Table of Contents
Breast augmentation explained: how breast enlargement surgery works
Breast augmentation incisions
Breast implant placement techniques
Silicone breast implants: features and surgical considerations
Ideal candidate for breast augmentation: key factors to consider
Breast augmentation surgery: the journey to your transformation
Breast augmentation before and after: results of breast enhancement
Recovery after breast augmentation: timeline and main stages
Breast enlargement surgery: potential risks and considerations
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.
Book your FREEOnline Consultation NowBreast 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 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.
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.
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.

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:
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Increase breast volume.
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Restore fullness lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight changes.
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Improve breast symmetry.
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Enhance breast shape and projection.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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General surgical risks: These include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, delayed healing, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia.
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Implant-related risks: These may include capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant displacement, asymmetry, rippling, and temporary or permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation.
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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.
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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.
Read the evidence reviews
- Breast augmentation risks and complications: a mini-systematic review and meta-analysis round-up (2024–2025)
- Capsular contracture after breast implants: pathophysiology, risk factors and prevention
- Breast implant rupture: incidence, risk factors and outcomes from systematic reviews
- Breast implant illness: clinical features, pathophysiology and evidence from meta-analyses
- Submuscular vs subglandular breast implants: what recent PubMed meta-analyses show
- Breast implant revision surgery: indications and complication rates
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.
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.