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Breast Enlargement

The Ultimate Guide to Breast Enlargement

Last fact-checked: 14 October 2020

Breast enlargement is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. With more women than ever seeking this procedure, prices in countries like the US, UK and Australia are on the increase. 

This is why more patients are looking abroad for more affordable breast implants, with the aim of increasing their size, as well as self-confidence, without paying the high price tag. 

Medical Departures has partnered with hundreds of clinics in dozens of attractive global destinations where you can find affordable breast enlargement surgery without compromising on quality. Keep reading to learn more. 

Who Is a Breast Enlargement Suitable for?

Women have lots of different motives for having their breasts enlarged – from reconstruction after surgery such as breast removal, to balancing out uneven breast size, to increasing volume after pregnancy or weight loss. Many simply want to increase their self-confidence with a more preferred body image.

Whatever your reasons, there are highly-experienced surgeons throughout the world who can help you achieve the look you desire.

However, it is worthwhile bearing in mind that the surgery may not correct drooping breasts, and you may need a breast lift procedure as well to realize your expectations.

How Can I Achieve Breast Enlargement?

Also known as breast augmentation surgery, the size of the breasts can be increased in two main ways:

Liposuction (fat transfer)

This uses fat removed from another part of the body which is injected into the breasts (also known as autologous fat transfer). This option achieves natural-looking results, but is only really advocated if you are looking for a small increase in size whereas it's common for implants to boost size by more than one size.

Breast Implants

The majority of people undergoing breast enlargement have breast implants, which can be made from a number of different materials:

  • Saline implants: Silicone shells are filled with a sterile saline solution. If a problem develops with the implant and the solution leaks it will be absorbed by the body and expelled naturally.
  • Silicone implants: Silicone shells containing silicone gel. These require regular scans to check on the condition of the implants as silicone is not broken-down by the body and should the gel leak it will have to be removed surgically.
  • Other implants: Sometimes known as ‘alternative implants’, are usually developed from biocompatible, natural materials, such as soybean oil, which are generally considered less harmful if they leak.

You will be able to discuss all the options fully with your surgeon before your surgery takes place, who will outline all the pros and cons of each method, as well as discussing how large you want to go.

What Is Involved in the Breast Enlargement Procedure and How Long Does it Take?

Most breast enlargement surgery takes between one and two hours.

There are a number of slightly different techniques for inserting breast implants, depending on what is most suitable for your particular circumstances, and your surgeon’s preferred way of doing things. For instance, they can be placed under or over the pectoral muscle and through incisions made:

  • Around the outside of the colored part of the nipple
  • Underneath the breast
  • Under the armpit

The fat transfer method requires two procedures:

After your surgery, the incisions will be stitched and you may be dressed in compression garments to assist the healing. Drainage tubes may be inserted to draw fluid away from the wounds.

What Is the Recovery Time for Breast Enlargement?

  • You will feel rather sore, stiff and tender once the anesthetic has worn off, but you will be given pain-relieving medication to help with this.
  • Over the following few days, you may develop swelling and bruising, which will begin to subside after around a week.
  • Many people find they are able to return to work after a week (providing they don’t have jobs that require too much activity).
  • Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are not recommended for at least six weeks.

How Much Does Breast Enlargement Cost Abroad?

In the United States, the price of this surgery is around $11,500, compared to 

Note: These are averages at the time of writing. Please check our individual clinic listings to compare the latest prices for breast enlargement surgery.

How Do I Get Started?

Take a look through our lists of clinics above or browse our global listings pages for breast enlargements here. 

Once you have decided, book through our site to secure the best prices online or chat with our Customer Care Team to learn more about how Medical Departures can help you. 

Sources:

Kennedy, Madeline. What is liposuction? 13 February 2020. https://www.insider.com/what-is-liposuction

Craven, Cameron MD, The five factors of breast augmentation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 29 July 2016. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/the-five-factors-of-breast-augmentation

Plastic Surgery of the Breasts. International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 14 October 2020. https://www.isaps.org/procedures/breasts/

How many cup sizes can I go up with breast implants? UK Health Centre. Website accessed: 14 October 2020. https://www.healthcentre.org.uk/cosmetic-surgery/breast-implants-faqs-cup-sizes.html

Breast enlargement (implants). Website accessed: 14 October 2020. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/breast-enlargement/