Last fact-checked: 18 November 2022

Enhance the size and shape of your breasts with a breast augmentation in Mexico–saving thousands when booking through Medical Departures. Our quality-checked surgeons provide safe and affordable implants at state-of-the-art clinics and hospitals, with destinations to choose from including Cancun, Tijuana, Playa del Carmen, Mexico City and Cabo San Lucas.

Read on to find out how much a “boob job” (as it is colloquially known) costs in Mexico and how much you can expect to save compared to surgeons in the US and Canada. This guide also provide you some handy travel tips, information on different breast enlargement techniques and reasons to book with a trusted third-party booking platform like Medical Departures–who offer the best prices online, guaranteed.

Cost of Breast Implants/Augmentation in Mexico vs. US/Canada

The first thing you’re probably wondering is how much can you actually save–and whether it’s worth your time traveling abroad for plastic surgery when all other costs are factored in.

To get an idea of the average breast augmentation prices in Mexico, take a look at the table below displaying figures for standard implants and augmentation with fat transfer.

What Factors Will Affect the Price?

The price of your breast augmentation in Mexico will vary depending on the method used to increase the size of the breasts, with the two main methods being: (1) implants, and (2) autologous fat transfer (fat grafting).

Aside from the chosen technique, other factors that will determine your total cost are:

• The shape of the implants (eg. round, teardrop (or “gummy bear implants”)
• The material of which the implants are made (typically silicone or saline)
• The size of the implants
• In the case of autologous fat transfer, the amount (volume) of fat being grafted
• The level of anesthesia required with respect to the duration of the surgery

Post-breast augmentation-op essentials, such as pain medication (which is often included in the overall price quote), as well as garment bras, scar cream and other items to help with your recovery.

Other Factors to Consider as a Medical Tourist

When it comes to how much you pay as a medical tourist visiting Mexico, it is also worth bearing in mind:

• The location of the clinic (eg. Is it in the city center or out of town?)
• The particular town or city; for instance, average prices in thriving coastal resorts like Cancun or Playa del Carmen may be higher than in small border towns, like Juarez or Tijuana.
• The reputation of the clinic
• The type of accommodation you choose
• The duration of your stay
• Method of transportation to Mexico (eg. are you driving south across the border or taking a flight?)
• Additional expenses for your combined medical vacation

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

When booking with Medical Departures, there are no hidden costs or deceptive booking fees; in fact, we try to be as accurate as possible when providing prospective patients with price quotes.

However, initial price quotes are normally provided based on variables such as your age, the type of procedure you want and your cosmetic goals. These quotes are provisional, and subject to potential fluctuations when you meet with your chosen surgeon in Mexico. That’s why it’s worth carefully considering the list of options provided above.

That said, patients do typically end up paying close to their initial price quotes (or even less) when booking through Medical Departures, and we pride ourselves on our Best Price Guarantee–meaning if you find a better price online for the exact same procedure with the same surgeon, we’ll match it.

Note: While this article focuses on these two most-popular methods of augmentation, our partner clinics across Mexico offer a range of other related procedures to alter the size, shape and overall appearance of the breasts. Links to these are below:

Related Pages:

> Breast Reduction (Mammoplasty) in Mexico

> Breast Implant Revision, Replacement & Removal in Mexico

> Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in Mexico

Breast augmentation (also known as augmentation mastopexy, breast enlargement or a "boob job") is a procedure millions of women have as a result of reduced volume in the breasts (due to weight reduction or pregnancy) or simply as a way of increasing the size of their chest for aesthetic or confidence reasons.

The main reason to head to Mexico for surgery is always going to be the price difference, with savings of between 60% and 70% available at our partner clinics, as shown previously.

Why Else Should You Choose Mexico for Breast Work?

Apart from the substantial cost savings, prospective patients should note that Mexico is one of the world’s most popular health tourism destinations. Not only is it a large country with plenty of appealing locations to choose from but its healthcare facilities are also second-to-none, ranking above those in the US and Canada when looking at certain metrics.

High Quality of Care at Medical Departures’ Background-Checked Facilities

In these days of globalization, cross-border training and international symposiums, the healthcare community is adopting best practices and training from around the world.

At the best clinics, you will find little if any difference in techniques whichever country you go to. This not only goes for adopting the latest and safest techniques when it comes to breast augmentation but also a range of other cosmetic surgeries that prove popular in the country, such as liposuction, body lifts, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks, butt lifts and eye bag removal.

Whatsmore, it isn’t unusual for Mexican doctors to be registered with prestigious medical organizations such as the International Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery.

At the clinics and hospitals listed on our site, you’ll find that equipment quality, expertise, experience and success rates in our top clinics are all on par with facilities of the same type in the US and Canada.

Mexico: A Great Option for a Combined Medical Vacation

Popular cities in Mexico for plastic surgery are easily accessible from the US and Canada via road or short flights, especially to coastal resorts like Cancun. Major destinations have their own international airports that are well-connected in terms of local transport as well.

You can find hotels and other accommodations at reasonable prices, so you can spend some time post-surgery to recuperate as well, away from the daily routine of your life. You can also indulge in shopping and dining options, taste the local cuisine and check out the many parks, gardens, galleries, museums and other attractions while away from home.

Why Is Surgery Less Expensive in Mexico Compared to the US and Canada?

In common with other emerging economies, Mexico offers affordable procedures that cost at least 50% less than the respective treatments at home.

This is not because the treatment or facilities are in any way inferior, but because the cost of living is so much lower. Labor, rent, equipment, materials–all the costs that must be covered in any services–are significantly less, and these savings are passed on to the ultimate consumer: the patient.

For up-to-date procedure lists, check out our clinic listing pages–with five of the best in Mexico below where prices for breast implants start from as little as USD $2,000:

• Panama Plastic Surgery (Cancun)
• Marroquin and Sandoval - Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas)
• Dr. Arturo Munoz (Tijuana)
• The Riviera Institute for Plastic Surgery (Cancun)
• Dr. Xavier Sanchez Garcia (Mexico City)

Click through to see before and after breast implant photos in Mexico, as well as doctor profiles, maps, patient reviews, price information, clinic images and more useful information–helping you to make a decision in terms of which clinic and surgeon are right for your boob job in Mexico.

You can also start by checking out our full, comprehensive list of breast implant clinics in Mexico here –featuring high-definition photos, real patient reviews, and price lists.

Heading Abroad for Surgery - With Medical Departures on Your Side

While Mexico’s healthcare services have never been in greater demand from a growing international clientele, this is not to say that patients shouldn’t be cautious about their choice of surgeon or clinic.

We treat any potential risk factor very seriously. Our clinics and doctors are all background-checked and we provide details of qualifications, professional memberships and experience on our website.

With Medical Departures on your side, you can get to know more about the different types of breast augmentation procedures–and we can put you in touch with the top surgeons who’ll know which method of enlargement is right for you.

Don’t forget to check out patient reviews; all this information will help you to make an informed choice.

Medical Departures Verification Process

We offer you assurance because we check out the accreditations, qualifications, training and experience of the doctors attached to the hospitals and clinics we list on our website.

As well as noting prestigious international boards of which the best plastic surgeons in Mexico are members, we make sure that they are all registered with domestic medical boards that provide the correct certification allowing surgeons to carry out different procedures. Such registries include:

• Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER)
• Consejo Mexicano de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva

We also see that the medical facilities of the places are of a good standard and that they follow international protocols regarding treatments, hygiene, safety, and best practices. When background checking a clinic, if we don’t see anything we don’t like–or would choose to have treatment there ourselves, you won’t see their name listed on our site.

Mexico Breast Implant Before & After Photos

To see real-life examples of what you can achieve cosmetically in Mexico, scroll down on any of our clinic listing pages to the photos section; we work with our partners to collate and publish real before and after photos of breast augmentation procedures carried out at each facility, like the ones here at Panama Plastic Surgery, for example.

When traveling to Mexico for your breast augmentation, the first decision you’ll be faced with is your means of transport: car, plane or a combination of both.

The choice is fairly straightforward depending on where your chosen clinic is relative to your location, be that in the US, Canada or even Europe.

Drive-to and Fly-to Destinations

For millions of Americans based in the Southern States, drive-to destinations in Mexico do exist along the border, such as Tijuana, Mexicali and Nuevo Laredo.

For others, it could make sense to fly into somewhere like San Diego, Tucson, Phoenix, Austin or San Antonio and then continue on from there with a hire car. Do remember to ask one of our reps about transport options, as many clinics offer free transfers to major international airports near the border, as well.

The fly-to destinations are quite obvious, too. If your clinic is located in Central or Western Mexico (like Mexico City or Guadalajara), flying is the only practical answer. Likewise, the country’s top coastal resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta will all require plane travel–so do remember to ask your doctor how long you’ll need to stick around in Mexico before you’re able to fly back following surgery.

Top Mexican Destinations for a Combined Medical Holiday

While You will need to take it very easy following your breast implant surgery, with several days of bed rest afterward, many international patients choose to enjoy a vacation before surgery in one of these top destinations.

These places also offer a number of low-key activities suitable for recovery, such as light walking trails, galleries, museums, spas and beaches (although you will need to avoid the sea and find some shade).

1. Cancun: Resting on the northeast corner of Quintana Roo, Cancun is home to some of the most popular breast augmentation clinics and hospitals in Mexico. Patients from all over the world flock to Cancun to enjoy the miles of stunning beaches, turquoise seas, and first-class medical and vacation amenities. Considered to be the gateway to the Mayan World (El Mundo Maya), there are ritual sites and Mayan temples to discover and explore all around.

2. Guadalajara: The capital city of the central state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico. The easiest way to get to Guadalajara is by air as the city has an international airport–plus you won't need a visa if you hold an American or Canadian passport.

3. Puerto Vallarta: A popular vacation resort on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers a breathtaking combination of lush jungles, stunning beaches and sparkling waterfalls. The city is the perfect vacation destination, offering swanky restaurants, five-star shopping opportunities, first-class restaurants and superior, non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

4. Cabo San Lucas: With its close proximity to the airport, this is the ideal destination for international visitors who want to experience some old Mexican charm but, at the same time, enjoy some new resort luxury. Boasting stunning beaches and an exciting nightlife scene, patients may also want to check out the quieter but equally impressive San Jose del Cabo, a short drive along the coast.

5. Mexicali: Some of the best surgeons and doctors in Mexico can be found plying their trade in Mexicali. The city is the capital of the state of Baja California and is ideally situated just across the border from Calexico in California. The city’s close proximity to the US, coupled with the renowned hospitality of the locals, makes Mexicali a very popular tourist destination, especially amongst day-trippers.

Please note: For more details about visiting Mexico as a medical tourist, check out Medical Departures’ Ultimate Guide to Doctors in Mexico.

Related Pages:

> Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation in Tijuana

> Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation in Mexico City

> Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation in Cabo San Lucas

> Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation in Cancun

The main breast augmentation methods are:

Breast Implants

As the most common technique, this procedure involves the placement of two implants; carried out under general anesthesia, the sites of the incisions will be pre-mapped by your doctor, along with the kind of implants that are right for you.

In most cases, implants can result in a two-cup size increase. You can select from implants made of saline, silicone or composite material, with different shapes (eg. round or teardrop) to choose from. Each has its own pros and cons, and this is something to discuss in more detail with your doctor.

Fat Transfer

A fat grafting breast augmentation uses fat harvested from “donor sites” on your body to help boost the size of your breasts–similar to the ever-popular Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) technique.

Using specialized equipment, the surgeon will essentially draw fat cells from one or more areas of your body; these will be processed externally and then injected into the breasts. As well as increasing the size of the breasts, the method acts in the same way as liposuction, slimming down the area from which the fat cells were extracted, such as the underarms, thighs or lower back.

Am I a Suitable Candidate?

Your suitability and the nature of the procedure depend on your current size, the kind of implants to be used and your overall health. Your specialist and you will consult beforehand and agree on the treatment plan and whether you are a suitable candidate. In general, suitable candidates for breast surgeries:

• Are in good overall health
• Do not smoke or quit smoking a few months before surgery
• Have realistic expectations about the cosmetic result
• Do not suffer from body dysmorphia
• You are not still recovering from a previous surgery or plan to have any other work done before recovery is complete

How Long Will the Surgery Take?

The breast augmentation procedure usually takes around one to two hours, and the result can be achieved either with implants, or by using liposuction to take fat from other parts of the body and depositing it into the breasts.

You will need to consider the additional time spent at your chosen facility for additional steps, such as consultations and pre-surgery planning.

How Long Is the Recovery Period for Breast Augmentation?

You will likely spend a night in the hospital for close monitoring but this isn't always required. After the surgery, you will have drains and bandages and later you will have to wear special surgical bras. You will also be taking antibiotics and painkillers.

You can expect that you will need to properly rest for a week at least, though some women feel better faster.

Recovery time is relatively swift for breast augmentation and most people return to work (depending on the nature of work) within a week and are able to resume (light) everyday activities after two weeks.

It is advisable to wait for six weeks before you embark on strenuous activity or heavy lifting.

Tips for Preparation Before Surgery

Talk with your local doctor about medication: If you currently suffer from any health conditions or are taking medication, they should know what’s the best course of action for you. You may have to stop taking certain medications at least a couple of weeks before the surgery, ranging from aspirin to ibuprofen. You may also need to avoid taking medication for at least a couple of days after the procedure.

Arrange transport:  Many top clinics in Mexico offer pick-and-drop for international clients–and we can help facilitate that process. That said, it is still a good idea to arrange for someone to be with you when you are being picked up and dropped off.

Review before & after photos: While you have the option to revise your procedure later, it is always better to achieve success on the first attempt. You may already think you know what size you want, but for some research of your own, browse through our list of breast enlargement clinics in Mexico to see a range of before and after photos to get a better idea.

Bonus tip: Get plenty of sleep the night before the procedure. Also, ask your doctor about how much food you can have the night before.

What to Pack?

Apart from your travel essentials and clothes (think loose-fitting dresses), before you get your breast enhancement in Mexico, you may want to consider getting the following essentials:

• Button or zip-up tops, as you’ll want to avoid lifting your arms up after surgery
• Packets of baby/cleansing wipes, which are handy for freshening up as you will be unable to shower until your stitches have been removed
• Drinking straws, being able to drink without moving around and sitting up immediately after surgery will help with the healing process
• Post-surgery bra/sports bra, essential for comfort, especially seamless sports bras with no underwire or front-fastening post-surgery bras
• For post-op wound care, you may also find it useful to have some saline solution, betaine solution, swabs/cotton pads, silicone gel strips and Bio-Oil®, which can help minimize breast augmentation scars.

Please note: For more detailed information about undergoing this surgery abroad, check out Medical Departures’ global guides to breast augmentation and breast implants.

How much does breast implants/augmentation cost in Mexico?

For the most affordable breast implants in Mexico, you’re looking at a starting price of around $2,000. Expect to pay two or three times that at the top clinics. Avoid price-shopping–seek quality of clinics and credentials of doctors as well.

How long do breast implants stay hard?
This phenomenon can last for between two to six months post-op, depending on the size of your implants and aftercare routine. After that time, you’ll feel the implants begin to soften and become more comfortable.

What are the safest breast implants in 2022?

Silicone implants have the top safety rates and tend to be the preferred choice of breast implant.

Where is the best country to get breast implants?

Mexico is the number one choice for Americans and Canadians; not only is the average boob job price at least 60% less, but the safety and success rates are also just as high as anywhere else in the world when booking with a verified surgeon.

Why do people get breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation can enhance one’s overall appearance, with a larger bust complementing other areas of the body if slightly out of proportion. The procedure can boost self-confidence and is also sought by women with different sized/shaped breasts, those who have had surgery following cancer treatment and older women to reduce sagging (aka “mammoplasty”, which can be combined with a breast lift ).

Can you breastfeed with breast implants?

In most cases, yes, it is possible. However, it is important to understand the implications of breast surgeries if you have just given birth or plan to have children in the future.

First, look through our extensive listings here and find out how much your boob job in Mexico will cost you at top clinics throughout the country.

Ready to book? See below for easy ways to book your free appointment or to get in touch with our Customer Care Team to learn more about breast augmentation in Mexico.

Sources:

A, Tunell. 7 Surprising Factors That Can Make Your Breast Augmentation Cost More. Real Self. 1 March 2022. https://www.realself.com/news/things-that-make-breast-augmentation-cost-more

J, Collingwood. Mexican healthcare – the cost and quality. ITIJ. March 2022. https://www.itij.com/latest/long-read/mexican-healthcare-cost-and-quality

ISAPS: Find a Plastic Surgeon. Website access: 7 November 2022. https://www.isaps.org

Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER). Website accessed: 7 November 2022. http://directorio.cirugiaplastica.mx/public/

Consejo Mexicano de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva, A.C. Website accessed: 7 November 2022. https://www.cmcper.org.mx/

Breast Augmentation. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed: 7 November 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178

Can I breastfeed if I'm… NHS. Website accessed: 7 November 2022.
https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/can-i-breastfeed-if-im/breastfeeding-with-breast-implants

Bio-Oil. Website accessed: 7 November 2022. https://www.bio-oil.com