The Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation

Last fact-checked: 14 July 2020

Before going ahead with breast augmentation abroad, it’s important to know exactly what the procedure entails, as well as who it’s suitable for, the associated risks, the recovery process and any other important considerations. 

Discover more with Medical Departures and follow out external links for more in-depth information about this life-changing procedure. 

You may also want to browse our full list of quality-checked clinics and hospitals for breast augmentation surgery. 

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation and augmentation mammoplasty (informally known as a “boob job”) are the medical terms used to refer to surgery that reshapes or modifies the size of the breasts. 

The most common breast augmentation procedure involves the placement of implants to increase the size of the breasts. Other fat-grafting techniques are also used to increase the size and change the shape. 

To summarize, breast augmentation surgery is normally carried out to:

• Increase the size of the breasts to improve self-confidence

• Restore breast volume that has been lost due to pregnancy, weight reduction or aging

• Alter the shape of the breast, such as providing a more rounded or ‘teardrop’ shape

• Correct unevenly sized breasts 

• Be used for breast reconstruction after surgery such as mastectomy

Breast augmentation is elective surgery, and therefore not covered by insurance providers or national health cover. Prices in Western countries can be incredibly expensive, often reaching the $10,000 mark at top clinics. By heading abroad to an established medical tourism destination like Thailand, the Philippines or Mexico, patients booking through Medical Departures can save over 50% on the price of this procedure. 

Is Breast Augmentation Suitable for Me?

If you are a healthy adult (at least 18 years old) who is interested in breast augmentation surgery to help with any of the above-listed reasons, you are most likely a suitable candidate. 

However, there are rare complications associated with this surgery (which you can read more about here), so you will need to consult a doctor beforehand, and preferably one who is familiar with or has access to your full medical history. 

Women who receive implants can still breastfeed; again, there are some important considerations which you can read about in more detail here. 

It is also worth noting that breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts (in these cases, you may require a breast lift as well as breast augmentation to lift your breasts and make them look fuller). 

Is There Anything I Should Do Before or After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Your surgeon will give you specific information and answer any questions you may have about how to prepare and how to help recover from your breast augmentation. 

Prior to your procedure, this will include:

• Stopping smoking as this increases the risk of complications

• Eating a nutritious, balanced diet prior to surgery which will help recovery

• Avoiding some medications such as aspirin which cause increased bleeding

After your procedure you will need to:

• Have someone pick you up from the clinic (family, friend or a private driver if traveling alone)

• Arrange for someone to stay with you on the first night after surgery—or engage the services of a professional carer

• Bring loose comfortable clothing and shoes to wear

What's Involved in the Breast Augmentation Procedure?

The breast augmentation procedure usually takes between one and two hours. The procedure uses either of two methods:

1. Implants: Made from either silicone or saline, these are inserted through tiny incisions that can be made in any one of four different places, depending on your or your surgeon’s preference. These include: axillary (armpit); periareolar (around the areola); periumbilical (belly button), or inframammary fold (where the breast meets the chest). The implants are inserted under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or over the pectoral muscle (submammary or sub-glandular).

2. Fat transfer: Fat is taken from other parts of the body (donor region) by liposuction which is then injected into the breasts. This option is usually only used if you prefer natural results and are only looking for a small increase in size.

What Is the Recovery Time From Breast Augmentation?

Recovery time from breast augmentation is quite quick compared to some other surgeries. You may have drainage tubes and gauze which will be removed after a few days and you will be advised to take it easy for a week or so and not do anything too strenuous.

Many people return to work within a week and can carry out most normal activities after two weeks. It is generally advised to wait six weeks before doing heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. 

How Good Is the Quality of Breast Augmentation Abroad?

Providing you go with a reputable clinic and surgeon, there is no reason why your breast augmentation procedure won’t be as successful as it would be should you have it at home.

Doing a little research will help you find out whether a surgeon is reliable, for example, checking out professional accreditation and memberships, as well as breast augmentation reviews from former patients.

Medical Departures works with reputable clinics and surgeons, performing quality-checks on verified clinics, including virtual tours and real patient reviews on our website so you can book with confidence for your breast augmentation surgery.

How Much Can I Save on Breast Augmentation When Booking with Medical Departures?

You can easily save 50% on the cost of breast augmentation by traveling abroad, and that includes the cost of your airfare and accommodation. 

See below for prices and follow the links to see your lists of quality checked clinics in the respective countries:

• Breast Augmentation in Mexico costs around $4,300

• Breast Augmentation in Thailand costs around $5,100

• Breast Augmentation in the Philippines costs around $3,200
  
  

How Do I Get Started? 

Browse the listing pages above or use our search function to find clinics offering the procedure in a specific destination (eg. type “Turkey, breast implant” then hit Enter to bring up your choice of clinics). 

To arrange your free appointment, you can use our online booking platform or see below for a number of other convenient options. For any questions or help with booking, connect with our Customer Care Team today. 

Sources:

Brazier, Yvette. What you need to know about breast augmentation. Medical News Today. 3 April 2017.  
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263567.php#risks_and_complications

Gagne, Claire. Can I breastfeed after a breast augmentation? Today’s parent. 22 July 2019.  
https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/breastfeeding/can-you-breastfeed-with-implants/

Liposuction. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed: 24 January 2020. 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586

Why is Thailand so popular for medical tourists? The Thaiger. 19 February 2019.  
https://thethaiger.com/thai-life/why-is-thailand-so-popular-for-medical-tourists