Chrissy Teigen and breast augmentation: what she said about her implants

What has Chrissy Teigen said about her breast implants?

Chrissy Teigen has been open about the fact that she had breast implants for most of her adult life. As Allure reported in July 2020, she got the implants at age 20. Looking back on them on Instagram, she wrote: “They’ve been great to me for many years but I’m just over it.”

In the same 2020 post she announced that she was having the implants taken out, saying she wanted to be able to zip a dress in her size and lie on her belly in comfort. That is the one part of her story that concerns removal, and we mention it because it is true, not because it is the focus here.

These statements are all we rely on. Teigen did not describe the type, size or placement of her implants, or who operated, so this article does not guess. Where the text below explains augmentation, it describes the operation in general, not her treatment.

What her words tell someone considering implants

Teigen’s summary is unusually balanced. She does not present the implants as a mistake: she says they served her well “for many years”. She also shows that a decision made at 20 can be looked at again at 34, when life and priorities are different. Both halves are useful for anyone thinking about augmentation now.

The practical lesson is to plan for the long term. Implants are not a lifetime device; they usually last about 10–15 years. Choosing a size and shape that suits your everyday life, not only a photo, and knowing that further surgery may be needed one day, are part of a well-made decision.

How breast augmentation works today

An augmentation places an implant behind the breast tissue or the chest muscle to add volume and improve shape. It is done under general anaesthesia and usually takes 1.5–3 hours, followed by one day in hospital. The main choices are made together with the surgeon:

Teigen’s comment about zipping a dress is a good example of why the last row deserves the most attention: the right size is the one that fits the way you live.

Who is a candidate and how to prepare

Augmentation suits healthy adults who want more volume or a better breast shape and understand what the operation can and cannot do. Women planning children are usually advised to wait at least 6–12 months after birth and after breastfeeding ends before surgery.

Preparation includes blood tests, a coagulation panel, infection tests, an ECG, a chest X-ray and a breast ultrasound. Aspirin-type drugs, steroids and hormonal drugs are stopped in agreement with the doctor, and oral contraceptives are usually paused at least a month before. The surgeon also goes through the possible complications: hematoma, seroma, infection, changes in nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

Recovery after augmentation

Moderate discomfort is usual for the first three days, much less by days 5–7, and gone by weeks 2–3. Non-physical work is typically possible after 7–14 days, walks after one to two weeks, fitness and swimming after 4–6 weeks, and strength training after three months. Compression garments are worn for 4–6 weeks. Swelling settles in about a month, full recovery takes 3–6 months, scars fade over 6–12 months and sensitivity usually returns within 3–12 months.

1. Day of surgeryGeneral anaesthesia, 1.5–3 hours of surgery and one day in hospital.
2. Days 1–3Moderate discomfort, eased with prescribed painkillers; compression garment is worn.
3. Weeks 1–2Discomfort fades; non-physical work and walks are usually possible.
4. Weeks 4–6Swelling settles; fitness and swimming return; compression garment is no longer needed.
5. Month 3Strength training can resume.
6. Months 3–12Full recovery by 3–6 months; scars fade and sensitivity usually returns within a year.

Breast augmentation at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs breast augmentation and other breast operations, including lifts with and without implants, reduction and implant removal, for international patients. The first consultation is free and can be held online; after it the surgeon names the price, which is fixed in the contract. Breast augmentation costs $4,700, including anaesthesia, the hospital stay and a year of follow-up with the plastic surgeon. More details are on the breast augmentation page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Chrissy Teigen or her treatment. Her words are simply a candid, well-known example of how someone looks back on their implants.

Frequently asked questions

When did Chrissy Teigen get breast implants?

Allure reported that she got her implants at age 20. She said they had been great to her for many years.

Did Chrissy Teigen keep her implants?

No. In 2020 she announced on Instagram that she was having them removed, saying she wanted to zip a dress in her size and lie on her belly comfortably.

How long do breast implants last?

Implants usually last about 10–15 years before they need replacing, so it is sensible to plan for a future operation from the start.

How much does breast augmentation cost at City Medical Centre?

Breast augmentation costs $4,700, including anaesthesia, the hospital stay and a year of follow-up with the plastic surgeon. The first consultation is free and the price is fixed in the contract.

How do I choose the right implant size?

Size and profile are chosen with the surgeon based on your chest, skin and lifestyle. A size that suits daily life, sport and clothing is usually a better choice than the largest option.