Breast augmentation in Coimbra and Lisbon

Plastic Surgeon with professional licence no. 44167 from the Portuguese Medical Association - Recovery using the R24R technique.

Natural results. Rapid Recovery Protocol (R24R). See real cases of Dr Ricardo Carvalho.

Left lateral image showing round implants.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery consists of placement of breast prostheses (or implants) through an incision and mainly corrects situations of breast atrophy or ptosis.

This is a personalised surgical procedureThe procedure will be adapted to your preferences, but also to your previous anatomy. Once a thorough assessment has been carried out in consultation, all questions relating to the surgery, in particular the types of prostheses and the approach to their placement, are duly discussed with Dr Ricardo Carvalho.

To find out more about breast augmentation, contact us for an appointment an assessment appointment in Coimbra (Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Centre) or Lisbon (MYFACE clinic).

We also have online consultation / teleconsultationThis is an advantageous option for those who live in other cities in Portugal (Porto, Braga, Viseu, Aveiro, Leiria, etc.) and is still very popular with patients who live in other countries.

Video explanations of breast augmentation

Who is suitable for breast augmentation

Women who are candidates for breast augmentation surgery are those who:

consider that their breasts are small or disproportionate in relation to your body;
have a slight ptosis ("droopy" breasts);
have a breast asymmetry notorious;
cases in which the breast has lost volume ("empty"), such as after pregnancy or following a significant weight loss.

Right lateral image of a breast augmentation operation, showing the measurement of the breast with a tape measure.

Expectations / 3D Simulation in Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure worldwide and has one of the highest satisfaction rates.

3D simulation is a very useful tool that allows you to "show" and get a closer idea of the final result. This software helps both the doctor and the patient choose the most suitable prosthesis and make decisions.

However, although software is becoming more and more developed, it's important to realise that the real result may not correspond exactly to the simulation. This will always depend on various factors, including the patient's genetic characteristics and the way each organism reacts to surgery.

It is also important to choose the right time to undergo breast augmentation surgery: when you are emotionally and professionally stable and when you are sure that you want to carry out this procedure for yourself, with the aim of improving your appearance and well-being, and not because of any kind of pressure.

Before and After Cases - Breast Augmentation

Comparison before and after a breast augmentation, frontal view, showing the increase in volume and improvement in the contour of the breasts after surgery with ultra-lightweight breast implants, with a volume of 410cc.

Comparison before and after a breast augmentation, side view, showing the increase in volume and improvement in the shape of the breasts after surgery with ultra-lightweight breast implants, with a volume of 410cc.

Comparison before and after a breast implant, side view, showing the increase in volume and improvement in breast contour after surgery with ultra-lightweight breast implants, with a volume of 410cc.

Before and after comparison of a breast enhancement, frontal view, highlighting the definition of the neckline and the increase in volume after surgery with ultra-lightweight breast implants, with a volume of 410cc.

The appearance of the scars after surgery with ultra-lightweight breast implants (410cc).

Breast augmentation with before and after comparison, frontal view, showing breast augmentation and symmetry after the surgical procedure using round, high-projection, 355cc nano-textured prostheses.

Breast augmentation using nano-textured, round, high-projection 355cc prostheses, with a before and after comparison, seen from a side angle, showing the enhancement and improvement in breast shape

Scars after a breast augmentation, with a before and after comparison, showing the recovery of the scars under the breast after surgery.

Cleavage after a breast augmentation using 355cc nanotextured, round, high-projection prostheses.

Comparison before and after a breast augmentation operation, left side view, showing the improvement in breast volume and contour after surgical intervention with round, high-projection, nano-textured 355cc implants.

Comparison before and after breast implant surgery, side view, highlighting the increase in volume and improvement in cleavage definition after the operation with round, high-projection, nano-textured 355cc implants.

Comparison before and after breast implant surgery, seen from the front, highlighting the increase in volume and improvement in the definition of the neckline after the operation with round, high-projection, nano-textured 355cc implants.

Comparison before and after a breast augmentation, frontal view, highlighting the volume and symmetry of the breasts after surgery with round implants.

Before and after breast augmentation comparison, right lateral view, showing the transformation in breast volume and contour after round implant surgery

Before and after breast augmentation comparison, left side view, showing the transformation in breast volume and contour after round implant surgery

Before and after breast augmentation comparison, left lateral view, showing the transformation in breast volume and contour after round implant surgery

Before and after breast augmentation comparison, side view, showing the transformation in breast volume and contour after round implant surgery.

Comparison before and after breast implant surgery, frontal view, highlighting the increase in volume and improvement in neckline definition after the round implant operation

Scars after breast augmentation, with a before and after comparison, showing the recovery and subtlety of the scars under the breast after the breast augmentation procedure with implants.

Comparison before and after breast augmentation, frontal view, showing the increase in volume and improvement in the symmetry of the breasts after surgery, using round, high-projection, nano-textured prostheses with 355cc.

Comparison before and after a breast augmentation, lateral view of the left side, showing the increase in volume and improvement in the symmetry of the breasts after surgery, using round, high-projection, nano-textured prostheses with 355cc.

Comparison before and after a breast augmentation, lateral view on the right side, showing the increase in volume and definition of the breasts after surgery, using round, high-projection, nano-textured prostheses with 355cc.

Comparison before and after a breast augmentation, lateral view of the right side, showing the increase in volume and improvement in the symmetry of the breasts after surgery, using round, high-projection, nano-textured prostheses with 355cc.

Scars after a breast augmentation, with a detail of the incision under the breast, showing the recovery and slight scarring after surgery with breast implants.

Scars on the areola after a breast augmentation, with a detail of the incision under the breast, showing the recovery and slight scarring after surgery with breast implants.

Comparison before and after a breast augmentation, left side view, showing the improvement in breast volume and contour after surgery with round, high-projection, nano-textured implants.

Clinical case before and after breast augmentation, frontal view, showing the increase in volume and improvement in breast contour after surgery. This surgery used round, high-projection, 410cc silicone prostheses, but weighing 30% less than their volume.

Clinical case before and after breast augmentation, lateral view of the left side, showing the increase in volume and improvement in breast contour after surgery. Round, high-projection, 410cc silicone prostheses were used, but with a weight 30% less than their volume.

Clinical case before and after breast augmentation, lateral view of the right side, showing the increase in volume and improvement in breast contour after surgery. Round, high-projection, 410cc silicone prostheses were used, but with a weight 30% less than their volume.

Front image illustrating the result before and after a breast augmentation where 400cc circular prostheses with high projection were applied.

Before and after image of a breast augmentation procedure carried out in a plastic surgery clinic, showing the result of the use of high-projection 400cc round prostheses, which were inserted behind the muscle; the angle of the image is frontal.

Image showing a before and after case of breast augmentation in a plastic surgery clinic, where you can see the placement of prostheses with greater projection, possibly 400cc, inserted behind the muscle, with the angle of the image to the right.

Before and after image of a patient in a plastic surgery clinic after a breast augmentation, where round, high-projection, 400cc prostheses were placed behind the muscle, showing two different angles, frontal and right lateral.

Frontal image of a patient before and after a breast augmentation procedure, showing the scars and the use of 400cc high-projection round implants to enhance the shape of her breasts.

Before and after image of a breast augmentation carried out in a plastic surgery clinic, showing the frontal view of a patient's torso, revealing a vast improvement in the projection and contour of the breast, with high-projection 400cc round prostheses placed behind the muscle.

Left side view of a before and after of a breast augmentation procedure carried out using the subfascial technique, using round-shaped implants with a high projection, a volume of 410cc and a weight of 304gr.

Illustrative right side image of a case before and after a subfascial breast augmentation operation, where round-shaped, highly projecting, 410cc implants were inserted, weighing 304gr each.

Frontal image of a clinical case before and after breast augmentation surgery, where 375cc high-relief spherical prostheses were used through an incision made in the curve of the breast.

See more clinical cases

Note: The images shown on this page are real examples of treatments carried out by Dr Ricardo CarvalhoThese are published with the prior, free and informed consent of the users involved, respecting the rules on the protection of personal data and the right to an image.

It is important to note that results may vary from person to person, depending on individual conditions and the clinical assessment carried out. These images are not a guarantee of similar results in other cases.

The decision to carry out any treatment should be made after a personalised medical consultation and assessment, ensuring that the procedure is suited to your specific needs and conditions.

Discover your before and after in 3D

Make your simulation

Types of breast prostheses

Breast implants

There is a great diversity of breast implants, which can differ in size, shape, projection and coating.
The choice of prosthesis is discussed in consultation with the doctor, depending on the woman's physical characteristics and the goals she wants to achieve with the surgery.

There are silicone prosthesesThey are very resistant (to both compression and torsion movements), both in their coating and inside (silicone gel). They are very resistant (to both compression and twisting movements) and practically undeformable.
There are also saline solution prostheses (the contents of which are a saline solution), but which we don't use.

SIZE

As for sizeIn addition, there are prostheses of very different volumes, expressed in CC (cubic centimetres). They can range from just over 100 CC to 800 CC.

Format and coating

Round - Round prostheses are used almost exclusively in breast augmentation surgery, especially when you want greater volume and projection. If it undergoes any rotation, it will always have the same shape.

Anatomical / Drop - these prostheses have a profile that more closely resembles the shape of the human breast. Very simply put, anatomical prostheses are used in breast reconstruction surgery or in cases where a very natural-looking breast augmentation is desired.
Due to the characteristics of the gel, drop prostheses change their shape when the woman is standing or lying down.

COATING
They can present a smooth surface or rough (textured prostheses).

Image of a round breast prosthesis being pressed with the finger.

Benefits

The main benefits of breast augmentation surgery are:

Improved physical appearance - surgery will improve a woman's body proportion.
Increased self-esteemThis surgery has a direct impact on a woman's self-esteem, as she tends to feel less complexed and more confident.
More clothing optionsWith a more pronounced and beautiful neckline, women no longer feel so constrained and begin to consider other items of clothing that they didn't wear before.

Ready to start your transformation?

Stages in the operating theatre

The steps in the operating theatre usually include:

Anaesthesia: our experienced team of anaesthetists will carefully prepare you for surgery.
Incisions: Dr Ricardo will make incisions in the chosen area, using techniques that minimise post-operative scarring.
Position of the prostheses: according to the options defined in the consultation, Dr Ricardo will position the prostheses, using his vast experience to achieve the best aesthetic result.
Safety: the operating theatre meets all hygiene and safety conditions; techniques and practices are used to minimise the chances of complications and infections.
Closing the incisions: after inserting the prostheses, Dr Ricardo will close the incisions with delicate sutures. You should follow all the doctor's instructions in the post-operative period to ensure a proper recovery. With time and proper care, the scars will become practically unnoticeable.

24-hour recovery after breast augmentation

Rapid recovery R24R

Dr Ricardo Carvalho has advanced training in the "Real 24H Recovery" (R24R), He completed his certification with Dr Thiago Cavalcanti in Brazil. This continuous technical updating enables the application of modern surgical approaches focused on post-operative recovery in breast augmentation and reduction surgeries, including methods such as Grip Plane, Mastogrip and Dual Plane.

These approaches aim to reduce surgical trauma and recovery time, providing a more comfortable and safer post-operative period. The aim of this protocol is to enable patients to resume their basic and light daily activities in around 24 hours after the intervention, always depending on individual clinical evolution.

The rigorous application of these techniques is intended to provide a faster recovery, This is combined with the search for greater stability in breast prostheses and harmonious aesthetic results.

In this way, whenever the medical assessment allows it, the patient is discharged the day after surgery, You can continue your recovery in the comfort of your own home.

Find out more about the R24R.

A manual lymphatic drainage in the post-operative period is often recommended as a complementary procedure to aid in a smoother and more effective recovery. When clinically indicated, this technique can contribute to:

Stimulation of local blood and lymph circulation.
Reduction of oedema, helping to reduce the natural swelling that occurs after surgery.
Prevention of fibrosis, favouring mobility and the natural appearance of the skin.
Promotion of a favourable environment for correct healing and tissue regeneration.

Lymphatic drainage is an excellent complement to surgical treatment. However, to ensure its safety and effectiveness, it is essential that it is carried out by a suitably qualified professional and always in accordance with the specific guidelines of your plastic surgeon.

Techniques for fitting breast implants

Submuscular

Placing the prostheses behind the muscle allows more natural resultsBut it is associated with greater discomfort in the immediate postoperative period.

Subglandular

Placing the prostheses behind the glandular tissue makes it possible to results with more pronounced necklines.

Subfascial

It allows you to get the best out of each of the previous techniques, i.e, a more natural result, without the immediate discomfort associated with the submuscular technique.

Types of scars

Scar in the inframammary fold

Like all surgeries, breast augmentation cannot be performed without scars. However, with proper care, the scars can be almost unnoticeable.

When the scar is positioned in the inframammary fold, this is not visible because it is located in a natural foldunless you lift the breast. This will be the most common scar.

Scar on the areola

In the case of a periareolar scar, the incision is made along the line of the areolaThis is where the natural transition of colour takes place, allowing it to be disguised.

Scar in the armpit

The axillary scar is the least used and only is reserved for very specific cases. Although it leaves the breast unmarked, as it is done in the armpit, it may be the most visible scar, especially when the arms are raised

Why choose Dr Ricardo Carvalho?

In his initial consultation, the Dr Ricardo Carvalho will listen carefully to you to understand what you hope to achieve with this surgery: your goals, preferences, doubts and fears so that you can make an informed decision about your surgery. He will also carry out a thorough assessment.

He is a plastic surgeon with solid training and vast experience, totally dedicated to achieving natural and harmonious results, as illustrated by his several clinical cases (before and after).

Graduated from the University of Coimbra, he specialised in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (professional certificate no. 44167, from the University of Coimbra). Medical Association).

Dr Ricardo Carvalho uses the operating theatre at the SANFIL clinic in Coimbra, which is ERS-certified and has a supervised recovery area.

Following the recommendations of the Portuguese Medical Association and the Portuguese Society of Plastic Surgery (SPCPRE), Dr Ricardo Carvalho operates with a full team. We believe that the presence of multiple specialists in the operating theatre is a fundamental pillar of safety. In all surgeries, the team is made up of:

Dr Ricardo Carvalho (Principal Plastic Surgeon);
A second assistant plastic surgeon;
An anaesthetist (present throughout the procedure);
Operating theatre nursing team.

Portrait of Dr Ricardo Carvalho, a plastic surgeon working in Coimbra and Lisbon, wearing a dark blue suit and tie with a fine pattern. He has his arms crossed and is smiling, with a black background.

Should I Consider Breast Augmentation?

Many women decide to have breast augmentation surgery for various reasons. If any of the objectives below match what you want, perhaps this surgery could be an option:

Recover lost breast volumepregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or simply the passage of time can affect breast volume. Breast augmentation can restore the desired fullness.
Increase breast sizeIf you feel that your breasts are smaller than you'd like, breast augmentation can give your body more proportion and balance.
Improve breast shapeYour breasts may look saggy or have some other change in shape that bothers you. Surgery can remould them and make them look more harmonious.
Correct breast asymmetry: your breasts may be slightly different in size or shape. Breast augmentation can correct this asymmetry.

It should be emphasised that breast augmentation is a personal and complex decision. It is essential to talk to a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your expectations, understand the risks and procedures involved and assess whether this procedure is the right option for you.

Summary of a Breast Augmentation

Surgery time

Absence from work

1 week

Hospitalisation

1 night

Bathing

From day 1

Mobility

From day 1

Exercises

After 6 weeks

Wearing a special bra

6 weeks

Sexual activity

After 4 weeks

Sleeping on your back

4 weeks

Total Recovery

4 to 6 weeks

Driving

After 1 week

Healing

After 2 weeks

Observations

These are approximate times and may vary according to each patient.
Strictly follow your doctor's instructions for a safe and successful recovery.
Don't hesitate to ask questions or report any unusual symptoms to your surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the adverse effects of breast augmentation surgery?

In fact, the most frequent adverse effects are transient and disappear spontaneously. The most common are ecchymosis (bruising), oedema ("swelling") and paresthesia ("numbness"). They often disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.

Another undesirable effect is asymmetry, resulting from a difference in the volume or position of the nipple implant.

This difference could be the result of an asymmetry that existed before the surgery and which went unnoticed by the woman, which is why a thorough objective examination before the procedure is essential.

A late adverse effect is the formation of a capsule of fibrous tissue around the implant. In mild cases, this capsule can go unnoticed, but in more serious cases it can change the shape of the breast and cause pain. This is known as capsular contracture.

To date, there is no link between the use of breast implants and the development of breast cancer.

This surgery does not interfere with pregnancy, but should be avoided if there are plans to become pregnant in the near future.

Who is the ideal candidate for breast augmentation?

The ideal candidate for breast augmentation is anyone over the age of 18 whose breasts are fully developed. For patients wishing to increase breast volume, they must be physically healthy, have realistic expectations about the surgery and not be pregnant or breastfeeding.

Why should you do a 3D simulation?

To help you choose the type of prosthesis.

This tool is very useful, it helps clear up some doubts and explains how the result can be different from what you might imagine or want, because the result always depends on the starting point, i.e. the type of breast, its shape, its position on the chest, the differences between the two breasts.

The 3D simulation doesn't tell you what the breast will look like, but rather what it may or may not look like.

What should I do after breast augmentation surgery?

The woman is usually discharged the day after surgery and can recover in the comfort of her own home.

We advise you to wear a post-surgical bra, without metal rings, for a period of 1 to 2 months and also to avoid very large movements with your arms for the first few days.

It is also advisable to carry out manual lymphatic drainage to speed up recovery, improve comfort and reduce the oedema associated with surgery.

When can you resume your daily activity/routine after breast augmentation surgery?

Recovery varies greatly from woman to woman and is a very personal matter.

However, in most cases, after 2 or 3 weeks the woman is fit for any activity (in some cases she may even be after a week), although it is advisable to take a longer break before starting again with more intense physical exercise.

Does the weight of larger prostheses make the breast sag more quickly?

Yes, this is true. However, there are some ways to help prevent this from happening. One of these ways is to choose prostheses that are lighter (although they retain their volume or larger size). These prostheses can be 30% lighter than other, more common prostheses and thus place less weight on the breast tissue.

Why should I always have a check-up with the surgeon?

This type of procedure is not just a trip to the operating theatre.

The consultation is an indispensable part, but not the only part, of a process that begins with the preoperative consultation and continues in the postoperative period with rehabilitation care.

During the consultation, before the surgery, all doubts are answered and the possible results, risks and complications that may occur are explained. It is also decided which type of prosthesis and surgical technique is most suitable and it is explained what the recovery will be like and what post-operative care is recommended.

Will I get better after breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation with prostheses is a surgical procedure that aims to improve your physical appearance and boost your self-esteem.

However, the new image you will acquire will not in itself change all the other areas of your life (professional, family, social), so it is essential to realise this.

Emotional balance is essential when undergoing surgery, especially if it is of an aesthetic nature.

Is breast augmentation surgery with prostheses safe?

Like any surgery, this one is not without its risks.

In fact, the first step is to consult a plastic surgeon who is registered with the Portuguese Medical Association (www.ordemdosmedicos.pt) and the Portuguese Society of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (www.spcpre.org.pt).

In addition, you should choose a clinic with a suitable environment for the consultation and surgery.

It is also important to choose the right time to have the surgery, whether socially, personally or professionally.

You should talk openly with your doctor, ask any questions you may have, clarify your objectives and expectations and understand the possible results, the necessary post-operative care and possible complications.

How much does a breast augmentation cost?

The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

For reference, prices start at €4,950, but the final price can only be determined following a valuation.

Please contact us via the Contact Form to get a quote tailored to your circumstances.