The Ultimate Guide to Breast Implants
A popular procedure to have abroad, why not get breast implants while you're on holiday?
The incredible cost saving makes it worthwhile, but wouldn't it be lovely to relax either before or after surgery instead of rushing back to the daily grind?
Are breast implants for me?
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 as breast implants alone will not improve this aspect of your appearance.
Are there any recommendations about things I should do before and after breast implant surgery?
Your doctor 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
- Eat 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 complicationsHave someone pick you up from the clinic
- Arrange for someone to stay with you on the first night after surgery
- Bring loose comfortable clothing and shoes to wear
What is involved in the breast implant procedure?
There are various ways the implants can be inserted. The areas where the incisions are made are chosen as they are inconspicuous, and should lead to minimal scarring. This will be discussed with you by your doctor beforehand.
1. Periareolar incision
Made at the edge of the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple)
2. Inframammary incision
Made underneath the breast in the crease where it joins the chest wall
3. Transaxillary incision
In the armpit
The breast implant procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete.
What is the recovery time for breast implant surgery?
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, with most people returning to work after a week and carrying out everyday activities after two. Stenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for around six weeks.
Taking it easy for a week or two on holiday will certainly aid the recovery process, which is why so many people choose to go abroad for their surgery.
What is the quality of breast implant surgery abroad?
If you go to a trustworthy clinic and surgeon then your breast implants abroad should be just as good a quality as they would be if you’d had them at home.
We always advise everyone to do a little research by checking a surgeon’s professional accreditation and memberships, their qualifications and breast implant reviews from previous patents. It’s all about checking for reliability, and if you can verify as much information as possible you have a good chance of ensuring the quality of your breast implant surgery abroad.
How much will I save on breast implant prices abroad?
Most people can save at least 50% on the cost of breast implants abroad compared to at home, with a great deal saving considerably more. It really depends on what country you are going to. Here's some examples, compared to the US average price of $11,500:
Breast implants in Mexico cost around $4,300