Breast augmentation surgery: everything you need to know about breast enlargement

Breast augmentation surgery, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, increases breast volume and improves shape, projection, and symmetry. The procedure may restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes, correct breast asymmetry, and create proportions that better match the patient’s body.

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Table of Contents
1

Breast augmentation explained: how breast enlargement surgery works

2

Breast augmentation incisions

3

Breast implant placement techniques

4

Silicone breast implants: features and surgical considerations

5

Ideal candidate for breast augmentation: key factors to consider

6

Breast augmentation surgery: the journey to your transformation

7

Breast augmentation before and after: results of breast enhancement

8

Recovery after breast augmentation: timeline and main stages

9

Breast enlargement surgery: potential risks and considerations

10

Why choose KEIT Day Hospital for breast augmentation?

In this article, you will learn how breast augmentation surgery works, who may be a suitable candidate, and how incision sites and implant placement techniques are selected. You will also find information about silicone breast implants, surgical preparation, recovery, possible risks, and why choosing an experienced clinic is essential for safe and balanced results.

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1 Breast augmentation explained: how breast enlargement surgery works

Breast augmentation is performed by placing implants inside carefully prepared pockets to increase breast volume and improve shape. Surgery usually takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and is performed under general anesthesia in an appropriately equipped surgical facility.

Before surgery, the surgeon evaluates breast anatomy, skin quality, chest width, existing breast tissue, and the patient’s aesthetic goals. These factors determine the implant size, shape, profile, incision site, and placement technique.

During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small incision and prepares the implant pocket. The implant is inserted using sterile techniques, positioned for symmetry, and checked before the incisions are closed with fine sutures. A supportive surgical bra is generally applied after surgery.

Breast Augmentation: Techniques and Results of Breast Enlargement

2 Breast augmentation incisions

Breast augmentation incisions are selected according to the patient’s anatomy, implant type, breast dimensions, and desired result. Each incision provides a different level of access to the implant pocket and leaves the scar in a specific location.

Inframammary incision

The inframammary incision is placed within the natural crease beneath the breast. It provides direct access to the implant pocket and allows the surgeon to control implant placement accurately. The scar is usually concealed within the breast fold. This approach is commonly used for both primary breast augmentation and implant replacement procedures.

Periareolar incision

The periareolar incision is positioned along the border of the areola, usually around its lower edge. The transition between the pigmented areola and the surrounding skin can help make the scar less noticeable. This incision may be suitable for selected patients, depending on areola size, implant dimensions, breast anatomy, and future breastfeeding considerations.

Transaxillary incision

The transaxillary incision is made within the natural fold of the armpit. It avoids placing a scar directly on the breast and allows access to the implant pocket through the underarm. This technique may be suitable for selected primary breast augmentation procedures. However, it provides less direct access than the inframammary incision and may not be appropriate for every implant type or revision surgery.

3 Breast implant placement techniques

Breast implant placement is selected according to the amount of natural breast tissue, skin quality, chest anatomy, implant characteristics, and desired breast shape. The implant may be positioned above the chest muscle, below it, or using a combined dual-plane technique.

Subglandular implant placement

Subglandular placement positions the implant beneath the breast tissue and above the chest muscle. It may be suitable for patients with enough natural breast tissue to provide adequate implant coverage. This approach may involve less muscle-related discomfort and a shorter initial recovery. However, implant edges or rippling may be more visible in patients with limited breast tissue.

Submuscular implant placement

Submuscular placement positions the implant partially or predominantly beneath the pectoral muscle. The additional tissue coverage may create a smoother transition between the chest and implant, particularly in patients with thinner breast tissue. Recovery may involve greater tightness or muscle discomfort. Some patients may also notice implant movement when contracting the chest muscles.

Dual-plane implant placement

Dual-plane placement combines submuscular and subglandular positioning. The upper part of the implant is covered by the pectoral muscle, while the lower part is positioned beneath the breast tissue. This technique provides additional upper-pole coverage while allowing the lower breast to expand naturally. It is often selected to balance implant coverage, breast shape, and lower-pole projection.

4 Silicone breast implants: features and surgical considerations

Silicone breast implants contain a cohesive gel designed to maintain its shape and provide a soft, natural feel. They are available in different sizes, profiles, surfaces, and shapes, including round and anatomical designs.

Round implants can provide balanced fullness and may still produce a natural result when correctly selected. Anatomical implants have a tapered shape designed to resemble the natural slope of the breast. The most appropriate option depends on the patient’s anatomy, existing breast tissue, chest dimensions, and desired volume.

If a silicone implant ruptures, the change may not be immediately visible because the gel can remain within the surrounding capsule. This is known as a silent rupture. Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging may be used to evaluate implant integrity when clinically indicated.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. They do not need to be replaced automatically after a fixed number of years, but future replacement or removal may be necessary because of rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast tissue, or personal preference.

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5 Ideal candidate for breast augmentation: key factors to consider

A suitable candidate for breast augmentation is generally in good health, has fully developed breasts, and has realistic expectations about the outcome.

Candidates may consider surgery when they want to:

  • Increase breast volume.

  • Restore fullness lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight changes.

  • Improve breast symmetry.

  • Enhance breast shape and projection.

  • Achieve proportions that better match their body.

Smoking can increase the risk of healing complications. Patients who smoke may be asked to stop before and after surgery according to the surgeon’s instructions.

6 Breast augmentation surgery: the journey to your transformation

Breast augmentation follows a structured process that begins with consultation and continues through surgery, recovery, and follow-up.

Consultation and simulation:

The surgeon discusses the patient’s goals, evaluates breast anatomy, and reviews implant size, shape, profile, and placement options. Three-dimensional imaging or implant sizers may be used to help visualize possible results.

Medical evaluation and surgical planning:

Preoperative assessment may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram, a medical examination, and consultations with the anesthesiologist and other specialists when required.

Preoperative preparation:

The patient receives instructions about fasting, medications, hygiene, smoking, transportation, and postoperative care.

Surgery day:

Breast augmentation is performed under total intravenous general anesthesia in a fully equipped operating room. The chosen incision and implant placement technique are used according to the surgical plan.

Postoperative monitoring:

After surgery, the patient is monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Pain control, wound care, support garments, and activity restrictions are explained before discharge.

7 Breast augmentation before and after: results of breast enhancement

The results of breast augmentation depend on the patient’s anatomy, the initial volume and shape of the breasts, the type of implant selected, and the placement technique. Before-and-after images show examples of increased breast volume and improved breast proportions following surgery.

8 Recovery after breast augmentation: timeline and main stages

Recovery after breast augmentation is gradual, and the breasts continue to change as swelling decreases and the implants settle.

Initial recovery:

Tightness, swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate soreness are common during the first days. Prescribed medication and a supportive bra help manage discomfort.

Return to daily activities:

Many patients return to light activities within approximately one week, depending on the type of work and individual recovery.

Activity restrictions:

Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and intense upper-body activity are generally avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks or until approved by the surgeon.

Scar healing:

Incision lines gradually soften and fade. Scar maturation may continue for 12 to 18 months.

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding may remain possible after breast augmentation, but the effect of surgery varies according to the incision, implant placement, and individual anatomy.

Final results:

The breasts usually settle into a more stable shape and position within approximately 3 to 6 months.

9 Breast enlargement surgery: potential risks and considerations

Breast augmentation is generally safe when performed by an appropriately qualified surgeon, but all surgical procedures involve potential risks.

  • General surgical risks: These include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, delayed healing, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia.

  • Implant-related risks: These may include capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant displacement, asymmetry, rippling, and temporary or permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation.

  • Revision surgery: Additional surgery may be required in the future to replace or remove an implant, correct implant position, treat capsular contracture, or address changes in breast tissue.

  • Rare complications: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, known as BIA-ALCL, is a rare condition associated mainly with certain textured implants. Other uncommon risks include blood clots and significant infection.

The surgeon should explain the benefits, limitations, implant options, and possible complications before informed consent is provided.

10 Why choose KEIT Day Hospital for breast augmentation?

KEIT Day Hospital is a hospital facility specialising in aesthetic surgery in Tirana, Albania, founded in 2011 by Dr. Skerdilajd Faria. With over 23,000 procedures performed, KEIT Day Hospital has developed a structured model of surgical care that combines the expertise of international surgeons, hospital infrastructure, medical technologies, safety protocols, and long-term patient monitoring.

For breast augmentation, this approach covers every stage of the surgical process, from assessing breast anatomy and selecting implants to preoperative examinations, surgery, and recovery monitoring. Particular attention is given to selecting the appropriate implant volume and profile, determining the placement technique, and achieving a result that is proportionate to the patient's physical characteristics.

Hospital infrastructure dedicated to cosmetic surgery

1. Hospital infrastructure dedicated to cosmetic surgery

KEIT Day Hospital has 3 operating theatres, 2 inpatient wards with 10 rooms and 20 beds, an in-house laboratory, and a postoperative...

KEIT Day Hospital has 3 operating theatres, 2 inpatient wards with 10 rooms and 20 beds, an in-house laboratory, and a postoperative resuscitation room, allowing the entire surgical process to be organised within the same facility.
The operating theatres are equipped with ventilation systems featuring HEPA filters, laminar airflow above the operating table, and positive air pressure. These technologies help control air quality and reduce the risk of contamination in the surgical environment. The facilities also include electric operating tables, Surgiris LED surgical lighting systems, Karl Storz surgical instruments, and modern equipment for monitoring patients' vital signs.
The inpatient rooms are also designed to support patient safety and care during recovery. In addition to centralised oxygen supply and medical suction systems, they feature three alarm systems: a bedside device, a portable wrist-worn device, and intelligent sensors integrated into the bed and room environment. These systems alert healthcare staff when a patient requires assistance or when a situation requiring assessment is detected.

Surgeons selected according to their specialisation and experience

2. Surgeons selected according to their specialisation and experience

KEIT Day Hospital works with an international team of approximately 30 surgeons, including 27 Italian surgeons, specialising in plastic surgery, otolaryngology, and...

KEIT Day Hospital works with an international team of approximately 30 surgeons, including 27 Italian surgeons, specialising in plastic surgery, otolaryngology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. A distinguishing feature of the clinic's organisation is the selection of surgeons according to their specialisation and experience in the specific procedure. For particularly complex operations, surgical teams consisting of two or more surgeons may be assembled.
For breast augmentation, the surgeon assesses chest width, existing breast volume, tissue thickness, skin elasticity, and any asymmetries. These factors help determine the appropriate implant size, shape, and profile, as well as the most suitable placement technique, whether subglandular, submuscular, or dual-plane. Surgical planning also includes selecting the incision site, which may be inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary, depending on the patient's anatomy and the requirements of the procedure. The objective is to achieve a balanced increase in breast volume while improving shape, projection, and symmetry without compromising the natural proportions of the body.
The surgeons at KEIT Day Hospital regularly attend international congresses, training courses, and conferences to update their professional knowledge and stay informed about scientific developments and surgical techniques within their respective specialities.

Comprehensive medical assessment before surgery

3. Comprehensive medical assessment before surgery

At KEIT Day Hospital, preparation for breast augmentation involves a structured medical assessment process. According to the clinic's protocol, every patient undergoes...

At KEIT Day Hospital, preparation for breast augmentation involves a structured medical assessment process. According to the clinic's protocol, every patient undergoes at least two consultations with the surgeon, an anaesthesiology assessment, a cardiology assessment, blood and urine tests, and an electrocardiogram (ECG). These examinations are coordinated within the facility, which has an in-house laboratory for preoperative testing.
These assessments allow the medical team to evaluate the patient's overall health, identify potential risk factors, and determine her suitability for surgery and anaesthesia. For breast augmentation, particular attention is paid to breast tissue health, any previous breast surgery, skin condition, and factors that may affect healing, such as smoking, certain chronic medical conditions, or the use of specific medications. Depending on the patient's age, medical history, and examination findings, additional investigations, such as a breast ultrasound or mammogram, may be recommended.
During the consultation, the patient's aesthetic expectations and the characteristics of the available implants, including their size, surface, and shape, are also discussed in detail. The assessment provides an opportunity to explain the benefits, limitations, and specific risks associated with breast implants, including the possibility that revision or replacement surgery may be necessary in the future. This approach allows for a personalised surgical plan that balances the desired outcome with the patient's anatomical characteristics and safety.

Advanced sterilisation and infection prevention protocols

4. Advanced sterilisation and infection prevention protocols

KEIT Day Hospital follows infection control protocols developed in collaboration with specialists in infectious diseases and microbiology, with organised inspections of clinical...

KEIT Day Hospital follows infection control protocols developed in collaboration with specialists in infectious diseases and microbiology, with organised inspections of clinical environments and sterilisation processes. Air filtration systems undergo regular maintenance and replacement, while operating theatres are cleaned and disinfected after every procedure.
During surgery, sterile single-use surgical kits and fluid-resistant materials are used to help maintain a sterile operating field. Disposable materials carry identification labels containing information about manufacturing, expiry dates, and traceability, which is recorded in the patient's medical documentation.
Surgical instruments are cleaned and sterilised after each use, following documented procedures supported by records from the equipment used. This system enables sterilisation processes to be verified and traced. The clinic also conducts periodic microbiological testing of its environments and follows antibiotic prophylaxis protocols when indicated by the medical assessment.
Together, these measures, from the management of sterile materials to sterilisation traceability and microbiological monitoring, form an essential part of the procedures adopted by KEIT Day Hospital to reduce the risk of surgical infections.

TIVA anaesthesia, continuous monitoring, and emergency preparedness

5. TIVA anaesthesia, continuous monitoring, and emergency preparedness

At KEIT Day Hospital, surgical procedures requiring general anaesthesia are performed, according to the clinic's protocol, using TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia), a...

At KEIT Day Hospital, surgical procedures requiring general anaesthesia are performed, according to the clinic's protocol, using TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia), a technique based on the intravenous administration of anaesthetic medications. This technique may support recovery from anaesthesia and help reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting, depending on the patient's characteristics and the anaesthetic protocol used. Breast augmentation is generally performed under general anaesthesia, with an anaesthetic plan tailored to the duration of surgery, the implant placement technique, and the patient's individual medical condition.
During surgery, the anaesthesia team continuously monitors the patient's vital signs using General Electric equipment available in all three operating theatres. The facility also has centralised systems for oxygen distribution, compressed air, and medical suction, as well as equipment for difficult airway management, cardiac defibrillators, emergency medications, and backup power and medical gas supply systems.
To manage potential emergencies, KEIT Day Hospital has a postoperative resuscitation room equipped with a ventilator, multiparameter monitors, a defibrillator, intravenous infusion pumps, and other equipment for supporting vital functions. According to the clinic's reported history, this room has not yet been used to treat major complications, but it remains fully equipped and ready for use in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Personalised care and follow-up for up to one year after surgery

6. Personalised care and follow-up for up to one year after surgery

At KEIT Day Hospital, patient care continues after the surgical procedure has been completed. Patients generally spend one night at the hospital,...

At KEIT Day Hospital, patient care continues after the surgical procedure has been completed. Patients generally spend one night at the hospital, during which they are monitored and cared for by healthcare staff. In particular circumstances, the hospital stay may be extended according to clinical needs.
After discharge, each patient is supported by four professionals: a coordinator, a nurse responsible for dressings and wound care, a doctor, and the operating surgeon. Follow-up appointments are generally scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, allowing the medical team to monitor healing, identify potential problems, and assess how the surgical result develops over time.
For breast augmentation, follow-up care includes assessing surgical incisions, swelling, breast sensitivity, and scar development. The surgeon also monitors implant position and settling, breast symmetry, and the possible occurrence of complications such as seromas, implant displacement, or signs of capsular contracture. Patients receive instructions on wearing a postoperative support bra, caring for surgical wounds, and gradually resuming daily activities and physical exercise. For international patients, care may continue after they return to their home country through communication with the medical team and follow-up appointments arranged according to individual needs.
KEIT Day Hospital also provides patients with an emergency contact number, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to request assistance if needed after surgery.

Official guarantee, transparency, and comprehensive medical documentation

7. Official guarantee, transparency, and comprehensive medical documentation

One of the defining features of the services provided at KEIT Day Hospital is the emphasis on transparency and documentation throughout the...

One of the defining features of the services provided at KEIT Day Hospital is the emphasis on transparency and documentation throughout the surgical process. A complete medical record is prepared for every procedure, documenting preoperative assessments, the operation performed, the surgical techniques used, and information relating to postoperative recovery.
The clinic also uses photographic documentation taken before and after surgery to monitor the development of surgical results, in accordance with personal data protection requirements and medical confidentiality. Each patient receives a service contract, an official invoice, and an informed consent form, which is sent before surgery to allow sufficient time to review information about the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and alternative treatment options.
KEIT Day Hospital also provides an Official Guarantee Certificate, which defines the clinic's responsibilities and the conditions under which expenses may be covered in the event of complications during or after surgery, as specified in the document. The specific guarantee conditions are communicated to the patient before the operation, allowing her to understand the applicable terms and limitations of coverage in advance.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they do not need to be replaced automatically after a specific number of years. Some implants remain intact for many years, while others may require earlier replacement because of rupture, capsular contracture, breast changes, or patient preference. Regular clinical follow-up helps monitor implant condition.

When can I resume physical activities after breast augmentation?

Most patients can resume light daily activities within approximately one week. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and upper-body training are generally avoided for 4 to 6 weeks or until the surgeon confirms that healing is sufficient.

What type of breast implant looks the most natural?

No single implant type produces the most natural result for every patient. Natural-looking results depend on implant width, volume, profile, shape, placement, existing breast tissue, and chest anatomy. Both round and anatomical implants can appear natural when properly selected.

How do I choose the right size and shape for my breast implants?

Implant size and shape are selected during a personalized consultation. The surgeon considers chest width, breast dimensions, skin elasticity, existing tissue, body proportions, and aesthetic preferences. Three-dimensional simulations or implant sizers may help the patient understand the possible result.

What happens if a breast implant ruptures?

A saline implant usually deflates noticeably as the saline is absorbed by the body. A silicone implant rupture may not cause visible changes and may require ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis. The surgeon will determine whether the implant should be monitored, removed, or replaced based on the findings and symptoms.

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