Last fact-check: 21 August 2020

As one of the world's most common cosmetic surgeries, breast implants will give both your cup size and self-confidence a boost. Now, more women than ever are heading abroad for treatment in countries like Thailand, Mexico, and the Philippines in order to save thousands on the cost, as well as the chance to enjoy a mini-vacation at the same time. 

Discover how you can do the same without putting your health at risk with the help of Medical Departures. We offer a Best Price Guarantee, so you'll never pay more than you have to!

Also known as breast augmentation, breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, breast implants may be an option if you want to:

• Increase the size and fullness of your breasts
• Improve your body image and self-confidence
• Reconstruct your breast(s) after surgery, for example, if you have had a mastectomy
• If you have severely sagging breasts you will probably need a breast lift as well. Breast implants alone will not improve this aspect of your appearance. This may apply to you if you are having treatment after pregnancy.

There are various ways implants can be inserted. The areas where the incisions are made are chosen to be as inconspicuous as possible, leaving you with minimal scarring. Although you and your surgeon will discuss this beforehand, incisions can generally be made:

• Periareolar incisions: made at the edge of the areolas (the dark area surrounding the nipple)
• Inframammary incision: made underneath the breasts in the crease where it joins the chest wall
• Transaxillary incision: in the armpits

The breast implant procedure takes between one and two hours to complete. However, you will need a consultation and planning stage beforehand, and you will remain in the medical facility for a few hours following the procedure to ensure all has gone well. 

Your chosen surgeon will give you full instructions about how best to prepare for your breast implant surgery and how to aid your recovery. It is likely that you will be asked to:

• Avoid medications such as aspirin, which cause increased bleeding
• Enjoy a well-balanced, nutritious diet consisting of low salt and plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and lean foods to help your body’s healing process
• Stop smoking to avoid the risk of complications
• Arrange for someone to pick you up from the clinic or hospital and possibly stay with you on the first night after surgery
• Bring loose comfortable clothing and shoes to wear

You may have gauze and drainage tubes in place immediately after surgery, which should be removed in a few days.

Compared to other cosmetic surgery, the recovery time is fairly quick for breast implants; most people are able to return to work after a week and carry out most everyday activities after just two. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for around six weeks.

Do take it easy for a week or two, especially if you have time for a holiday. This can certainly aid the recovery process, which is why so many people choose to go abroad for their surgery. Remember to check with your surgeon about what activities should be avoided, for example, swimming and sunbathing are big no-nos. 

In terms of how long you'll need to stay in your chosen destination before flying (or driving) home, we suggest talking to your chosen surgeon before booking your trip. You will be advised to rest in a comfortable environment (such as a well-equipped, air-conditioned hotel room or under the shade by the pool) for several days following a breast augmentation. One option here is to book tickets that allow you to alter the day on which you fly back without incurring penalty fees. 

Quality varies depending on where you go; in all of the top medical tourism destinations around the world, it's possible to find world-class clinics, hospitals and surgeons, as well as some not-so-good-facilities. This is why arranging your treatment through a trusted online medical booking agency like Medical Departures is so important. We only partner with the very best after carrying out extensive background checks. These include:

• Checking surgeons' professional accreditation and memberships, such as the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
• Verifying clinic licenses and certificates
• Carrying out onsite visits to inspect the facilities
• Looking into criminal and legal backgrounds
• Collecting and publishing breast implant reviews from previous patients

Most people can save at least 50% on the cost of breast implants abroad compared to at home, and many save considerably more. This depends on what country you plan to visit, as well as the cost of the procedure in your home country.

For instance, in the US, breast implant surgery costs an average of $11,500. See the prices below for comparison:

• Breast implants in Mexico cost around $4,300
• Breast implants in Thailand cost around $5,000
• Breast implants in The Philippines cost around $3,200

Click through to see our lists of breast implant clinics in the popular destinations above. Our full list of global breast augmentation facilities can be found here. You can also use our site's search tool to look for verified clinics and surgeons in your preferred destination.

Book directly online or contact our Customer Care Team to receive a free, no-obligation quote, 

Sources:

Breast Implants. WebMD. Website accessed: 21 February 2020. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-augmentation

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 21 February 2020. https://www.isaps.org/

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

Santos-Longhurst, Adrienne. How Do Breast Implants Affect Breastfeeding? Healthline. 27 September 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/can-you-breastfeed-with-implants

Breast Lift. Mayo Clinic. 21 July 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-lift/about/pac-20393218