Breast Augmentation
Increases breast size with implants or fat grafting. Implants are not lifetime devices and will need attention eventually.
Editorially researched, not medically reviewed. Updated August 30, 2026.
Start with the essentials
General planning ranges for China—not a hospital quote or a personal recovery promise.
Planning range
$3,500–$10,000
Typical downtime
About 2–6 weeks
Result settles
3–6 months
Common anesthesia
Usually general anesthesia
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Free online consultationWhat to review before you decide
Procedure details & recoveryUnderstand what it involves, common approaches and the usual recovery stages.
Augmentation is done either with implants or by transferring the patient's own fat. Implants give a predictable, larger increase in one operation; fat grafting gives a smaller, softer change with unpredictable retention and often needs more than one session. The single most under-discussed fact is that implants are not permanent devices: most people will need a revision or replacement operation at some point in their life.
Common techniques
- Implant material — silicone gel (more natural feel) or saline (rupture is obvious immediately)
- Placement — subglandular, submuscular, or dual-plane; affects feel, animation and mammogram imaging
- Incision — inframammary (under the fold), periareolar, or transaxillary (armpit)
- Fat transfer — liposuction from elsewhere, processed and injected; roughly half the volume survives long term
Typical recovery
Days 1–7
Tightness and soreness, more pronounced with submuscular placement. Support bra worn continuously.
Week 2–6
Return to desk work early in this window; no chest exercise or heavy lifting.
Month 3–6
Implants settle into position and soften. This is when shape should be judged.
Long term
Periodic imaging is recommended for silicone implants. Plan for eventual revision.
Risks to understandSee the main complications to discuss with your surgeon.
- Capsular contracture — scar tissue tightening around the implant, causing firmness, distortion or pain
- Rupture or leakage, which can be silent with silicone and only found on imaging
- Rippling or palpable implant edges, more likely in thin patients or subglandular placement
- Changes in nipple and skin sensation, sometimes permanent
- BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma associated mainly with textured implants — ask which surface type is being used
- Effects on breastfeeding and on mammogram interpretation
This is not a complete risk list. Risk changes with technique, anesthesia, treatment extent and your health.
What should I tell the expert?Medical conditions, medication and previous treatment can change your plan.
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea or other lung conditions
- Diabetes, liver or kidney disease, immune disorders, bleeding or clotting problems
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection, severe allergies or a history of difficult scarring
- Any previous reaction to anesthesia, surgery or an implanted medical product
- All prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, blood thinners, vitamins, herbal supplements, nicotine, alcohol and recreational drugs
- Breast symptoms, abnormal imaging, family cancer history, prior breast surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding plans
Do not stop medication on your own. Any change must be directed by the prescribing expert, surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Questions for your consultationSave six practical questions for your expert.
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This is a general overview, not medical advice. Technique, price and recovery can only be confirmed after a expert evaluates you.