Breast augmentation in Thailand

The main choices

Your surgeon should talk you through each of these at your consultation.

• Implant type. Most augmentations in Thailand use silicone gel implants. Hospitals commonly offer brands such as Mentor and Motiva, and the brand is one of the biggest factors in the price.
• Shape and size. Round or teardrop (anatomical) shapes come in a range of sizes and profiles. A good surgeon will guide you towards a size that suits your frame, not just the one you ask for.
• Surface. Implants can be smooth or textured. Textured implants have been linked to a rare cancer of the immune system, called BIA-ALCL, so ask which surface your surgeon recommends and why.
• Placement. Implants can go over or under the chest muscle, or partly under it (called “dual plane”).
• Incision. The cut is usually in the fold under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit. The armpit route is sometimes done endoscopically.
• Fat transfer. Some clinics offer augmentation with your own fat instead of implants. It gives a smaller increase in size, and some of the fat is usually reabsorbed.

What affects the price

• Implant brand and size: premium and larger implants cost more
• The hospital, and the number of nights you stay
• The surgeon’s experience
• Technique, such as endoscopic placement
• What’s included: follow-up visits, medicines, compression or support garments, and what happens if you need a revision

Get a written, itemised quote. Our cosmetic surgery cost guide explains what to look for.

Recovery timeline

Everyone heals differently. This is a typical pattern:

• Days 1–3: tightness, swelling and discomfort, usually managed with painkillers. You’ll usually stay one night in hospital and wear a support bra.
• 1 week: a wound check, and stitches removed if needed. Many people are up and about gently.
• About 2 weeks: back to light activity and desk work. Many surgeons are happy for you to fly around this point.
• 6 weeks: most people can return to heavy lifting and full exercise.
• 3–6 months: the implants settle into their final position.

Risks to ask about

Ask your surgeon about their own complication rates for:

• capsular contracture: scar tissue tightening around the implant, which can cause hardness, pain or a change in shape
• implant rupture or leakage, and how it would be detected
• infection, bleeding and wound problems
• changes in nipple or breast sensation
• asymmetry, or needing a revision operation
• BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma linked mainly to textured implants
• “breast implant illness”, a range of symptoms some people report and attribute to their implants

Also ask what support you’d get if a problem appears after you’ve gone home.

Choosing a surgeon

Check that the hospital is licensed and that your surgeon is registered with the Medical Council of Thailand. Ideally, your surgeon should be a certified plastic surgeon. Our guide to choosing a clinic and surgeon shows you how to check this online.