What is the best breast implant size for me?

The 'best' breast implant size is the one that is proportionate to your body frame, chest width, and desired outcome. During your consultation at Avané Plastic Surgery Nairobi, Dr. Saidi uses careful measurements of your chest wall, existing breast tissue, and skin envelope, combined with implant sizers and 3D imaging where available, to help you visualise different sizes and select an implant that complements your natural proportions and personal aesthetic goals.

How long do breast implants last?

Modern cohesive silicone gel breast implants are highly durable. Many patients go 15–20 years or more without needing implant replacement. Implants do not have a mandatory replacement schedule - they only need to be replaced if a problem develops, such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or if the patient wishes to change size. Regular monitoring (either through clinical examination and periodic imaging, or via smart implant technology such as Mia Femtech) is recommended throughout.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Most women can breastfeed after breast augmentation, though it depends on the incision approach and implant placement. Inframammary (crease) and transaxillary (armpit) incisions avoid the areola and are less likely to interfere with milk ducts. Submuscular implant placement generally poses less risk to breastfeeding than subglandular placement. It is important to discuss your breastfeeding intentions with Dr. Saidi at the time of your consultation so your surgical plan can accommodate this.

What is the difference between silicone and saline breast implants?

Silicone gel implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are the predominant choice globally and at Avané Plastic Surgery Nairobi due to their natural look and feel. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water; they tend to feel firmer, and a rupture is immediately apparent as the implant deflates. In the event of a silicone implant rupture, the cohesive gel typically remains within the capsule. Dr. Saidi advises on the most appropriate implant type for each individual patient.

What is capsular contracture and how is it prevented?

Capsular contracture is a complication in which the natural scar tissue capsule that forms around an implant hardens and tightens excessively, potentially causing firmness, distortion, or discomfort. It occurs in a minority of patients. Risk reduction strategies include using textured or form-stable implants in appropriate cases, the dual-plane submuscular pocket, meticulous sterile technique, the 'no-touch' implant handling protocol, and antibiotic irrigation. Dr. Saidi employs evidence-based techniques at Avané to minimise this risk.

Breast Augmentation Nairobi Guide

Breast augmentation is one of the most performed aesthetic procedures worldwide - and at Avané Plastic Surgery Nairobi, it is among our most requested. Whether you are seeking to restore volume lost to pregnancy or weight changes, correct asymmetry, or simply achieve the proportions you have always wanted, breast augmentation in Nairobi with Dr. Shaban Saidi offers a personalised, expert approach to achieving your goals safely and beautifully.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about breast augmentation in Nairobi: the implant options available, the surgical approaches we use, recovery expectations, and how to know if you are a suitable candidate.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation - also called augmentation mammaplasty - involves placing breast implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle to increase breast size, improve shape, or restore lost volume. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with a breast lift (mastopexy) when sagging is also a concern.

At Avané, we offer the full range of modern breast implant options, including premium cohesive silicone gel implants and the innovative Mia Femtech smart implant system - the first app-connected breast implant available in East Africa.

Breast Implant Options: Silicone, Shape and Profile

Selecting the right implant is a highly individualised process. The key variables include:

Fill material: Cohesive silicone gel is the gold standard at Avané, offering the most natural look and feel. Modern gel implants are form-stable, meaning the gel coheres and does not migrate if the shell is compromised.
Shape: Round implants provide fullness in the upper pole, a classic augmented look. Anatomical (teardrop) implants mimic the natural breast slope, with more fullness in the lower pole - preferred by patients seeking a subtle, natural result.
Profile: Profile refers to how far the implant projects from the chest wall. Low, moderate, moderate-plus, and high profiles are available. Higher profile implants project further and are often chosen for patients with a narrower chest width.
Volume: Measured in cubic centimetres (cc), implant volume is selected based on your chest measurements, existing breast tissue, and goals - not arbitrary cup size targets.

Implant Placement: Subglandular vs. Submuscular

Implants can be placed in different anatomical pockets:

Subglandular (above the muscle): The implant sits between the breast gland and the pectoral muscle. Results in less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery. May be preferred when there is sufficient existing breast tissue to provide natural coverage.
Submuscular (under the muscle): The implant is placed partially or fully beneath the pectoral muscle. Provides additional tissue coverage over the implant - particularly beneficial for thin patients with limited natural tissue. Associated with lower rates of capsular contracture but typically involves more recovery discomfort.
Dual plane: A hybrid technique in which the upper portion of the implant is beneath the muscle and the lower portion is not, allowing optimal tissue coverage while facilitating natural lower pole expansion.

Incision Options

Dr. Saidi offers several incision approaches for breast augmentation, each with specific advantages:

Inframammary fold (IMF): Incision hidden in the natural crease beneath the breast - the most widely used approach, offering excellent access and well-concealed scarring
Periareolar: Incision around the lower edge of the areola, concealed within the colour transition zone
Transaxillary: Incision in the armpit fold, leaving no scarring on the breast itself

Do You Also Need a Breast Lift? If breast skin has lost elasticity due to pregnancy, weight loss, or ageing - and the nipple sits below the inframammary fold - a breast augmentation alone may not achieve the desired lift. A combined augmentation-mastopexy (augmentation with breast lift) may be recommended. Dr. Saidi will assess this carefully during your consultation.

Breast Augmentation Recovery at Avané Plastic Surgery Nairobi

Most breast augmentation patients are discharged on the same day as their procedure. The first few days involve breast soreness, swelling, and tightness - particularly for submuscular placements where the muscle has been elevated. Pain is well managed with prescribed medication.

Most patients return to desk work within 5–7 days. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. A supportive surgical bra is worn throughout the recovery period. Implants gradually settle into their final position over 3–6 months as tissue relaxes and swelling resolves - a process known as "dropping and fluffing."

To discuss your breast augmentation goals and implant options with Dr. Shaban Saidi, contact Avané Plastic Surgery Nairobi to book your consultation today.

Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

Days 1–5

Rest and Pain Management

Breast soreness, tightness, and swelling are at their peak. Pain is managed with prescribed medication. Rest at home; light walking encouraged. Wear your surgical support bra at all times. Avoid raising arms above shoulder height. Sleep with upper body slightly elevated.

Week 1–2

Returning to Light Activity

Most patients return to desk work by day 5–7. Discomfort reduces significantly and can be managed with milder pain relief. Swelling is visibly improving. The breasts may sit high initially - this is normal. Continue wearing your surgical bra continuously.

Weeks 3–4

Increasing Comfort

Light lower body exercise (walking, cycling) may be possible with clearance from Dr. Saidi. Implants begin to settle gradually. Breast shape looks more natural as swelling reduces. Continue avoiding heavy lifting and upper body exercise.

Weeks 5–6

Return to Full Exercise

Following your 4–6 week post-operative appointment and surgical clearance, you can resume all physical activities including upper body gym work. Implants continue to drop and settle into their final position.

Months 3–6

Final Position and Appearance

The implants have fully settled (dropped and fluffed). Breast shape, softness, and natural movement are at their best. Incision scars are fading. Your final breast augmentation result is now clearly visible and stable.

Breast Augmentation in Nairobi