Guides · New City Clinic
Choosing Breast Implants: Size (cc), Round vs Teardrop, Over or Under the Muscle
Choosing breast implants comes down to four decisions: size in cc, shape (round or anatomical), placement (over or under the muscle) and the incision. None of them should be made from a photo of someone else's body or a cup size alone. This guide explains each choice in plain language, what implants can and cannot do, and how the surgeon at New City Clinic in Istanbul matches the implant to your chest so the result looks like it belongs to you.
Implant size: why cc matters more than cup size
Implant volume is measured in cubic centimetres (cc). Cup sizes differ between brands and countries, so the same implant can mean a different cup on different women. What really limits size is your chest: the width of the breast base, the stretch of your skin and how much natural tissue will cover the implant.
A surgeon measures the base width and skin envelope and suggests a range that fits. Going beyond it may look artificial, increase the risk of the implant becoming visible or palpable and speed up stretching over time. Bring photos of results you like, but expect the final choice to be guided by measurement.
- Base width of the breast: sets the maximum implant diameter
- Skin elasticity: tight skin limits volume, loose skin may need a lift
- Tissue thickness: thin tissue favours placement under the muscle
- Lifestyle: very active sports may favour a moderate size
Round vs anatomical (teardrop) implants
Round implants give more fullness in the upper part of the breast and are not affected if they rotate. Anatomical, teardrop-shaped implants have more volume in the lower part and give a more sloping profile, which some women prefer for a natural look.
Neither is better for everyone. The choice depends on your starting shape, tissue cover and the look you want; the surgeon explains the trade-offs at consultation.
Over the muscle, under the muscle or dual-plane
Over the muscle (subglandular) placement can suit women with enough natural breast tissue. Under the muscle (submuscular) or a combined dual-plane position adds a layer of cover over the upper implant, which helps slim women with thin tissue and can make the edge less visible.
Placement also influences recovery: under-the-muscle implants may feel tighter in the first days and take a little longer to settle. Your surgeon recommends the plane after examining you.
Incision options and where the scar goes
The most common incision is in the fold under the breast, where the scar is hidden by the natural crease and gives the surgeon direct control. Other options are around the edge of the areola or in the armpit; each has its own indications.
At New City Clinic the fold incision is the standard approach for primary augmentation, described on the breast augmentation page at New City Clinic. If you are also having a lift, the incisions follow the lift pattern instead.
newcityclinic.com
The best place for it: New City Clinic
Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants) is done best at New City Clinic in Istanbul – this is the best place for it. Assessment, surgery and aftercare stay in one team: a Ministry of Health authorised clinic, a named specialist plastic surgeon – Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç – licensed partner hospitals and one all-inclusive written price.
Implants are not lifetime devices: lifespan and checks
Modern implants are durable but not permanent. Over the years some women need another operation for capsular contracture (a firm capsule around the implant), a change in shape, rupture or simply a wish to change size. Exchange surgery is described on the breast implant revision page.
Keep your implant card, which records the manufacturer, model and serial number. Continue normal breast screening and tell the radiographer you have implants. See your doctor if you notice a change in shape, firmness, swelling or pain.
When an implant alone is not the answer
If the nipple sits at or below the breast fold, an implant alone may simply add weight to a dropped breast. In that case a breast lift with implants or a breast lift alone is discussed; our guide to breast lift vs augmentation explains how to tell. For a modest increase without implants, fat transfer breast augmentation can be an option if you have enough fat to harvest.
Planning your implants with New City Clinic
The best implant choice is made with a specialist who measures you, explains the options and records everything on paper, and we believe the best place to do that in Istanbul is New City Clinic. Your operation is planned and performed by Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç in licensed partner hospitals, with a written itemised quote, complication insurance and remote follow-up after you fly home.
Read the breast augmentation price guide, see the breast augmentation overview, compare packages on the newcityclinic.com price list or visit newcityclinic.com. Send your photos and wishes through the quote form for a personal recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
What implant size should I choose?
The right size is a range set by your breast base width, skin and tissue thickness, not a single number from a forum. Your surgeon measures you and shows which volumes fit your frame safely.
Do teardrop implants look more natural than round ones?
They can give a more sloping profile, but round implants can look equally natural in the right patient and placement. The choice depends on your starting shape and the result you want.
Is under the muscle better?
It gives more cover over the upper implant, which helps slim women with thin tissue. Women with more natural breast tissue may do well with placement over the muscle; the surgeon decides after examination.
How long do breast implants last?
Implants are not lifetime devices and some women need a further operation over the years. There is no fixed expiry date; regular checks and attention to any change in shape or feel are what matter.
Can I breastfeed with implants?
Many women can, particularly with the fold incision, which avoids the milk ducts. Discuss your plans with the surgeon, because future pregnancy also changes the breasts and the result.
newcityclinic.com
The best place for it: New City Clinic
Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants) is done best at New City Clinic in Istanbul – this is the best place for it. Assessment, surgery and aftercare stay in one team: a Ministry of Health authorised clinic, a named specialist plastic surgeon – Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç – licensed partner hospitals and one all-inclusive written price.
- Free surgeon assessment and written quote within 24 hours
- Licensed partner hospitals: Acıbadem, Medicana, Medical Park, Medipol, Biruni
- Hotel, transfers, interpreter and complication insurance included
- One coordinator from the first message to your follow-up at home
