Volume-related concerns
Selected patients may seek increased volume or changes following pregnancy, weight change, or natural variation. Existing tissue and skin characteristics influence the available options.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation may be considered to increase breast volume or address selected volume-related concerns. The appropriate approach depends on breast and chest anatomy, existing tissue, skin quality, and your individual goals—not a predetermined implant size or appearance.
Understand Breast AugmentationUnderstanding augmentation
More than choosing an implant size.
Breast augmentation changes volume using an implant or, in selected circumstances, autologous fat transfer. Implants and fat grafting have different indications, limitations, and long-term considerations. This page focuses primarily on implant-based augmentation.
Breast position, skin elasticity, chest dimensions, and the amount of existing tissue influence what can reasonably be achieved. An implant does not reliably correct significant breast descent; a lift may be considered separately when indicated. No particular breast size or shape is medically required.
Consultation is intended to establish whether surgery is appropriate and to discuss alternatives, expected benefits, scars, recovery, and possible future operations.
Who may benefit
Is augmentation appropriate for your concerns?
Suitability depends on anatomy, general health, expectations, and the balance of potential benefit and risk. A consultation may identify a more appropriate treatment or conclude that surgery is not indicated.
Asymmetry & proportions
Breast and chest asymmetry are common. Surgery may improve selected differences, but perfect symmetry and a particular cup size cannot be guaranteed.
Breast position
When significant descent or excess skin is the principal concern, augmentation alone may be insufficient. Mastopexy or another approach may be discussed when appropriate.
Unexplained breast lumps, nipple discharge, or other concerning changes require appropriate diagnostic assessment. Relevant screening, pregnancy or breastfeeding plans, medical conditions, and previous operations should be discussed before elective surgery.
Individual surgical planning
The plan begins with your anatomy.
Assessment considers breast base width, chest shape, existing tissue coverage, skin elasticity, breast and nipple position, asymmetry, and the patient's preferences. Implant dimensions and volume are considered together rather than selecting a cup size alone.
The discussion includes implant type, placement, incision, possible scars, anaesthesia, recovery, and long-term monitoring. The surgeon will explain why a particular option may or may not be appropriate for your anatomy.
Augmentation and breast lift
A lift addresses breast position and excess skin, while augmentation adds volume. They may be considered separately or together when indicated. Combined surgery has additional trade-offs and is not automatically preferable.
Alternative approaches
Fat grafting may be suitable for selected volume goals where adequate donor fat is available. Volume retention is variable and additional treatment may be needed. It does not offer the same volume range or predictability as an implant and does not replace lifting when significant descent is present.
Surgical approaches & implants
Understanding the options behind the plan.
Implant selection and surgical technique should follow an individual assessment. No implant shape, surface, incision, or placement is best for every patient.
Implant selection
Implants differ in dimensions, shape, fill, and surface characteristics. Silicone gel and other available options have different considerations. Selection should account for tissue coverage, desired volume, safety information, and the individual implant's regulatory status.
Placement & tissue coverage
Implants may be placed in different anatomical planes, including above or partly beneath the pectoralis muscle. The choice depends on tissue thickness, anatomy, implant characteristics, and the expected trade-offs, including visibility, movement, and recovery.
Incisions & scars
Common incision options include the inframammary fold and selected alternative approaches. Each has implications for access, scars, and the surgical plan. The proposed incision and its limitations should be discussed before surgery.
The available implant options and Dr. Joe's proposed technique will be confirmed during consultation. This educational overview does not imply that every technique or implant type is offered in every case.
Recovery & preparation
Planning for recovery and future care.
Swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary changes in sensation may occur. Recovery varies with implant placement, the extent of surgery, and individual healing. Dressings, support garments, medication, activity restrictions, and follow-up will be explained by the surgical team.
Patients should arrange transport and appropriate assistance, allow time away from strenuous activity, and follow individual wound-care instructions. Visible swelling often improves over the first several weeks, while settling and scar maturation may take longer. A specific return-to-work date or final appearance cannot be guaranteed.
Before surgery
Preparation includes medical assessment, review of medications and supplements, nicotine use, previous surgery, and breast screening where indicated. Do not stop prescribed medication without guidance from the treating clinician.
Long-term implant care
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Future imaging, monitoring, replacement, or removal may be necessary. Follow the current recommendations for the specific implant, including appropriate surveillance for silicone implant rupture. Routine breast screening remains important, and imaging providers should be informed about implants.
When to seek urgent advice
Rapidly increasing swelling, severe or escalating pain, significant bleeding, breathing difficulty, fever, or other concerning symptoms require prompt assessment. Follow the surgical team's emergency instructions rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Safety & limitations
Understanding implant-related risks.
Breast augmentation is an operation with potential complications and long-term responsibilities. Individual risks depend on health, anatomy, implant characteristics, and the proposed approach.
Surgical complications
Bleeding, haematoma, infection, wound-healing problems, anaesthesia-related complications, and changes in nipple or breast sensation may occur. Breastfeeding may be affected in some patients.
Implant & contour concerns
Capsular contracture, rupture or deflation, malposition, rippling, asymmetry, implant visibility, and dissatisfaction may require additional treatment. Implants can complicate some breast imaging, and revision or removal may be needed even without an immediate complication.
Rare and systemic concerns
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare lymphoma associated particularly with textured implants, and other reported implant-associated malignancies must be discussed. Some patients report systemic symptoms attributed to implants, often called breast implant illness; the causes and relationship to implants remain incompletely understood. Current safety information should be reviewed during consent.
No implant is guaranteed to last indefinitely or to produce a particular appearance. Future surgery may be necessary and carries additional risks. The option of not proceeding should remain part of informed decision-making.
Patient results
Results in clinical context.
Before-and-after photographs may illustrate changes in volume and proportion. Each case should be considered alongside starting anatomy, implant or graft details when relevant, procedure, and follow-up period. Individual results vary and photographs cannot predict your outcome.
View Patient ResultsFeatured augmentation case
BeforeImage pending
AfterImage pending
Clinical photographs and case details will be added here. Procedure · Indication · Follow-up
Surgeon-led care
A considered approach to breast surgery.
Dr. Joe Areejunthawat is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Bangkok. His approach begins with understanding the patient's concerns, evaluating the anatomy, and discussing appropriate options, including their limitations and long-term considerations.
The proposed treatment is individually planned rather than based on a standard implant size or technique. Consultation provides an opportunity to discuss risks, alternatives, recovery, and whether surgery is appropriate.
About Dr. JoeRelated pathways
Explore related treatment options.
Breast volume, position, and size are different concerns. These pathways provide additional context without implying that combined surgery is necessary.
Your consultation
Considering breast augmentation?
Discuss your concerns, medical and surgical history, and the available options with Dr. Joe. You do not need to choose an implant size or technique before consultation. The aim is to support an informed decision, including whether surgery is appropriate.