency and ptosis. Adds implant volume while repositioning existing tissue and tightening skin envelope.
- Nipple-Areolar Complex (NAC)
- The nipple together with the surrounding areola. Position, size, and sensation are key considerations in all breast surgery. Standard areolar diameter target: 38–42 mm in females.
- Inframammary Fold (IMF)
- Natural crease where the breast meets the chest wall. Anatomical landmark for breast surgery; the IMF incision is placed precisely in this fold for maximum scar concealment.
- Drain-Free Technique
- Modern breast augmentation performed without surgical drains. Achieved through meticulous intraoperative haemostasis, tissue rearrangement minimising dead space, and energy-assisted dissection. Improves patient comfort and recovery.
- Surgical Bra (Compression Bra)
- Post-surgical supportive bra worn continuously for 4–6 weeks after breast augmentation. Provides compression, supports healing tissue, and helps implants settle into proper pocket position. Adherence is the most patient-controllable variable in result quality.
- Seroma
- Post-operative fluid collection beneath the skin or around the implant. Incidence 1–4%; most resolve with conservative management. Drain-free technique maintains acceptable seroma rates through meticulous closure.
- Haematoma
- Post-operative blood collection beneath the skin. Incidence 0.5–2%. Most resolve conservatively; large haematomas may require surgical evacuation.
- BIA-ALCL
- Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma — a rare lymphoma associated specifically with textured breast implants. Now well-documented in literature. Risk consideration in implant surface selection.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII)
- Poorly-defined symptom complex some patients attribute to their breast implants. Not currently recognised as a specific medical diagnosis. Explantation may be considered if symptoms are attributed to implants.
- Implant Rupture
- Loss of implant shell integrity. Modern silicone implants: <1% per year. Detected by MRI or ultrasound. Cohesive gel implants do not 'leak' — gel remains within shape due to cohesive properties.
- Implant Malposition
- Implant not in optimal pocket position: bottoming out (descent below IMF), lateral displacement, symmastia (medial displacement), or rotation. Rare with proper surgical technique.
- Implant Manufacturer Warranty
- Most modern implant brands (Mentor by Johnson & Johnson, Motiva) offer manufacturer lifetime warranties covering shell rupture and (varies by brand) some component of revision surgery. Warranty is valid globally regardless of where surgery was performed.
- FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons)
- Senior surgical fellowship awarded by the American College of Surgeons. Held by most US plastic surgeons. Verifiable on facs.org Fellow lookup. Dr. Erdal was inducted as FACS at ACS Clinical Congress 2025.
- FEBOPRAS
- Fellow, European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. European board certification requiring rigorous written and oral examinations. Held by a minority of European plastic surgeons.
- JCI Accreditation
- Joint Commission International — international standard for hospital quality and patient safety. Rigorous standards for infection control, surgical safety, anaesthesia, emergency response. Re-accreditation every 3 years through external audit. Same standard used by major US hospitals.
- BMI Requirement
- Body Mass Index threshold for elective breast augmentation. Most surgeons (including Dr. Erdal) require BMI under 30–32 for safe surgery. Higher BMI elevates complication rates including capsular contracture risk.
- Smoking Cessation
- Pre-operative requirement: minimum 4 weeks before surgery, ideally 8 weeks. Smoking impairs wound healing and significantly elevates breast augmentation complication rates including capsular contracture, wound dehiscence, and infection.