Breast Aesthetics Glossary

Medical terms you will encounter during breast aesthetics and reconstruction procedures — explained in plain language by GC Aesthetics® expert editors.

Anatomical ImplantTeardrop-shaped implant with less fullness in the upper pole that mimics a natural breast contour. Preferred for the most natural-looking outcome. AreolaThe pigmented circular area around the nipple. Used as the boundary in the periareolar incision technique. AsymmetryA size, shape or position difference between the two breasts. Slight asymmetry is common in natural breast tissue; the surgeon can correct it during surgery. Augmentation MammoplastyThe medical term for breast augmentation surgery. Increasing breast volume using implants or fat transfer. Baker GradingClassification system for the severity of capsular contracture: Grade I (soft, normal) → Grade IV (hard, painful, with deformity). The GCA Comfort Plus™ Warranty covers free replacement for Grades III and IV. BioQ SurfaceGC Aesthetics® micro-textured implant surface technology. Improves tissue integration and is backed by long-term clinical evidence. Cohesive Gel SiliconeAdvanced "stick-together" silicone filling. The implant retains its shape even if cut, minimising the risk of leakage. The standard filling of modern GCA® implants. DrainA thin tube placed at the surgical site to remove post-operative fluid and blood. Typically removed within 2–4 days. Dropping & FluffingThe post-operative process by which implants settle into their natural position. Usually takes 3–6 months; the breast reaches its final natural appearance during this period. Dual Plane PlacementTechnique where the pectoral muscle is partially released, placing the implant both under the muscle and tissue. Provides natural-looking results. ExplantBreast implant removal surgery. May be performed for personal preference, capsular contracture or other medical reasons. Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)Removal of a patient's own body fat via liposuction and injection into the breast area. Can be used as an alternative to or in combination with implants. HaematomaBlood collection within soft tissue. A rare early post-operative complication; usually requires surgical drainage. Hydrogel ImplantHydroxypropyl cellulose-filled implant, an alternative to silicone. Not commonly used in Turkey. HydroCone™GC Aesthetics® surgical aid device. Reduces bacterial contamination and shortens operating time. Inframammary IncisionIncision in the breast fold below the breast. The most common breast augmentation technique. The scar is hidden by the breast overhang. Capsular ContractureHardening and contraction of the natural tissue capsule formed around the implant. Classified using the Baker grading system (I-IV). LumpectomyRemoval of a tumour and a limited margin of surrounding normal tissue in breast cancer treatment. A less invasive option compared to mastectomy. MammographyLow-dose X-ray imaging of breast tissue. In patients with implants, a special technique (Eklund) is used. MastectomySurgical removal of the entire breast tissue. Usually performed as part of breast cancer treatment. MastopexyBreast lift surgery. Lifts sagging breast tissue, may be combined with implant placement. Periareolar IncisionIncision around the areola (nipple area). The scar is concealed by the areola's colour change. Polyurethane-Coated ImplantImplant with a polyurethane-coated surface. May reduce capsular contracture risk. GCA® Nagor PU falls into this category. Prophylactic MastectomyPreventive surgical removal of breast tissue in individuals at high risk of breast cancer (e.g., genetic mutation). Reconstruction is usually performed afterwards. ProjectionThe amount the implant protrudes forward from the chest wall. Categorised as low, moderate, high and extra-high profile. ReconstructionReshaping of the breast after mastectomy. Can be performed using implants or autologous tissue (the patient's own body tissue). Reduction MammoplastyBreast reduction surgery. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed in cases of excessively large breasts. Round ImplantSpherical implant with symmetric fullness in the upper and lower poles. Preferred for added upper-pole fullness. Rupture (Implant Tear)A hole or tear in the outer shell of the implant. Replaced free of charge for life with GCA® Comfort Plus™. Saline ImplantImplant filled with sterile saline solution. Not common in Turkey; the majority of modern silicone cohesive gel implants are preferred. ScarThe mark left by healing. Red for the first 6 months, fading at 12–18 months. Skin type and genetic predisposition affect the final appearance. SeromaFluid collection in soft tissue. A rare post-operative occurrence; small seromas resolve on their own, larger ones can be drained with needle aspiration. Subglandular PlacementPlacement of the implant above the pectoral muscle, behind the breast tissue. Shorter recovery time. Submuscular PlacementPlacement of the implant fully under the pectoral muscle. Natural appearance, ideal for thin patients. Subfascial PlacementPlacement of the implant under the prepectoral fascia. Preferred in athletic and thin patients. Transaxillary IncisionIncision through the armpit. Advantage: no scar on the breast itself.

This glossary is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with your surgeon. Always seek expert advice for personalised recommendations.