Breast · Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Breast Augmentation
Medically reviewed by Dr. Paulo Michels, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon· Updated 18 July 2026
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) enhances the size, shape and symmetry of the breasts using medical-grade implants or fat transfer. Performed by Dr. Paulo Michels, a Brazilian board-certified plastic surgeon in Abu Dhabi, it combines cohesive silicone implants, Dual Plane placement and the Internal Bra technique for natural, long-lasting results.
Breast augmentation is consistently one of the most popular and transformative cosmetic procedures worldwide. Achieving a result that looks beautiful, feels natural and lasts for decades requires more than inserting an implant — it requires profound anatomical understanding and artistic vision. Under the care of Dr. Paulo Michels, a Brazilian board-certified plastic surgeon operating in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, breast enhancement is tailored to your unique frame: not just volume, but proportion, symmetry and uncompromised safety.
Quick answer: breast augmentation at a glance
- What it is — a cosmetic surgical procedure (augmentation mammoplasty) designed to enhance the size, shape and symmetry of the breasts using medical-grade implants or fat transfer
- Best implant type — cohesive silicone gel implants (often called gummy bear implants) from premium brands such as Motiva, Mentor or Polytech; saline is rarely recommended due to its unnatural feel and rippling risk
- Top surgical techniques — Dual Plane placement (partially under the muscle for a natural slope) combined with the Internal Bra suturing technique to prevent long-term sagging or bottoming out
- Recovery timeline — fast-track recovery allows a return to light desk work in 3 to 5 days and full physical activity, including swimming, in 4 to 6 weeks
- Safety and longevity — when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon the complication rate is exceptionally low (under 1 percent), and modern implants have no strict 10-year expiration date
- Cost factors — prices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai depend on the clinic’s premium status, the surgeon’s expertise, the implant technology and whether a breast lift (mastopexy) is performed simultaneously
Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a deeply personal journey. You are likely an excellent candidate if you relate to any of the following:
- Naturally small breasts (micromastia) — you feel your breasts are disproportionately small for your body frame and wish to enhance your curves
- Post-pregnancy volume loss — deflation or loss of upper-pole fullness after breastfeeding or significant weight loss
- Asymmetry — one breast is noticeably different in size or shape from the other
- Health and expectations — you are in good general health, maintain a stable weight and have realistic expectations about the surgical outcome
There is no strict upper age limit: patients in good general health with good skin elasticity, cleared for elective surgery by their primary care physician, can safely undergo augmentation in their 50s, 60s or beyond. Asymmetry is also very common and correctable — implants of different volumes or profiles can be used in each breast to achieve a balanced, proportionate result.
What happens at the consultation?
Dr. Paulo Michels does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Your comprehensive, bespoke consultation includes:
- Clinical assessment — precise measurements of chest width, existing breast tissue base and skin elasticity
- 3D simulation technology — advanced imaging creates a 3D model of your body so you can visually try on different implant sizes and profiles before deciding
- Collaborative planning — bring reference photos; together you define your ideal aesthetic, from a subtle athletic enhancement to a fuller, more glamorous full-cleavage look
Which implant is right for me?
Cohesive silicone gel (gummy bear) implants are the gold standard. They hold their shape, mimic the natural density of breast tissue and carry the lowest risk of visible rippling. If the implant shell is somehow cut, the highly cohesive, form-stable gel does not leak into the body — much like a gummy bear sweet. Dr. Michels exclusively recommends premium silicone brands — Motiva, Mentor and Polytech. Saline implants, while safe, are prone to rippling and feel less natural, so they are generally not recommended in a premium UAE practice.
Profile (projection). The profile determines how far the implant projects outward from your chest. A moderate or low profile has a wider base and less projection — ideal for a wider chest and a highly subtle, natural look. A high or extra-high profile has a narrower base and more forward projection — ideal for a rounder upper breast and deeper cleavage, especially on petite frames.
Volume (cc). Implants are measured in cubic centimetres. Rather than focusing on cup size — which varies by bra brand — Dr. Michels selects the exact volume that harmonises with your chest measurements, so your tissue can safely support the implant.
Surface. Modern safety standards strongly favour smooth or nano-textured implants: heavily macro-textured implants have been linked to a rare condition called BIA-ALCL, so premium practice has largely transitioned to smooth surfaces to maximise patient safety.
What is hybrid breast augmentation?
Hybrid breast augmentation combines a smaller silicone implant with autologous fat transfer — fat harvested from your own body via liposuction. The purified fat is injected around the implant to seamlessly cover its edges, creating an ultra-natural look and deeper cleavage without relying on an overly large implant. It is an elegant option for slim patients with very little natural tissue coverage.
Where will the incision be?
| Incision | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Inframammary fold (under the breast) | The preferred method: a discreet 2–4 cm incision hidden in the natural crease. Best surgical visibility, minimal scarring, and preserves nipple sensation and milk ducts for future breastfeeding. |
| Transaxillary (armpit) | No scar on the breast itself; performed via endoscopic video surgery. |
| Periareolar (around the nipple) | Not recommended unless combined with a breast lift, due to higher risks of sensation loss and milk-duct damage. |
How is the implant placed? The Dual Plane advantage
Subglandular (over the muscle) placement sits directly behind the breast tissue and over the chest muscle. It is only suitable when there is a significant amount of existing natural tissue to cover the implant; otherwise the implant edges may be visible.
Dual Plane (under the muscle) is the gold standard. The top half of the implant sits beneath the pectoral muscle, creating a smooth, natural downward slope that hides the implant edges; the bottom half sits under the breast gland, allowing natural movement. This dramatically reduces the fake, stuck-on look and lowers the risk of capsular contracture.
The Internal Bra. Gravity affects all breasts over time. To prevent implants from sagging or dropping too low — bottoming out — Dr. Michels employs the Internal Bra technique: specialised internal suturing that reinforces the lower breast fold, acting as a permanent, invisible hammock that supports the implant’s weight for decades.
Do I need a lift as well as implants?
A common misconception is that implants alone will fix sagging breasts. Augmentation adds volume and fullness; it does not lift the nipple or tighten loose skin. A breast lift (mastopexy) removes excess skin, reshapes the tissue and moves the nipple to a higher, more youthful position. If your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease, you will likely need both procedures — an augmentation-mastopexy — performed in a single surgery. Combining them reduces overall recovery time and cost compared with two separate operations.
What anaesthesia is used, and does it hurt afterwards?
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia administered by a board-certified anaesthesiologist — you are completely asleep, unaware and pain-free throughout. Afterwards, most patients describe the recovery not as sharp pain but as deep muscle soreness or tightness in the chest, similar to an intense upper-body workout. This discomfort is manageable with prescribed oral medication and subsides significantly within the first 3 to 5 days.
What is the recovery like?
Modern surgical protocols minimise tissue trauma for a fast-track recovery:
- Day 1 — surgery lasts 1–2 hours under general anaesthesia; after a few hours in the recovery room you go home the same day. Expect tightness and mild soreness, managed with prescribed medication
- Days 3–5 — return to light daily activities, showering and desk or remote work; the surgical compression bra is worn 24/7
- Weeks 2–3 — swelling subsides rapidly; the implants, which initially sit high and tight, begin to drop and fluff into their natural, softer position
- Weeks 4–6 — cleared to remove the surgical bra, switch to standard (non-underwire) bras and resume full cardiovascular exercise, weightlifting and swimming
- Months 3–6 — breasts fully settle into their final shape and scars fade significantly
Sleep on your back with the upper body slightly elevated for the first 4–6 weeks — sleeping on your stomach or sides too early can displace the implants and put pressure on the healing incisions. Wait at least 7–10 days before flying: flying too soon increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis and post-operative swelling due to cabin-pressure changes and prolonged sitting. If your job involves physical labour or heavy lifting, plan for 4 to 6 weeks off work.
How safe is it, and what are the risks?
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, the complication rate is exceptionally low — under 1 percent. All surgery carries risks, which include:
- Capsular contracture — the body’s natural internal scar tissue (the capsule) tightens around the implant, making the breast feel hard or look distorted. Dr. Michels minimises this risk with Dual Plane placement, a no-touch sterile funnel insertion technique and premium smooth or nano-textured implants
- Infection — extremely rare under strict sterile protocols
- Changes in sensation — temporary numbness or hypersensitivity in the nipples is very common immediately after surgery; permanent changes are rare, especially with the inframammary incision, and sensation usually returns to normal within a few months
How long do implants last, and what if one ruptures?
Modern cohesive silicone implants are incredibly durable and do not expire every 10 years. You only need to replace or remove them if a complication arises — such as rupture or severe capsular contracture — or if you desire a size change later in life.
If a modern cohesive silicone implant does rupture, it is considered a silent rupture: the thick gel remains contained within the scar-tissue capsule and you will likely not notice any physical change. It is not a medical emergency, but the implant should be surgically replaced once detected via MRI or ultrasound. If a saline implant ruptures, the sterile saltwater is harmlessly absorbed by the body and the breast visibly deflates within hours or days; the deflated shell is then surgically removed and replaced.
Mammograms, cancer screening and Breast Implant Illness
Implants do not prevent mammograms — you can and must continue routine screening. Simply inform your technician that you have implants so specialised Eklund displacement views can be used to gently push the implant back and image the breast tissue clearly. Decades of extensive scientific research and FDA reviews show no link between standard breast implants and breast cancer.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is an unofficial term used by some patients to describe a cluster of systemic symptoms — fatigue, brain fog, joint pain — that they attribute to their implants. While not currently recognised as an official medical diagnosis by major medical boards, surgeons take these reports seriously; removing the implants (explantation) often resolves the symptoms for these patients.
What does breast augmentation cost in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
Cheap surgery is never safe, and safe surgery is rarely cheap. The investment varies and is determined by:
- Hospital fees — premium, JCI-accredited facilities ensure maximum safety
- Surgeon’s expertise — board-certified plastic surgeons with a proven track record
- Implant brand — next-generation implants (Motiva, Mentor) are a premium investment
- Complexity — adding a breast lift or fat transfer (hybrid augmentation) increases the total cost
Transparent, all-inclusive pricing is provided during your initial consultation, with no hidden fees.
Questions, answered
Breast Augmentation in Abu Dhabi — your questions
What exactly is breast augmentation?+
Breast augmentation, clinically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that increases the size, enhances the shape and improves the symmetry of the breasts using medical-grade implants or, occasionally, fat transfer.
Who is the ideal candidate for breast augmentation?+
The ideal candidate is a physically healthy woman, typically over the age of 18 for saline or 22 for silicone implants, who maintains a stable weight, is not pregnant or nursing, and desires fuller breasts or wishes to restore volume lost through pregnancy, weight loss or ageing.
Is there an upper age limit for breast augmentation?+
No, there is no strict upper age limit. As long as a patient is in good general health, has good skin elasticity and is cleared for elective surgery by her primary care physician, breast augmentation can be performed safely in her 50s, 60s or beyond.
Can breast implants fix uneven or asymmetrical breasts?+
Yes. It is very common for women to have breasts of slightly different sizes or shapes. A skilled plastic surgeon can correct this asymmetry by using implants of different volumes or profiles in each breast to achieve a balanced, proportionate look.
Will breast implants fix my sagging breasts?+
No. Implants alone add volume; they do not lift drooping tissue. If your nipples sit below the breast crease or point downward, you will need a breast lift (mastopexy) combined with implants to achieve a youthful, perky result. The combination can be performed in a single surgery.
Can I get a breast lift and implants at the same time?+
Yes. Combining a breast lift with augmentation — an augmentation-mastopexy — is a very common and effective procedure. It is performed during a single surgery, reducing overall recovery time and costs compared with two separate operations.
How do I choose the right implant size?+
Sizing relies on precise anatomical measurements — chest base width, existing tissue and skin stretch — not just a cup size. Dr. Paulo Michels uses 3D simulation imaging during the consultation to determine the maximum safe volume and show you exactly how different sizes will look.
What is the difference between silicone and saline implants?+
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel and movement of natural breast tissue, with a lower risk of visible rippling. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater; while safe, they feel firmer and look less natural, so Dr. Paulo Michels recommends premium cohesive silicone.
What are gummy bear breast implants?+
Gummy bear implants are silicone implants filled with a highly cohesive, form-stable gel. They hold their shape extremely well, and if the shell is ever cut, the thick gel does not leak into the body — similar to a gummy bear sweet.
What does implant profile mean — high, moderate or low?+
The profile determines how far the implant projects forward from the chest wall. A moderate or low profile has a wider base for a subtle, natural slope. A high or extra-high profile has a narrower base and projects further outward, creating more upper-pole fullness and prominent cleavage.
Are smooth or textured breast implants better?+
Modern safety standards strongly favour smooth or nano-textured implants such as Motiva. Heavily macro-textured implants have been linked to a rare condition called BIA-ALCL, so premium practice has largely transitioned to smooth surfaces to maximise patient safety.
What is hybrid breast augmentation?+
Hybrid breast augmentation combines a smaller silicone implant with autologous fat transfer — fat harvested from your own body via liposuction. The fat is injected around the implant to seamlessly cover its edges, creating an ultra-natural look and deeper cleavage without relying on an overly large implant.
Do breast implants expire after 10 years?+
No. Modern cohesive silicone implants are very durable and do not have a strict 10-year expiration date. They only need replacing if a complication occurs — such as rupture or severe capsular contracture — or if your aesthetic goals change.
Where is the incision made for breast augmentation?+
The most recommended incision is the inframammary fold, a small 2–4 cm cut hidden in the natural crease under the breast. Other options include the periareolar (around the nipple) and transaxillary (armpit) approaches, though the inframammary fold is preferred for preserving nipple sensation and breastfeeding ability.
What is the Dual Plane implant placement?+
Dual Plane is an advanced technique where the upper portion of the implant sits beneath the pectoral muscle and the lower portion sits under the breast gland. This hides the implant edges with a smooth, natural downward slope while allowing natural movement — and it lowers the risk of capsular contracture.
What does subglandular or over-the-muscle placement mean?+
Subglandular placement positions the implant directly behind the breast tissue and over the chest muscle. It is typically only recommended for patients who already have a significant amount of natural breast tissue to adequately cover the implant; otherwise the edges may be visible.
What is the Internal Bra technique?+
The Internal Bra is a specialised suturing technique that reinforces the inframammary fold at the base of the breast. It acts as a permanent internal hammock that supports the weight of the implant, preventing the breasts from sagging or bottoming out over the years.
How long does the breast augmentation surgery take?+
A straightforward breast augmentation usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. If the procedure is combined with a breast lift or fat transfer, the surgery time increases to approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight?+
Generally, no. Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure. After spending a few hours in the recovery room to ensure you wake up comfortably from anaesthesia, you are allowed to go home the same day.
What kind of anaesthesia is used for breast augmentation?+
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia administered by a board-certified anaesthesiologist. You are completely asleep, unaware and pain-free during the entire procedure.
How painful is the recovery after breast implants?+
Most patients describe the recovery as deep muscle soreness or tightness in the chest rather than sharp pain — similar to an intense upper-body workout. The discomfort is manageable with prescribed oral pain medication and subsides significantly within the first 3 to 5 days.
How soon can I return to work after breast augmentation?+
If you have a desk job or work remotely, you can usually return to work within 3 to 5 days post-surgery. If your job involves physical labour or heavy lifting, you will need to take 4 to 6 weeks off.
When can I start exercising again?+
Start light walking immediately to promote blood circulation. However, avoid running, high-impact cardio and any upper-body weightlifting for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the implants to settle and the incisions to heal properly.
How should I sleep after breast augmentation?+
For the first 4 to 6 weeks you must sleep on your back with the upper body slightly elevated using extra pillows. Sleeping on your stomach or sides too early can displace the implants and put painful pressure on the healing incisions.
When can I wear underwire bras and normal swimsuits?+
A specialised medical compression bra is worn 24/7 for the first 4 to 6 weeks to support the implants as they heal. Once your surgeon clears you — usually around week 6 — you can transition to normal underwire bras and standard swimwear.
When can I safely fly after breast surgery?+
Plan to wait at least 7 to 10 days before taking a flight. Flying too soon increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) and post-operative swelling due to changes in cabin pressure and prolonged periods of sitting.
Will breast implants affect my ability to breastfeed?+
In the vast majority of cases, no. By using the inframammary (under the breast) incision, the surgeon avoids cutting through the milk ducts and the nerve pathways surrounding the areola, preserving your ability to breastfeed normally.
Will I lose sensation in my nipples after getting implants?+
Temporary numbness or hypersensitivity in the nipples is very common immediately after surgery. However, permanent loss of nipple sensation is extremely rare, especially when the inframammary incision is used. Sensation usually returns to normal within a few months.
What is capsular contracture, and how do surgeons prevent it?+
Capsular contracture occurs when the body's natural internal scar tissue tightens around the implant, making the breast feel hard or look distorted. Dr. Paulo Michels minimises this risk with Dual Plane placement, a no-touch sterile funnel technique during insertion and premium smooth or nano-textured implants.
What happens if a silicone gummy bear implant ruptures?+
A rupture in a modern cohesive silicone implant is a silent rupture — the thick gel remains contained within the scar-tissue capsule and you will likely not notice physical changes. It is not a medical emergency, but the implant should be surgically replaced once detected via MRI or ultrasound.
What happens if a saline implant ruptures?+
If a saline implant ruptures or leaks, the sterile saltwater is harmlessly absorbed by the body and the breast visibly deflates within a few hours or days. The deflated shell must then be surgically removed and replaced.
Can I still get mammograms with breast implants?+
Yes, you absolutely can and must continue routine mammogram screenings. Simply inform the technician that you have implants so specialised Eklund displacement views can be used to safely push the implant back and image the breast tissue clearly.
Do breast implants cause breast cancer?+
No. Decades of extensive scientific research and FDA reviews have shown no link between standard breast implants and the development of breast cancer.
What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?+
Breast Implant Illness is an unofficial term some patients use to describe a cluster of systemic symptoms — such as fatigue, brain fog and joint pain — that they attribute to their implants. It is not currently recognised as an official medical diagnosis, but surgeons take these reports seriously; removing the implants (explantation) often resolves the symptoms for these patients.
How much does breast augmentation cost?+
The total cost varies with the clinic's premium status, the surgeon's board certification and the implant technology chosen — premium silicone costs more than saline. Combining the procedure with a lift or fat transfer increases the overall investment. An exact quote requires a personalised consultation.
Which types of breast implants are used in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?+
Patients asking about breast implants in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi are choosing from the same range. Premium cohesive silicone is the recommended standard: the gel closely mimics the feel and movement of natural breast tissue and carries a lower risk of visible rippling than saline, which feels firmer and looks less natural. Modern safety standards strongly favour smooth or nano-textured surfaces such as Motiva — heavily macro-textured implants have been linked to a rare condition called BIA-ALCL, so premium practice has largely transitioned to smooth surfaces. Profile and volume are then selected from anatomical measurements — chest base width, existing tissue and skin stretch — with 3D simulation imaging during the consultation.
How long do breast implants last, and when do they need to be replaced?+
Modern cohesive silicone implants are very durable and do not have a strict 10-year expiration date. They only need replacing if a complication occurs — such as rupture or severe capsular contracture — or if your aesthetic goals change. If you are considering breast implants in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, plan for long-term follow-up with your surgeon rather than for a fixed replacement date.
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