Breast Augmentation in Dubai

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that increases or restores breast volume using breast implants, fat transfer or a combination of both. It may be suitable for individuals with naturally small breasts, volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss or noticeable breast asymmetry. The most appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including breast anatomy, skin quality, chest dimensions and your desired outcome. Because breast implants are medical devices, they require long term awareness and may need future monitoring, replacement or removal. Breast augmentation can enhance breast size and shape, but it does not reliably correct significant breast sagging on its own. A consultation with a licensed plastic surgeon is essential to determine the most suitable implant type, size, placement or alternative technique based on your individual anatomy and treatment goals. 

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic procedure that enlarges the breast and improves the shape of the breast by means of implants or the patient’s own fat. Many patients are interested in surgery to replace lost volume to get fuller breasts, improve mild asymmetry and to achieve balance between breasts and body.

During surgery implants are placed under the breast tissue, under the chest muscle or in a meticulously designed dual plane pocket. An alternative is to move pure fat from another part of the body to the breasts to achieve some volume improvement.

While breast enhancement surgery can create a better volume and projection for the breasts, it cannot guarantee that there will be no significant sagging or excess skin. In those who have a significant droop, a breast lift may be necessary alone or in combination with augmentation.

What Is Augmentation Mammoplasty?

Breast augmentation surgery is also known as a mammoplasty. It’s a process that involves silicone implants, saline implants, fat transfer or a well chosen combination of the above to enhance the size of the breast. Therapy depends on every patient’s anatomy and breast size as well as their aesthetic objectives.

What Can Breast Augmentation Change?

Women may notice an improvement in:

• Breast volume
• Upper pole fullness
• Breast projection
• Mild breast asymmetry
• Breast to body proportions

The difference in volume that has been lost because of pregnancy or weight loss

Many patients also observe better fit of clothing due to the more rounded shape of the breasts which provides a better balance with the waist and hips.

What Can It Not Correct?

Breast enhancement surgery cannot effectively address:

• Significant breast sagging
• Position of nipples very low
• Severe skin laxity
• The most significant concerns associated with a large reduction in the size of the breast
• Significant chest-wall deformities

In these cases, your plastic surgeon might suggest that you can enhance and lift your breasts together to get a better balance. 

Understanding Breast Anatomy

The first step toward successful Breast Enhancement is a complete knowledge of the anatomy of the breast. The breasts are made up of the fatty tissue, glandular tissue, connective tissue, milk ducts, skin and nipple-areola complex. The pectoralis major muscle also lies beneath the breast, and is significant in the positioning of implants.

The placement of breast implants depends on the interaction of the breast tissue, chest muscle and surrounding soft tissues. Careful planning ensures safe placement and promotes long term implant stability as each patient’s anatomy is unique.

Why Anatomy Matters

The plastic surgeon will examine a number of anatomical characteristics before recommending surgery such as:

• Breast base width
• Existing breast volume
• Skin thickness
• Skin elasticity
• Nipple position
• Inframammary fold
• Chest-wall shape
• Breast symmetry

Measurements include implant size, implant profile, implant placement and incision selection. Careful assessment also minimises the risk of visible edges of implants, poor placement of implants or over or under sized results.

Why Do People Consider Breast Augmentation?

For many individual reasons, people go for breast augmentation and no single reason applies to all. The aim is to improve anatomy, not to create an idealized one.

Naturally Small Breasts

Some people just have smaller sized breasts due to their genes. A breast enhancement procedure can add the volume without altering proportions that are ideal for the patient’s frame.

Volume Loss After Pregnancy

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast fullness is decreased. Breast tissue naturally evolves but implants or fat transfer can provide lost upper pole fullness.

Breast Changes After Weight Loss

Breasts have a lot of fat and frequently the size of them is reduced when there is significant weight loss. Once weight levels off, augmentation can be used to fill in for fullness.

Breast Asymmetry

Breast asymmetry is not a cause for concern, unless it is severe. If differences in size are more pronounced, however, option may be available to correct the balance between both breasts with a careful selection of implants or fat transfer.

Upper-Pole Fullness

Some patients may wish to have fuller breasts in the upper portion, but still have the breasts proportionate to the rest of their body. This is determined by the type of implant and its placement.

Breast Reconstruction or Correction

Cosmetic augmentation is not the same as breast reconstruction following mastectomy, but is also used for selected reconstructive procedures or can correct congenital breast differences.

Breast Augmentation Options

Breast enhancement can be achieved via implants, fat transfer or a mix of both methods. This will vary based on breast size, skin tone, breast tissue, lifestyle and desired results. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of both options during your consultation, and outline a treatment plan that is tailored to you.

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Silicone gel implants are made of silicone implant material with an outer shell and a filling of cohesive silicone gel. They come in a variety of shapes, profiles and gel strengths to match different body types and desired results. Silicone implants are preferred by many patients because they can offer the natural feel and softness of the implant that is often preferred, especially if they have low levels of natural breast tissue. Although less common, a silicone implant rupture can go unnoticed for some time, and for this reason, it may be suggested to undergo imaging surveillance periodically as per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Saline Breast Implants

The saline implants have a silicone shell which is filled with sterile saline solution during the surgical procedure. The amount of implant can be adjusted before the surgery is finalized in some instances. When the rupture does happen, the breast will deflate and the saline will be absorbed by the body safely. The leaked saline is not dangerous, but the implant must be replaced or removed surgically.

Structured Saline Implants

Structured saline implants have a structure which varies from traditional saline implants, and they are filled with sterile saline. These are available in different markets and not all clinics will provide them.

Fat-Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer is a breast augmentation procedure that does not involve an implant, but rather the transfer of your own fat. Liposuction is performed first to remove the fat, which is then separated and processed into healthy fat cells, and gently inserted into the breasts. This technique takes care of implants, gives a little volume increase and also shapes the donor area. But patients must have sufficient donor fat, a certain amount of transferred fat will be absorbed by the body naturally and multiple procedures might be necessary. It tends to create a lesser enhancement in breast size than implants.

Hybrid Breast Augmentation

Hybrid breast augmentation involves the use of a smaller sized breast implant and fat grafting to enhance breast shape and soft tissue coverage. The implant will give volume and the transferred fat will contour and smooth the area around the implant. This technique can be helpful in certain patients, but is not the right option for all. A detailed anatomical assessment will help to establish if a hybrid approach is suitable. 

Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants

Before choosing an implant, patients should understand long term monitoring requirements, possible rupture risks, and the possibility of future revision surgery. A consultation allows your surgeon to explain which implant best matches your anatomy and expectations.

Round vs Anatomical Implants

Round Implants

Round implants are round in shape and are usually preferred to improve fullness in the upper pole. They come in various implant profiles providing different projections. They’re symmetrical and so rotation inside the implant pocket tends to be less obvious.

Anatomical or Teardrop Implants

Anatomical implants, also known as teardrop-shaped implants, have more volume in the bottom to produce a nice sloping breast shape. If the implant rotates the breast shape can be altered and may need correction. Also certain anatomical implant product lines have textured surfaces, which should be carefully discussed with your plastic surgeon before surgery and may come with risks.

Smooth vs Textured Implants

Smooth Implants

Smooth implants have a smooth surface that enables them to slide easily inside the implant pocket. These are typically employed in contemporary augmentations to the breasts and come in silicone and saline variants.

Smooth implants are popular with many surgeons due to their movement and the wide selection of them that are available.

Textured Implants

The textured implant is a textured surface that is roughened to have a different relationship with the scar capsule.

Some textured implant models have been linked to an increased risk of BIA-ALCL, a rare type of cancer that can occur in the fluid and capsule surrounding the implant, but not in the breast tissue itself. Thus, the choice of the implant surface should always be discussed with the patient and surgeon.

Not all textured implants are equal and there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding on implants.

Choosing Breast Implant Size 

The size of an implant is more than just a cup in a bra. The implant selection process is very individual as the size, shape and type of breast tissue and skin vary from person to person.

In the consultation, the surgeon assesses:

• Breast base width
• Chest dimensions
• Existing breast tissue
• Skin elasticity
• Skin stretch
• Nipple position
• Implant profile
• Desired breast projection
• Physical activity and lifestyle

A properly designed implant will fit within you and lessen tension on the breasts’ tissue.

Implant Volume

The size of breast implants is measured by cubic centimetres (cc), not the cup size. The size of a cup is not reliably the same for each manufacturer, and therefore cannot be used as a guide for surgical planning.

Rather, the volume of the implant is determined by anatomical dimensions and fullness desired.

Implant Profile

The difference between the width of the implant and the amount of it extending out from the chest wall is referred to as implant profile.

Common options include:

• Low profile
• Moderate profile
• High profile
• Extra-high profile

The more prominent the implant, the smaller the base and the less the volume will be spread out around the base of the implant, which is the lower profile.

Why Bigger Is Not Always Better

The size of the implant isn’t always the most successful long term outcome. There is a risk of oversized implants leading to:

• Skin stretching
• Breast sagging
• Bottoming out
• Visible implant edges
• Rippling
• Future revision surgery

A healthy tissue balance generally leads to better results.

Implant Sizers and 3D Imaging

During consultation, many clinics will use implant sizers or three dimensional imaging. These tools are used to assist in planning – but they can’t predict what the final shape will look like after healing. 

Breast Implant Placement

Subglandular Placement

Subglandular placement is found behind the breast tissue and in front of the pectoralis major muscle.

Potential considerations include:

• Less muscle related discomfort in recovery
• Increased speed of access in surgery.
• Increased use of healthy breast tissue to cover the implants
• Implant edges may be more noticeable in patients with thin tissues

Submuscular Placement

Here, the implant is implanted into the underside of the pectoralis muscle partially or totally.

Possible advantages include:

• Increased soft-tissue coverage
• In some patients, implant edges will be less visible.
• Improved patient support in patients who have small breast tissue.

During the initial phases of recovery, some patients will have tighter muscles. A few will also experience deformation of the animation, which is characterized by the movement of the implants during chest muscle contraction.

Dual-Plane Placement

The combination of both methods is called dual plane placement. The top part of the implant is buried underneath the muscle and the bottom part is located in the breast tissue where it will be different.

This technique may provide better coverage in the upper breast and the lower breast can be naturally shaped in carefully selected patient.

After examining your anatomy and your goals for the surgery, your plastic surgeon decides what kind of pocket works best.

Breast Augmentation Incision Options 

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is made in the crease of the breast.

Potential benefits include:

• Direct surgical access
• Excellent pocket control
• Works well for a variety of implants
• Unhairy scar frequently hidden in the breast fold

Periareolar Incision

This is an incision down the part of the border of the areola.

Possible advantages include:

• The natural colour transition may look like scar
• Very useful in some anatomical conditions

Before recommending this approach, the surgeon takes into account factors such a nipple sensation, breast ducts, bacterial exposure and areola size.

Transaxillary Incision

A transaxillary incision is made inside the armpit, not directly on the breast.

The advantage of this position is that it provides a greater appreciation of this position, however it may have some disadvantages in terms of choice of implant and can complicate revision surgery.

The choice of incision is dependent on the type of implant, not just cosmetic preference and on the anatomy and surgical planning.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Potential candidates are individuals who:

• Do not have defective or poor physical health
• Have realistic expectations
• Has achieved breast development
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Know that implants are not for life
• Can help to stop smoking prior to and after surgery
• Have enough breast tissue to undergo the procedure wished for
• Understand that a revision surgery could be required in the future

Who May Not Be Suitable?

Surgery may need to be delayed or avoided in patients with:

• Active breast infections
• Untreated breast masses
• Uncontrolled medical conditions
• Significant wound healing disorders
• Pregnancy or active breastfeeding
• Unrealistic expectations
• Failure to agree with the client on the length of time for implant monitoring
• Severely saggy breasts that need more than just breast augmentation

Medical Assessment Before Surgery

Each breast enhancement starts with a comprehensive consult and medical examination.

Your plastic surgeon examines:

• Medical history
• Breast health history
• Breast disease in the family
• Previous breast surgery
• Plans for pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Current medicines, remedies
• Smoking or using nicotine products
• Breast examination
• Clinical photographs
• Breast imaging at age appropriate or clinically indicated times

Breast implants are not a substitute for regular breast screening. Women should follow their doctor’s recommendations for breast cancer screenings based on their age and risk.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

Preoperative Marking

Before surgery, the surgeon carefully marks:

• Breast midline
• Inframammary folds
• Planned incision sites
• Implant pocket boundaries
• Existing breast asymmetry

These markings help in positioning the implant during surgery.

Anesthesia

The patient is put to sleep under general anaesthesia so that it is comfortable. The anaesthetic plan will be determined by the person, surgical facility and the assessment of the medical condition.

Creating the Implant Pocket

Once the incision is made the chosen incision the surgeon will use the preferred placement technique (subglandular, submuscular or dual plane) to create the implant pocket.

Implant Insertion

The implant is tested for accuracy and sterilely handled prior to insertion. The surgeon carefully places the implant, checks for breast balance and adjusts as needed, before sealing the incision.

Incision Closure

The incision can be closed with:

• Internal dissolvable sutures
• Skin sutures
• Surgical adhesive
• Sterile dressings or tape

They usually tie a supportive surgical bra at the end of the surgery to help to keep the breasts safe during the early healing phase.

Recovery Garment

At the end of the procedure, a surgical or supportive bra may be recommended to support the breasts, minimise swelling and help protect the surgical area during the early stages of recovery.

Recovery Timeline

First 24 – 48 Hours

There is usually mild swelling, tightness, soreness, and pressure all over the chest for the first two days. The majority of patients are discharged on the same day with guidelines for recovery and a prescription for medication.

First Week

Patients are advised to wear the recommended support bra, keep the incisions clean and dry, refrain from heavy lifting and have follow up appointments. Most people get back to their desk jobs in several days to a week depending on how they recover.

Two to Four Weeks

The swelling slowly improves and implants take their place. Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous activities, but should avoid strenuous exercise.

Six Weeks and Beyond

With their surgeon’s approval, most patients gradually return to their normal exercise routine. Over the next few months, the breasts become even softer, the scarring develops and the final form is even more evident.

Breast Augmentation Aftercare

Patients are normally advised following surgery to:

• Use the prescribed use of surgical bra.
• Keep incisions clean and dry.
• Follow the instructions for taking prescribed drugs.
• Don’t smoke and don’t use any nicotine products.
• Do not lift heavy or strenuous objects until cleared.
• Get to sleep in the suggested position.
• Go to all follow up appointments.
• Do not massage implants unless given directions.

If you have any of these symptoms, get immediate medical help:

• Rapid growth of one breast.
• Very pain or pain that is getting worse
• Fever
• Acute, spreading redness, pus
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Significant implant displacement 

When Will the Final Results Be Visible?

Swelling will make a bigger breast appear earlier than the increase in the size of the breast after surgery.

The first couple of weeks, the breast may be slightly higher on the chest, and it may be firmer than it sounds. Once the swelling subsides and adjacent tissues relax, the implants will gradually migrate to a more natural place.

Scars also take several months to mature and get softer and less obvious with time.

Surgery can correct breast symmetry but it is important to understand that this is not a realistic goal because there are often breast differences that will occur naturally. This will depend on your anatomy, implants, surgery and healing process.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Breast implants are not permanent implants.

There is no specific timeframe for replacement for all patients. A few people do not have any problems with their implants for many years, but for others, the implant may rupture, become capsular, displace or may not meet their personal requirements or other medical issues and so they may need an earlier operation.

The greater the amount of time implants are in place, the more likely it is that they need to be replaced or removed over time.

Routine follow up appointments and imaging (if recommended) monitors the integrity of the implant over time.

Risks and Possible Complications

Capsular Contracture

Scars are formed around the implant naturally after the implant placement.

At times this capsule contracts too much and results in the following:

• Breast firmness
• Discomfort
• Abnormal breast contour

In more severe cases, a breast implant revision surgery may be required.

Implant Rupture or Deflation

As with all implants, silicone and saline implants may burst.

Saline implants will typically collapse as the saline drains away and is absorbed by the body, with no harm.

Medical assessment or imaging is crucial when silicone implant rupture is suspected, as few or no physical signs of rupture may occur.

Infection

Infection is a known postoperative complication, but is not common.

For serious infections, antibiotic treatment, further surgery or removal of the implant temporarily may be needed.

Haematoma or Seroma

A haematoma is a collection of blood, a seroma is a collection of fluid surrounding the implant.

Treatment may alleviate these conditions or drainage may be necessary depending on the severity.

Implant Malposition

Over time, implants can move from their desired position.

Examples include:

• Bottoming out
• Lateral displacement
• Implant rotation
• Symmastia
• Breast asymmetry

If the position of the implant is altered and is not within the limits of tolerance (LOT), revision surgery may be advised.

Rippling or Visible Implant Edges

Thin breast tissue can cause the implant to be visible in the breast folds or edges, especially for some women with certain breast implants or insertions.

Changes in Nipple or Breast Sensation

After surgery, some patients will have temporary changes in sensation. Most recover over time, but permanent changes are possible.

Scarring

All cuts leave a scar.

The majority of scars will gradually fade but depending on your body’s healing, some may be more likely to widen, thicken, darken or become raised.

Breastfeeding Changes

Numerous patients are able to breastfeed after Augmentation. In some, however, surgical technique, anatomy or incision position could affect milk production or sensation of the nipple.

BIA-ALCL and Other Rare Capsule-Associated Cancers

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not breast cancer.

It is a rare cancer that can occur within the capsule and fluid of some breast implants, and is linked to certain textured implant surfaces.

If swelling, breast enlargement, pain or the formation of a lump occurs years after surgery, this is a sign of a problem and should be evaluated right away.

Breast Implants and Mammograms

Before having a mammogram, always tell the imaging centre that you have breast implants.

A few extra mammograms may be needed as implants can block some of the breast tissue in the images.

Regular breast screening is still relevant and guidelines for screening still rely on age, family history and personal risk factors. 

Breast Augmentation vs Breast Lift

Breast Implants vs Fat Transfer

Breast Augmentation vs Breast Reconstruction

Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of an existing breast for cosmetic purposes.

Breast reconstruction is the process of restoring the shape of the breast following mastectomy or trauma or in the absence of the breast due to congenital anomalies. Both procedures can include implants and fat transfer, however the goals, surgical plans and long term management will vary.

Can Breast Augmentation Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Breast Lift

For women who want to enhance their breast size, but have sagging breasts and the breasts need repositioning as well, a breast lift can be combined with augmentation.

Tummy Tuck

Some patients may have loose abdominal skin and weak muscles from weight loss or pregnancy, and opt to have a breast enhancement at the same time as they have the tummy tuck.

Liposuction

Liposuction can help reshape the body by removing fat from specific areas, and can be used alongside the surgery to enhance the body shape.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer can be used on top of breast implants to refine breast contour, enhance soft tissue coverage and enhance the final shape.

Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover is most often a combination of a breast enhancement surgery, a breast lift, tummy tuck or liposuction surgery that is tailored to the individual.

Procedures are combined, which adds to surgical and anaesthesia considerations, and is not recommended for all patients. A thorough consultation is used to decide on the safest and most appropriate method. 

Breast Augmentation Cost in Dubai

The cost of a breast enhancement procedure in Dubai can vary between AED 22,000 and AED 40,000 depending on the specific treatment plan and patient needs. This can differ depending on the implant brand and type, surgeon’s fee, hospital or surgical facility, anaesthetic, the complexity of the implant, breast asymmetry, a breast lift at time of implant, preoperative testing, surgical gowns, and postoperative care. 

For a detailed pricing guide, visit our dedicated Breast Augmentation Cost in Dubai page. Your quotation should clearly state whether it includes the implants, anaesthesia, facility fees, follow up appointments and the clinic’s revision policy. 

How to Choose a Breast Augmentation Surgeon in Dubai

Before proceeding, confirm:

• DHA or relevant UAE professional licence
• Recognised plastic surgery qualifications
• Experience with breast surgery
• Hospital operating privileges
• Approved implant brands
• Safe anaesthesia arrangements
• Infection control standards
• Emergency support
• Revision policy
• Patient consented to viewing before and after pictures
• Long term follow up care
• Documenting your implant card and treatments

Questions to Ask During Consultation

1. Am I a better candidate for augmentation, a lift or both?
2. Which implant type do you recommend?
3. Why do you recommend this implant size and profile?
4. Is the implant smooth or textured?
5. Where will the implant be placed?
6. Which incision will be used?
7. What implant brand will I receive?
8. What are the implant’s safety documents?
9. What are my personal risks?
10. How could surgery affect breastfeeding?
11. What screening or imaging will I need?
12. What happens if the implant ruptures?
13. What is your capsular-contracture rate?
14. What follow-up is included?
15. What is your revision policy?

Why Choose Vow Clinic Dubai?

Vow Clinic Dubai offers breast augmentation services by licensed plastic surgeons in a hospital environment. Each treatment starts with a personal breast and chest evaluation to identify a type of implant that would be best for your body and desired outcomes. We use approved brands of implants, support our patients in the decision making process and offer implant documentation post surgery. A clear cost estimation is provided prior to treatment and patients are offered long term follow up to ensure recovery and implant health is tracked. Treatment recommendations are tailored to each person’s anatomy, surgical plans and healing.

FAQs

What is breast augmentation?

It is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims at enlarging the breasts using implants or fat transfer or a combination of both.

Is breast augmentation the same as breast enlargement?

Yes. Both refer to surgeries that enlarge the breast.

Are silicone or saline implants better?

The best choice depends on your anatomy, preferences, and surgeon’s recommendations.

How do I choose the right implant size?

Your surgeon will take into account your chest width, breast tissue, skin elasticity and the outcome you are looking for when determining your implant size.

Are round implants better than teardrop implants?

Each has advantages. Round implants will add fullness to the top of the breast, and anatomical implants will give a more tapered bottom line to the breast for certain patients.

Should implants go over or under the muscle?

The placement will vary according to breast tissue, body type and cosmetic objectives. The best treatment for you is suggested by your surgeon.

How long does breast augmentation surgery take?

The operation is usually performed in one to two hours, but may take longer depending on the specific conditions.

Is recovery painful?

Patients will have soreness, swelling and tightness in the first few days. Symptoms slowly improve following proper post care.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Although the outcome will depend on each patient’s anatomy and surgical technique, many patients continue to breastfeed following surgery.

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants are not permanently implantable. Some will last for many years, others will need to be replaced or removed earlier based on individual needs.