Home›Procedures›Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation

Surgical placement of silicone or saline implants behind breast tissue or the chest muscle to increase breast volume; operation takes 60-90 minutes under general anesthesia.

Cosmetic Breast Avg. stay 10 days 23 clinics $2,000 - $11,340

Typical price (medical tourism)

From $3,500 – $7,000

Indicative range from clinics listed on xcuro; final quote varies by clinic & case.

What this costs in the U.S.

United States$6,000 – $12,000

Through xcuro$3,500 – $7,000

About 42% less than the U.S. figure

U.S. figure: Cherry, 2026 — surgeon, anesthesia, facility and implants · source · checked July 25, 2026

Flights, hotel and transfers are not included in either figure.

Overview

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) increases breast volume and modifies breast shape by inserting a silicone-gel or saline implant. The NHS describes the procedure as performed under general anesthesia: the surgeon makes an incision near or beneath the breast (commonly inframammary, periareolar or transaxillary), creates a pocket either between the breast tissue and pectoralis-major muscle (subglandular) or behind the muscle (submuscular), inserts the implant, and closes in layers. The operation takes 60-90 minutes and patients may be discharged the same day or stay one night (NHS). Candidates are typically women aged 18 or older (silicone implants are FDA-approved from age 22 in the United States) who are seeking increased volume, restoration of volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, or correction of breast asymmetry. Implant size, shape (round versus anatomical teardrop), shell texture (smooth versus textured) and profile are selected based on chest-wall width, soft-tissue coverage and patient goals. Implants are not lifetime devices; the NHS notes they will likely need to be replaced at some point, typically after roughly 10 years (NHS). International patients in South Korea typically plan a 7-10 day stay: surgery and one overnight, drain removal at 2-3 days where drains are used, stitch removal at 7-14 days, and clearance to fly home. A surgical bra is worn continuously for several weeks, after which a sports bra is recommended for up to three months. Most normal activities resume at 4-6 weeks; heavy lifting and pectoral exercises are typically deferred for at least one month (NHS). Korean clinics commonly offer motiva, Mentor and Allergan implants, dual-plane pocket placement, and endoscopic-assisted transaxillary insertion to keep scars in the underarm. Final breast shape and softness settle over 3-6 months as swelling resolves and the implants 'drop and fluff' into the pocket (NHS).

Hospital & stay

2–3 nights

Hospital stay

10 days

Total stay abroad

Cosmetic

Procedure type

Procedure details

How it's performed

Under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a 3-5 cm (1-2 inch) incision in the inframammary fold, around the areola, or in the axilla, creates a pocket either under the breast tissue or behind the pectoralis major, inserts a saline or silicone-gel implant, and closes the incision in layers. The operation takes 60-90 minutes; patients are discharged the same day or after one overnight.

Preparation

1Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, including baseline mammogram or ultrasound for women aged 35+ and selection of implant type, size and pocket plane.
2Stop smoking 4 weeks before surgery; stop aspirin, NSAIDs and supplements that increase bleeding (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo) 2 weeks before.
3Pre-operative bloods, ECG and anesthesia clearance.
4Fast 6-8 hours before general anesthesia.
5Arrange a caregiver for 24-48 hours and bring a front-fastening surgical bra.

Recovery

1Day 0-1: Surgery; same-day discharge or one overnight; oral analgesics and antibiotics; surgical bra worn 24/7.
2Week 1-2: Stitches removed; no driving; office work resumes for many patients at the end of week 2.
3Week 4-6: Most normal activities resume; scars begin to fade.
4Month 3: Implants 'drop and fluff' to a more natural shape; sports bra continued.
5Month 6+: Final shape and softness established; annual breast examination thereafter.

Before & after results

See all Breast Augmentation results →

Before you travel: what the CDC recommends

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidance for Americans traveling abroad for medical care. These are its recommendations, not ours.

Check the qualifications of the clinician who will perform the procedure and the credentials of the facility.
Bring copies of your medical records, including lab and other test results related to your condition.
Make sure you can get follow-up care in the United States. Care for complications can be expensive and might not be covered by your health insurance.
Obtain international travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the United States.
Plan for the possibility of paying out of pocket for additional or emergency care.
See your own healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss risks specific to your health.
Delay air travel for 10–14 days after major surgery, particularly chest surgery, to reduce risks from changes in cabin pressure.

Source: CDC Travelers’ Health — Medical Tourism

Best countries for Breast Augmentation: prices vs the U.S.

Price ranges published by clinics listed on xcuro in each country (USD), next to the typical U.S. price. Final quotes vary by clinic and case.Breast Augmentation cost in the U.S. by state and city →

Country	Price at listed clinics	Clinics
Turkey	$2,000 - $8,655	10	Full guide →
Thailand	$2,090 - $9,590	2	Full guide →
Colombia	$3,090 - $4,630	3	Full guide →
South Korea	$3,200 - $15,400	5	Full guide →
Mexico	$4,800 - $5,699	2	Full guide →
United States	$6,000 – $12,000	Cherry, 2026 — surgeon, anesthesia, facility and implants