Breast augmentation is one of the most patient-directed procedures in aesthetic surgery — meaning the choices you make with your surgeon shape the result at least as much as surgical skill does. This guide walks through those choices in plain English.
The three choices that define your result
1. Implant type
Modern breast implants are essentially all cohesive silicone gel — the old "saline bag" implants are almost obsolete for purely aesthetic work. What varies is:
- Shape — round (fuller upper pole) vs anatomical teardrop (more natural slope)
- Surface — smooth vs micro-textured (regulation in this space has changed significantly since 2019)
- Projection — low, moderate, high — how much the implant sticks forward vs spreads sideways
- Fill cohesivity — softer gels feel more natural; firmer gels hold shape better
In our network, the brands you'll most often see are Mentor (MemoryGel Xtra), Motiva Ergonomix and occasionally Nagor. All are major manufacturers with full warranties and FDA/CE certification.
2. Placement (where the implant sits)
- Sub-glandular — under the breast tissue but on top of the pectoralis muscle. Faster recovery, more "upper pole fullness", but visible rippling risk if you're thin.
- Sub-muscular — fully under the chest muscle. More natural feel, less rippling, but a tougher recovery.
- Dual-plane — the modern standard. Upper portion under the muscle, lower portion in front of it. Best of both worlds for most patients.
Your surgeon will recommend one based on your existing tissue thickness, chest anatomy and desired look. If they insist on one-size-fits-all regardless of anatomy, find another surgeon.
3. Size (what fits you)
Size is measured in cubic centimetres (cc), not cup sizes — cup size depends on your rib cage width and can't be promised reliably.
Typical ranges we see:
- Subtle enhancement / restoration after pregnancy: 200–300 cc
- Moderate augmentation: 300–400 cc
- Noticeable augmentation: 400–500 cc
- Dramatic augmentation: 500+ cc
Good surgeons use 3D simulation or biodimensional measurements (chest width, existing tissue envelope) to recommend a range that fits your body. Going bigger than your anatomy supports leads to long-term problems — and a natural-looking result almost always beats a dramatic one.
What you'll actually experience
The day
Surgery takes 1.5–2 hours under general anaesthesia. Most patients go home the same day to their hotel. Expect pressure in the chest for 48–72 hours, not sharp pain — manageable with standard painkillers.
The week
You'll wear a surgical bra 24/7 for the first 4–6 weeks. Showering from day 2–3. No arm lifting above shoulder height for 2 weeks. No driving for ~1 week.
The months
- Week 2–4: bruising and swelling resolve
- Month 2–3: implants begin to settle into their final position ("drop and fluff")
- Month 6: final position and softness achieved
- Month 12: scars fade from pink to thin white lines
Costs in Albania
All-inclusive packages — surgery, premium implants, anaesthesia, hotel, transfers, aftercare — start at:
- Mentor MemoryGel — from €3,200
- Motiva Ergonomix — from €3,800
Compare against typical costs elsewhere:
- UK — £6,500–£9,500
- Germany — €6,500–€9,000
- Italy — €5,500–€8,000
Safety & what we verify
Every breast augmentation in our network is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with DGPRÄC, ESPRAS, AICPE or ISAPS credentials. Implants come with manufacturer warranties (typically 10-year replacement for capsular contracture, lifetime for rupture). Pre-op includes full blood work, cardiology review and — over 40 — a baseline mammogram or ultrasound.
Planning your trip
Ideal stay: 6–7 days (arrival, consultation & pre-op, surgery, 3 days recovery, final check, fly home). Bring soft button-up clothes — you won't be able to lift a t-shirt over your head for a few days.
Ready for a personalised quote with implant recommendations for your anatomy? Send us your photos and measurements →