Overview
Breast augmentation in Colombia—augmentation mammoplasty, or a "boob job" in everyday language—is surgery that increases breast size or restores volume by placing a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle. Mayo Clinic notes that people choose it to enlarge small breasts, balance asymmetry or restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss.
Implants are medical devices with a lifespan, not a one-time decision. Before surgery, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asks that every patient review a Patient Decision Checklist covering risks, follow-up imaging and the possibility of future operations. That conversation is part of any careful consultation, wherever it happens.
Dr. Fulvio Correa evaluates every breast augmentation patient himself: in person at his Cartagena practice, or by virtual consultation if you live in the United States or elsewhere and want his opinion before planning the trip. On this page you will find who tends to be a good candidate, how implant type, incision and placement are chosen, what recovery looks like and how to plan the trip. When you are ready, .
Candidates
You may be a good candidate if you want larger or more symmetrical breasts, are in good health, have realistic expectations and understand that implants require long-term follow-up.
Points that shape the decision:
- Sagging. Mayo Clinic is clear that implants will not keep breasts from sagging. If the nipple sits low or the breast has descended, a breast lift may be recommended with or instead of implants.
- Future plans. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight changes alter how breasts look over time. Some women breastfeed without difficulty after augmentation; for others it is harder.
- Smoking. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for a period before and after surgery—Mayo Clinic mentions about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Baseline imaging. A mammogram may be requested before surgery, depending on age and history.
If breast changes are one part of recovering your shape after children, you may want to read about the mommy makeover, which combines breast and abdominal procedures.
Technique
Choosing the implant
Implants differ in fill (saline or silicone gel), surface (smooth or textured) and shape (round or teardrop). Saline implants are inserted empty and filled in place; silicone implants come pre-filled. The FDA has identified a low but increased risk of a rare lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) with textured implants, which is one reason surface type is discussed explicitly.
Incision options
Mayo Clinic describes three common incision sites:
- Inframammary, in the crease under the breast.
- Periareolar, along the edge of the areola.
- Transaxillary, in the armpit.
Placement
The implant can sit subglandular (behind the breast tissue, in front of the pectoral muscle) or submuscular (partly behind the muscle). Coverage, the thickness of your own tissue and activity level influence the choice.
The operation
Breast augmentation is usually done in a surgical center or hospital outpatient facility, most often under general anesthesia, and Mayo Clinic notes that most people go home the same day. The incision is closed with stitches and supported with tape or skin adhesive.
Stay in Cartagena
When you can fly
ASPS suggests waiting at least five to seven days before flying after body procedures such as breast augmentation. Stitches that do not dissolve or drains, if used, require a follow-up visit to remove them, so the first post-operative check usually anchors the return date. Your recommended stay is confirmed after evaluation.
Documents to bring home
Ask for your implant information before you leave: manufacturer, model, size, fill, surface and lot or serial numbers, plus the operative note. Mayo Clinic advises keeping copies of the implant manufacturer's patient information. Your doctor at home will need these for imaging and any future procedure.
Trip checklist
- A companion for at least the first night, as Mayo Clinic recommends.
- A soft front-closing sports bra or the support garment your surgeon prescribes.
- Loose, button-front tops so you do not have to raise your arms.
- Carry-on luggage light enough that someone else can lift it into the overhead bin.
For questions to prepare before your consultation, read breast augmentation in Colombia: how U.S. patients verify surgeons.
Specific risks
Mayo Clinic lists these breast augmentation risks: capsular contracture (scar tissue that tightens around the implant), breast pain, infection, changes in nipple and breast sensation, implant position changes, and implant leak or rupture. Treating these can mean more surgery to remove or replace implants.
Two topics the FDA asks surgeons to cover:
- BIA-ALCL, a rare cancer of the immune system associated mainly with textured implants.
- Systemic symptoms some patients report (fatigue, memory problems, rash, joint pain), sometimes called breast implant illness. Studies have not shown that implants cause them, but some people improve after removal.
Long-term care matters too. Implants are not lifetime devices; Mayo Clinic notes they last about 10 years on average, and mammograms need extra views. For silicone implants, the FDA suggests imaging to screen for silent rupture 5 to 6 years after surgery and every 2 to 3 years afterward. Contact your surgeon for fever, a warm red breast, chest pain or shortness of breath.
General information; not a substitute for individual medical advice.
Recovery timeline
First days
Soreness, tightness and swelling are expected, more so with submuscular placement. You will wear a support bra or compression band and rest with your upper body raised.
Weeks 1–2
Mayo Clinic advises avoiding anything that strains you or raises your pulse or blood pressure for at least two weeks. ASPS suggests at least five to seven days before flying.
Weeks 2–6
Many people with non-physical jobs return to work within a few weeks. Breasts remain sensitive to touch and jarring movement; upper-body exercise resumes gradually with your surgeon's clearance.
Months 2–6
Implants settle into position and swelling resolves. Scars fade over time but do not disappear completely.
If the breasts have descended as well as lost volume, compare with Breast reduction & lift
When breast and abdominal changes after pregnancy are addressed together, the plan is a Mommy Makeover
Questions about breast augmentation
How long should I stay in Colombia after breast augmentation?
ASPS suggests waiting at least five to seven days before flying after breast augmentation. The exact date depends on your first follow-up visit, including stitch or drain removal if needed.
How long do breast implants last?
Implants are not lifetime devices. Mayo Clinic notes they last about 10 years on average, and rupture, capsular contracture or aging can lead to another surgery.
Silicone or saline implants: which is better?
Neither is best for everyone. Silicone implants come pre-filled with gel; saline implants are filled with sterile salt water once placed. Feel, incision size, rupture monitoring and your tissue coverage guide the choice.
Is it better to place implants over or under the muscle?
It depends on how much natural tissue covers the implant, your activity level and the look you want. Placement behind the muscle can give more coverage, while placement in front of it can mean an easier early recovery.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Many women can, but for some it becomes more difficult. Discuss future pregnancy and breastfeeding plans during your consultation so incision and placement take them into account.
Will I need MRI or ultrasound checks after silicone implants?
The FDA suggests imaging 5 to 6 years after silicone implant surgery to check for silent rupture, then every 2 to 3 years. Ask your doctor at home which test fits your case.