Breast Augmentation in Delhi: Implants, Recovery and What to Ask
Medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC 37887), GI, Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon, THE CLINICS. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Many women who search for breast augmentation in Delhi want straight answers: what the operation involves, how long recovery takes, what the risks are and what drives the cost. This guide covers those questions in plain language so that you can come to your consultation prepared. It is general information and does not replace a one-to-one assessment with your surgeon.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is an operation to increase the size of the breasts or change their shape. It is done either by placing a breast implant behind the breast tissue or chest muscle, or by moving your own fat from another part of the body into the breasts (fat transfer).
It is an elective, cosmetic operation. That means there is time to think, ask questions and make a decision that feels right for you.
Who might consider it?
Women consider breast augmentation for different reasons, including:
breasts that feel small for their body frame
loss of volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss
a noticeable difference in size between the two breasts
wanting to restore shape after earlier breast surgery
You are more likely to be a suitable candidate if you are in good general health, do not smoke (or are ready to stop), have a stable weight and have realistic expectations. You should be at least 18, and many surgeons prefer that you have finished having children or understand how a future pregnancy may change the result. If you have a breast lump, nipple discharge or a family history of breast cancer, mention it, because breast imaging may be advised first.
Your options
Silicone gel implants
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel. Many women feel they look and feel closer to natural breast tissue. A rupture may not cause any symptoms ("silent rupture"), so regulators such as the US FDA advise periodic imaging, usually ultrasound or MRI, for as long as you have them.
Saline implants
Saline implants are another implant type used in some countries. They have a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. If one leaks, the breast loses size quickly, so the problem is easy to notice. Some women find they ripple or feel firmer than gel implants.
Fat transfer breast augmentation
Here, fat is taken from the tummy, thighs or flanks with liposuction, purified and injected into the breasts. It gives a more modest increase in size, avoids an implant and also contours the area the fat is taken from. Some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed, so more than one session may be needed.
At THE CLINICS, Dr Gopal Puri offers both silicone implant augmentation and fat transfer augmentation. He will explain which of the two suits your body, your goals and the amount of change you want.
Incision and implant position
The implant is placed through a short cut in one of three places:
in the crease under the breast (inframammary), the most common choice
around the edge of the areola (periareolar)
in the armpit (transaxillary)
It can sit in front of the chest muscle (subglandular), behind it (submuscular) or partly behind it (dual plane). Your surgeon will suggest a position based on how much breast tissue you have, your skin quality and the look you want.
What happens on the day
Breast augmentation is usually done under general anaesthesia and takes around one to two hours. You will have blood tests and a check-up beforehand. At THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, breast augmentation is usually a day-care procedure, so most patients go home the same day. Some patients stay overnight if they are uncomfortable.
You will wake up with dressings and a supportive surgical bra. Tightness and soreness across the chest are expected, particularly if the implant is placed behind the muscle, and are managed with prescribed medicines.
Recovery: a week-by-week guide
Everyone heals at a different pace, but a typical recovery looks like this:
First few days: rest at home, walk gently around the house, keep your arms below shoulder level and wear the surgical bra day and night.
Week 1–2: most people can return to desk work and light daily activities. Swelling and bruising settle gradually.
Weeks 4–6: with your surgeon's agreement, you can usually go back to the gym, lift heavier things and resume upper-body exercise.
Months 3–6: the implants "settle" into a softer, more natural position and scars begin to fade.
Do not drive until you can wear a seatbelt comfortably and turn the wheel without pain. Attend every follow-up visit so that healing can be checked.
Risks you should know about
All surgery carries some risk. Your surgeon should explain how likely each one is for you. Recognised risks of breast augmentation include:
bleeding (haematoma), infection and wound-healing problems
capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around an implant tightens and the breast feels hard or changes shape
implant rupture, leakage, rippling or movement
changes in nipple or breast sensation
uneven size or shape
possible difficulty with breastfeeding
BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma (not breast cancer) that can develop in the scar tissue around implants, more often linked to textured implants
symptoms some women describe as "breast implant illness", such as tiredness or joint pain, which are still being studied
The FDA states clearly that breast implants are not lifetime devices. The longer you have them, the more likely it is that you will need a further operation to remove or replace them. Breast size and shape also change naturally with age, pregnancy and weight changes, so a single operation is not a fixed or final result.
What does breast augmentation cost in Delhi?
Breast augmentation cost in Delhi depends on several things:
the type, brand and size of implant, or whether fat transfer is used
the surgical technique and time in the operating theatre
anaesthesia, hospital stay and the facility
pre-operative tests, medicines, surgical bras and follow-up visits
Because these vary from person to person, a reliable figure is only possible after your assessment. Ask for a written, itemised estimate that shows what is and is not included. Breast augmentation is cosmetic surgery, and cosmetic breast surgery is usually not covered by health insurance.
Questions to ask at your consultation
Am I a suitable candidate, and what are the alternatives?
Which implant type, size and position do you suggest for my body, and why?
Where will the scar be?
How long will I be off work and away from exercise?
What are the main risks for me, and how are they handled if they happen?
What follow-up and imaging will I need in the future?
What does the estimate include?
Breast augmentation at THE CLINICS
Dr Gopal Puri performs breast augmentation at THE CLINICS. He holds an MCh in Breast and Endocrine Surgery from AIIMS, New Delhi, and a Fellowship in Breast Surgery from the European Board of Surgery (FEBS), and has 7+ years' experience. At your first visit he will take a full history, examine you, discuss your goals and options and explain the risks, recovery and costs for your plan.
Consultation: THE CLINICS Green Park, New Delhi, Monday to Saturday, 6–8 pm
Surgery: THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, New Delhi (usually day care)
Options: silicone implant augmentation or fat transfer augmentation
Insurance: cosmetic breast surgery is usually not covered by insurance
Fees: ₹1,500 consultation + ₹100 registration
Book a consultation with Dr Gopal Puri. Call THE CLINICS Green Park on +91 84488 30013 or THE CLINICS Hauz Khas on +91 92173 81353, or book online.
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Frequently asked questions
How long do breast implants last?
Implants are not lifetime devices. Many last for years, but you should expect that you may need another operation at some point to replace or remove them. Your surgeon will explain the signs to watch for.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Many women can, but breastfeeding may be affected, especially with incisions around the areola. Tell your surgeon if you plan to have children.
Will I need to stay in hospital, and when can I go back to work?
Breast augmentation at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, is usually a day-care procedure; some patients stay overnight if they are uncomfortable. Most people return to desk work within one to two weeks, and jobs involving lifting usually need four to six weeks.
Will there be a scar?
Yes. Every surgical cut leaves a scar. It is usually short and placed in the breast crease, around the areola or in the armpit, and it tends to fade over months.
Is fat transfer better than implants?
Dr Gopal Puri offers both at THE CLINICS, and neither is right for everyone. Fat transfer gives a smaller, more gradual increase and avoids an implant; implants give a more predictable increase in size. Your surgeon will suggest what suits your body and goals.
Do implants affect mammograms?
Implants can hide part of the breast tissue on a mammogram. Always tell the radiographer you have implants so that extra views can be taken.
Is breast augmentation covered by insurance?
No. Breast augmentation is cosmetic surgery, and cosmetic breast surgery is usually not covered by insurance.
