Breast Augmentation Surgery
- by Andrew Mackay
- Medical review by Dr. Sophie Chung, MD
- Updated:
Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure to adjust the size or shape of breasts. This is typically done using either prosthetic implants or fat transfer.
Breast augmentation — also known as breast enlargement — is one of the most popular breast surgeries worldwide, with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reporting it as the most popular cosmetic surgery in the UK in 2018. Anxiety about the shape and size of our bodies is, unfortunately, common. This treatment aims to help with this and can be a great source of newly found confidence and happiness for many women.
The content has been reviewed for quality and accuracy to the best of our knowledge by Qunomedical and its Medical Board of Experts.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Techniques
Why Undergo Breast Augmentation Surgery?
There are a few common reasons that women choose to undergo treatment.
To increase the size of the breasts
To adjust their shape and proportion
To restore volume and shape after having children
To improve overall body contours
For reconstructive purpose following treatments such as a mastectomy
What Are the Different Types of Breast Augmentation Surgery?
There are two main types of breast augmentation available. Choosing the right one will depend on what your goals and expectations from the treatment are, as well as your initial reasons for undertaking it.
Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer
Breast augmentation with fat transfer — or natural breast augmentation — involves extracting fat from one part of your body and injecting it into the breasts to improve their contours. The extracted fat is usually taken from areas in which there’s excess, such as the stomach or thighs.
With this breast enlargement technique, your doctor will draw out fat from the chosen area using what’s known as a cannula. The fat is then inserted into the breast via a small incision.
Breast Implant Surgery
Breast implant surgery uses prosthetic implants designed to change the size, shape, and contour of the breasts. These implants can be filled with either a saline solution or silicone gel. Silicone implants tend to be the more popular option as they offer a more natural look and feel, with less risk of rippling.
To insert the implants incisions are made in an inconspicuous area in an attempt to keep any scarring as hidden as possible. There are two main types of implant placement:
Subglandular implant placement: The implants are placed directly behind the breast tissue and in front of the pectoral muscle.
Subpectoral implant placement: The implant is positioned in a pocket underneath the pectoral muscle.
The method that your doctor uses will depend on your body type, your preferred implant type and how large the implants are. Breast implants should be long-lasting, normally needing to be replaced after around 10 years.
Breast implant surgery before and after at Bagatin Clinic, Zagreb.
Before / After Photos
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Cost?
It can be tricky to provide a definitive answer to the question “how much does breast augmentation surgery cost?”
Prices can vary based on:
Which type of breast augmentation you choose.
Whether you decide to have breast augmentation surgery in the UK or abroad.
The specific clinic and doctor that you choose.
Whether you decide to combine your breast enlargement with a supporting treatment like a breast lift.
The potential cost of breast augmentation surgery is a concern for many women considering the treatment. But, most Qunomedical patients tend to book their breast enlargement up to 12 months in advance, giving them time to save. You’ll only pay the majority of the treatment price on the day of your procedure.
Below, we laid out starting prices for breast implant surgery across a few different countries. These prices are based on the cost of standard, round-shaped, submuscular, <400cc breast implants. They’re not fixed or guaranteed and may vary based on different factors.
| Country | Price (EUR €) |
|---|---|
| Czech Republic | €3,050 |
| Turkey | €3,100 |
| Lithuania | €3,200 |
| Poland | €3,400 |
| Germany | €4,900 |
| United Kingdom | €5,700 |
| United States | €6,825 |
Details
Which Type of Breast Augmentation Is Right for Me?
How Long Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Take?
Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Hurt?
What Is the Recovery Time?
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Am I Eligible?
What Are the Results of Breast Augmentation Surgery?
98% of women say that they are satisfied with the results of their breast augmentation surgery. But, it’s important to go into the treatment with realistic expectations about what the treatment can achieve.
The First Two Weeks Post-Op
In the first couple of weeks, it’s common to experience swelling and discomfort, especially around where the incisions were made. Take things easy during this time and wear a supportive bra if your doctor advised you to do so. Sleeping in a more upright position can also help to reduce swelling.
2-4 Weeks Post-Op
Any bruising and swelling should continue and many patients choose to go back to work around two weeks after their breast augmentation surgery. Depending on how your recovery is going, you should be able to resume gentle cardio activities around 3-4 weeks after your treatment.
1-5 Months Post-Op
If you underwent breast implant surgery, then the implants should begin to move into a more natural-looking position throughout the next few months. Strenuous activities and heavy can usually be resumed around six weeks after your treatment. Swelling should also continue to subside and the breasts should begin to feel softer.
6-12 Months Post-Op
During these months, scarring should begin to fade and the results from the treatment should begin to show. But, it’s important to bear in mind that it can take anywhere from 6-12 months for the final results to appear. For some patients, it may also take more than one session to achieve the desired look, while additional factors such as breastfeeding and weight fluctuations can also influence the appearance of your breasts post-surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery: Abroad or at Home?
There are an increasing number of patients travelling abroad to undergo breast augmentation surgery. But, why is this?
There are a few common reasons why more patients are having this treatment overseas:
The average cost of breast augmentation abroad is typically much lower than in the UK.
Some of the most renowned breast augmentation surgeons are based abroad.
Overseas clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and are experienced in providing high-quality care for international patients.
All-inclusive packages for breast augmentation abroad — that include things like accommodation and airport transfers — provide a stress-free and cost-effective way to undergo treatment.
Having breast enlargement surgery abroad allows you to rest and recover in a quiet and private space.
Breast Augmentation Abroad: How Does It Work?
Travelling abroad for surgery can feel like a daunting prospect. But, clinics overseas are experienced in providing high-quality care from patients from all over the world. The processes that they have in place now mean that having a breast augmentation abroad can be as easy as it would be at home. There are still a few common questions that patients ask when planning their treatment though.
1. How Do I Get to and From the Clinic in a City I Don't Know?
2. How Long Will I Need to Be Abroad For?
3. What Happens if I Have Questions or Concerns During the Recovery Stage? Will I Still Be Able to Contact My Doctor Abroad?
Why Choose Qunomedical?
Qunomedical was founded on the strong belief that high-quality, affordable healthcare should be universally accessible, regardless of background. That’s why we always put patients first, striving to help everyone to find the healthcare they need.
✔ 100% free, non-binding assessment: We offer a 100% free, non-binding assessment to every patient that approaches Qunomedical, regardless of whether they go on to book a treatment or not.
✔ Choose from best-in-class doctors: Our proprietary scoring system, Qunoscore, evaluates doctors based on over 20 data points, including qualifications, experience, number of treatments performed, value for money, and reviews from past patients.
✔ 100% satisfaction guarantee: If you don’t get the results you were promised from your treatment, our satisfaction guarantee means that we’ll pay for a second treatment or give you your money back.
✔ 24/7 patient support: Our end-to-end care service means that your Patient Manager is available from the initial consultations, through to your successful recovery. In emergency cases, you can also reach out to us 24/7 through our hotline.
✔ Best price guarantee: We’ve done the legwork to find the combination of best-in-class doctors, offering some of the most competitive prices. Found the same treatment at the same clinic cheaper somewhere else? Let us know and we’ll match the price.
Sources:
Fardo, D. et al. (2022). "Breast Augmentation". Last visited 06.01.2023
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Emma Watkins,
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Honestly amazed at the care and attention I received
Honestly amazed at the care and attention I received and still receive. Its so hard to find a company that you trust but from the start of just enquiring they couldn't be more helpful. They kept in touch with me, didn't pressure me but answered all my little questions. I had a breast reduction with lift and for me this was going to be life changing. I always said I didn't ever want to be scared and I honestly never was. Funda who is the translator was there for me every step of the way and cam... Show more
Emma W.,
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The best decision I ever made...
The best decision I ever made. After doing so much research and rang so many companies im so glad I used qunomedical. They sorted out everything and I could WhatsApp them my questions at any time. They always responded. My translator Funda, was honestly amazing. She was there for me through everything. I never wanted to be or feel scared and I can honestly say I never did. So many people have perceptions about going abroad for surgery especially turkey and people do only hear horror stories but... Show more
Julia S., Germany
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Great doctor.
Very good communication and psychological skills. Able not to succumb to "patient blackmail" in deciding what procedures will need to be performed. Very careful, assessing and taking past work into account and recommending an appropriate procedure. Unsolicitedly explains all procedures and provides all relevant information.
Thea M., United Kingdom
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I recommend only Mindaugas Kazanavicis to everyone!
Awesome surgeon! I enlarged my breasts for the third time. I asked Dr. Kazanavicius for the third time. He not only increased but also corrected the errors of the former surgeon. The breast is now not two silicone bumps but a real beautiful, erected breast. Dr. Kazanavicius cut out the surgeon's scars, which were big and ugly, and reduced them. He also did a lot of things for which I now have amazing breasts! Be careful when choosing surgeons! Because most don’t even bother to form a breast! I r... Show more
Laura S., United Kingdom
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I can strongly recommend.
Very professional and well versed in his work. I was having a breast augmentation surgery and am happy with the work done. The doctor chose the size perfectly based on my overall appearance, chest anatomy, and desire to stay natural. After the operation, he paid enough attention and told me in detail how to continue to recover successfully. I can strongly recommend. Good luck!
Adela, Czech Republic
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I had previously booked consultation with other physicians but were unable to satisfy me. But with my consultation with Dr. Paulis, he understood my concerns and made recommendations based upon my lifestyle as a sportswoman.
I have been considering getting breast augmentation for some time now and I had an idea what I wanted. I had previously booked consultation with other physicians but were unable to satisfy me. But with my consultation with Dr. Paulis, he understood my concerns and made recommendations based upon my lifestyle as a sportswoman. He proposed a smaller size than what I wanted but he managed to convince me that it would be better for me. He answered all my questions and was very firm in what he felt w... Show more
Mariana, Slovakia
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From the beginning Dr. Patrik was very professional and provided an individual solution to my concerns that was focused not only on aesthetics but also naturalness and quality.
Two months after the procedure and I am very satisfied with the result. From the beginning Dr. Patrik was very professional and provided an individual solution to my concerns that was focused not only on aesthetics but also naturalness and quality. In the future I will only consider him for any future surgery.
Elfi, Germany
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I was thinking about this for many years and 3 previous consultations but I had a good connection with the doctor when I first met him. I can recommend Dr. Paulis to everyone who is looking for nice but “natural” looking breasts.
In my opinion Dr. Paulis is a genius and a true artist. He is very experienced in cosmetic surgery. He is very clear on what is possible and he only does things that would be healthy for the patient and would be considered “normal” and would be tolerated by the patient. I was in the clinic for 2 days and I was well cared for and after one night at home I could stop taking my medication. It is now almost 3 weeks now and I am super happy with the results, I was thinking about this for many years ... Show more
Anonymous, Germany
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I went to Dr. Paulis for Breast augmentation and would go back again and recommended the doctor to many of my friends.
I went to Dr. Paulis for Breast augmentation and would go back again and recommended the doctor to many of my friends. All of them were very happy as well.
Donna, United Kingdom
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Dr Paulis is always available to message or call whenever I need to ask questions or send progression photos. Such an amazing, happy experience. Qunomedical are very professional and friendly and I am soo happy I chose them to walk me through my great experience and operation 👍
We were picked up from airport in a very stylish car( felt like a celeb😁) Dr Paulis is a very nice man, very professional and a perfectionist. All staff are professional and very friendly and caring. Facilities were very clean and has a lovely atmosphere. A stylish, comfortable car was also arranged to take us back to airport. Dr Paulis is always available to message or call whenever I need to ask questions or send progression photos. Such an amazing, happy experience. I am soo glad I picked Dr... Show more
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