Planning breast augmentation abroad can feel big. Chiang Mai Province, in Northern Thailand, offers experienced plastic surgeons, modern operating theatres, and a calm, scenic setting that helps many patients feel at ease. 

This guide walks you through the essentials—what the surgery involves, how to choose a clinic and surgeon, expected recovery, pricing and savings, trip planning, and everyday practicalities like transport and payment. We keep things balanced and easy to understand so you can decide with confidence.

Quick take: Lower total cost - Experienced surgeons - Relaxed recovery setting - Tourism-friendly city

Breast augmentation—also called augmentation mammoplasty or breast enlargement—uses implants to increase breast size and enhance shape. Your surgeon creates a pocket either beneath the breast tissue (subglandular) or partially under the chest muscle (dual-plane/submuscular), then places the implant through a small incision. 

Common incision sites include inframammary (in the crease under the breast), periareolar (around the lower edge of the areola), and less commonly transaxillary (in the armpit). 

The “best” technique depends on your anatomy, implant type, and goals. In everyday terms: it’s a precise way to add volume and contour that suits your frame.

Candidacy & Expectations

• You’re in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to pause nicotine as advised).

• Your breasts are fully developed.

• You understand potential risks, scarring, and recovery steps, and have realistic goals.

During consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, medicines, allergies, and any prior breast surgery. Many clinics use photos or 3D tools to help visualize sizes. Bring inspiration pictures if you like, but trust your surgeon’s safety limits—your anatomy guides what will look and age best.

• Strong value: You’ll often see lower total costs than in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia—without compromising quality.

• Calmer pace: Compared with huge capitals, Chiang Mai’s relaxed vibe, mountain air, and leafy neighborhoods make pre-op consults and post-op downtime more comfortable.

• Modern facilities: Advanced operating rooms, strict sterilization, and multilingual care teams are standard at leading clinics.

• Traveler-ready: Hotels, cafés, spas, and digital payments are widespread.

• Medical Departures support: Use verified profiles, prices, maps, and real reviews—plus friendly help when you need it.

To start exploring providers, you can compare plastic surgery clinics across Thailand, then filter for Chiang Mai Province to shortlist options that match your schedule and budget.

• Fill: Silicone gel often feels more natural; saline is sterile saltwater that can be adjusted during surgery.

• Shape: Round adds upper-pole fullness; anatomical/teardrop creates a natural slope.

• Shell: Smooth can feel softer; textured was designed to resist rotation on shaped implants.

• Placement: Subglandular, submuscular, or dual-plane.

• Incisions: Inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary.

Your surgeon will recommend the best combination based on chest width, skin quality, exercise habits, and your desired look. You’ll also review implant brands used locally and manufacturer warranties.

Surgical Steps & Anesthesia

• Usually a day procedure; some patients stay overnight for comfort.

• General anesthesia is most common; IV sedation may be used in specific cases.

• Operating time averages 60–120 minutes.

After careful marking, the surgeon creates the pocket, positions the implant, checks symmetry, and closes with layered sutures. You’ll wake in recovery, then receive discharge instructions covering meds, activity, and wound care. Bring a soft, front-zip support bra if recommended.

• Days 1–3: Expect swelling, tightness, and fatigue. Take medications as directed, walk short distances, and sleep slightly elevated.

• Days 4–7: Most patients feel progressively better; light desk work may be possible.

• Weeks 2–4: Increase daily activities gradually; avoid heavy lifting and intense upper-body workouts.

• Weeks 6–8: Many resume normal exercise after clearance.

• Months 3–6: Implants settle (“drop & fluff”); scars mature up to a year.

If you’re flying home, your clinic will advise a safe window. Keep follow-ups and report unusual symptoms right away.

• Common: swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, minor asymmetry adjustments.

• Possible: infection, bleeding/hematoma, capsular contracture (a firm scar layer around the implant), implant shift, or changes in nipple sensation.

• Long term: implants age over many years and may require future imaging or revision.

• Rare: anesthesia complications; specific considerations are discussed between you and your surgeon.

High-quality clinics reduce risk by careful patient screening, sterile technique, and close aftercare. Ask about capsular contracture rates, imaging recommendations (e.g., ultrasound or MRI for silicone implants), emergency protocols, and accessible contact numbers—including remote support once you’re home.

Final pricing depends on the surgeon’s experience, implant brand, anesthesia, and whether you add a lift or other procedures. Medical Departures typically lists verified package prices so you can compare fairly and avoid surprises. Below is a reference table with typical all-inclusive ranges and estimated savings. Request a personalized quote to confirm the exact total for your case.

Exchange rates, implant selection, and combined procedures can affect totals. To validate your numbers, message multiple clinics and compare the line-item inclusions. For country-wide context, see breast augmentation in Thailand (Medical Departures).

What’s Usually Included?

• Surgeon and assistant fees

• Implants (brand/model specified in the quote)

• Operating room, nursing, anesthesia

• Pre-op labs, initial post-op meds, and sometimes a surgical bra

• Follow-up visits while you remain in Chiang Mai

Some clinics add complimentary airport transfer or hotel discounts. Ask for itemized quotes and a written revision policy to understand what’s covered—and for how long.

• Credentials: Thai and international board certifications, society memberships.

• Experience: annual volume of augmentations; before/after galleries with lighting and angles that match.

• Facility standards: licensed operating room, anesthesia team, emergency readiness.

• Implant details: FDA/CE-marked brands, manufacturer warranty terms, implant card provided.

• Communication: clear English, realistic advice on sizes and proportions.

• Aftercare: scheduled checks, 24/7 contact info, remote follow-ups by video or photos.

• Transparent pricing: itemized packages, fair policies for complications and revisions.

Ready to compare options? Start with a national overview and filter down: compare plastic surgery clinics across Thailand. You can also focus your search in the north here: browse Chiang Mai clinics.

Booking with Medical Departures

• Compare verified clinic profiles and patient reviews.

• Request quotes securely and upload images for assessment.

• Get friendly, free booking support.

• Lock in dates that match flight deals and your time off.

Airport: Chiang Mai International (CNX) is close to the city center. Most long-haul travelers connect through Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Singapore (SIN), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL).
Best time to visit: Many medical travelers prefer the cooler, drier months (roughly November to February) for easy recovery walks and comfy nights.
Where to stay: Choose hotels with elevators, quiet rooms, blackout curtains, and room service. Districts popular with patients include Nimmanhaemin (modern cafés, malls) and the Old City (walkable heritage lanes).

Sample Flight Durations (Typical, One-Stop)

• Sydney → Chiang Mai: ~12–15 hours total (via Bangkok or Singapore)

• Melbourne → Chiang Mai: ~13–16 hours total

• Los Angeles → Chiang Mai: ~18–22 hours total

• San Francisco → Chiang Mai: ~17–21 hours total

• London → Chiang Mai: ~14–17 hours total

• Dubai → Chiang Mai: ~9–11 hours total (via Bangkok)

• Hong Kong → Chiang Mai: ~3–4 hours total

• Singapore → Chiang Mai: ~3–4 hours total

Ground Transport

• Airport taxis & ride-hailing: Convenient and affordable for clinic visits and follow-ups.

• Songthaews (red trucks): Shared routes for short hops; best before surgery, not after.

• Private cars: Clinics often arrange private drivers for post-op comfort.

Post-op, choose door-to-door rides, wear your seatbelt low across the lap, and avoid long bumpy trips. Your clinic can coordinate transport for check-ups.

Step-by-Step Trip Planner

• 6–8 weeks out: Shortlist 2–3 clinics on Medical Departures; request quotes; book video consults.

• 4–6 weeks: Confirm your surgeon, reserve surgery date, book flights and a recovery-friendly hotel close to the clinic.

• 2–3 weeks: Complete pre-op labs/clearance; pause smoking and avoid certain meds as instructed.

• 1 week: Pack front-zip tops, a support bra (if advised), slip-on shoes, a wedge pillow, and your medications list.

• Arrival: In-person consult; finalize implant type/size; sign consent forms and review warranty details.

• Surgery day: Follow fasting rules; arrange pick-up; keep your schedule light.

• Post-op: Attend follow-ups; follow incision care; walk gently; keep hydration and fiber intake up.

What to Pack

• Front-zip sports bras (as your surgeon recommends)

• Button/zip tops, soft leggings, slip-on shoes

• Neck pillow and small wedge pillow for elevated sleep

• Medication list, health summaries, and allergy info

• Reusable water bottle and light snacks

• Gentle fragrance-free soap and disinfecting wipes

• Long phone-charging cable for bedside use

• Implant warranties: Major brands typically include device warranties for specified issues. Ask for the warranty booklet and an implant card.

• Clinic policies: Some clinics offer limited guarantees for early complications. Confirm what they cover (e.g., replacement implant, OR fees) and for how long.

• Travel insurance: Consider policies that include medical procedure complications and itinerary changes.

Get all policies in writing and keep digital copies accessible on your phone.

1) How long should I stay in Chiang Mai after breast augmentation?

Short answer: Around 7–10 days, if your surgeon agrees.

Expanded: Many patients are cleared to fly home roughly a week after surgery. Your timeline depends on healing, incision type, and whether you had a combined lift. Always follow your surgeon’s personalized advice and attend all scheduled check-ups.

2) Do clinics provide warranties or guarantees?

Short answer: Yes—implant brands offer device warranties; some clinics add limited guarantees.

Expanded: Ask for the manufacturer’s warranty booklet and the clinic’s written policy. Clarify what’s covered (e.g., replacement implant, OR/anesthesia fees), for how long, and what exclusions apply.

3) What ground transport is best after surgery?

Short answer: Pre-booked taxis or ride-hailing door-to-door.

Expanded: Keep rides short and smooth. Wear the seatbelt low across your lap, not high across the chest. Many clinics arrange pick-ups for post-op checks—ask what’s available.

4) Which payment methods are accepted?

Short answer: Cards, bank transfers, and cash are common; some clinics accept e-wallets.

Expanded: Confirm deposit requirements, due dates, and any card surcharges. Bring backup payment methods and inform your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocks.

5) Silicone or saline—what should I choose?

Short answer: Silicone often feels more natural; saline is adjustable and slightly cheaper.

Expanded: Your anatomy and goals guide the choice. Discuss feel, look, imaging needs, and warranty details with your surgeon.

6) When can I work out again?

Short answer: Light walks right away; most exercise after 6–8 weeks with clearance.

Expanded: Upper-body and chest-focused moves are restricted early on. Your surgeon will give you a phased plan to protect incisions and implant position.

7) Will there be visible scars?

Short answer: Small scars occur with any incision but usually fade over time.

Expanded: Incision placement (inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary) influences visibility. Scar care, sun protection, and genetics play roles in how scars mature over the first 12 months.

8) Can I combine a breast lift with implants?

Short answer: Yes; it’s called augmentation mastopexy.

Expanded: Combining procedures improves shape and nipple position in patients with sagging. It’s more complex and may change scars, costs, and recovery. Your surgeon will advise if it suits your goals.

Important Reminder

This article is educational and not medical advice. Your own doctor’s recommendations always come first.

• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Breast implants.

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Breast Augmentation.

• World Health Organization. (n.d.). Thailand — Country Profile.

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Travelers’ Health: Thailand.

• UK Government. (n.d.). Foreign Travel Advice: Thailand.