Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation with fat or implants (breast augmentation) is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures.
Many factors determine the shape, size, and appearance of the breasts—from age, heredity, and weight changes to pregnancy, sun exposure, physical activity, or congenital features. During surgery to contour the body, either breast implants or the patient’s own transferred fat may be used. The recommended method usually depends on the patient’s body type and expectations, discussed with the plastic surgeon during the consultation.

Breast augmentation helps restore volume, shape, and firmness after weight loss or pregnancy, create a more proportionate silhouette, and reduce visible breast asymmetry. Women dissatisfied with their breast size, shape, or appearance can consult a plastic surgeon and choose the most suitable augmentation method for them.

Procedure Steps

The course of surgery differs depending on whether breast enlargement with fat or breast augmentation with implants is chosen. The surgical process is also influenced by the type of incision when implants are used.

At the Tautrimas Aštrauskas Clinic, breast augmentation is performed using three methods. When enlarging the breasts with implants, top-quality Motiva, Polytech, and Mentor implants are used.

Depending on the patient’s anatomy, if needed, physicians use a hybrid breast augmentation method. In such surgery, both breast implants and fat transfer are used. Fat transfer is advisable in cases of a wide gap between the breasts or uneven breast size.

Breast Augmentation with Implants, Inframammary Incision

Implants are placed using the dual plane method: partially under the muscle and partially under the gland. Inframammary incision length: 4–4.5 cm, depending on implant size. The scar usually hides in the inframammary fold.

Breast Augmentation with Implants, Transaxillary Incision

The incision is made in the axillary fold, 3–4 cm long; the scar often remains barely visible in the armpit area. Implants are placed using the dual plane method: partially under the muscle and partially under the gland.

Breast Enlargement with Fat (Fat Transfer)

This method involves liposuction of fat from body areas, special preparation, and transplantation into the breasts. About 70% of the transferred fat survives after surgery.

When and for whom is breast augmentation performed?

Breast Augmentation with Implants

Breast augmentation through the armpit is not possible if the breasts are sagging and require a breast lift. However, in cases where the breast shape is suitable, this method has clear advantages: a lower risk of complications, the scar remains almost invisible, does not need to be hidden, and does not change its position. It is important to know that during the armpit incision, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels are not damaged. This method is performed by only 5% of doctors worldwide. doctors. In our clinic, it has been consistently performed for 18 years by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Tautrimas Aštrauskas. Although this method is safe and reliable, it requires high qualifications, precision, and many years of experience.

Breast Enlargement with Fat

This surgery is suitable for patients who do not want a foreign body in their body. With this method, the breast can be increased by 1–1.5 sizes. For a more pronounced result, the surgery can be repeated, but not earlier than 6 months after the first procedure. About 70% of the transferred fat survives—this outcome is supported by years of practice, special technique, and an experienced team. Note that breast enlargement with fat is suitable only for patients who have sufficient fat in other body areas to use for augmentation.

General Recommendations

If you are planning breast augmentation, at least 4–6 months should pass after childbirth and breastfeeding. If you have chronic diseases, you must consult with the operating surgeon and the anesthesiologist.

Procedure duration

Breast augmentation with implants, inframammary incision:

1–1.5 h

Breast enlargement with fat:

2–2.5 h

Breast augmentation with implants, transaxillary incision:

30–40 min

Procedure duration

Breast augmentation with implants, inframammary incision:

1–1.5 h

Breast enlargement with fat:

2–2.5 h

Breast augmentation with implants, transaxillary incision:

30–40 min

The surgery price

Includes

surgery

general anesthesia

overnight stay at the clinic

medications

nutrition

compression garments

postoperative check-ups at the T. Aštrauskas Clinic, Vičiūnų g. 24, Kaunas

–

Price

Breast Augmentation with Implants	EUR 3,700–4,000
Breast Augmentation with Fat	EUR 4,000–4,700
Breast augmentation with “B-lite” implants	from 4800 EUR
Breast Augmentation and Lift (price with breast implants)	from 4500 EUR

The exact surgery price will be determined during the consultation when the surgeon assesses the complexity of the surgery.

Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery

– A consultation with the operating doctor is necessary before the procedure.
– If you have chronic diseases or other ailments, take medications or dietary supplements, or have had other surgeries in the past, please inform us during the consultation.
– Preoperative blood tests are required to assess the patient’s overall health and determine whether the chosen surgery is safe to perform.
– We recommend a breast ultrasound before surgery and, if indicated or risk factors are present, a mammogram.

Postoperative Period

– More pronounced swelling and bruising are observed for 2–3 weeks after surgery, and scars and breasts may continue to mature for up to 1.5–2 years.
– Wear a compression bra for 1–3 months after breast augmentation. The exact duration may vary depending on the individual situation.
– After the procedure, we recommend a course of manual lymphatic drainage massages. These massages stimulate lymph flow, normalize blood circulation, and are particularly beneficial in reducing tissue swelling and promoting faster healing after the procedure.
– The healing process is accelerated by physiotherapy procedures using laser, radio frequency, and magnet.
– Nipple sensitivity (if present beforehand) and the ability to breastfeed are preserved after breast augmentation surgery.
– Recovery after augmentation with implants through the armpit versus an inframammary incision differs only in that arm movements should be limited for up to 2 weeks after an axillary incision.
– In the first days after any breast augmentation method, a feeling of tightness is common and is alleviated with the recommended medications.

Breast Augmentation: Preparation

Breast augmentation surgery raises many questions and doubts for many women. Therefore, preparation for breast augmentation surgery always begins with a comprehensive consultation with a plastic surgeon. Plastic and reconstructive surgery doctors encourage patients to prepare a list of relevant questions in advance to ensure the consultation is as effective as possible and leaves no uncertainties afterward. Patients attending the consultation should also prepare information for the doctor about any medications they are taking and existing health issues.

During the consultation, all questions are discussed, and the patient’s expectations are heard. The doctor assesses individual anatomical features, breast position, health condition, and performs necessary tests. Typically, blood tests and breast ultrasound are conducted before breast augmentation surgery. If certain risk factors are encountered, a mammogram may also be performed.
Based on the information gathered during the consultation, the doctor selects the optimal surgical method, implant shape, and size.

It is important to know that at Tautrimas Aštrauskas Clinic, breasts can be corrected in several ways. Breast augmentation options include:
– Breast augmentation with implants through an incision under the breasts;
– Breast augmentation with implants through an incision in the armpit area;
– Breast augmentation with implants using the “preserve” method (preserving the natural breast structure);
– Breast augmentation with fat;
– Hybrid breast augmentation using breast implants and fat transplantation.

Once the optimal breast augmentation method is chosen, the doctor describes the exact course of the surgery and introduces the expected results.

For patients who cannot plan a visit to the clinic, an initial consultation can also be provided remotely. Before the remote consultation, the patient must send photos of her breasts to the doctor. This way, the doctor can at least preliminarily assess the current situation and recommend the optimal correction method. If, after the remote consultation, the patient decides to undergo breast augmentation surgery, a visit to the clinic is planned.

What not to Do after Breast Augmentation Surgery

– Physical exertion. Depending on the nature of the surgery performed, you should avoid sports activities and intense physical work for at least 1 to 3 months after breast augmentation.
– Direct sunlight. Direct sunlight negatively affects incision sites and can lead to prominent scarring, so they should be covered.
– Bodies of water. You should avoid swimming in natural bodies of water and public pools for at least 2 months after surgery.
– Saunas and solariums. Exposure to solariums and natural sunlight can darken scars. Tanning should be avoided for one year after surgery. If you do not wish to postpone tanning rituals for a year, you can enjoy sunbathing at least one month after surgery. However, in such cases, incision sites should be carefully protected and covered.
– Wearing regular bras. After breast augmentation surgery, you should use compression bras instead of regular ones for 1 to 3 months. The exact duration for wearing compression bras is determined by the doctor, as it depends on the nature of the surgery performed.
– Taking self-prescribed medications. The use of any medications related to the surgery or otherwise should be discussed with your doctor.
– Restricting arm movements. After breast augmentation surgery with implants, you may need to limit arm movements, especially for patients who had breast augmentation with implants through the armpit. Arm movement restrictions may be felt for 2 weeks after surgery.
– Laser hair removal. This restriction applies only to patients who had breast augmentation through the armpit. Laser procedures should be avoided for at least 2 months after surgery. Later, the procedure can be performed, but scars must be covered.
– Lifting heavier weights. In the first weeks after surgery, it may be somewhat difficult to raise your arms, and lifting objects weighing more than 5 kg is not recommended. Therefore, you should plan your usual activities in a way that does not cause this discomfort, for example, by enlisting the help of family members.

Recovery after Breast Augmentation Surgery

After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, you will need to spend one night in the clinic. The next day, dressings will be changed, healing period recommendations will be provided, necessary supplies will be issued, and medications will be prescribed. After these procedures, you will be able to go home.

One week after surgery, the first postoperative visit is scheduled at the clinic. Subsequent visits are planned after one, two, and six months. The need for suture removal is avoided, as dissolvable sutures are used during the surgery. In cases where the doctor decides to leave drains for fluid drainage after surgery, the visit schedule is arranged individually.

About a month after surgery, you will be able to start using scar gels that promote faster and more aesthetically pleasing scar healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do implants need to be replaced? How often?

Breast implants do not need to be replaced if they are intact and undamaged. This can be assessed annually with a breast ultrasound (echoscopy).

Some manufacturers even provide lifetime warranties; however, for various reasons implants may start to leak (“sweat”) or a firm connective tissue capsule may form around them (capsular contracture). In such cases, consult a plastic surgeon to decide individually whether replacement is needed. In Dr. Tautrimas Aštrauskas’s practice, implant replacement is much more often due to changed patient expectations—for example, a different desired size or shape—rather than defects.

What is the price of the surgery?

Prices start from EUR 3,700.

Which implants are used?

Motiva, Polytech, Mentor implants.

How soon can I return to work?

Each body is very individual and work duties differ. In some cases, women feel well and can work a few days after surgery; however, we recommend allowing at least 1 week for recovery.

How long will I need to wear a compression bra?

We recommend wearing a compression bra for 1–3 months after breast augmentation. The exact period may vary depending on the individual situation.

When can I bathe after breast augmentation surgery?

You may bathe 3 days after surgery. If drains are kept longer, you may bathe the day after they are removed. Do not bathe while drains are in place. Avoid public bodies of water, spas, and saunas for 1 month after surgery.

When can I sleep on my stomach after breast augmentation surgery?

You may feel discomfort lying on your stomach for up to 3 months.

Do I need to wear a compression bra after fat grafting to the breasts?

It depends on the individual situation.

When can I exercise?

Depending on the surgical method: 1 to 3 months after the procedure.

Will I be able to give birth and breastfeed after breast augmentation with implants?

Most women can successfully breastfeed after augmentation with implants and, of course, give birth. Still, breastfeeding may sometimes not be possible. This primarily depends on how the implants were placed. The greatest risk of disrupting normal breastfeeding is when implants are inserted through a periareolar incision, as some milk ducts may be damaged. It should also be emphasized that milk production, flow, and successful breastfeeding strongly depend on mindset, the mother–child emotional bond, and proper feeding technique. Therefore, if it does not work the first time, do not give up or assume the implants are the main cause.

How long will I need to stay in the hospital after augmentation with implants?

Usually, the patient can go home the next day after augmentation with implants. However, as in much of medicine, this cannot be stated absolutely. Sometimes the patient remains in the hospital for another day, less often two. This decision depends on the patient’s overall condition and how she feels after surgery.

Will there be scars after breast augmentation with implants?

Yes, there will always be scars after augmentation with implants; in some cases, they are more noticeable, in others almost invisible. If the procedure is performed well, the body responds normally to the incisions and complications are avoided, scars heal neatly and are easy to conceal. Different surgeons specialize in different augmentation methods—Dr. Tautrimas Aštrauskas prefers the transaxillary approach because the scar lies in a natural skin fold and is completely invisible without raising the arms.

Can mammograms be performed after breast augmentation?

Yes. Women with implants, like all others, are advised to participate in routine breast screening from age 50. At that age, mammography is the ideal test for early cancer detection. If a woman knows she has close relatives with breast cancer, screening is recommended earlier. In such cases, breast ultrasound may also be advised, for which implants are not a contraindication.

I am 50 years old. Am I too old for breast augmentation surgery?

The most important factor is the patient’s health, not age. Breast augmentation can be performed at any age. The key is to consider the specific risk factors of the individual patient. Of course, risk factors often increase with age, but the opposite also occurs.

Can I use a solarium or sunbathe if I have had breast augmentation?

Tanning in a solarium or in the sun does not harm implants, but it can make the scars at the incision sites more visible. You should avoid tanning for at least a year after surgery, as radiation can darken scars. If you decide to use solariums after 1 month, we recommend covering the scars to avoid “tanning” them. The implant’s temperature, like the human body’s, rises slightly while tanning. The implant may cool a bit more slowly than the body.

Can the breasts be enlarged with one’s own fat?

Yes. With fat transfer, facial wrinkles can also be smoothed and the skin of the face, neck, or hands rejuvenated. Fat for transfer is taken from the patient’s subcutaneous tissue with a special curette, similar to liposuction. It is then prepared and injected into the desired area.

Is natural breast augmentation possible?

Breast augmentation by transferring one’s own fat is one of the most natural and effective augmentation methods currently used in plastic surgery. No implants are used in this procedure, so there are no reactions related to rejection of foreign tissue. Fat is injected into the breasts with a special curette, so no incisions are needed. To enhance the effect of fat transfer, Dr. Tautrimas Aštrauskas also offers his patients an external soft-tissue expansion device (BRAVA)—a special device that applies continuous gentle negative pressure to the breasts. Negative pressure stretches the tissues and promotes their natural growth.