Breast Augmentation in a Nutshell
1 Hour
- Invasiveness 70%
- Pain Factor 60%
General Anesthesia
4 - 6 Weeks until Resuming Physical Exercise
What is
Breast Augmentation Surgery?
That’s where breast augmentation comes in. Whether it’s to enlarge small breasts, or to correct physical flaws, this cosmetic procedure entails placing an implant into the breast tissue, adding volume and fullness to your breasts while also boosting your confidence.
Learn more about
Breast Augmentation
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
Our Surgeons Approach
Planning for Your Breast Augmentation
Breast Implant Types
Breast Implant Placement
Breast Augmentation Incisions
Implant Size
Cost of Implants
How is Breast Augmentation Performed?
Step-by-Step: Breast Augmentation Surgery
The No-Touch Technique to Breast Augmentation
Recovery from Surgery
Risks and Complications
Associated Procedures
More On Breast Augmentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Reasons for
Breast Augmentation
Hereditary:
Some women are simply born with small breasts, or with breasts of different sizes. This is completely normal, but if it’s something that bothers you, breast augmentation may help you feel better about your appearance.
Pregnancy or Breast Feeding:
After you’ve had a baby (or two, or more!), your breasts may not look they way they used to. They may have a stretched appearance, or even look deflated, if you breast fed your children. Breast augmentation can give you that volume back.
Weight Loss:
If your goal was to lose weight, and you achieved it, congratulations! Unfortunately, the breasts are often one of the first places women lose weight, so you may have lost some of your curves. Get them back with breast augmentation.
Aging:
As you age, you may begin to notice a loss of fullness in your breasts. This is a natural part of aging, but with breast augmentation, you can look younger, longer.
Mastectomy:
Maybe you’ve bravely fought breast cancer—and won! This may mean you had to undergo a partial or even a full mastectomy. You can recover that part of your femininity with breast augmentation.
Our Surgeon’s Approach to
Breast Augmentation
Our Surgeon feels that breast augmentation is more complex than simply making a woman’s breasts larger. He carefully takes into account such factors as his patients’ anatomy, lifestyle, and personal preferences. He strongly believes that breast augmentation should provide proportional results that don’t overpower, but enhance a woman’s already beautiful physique.
Click the banner below to schedule a free breast augmentation consultation, and let our surgeon’s expertise guide you toward your cosmetic goals.
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Planning for Your
Breast Augmentation
Your breast augmentation surgery comprises four main components:
Implant
Type
2
Implant
Placement
3
Incisions
Incisions
4
Implant
Size
1
Implant
Type
Types of Implants Available
The first step is to decide what implant type you want, and will be best for you and your body.
The two main types available are:
Silicone (Cohesive Gel) Implants
You may be aware that there was a time when silicone implants had a poor reputation because of safety concerns. Well, times have changed, and silicone is back as a safe, FDA-approved breast augmentation option.
The breakthrough comes in the form of cohesive gel. Unlike old silicone implants that, if ruptured or torn, could leak silicone into the body, cohesive gel does exactly what its name suggests—it stays together. If you cut a cohesive gel implant in half and turn it on its side, you’ll see the gel doesn’t move. It remains solid, and even a little sticky. For this reason, they’ve become known as “gummy bear implants.”
Saline Implants
While they are filled with sterile salt water, saline implants contain a silicone outer shell. Some are available pre-filled, while others come empty, and are filled with salt water after they’ve been inserted into the breasts. Saline implants have a few advantages over silicone.
If unfilled implants are used, the incisions necessary to insert them into the breasts can be much smaller. This usually means less discomfort, faster healing, and less scarring. In addition, if a saline implant ruptures or breaks inside the body, any saline that may leak out is simply absorbed by the body with little chance of detrimental side effects. Saline implants are also FDA approved.
Lower
Cost
More Expensive
Incision Size
Larger
Detection of rupture
More Difficult
Look and Feel
Natural and Breast-like
Safety
FDA and Health Canada Approved
VS.
Higher
Cost
Less Expensive
Incision Size
Smaller
Detection of Deflation
Easier
Look and Feel
Soft, but less natural
Safety
FDA and Health Canada Approved
Implant Profile
The profile of a breast implant refers to its width, and its projection, which is how far out it protrudes from the body, most noticeable when the breasts are viewed from the side. The current width of your breasts is an important factor in helping your surgeon decide which implant profile will best suit you, from moderate, to moderate plus, to high profile.
Implant Shape
Two implant shapes are available for breast augmentation—round or teardrop, sometimes also referred to as the anatomical shape.
Round implants are the traditional and most popular shape used today, likely because they’re uniform in volume. Teardrop implants are usually preferred by patients who want a more natural look closest to their own anatomy.
Implant
Placement
Implant Placement
Breast augmentation is performed using one of two implant placement methods—subglandular, or submuscular.
Subglandular, sometimes also called “over the muscle” placement means the implant is placed under the breast tissue, but on top of the pectoralis muscle. The implant is put in essentially the same area where natural breast tissue resides. For this reason, it offers a more natural look than the submuscular method.
Submuscular placement means, of course, that the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle. This is often the best choice for women undergoing breast reconstruction, or who have smaller natural breasts, meaning there’s little breast tissue in which to place the implant.
Over the Muscle
(Sub-Glandular)
Shorter
Capsular Contracture Risk
Slightly Higher
Look and Feel
Less Natural
Interference with Mammography
Slightly Increased
Cost
Same
Alleviates Breast Droop
Provides Less Support
Popularity Among Patients
Less Popular
VS.
(Sub-Muscular)
Longer
Capsular Contracture Risk
Slightly Lower
Look and Feel
More Natural
Interference with Mammography
Slightly Decreased
Cost
Same
Alleviates Breast Droop
Provides More Support
Popularity Among Patients
More Popular
Incisions
Incisions and Scar Minimization
Scarring is a result of any kind of surgery that requires cutting the skin. Certain types of breast augmentation incisions can help to minimize scarring.
Periareolar Incision
This incision is made along the edge of the areola, where there is darker skin around the nipple, thereby keeping the incision—and later, the scar—less visible. In our experience, this incision heals beautifully with the least long-term visibility.
Inframammary Incision
Also known as the “breast fold” incision, this is the most common of incision type for breast augmentation. It’s made where the bottom of the breast meets the rib cage. The scar can only be seen when the breast is lifted.
Transaxillary Incision
This incision is made along the inside of the armpit, along the outer edge of the breast. The scar can only be seen when the arm is lifted.
Transumbilical Incision
Transumbilical breast augmentation, also known as TUBA, is the newest incision method when using unfilled saline implants. Here, the incision is made in the navel, allowing the unfilled implants to be inserted and placed before being filled. Scarring is minimal.
In addition to trying to minimize scarring through the use of advanced surgical techniques, TCC also offers scar removal products and procedures.
Implant Size
Implant Size
Implants are not measured in bra sizes. Instead, implant sizes are categorized according to how much liquid or gel they contain, and this is measured in cubic centiliters (cc). In Canada, implant sizes range from 200cc to 800cc.
Your surgeon will help you translate those measurements into the more familiar cup sizes. For example, if you want to go from an A cup to a C cup, your doctor will be able to gauge the implant size you need. You’ll also be able to try on implants of different sizes to get an idea of how they look and feel.
Cost of
Breast Augmentation?
How is Breast Augmentation
Performed?
Your surgeon will perform the procedure using the incision method and implant type discussed during your consultation and pre-operative appointments. Your incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures, and you'll be transferred from the clinic's accredited operating suite to the recovery room where the nurses will monitor you for one to two hours. Once you're fully awake and the doctor gives the OK, you'll be able to go home.
Have your procedure now, make payments later!
Step-by-Step: Breast Augmentation Surgery
No-Touch Technique to Breast Augmentation
This technique entails using a Keller Funnel® to place the implants into the breasts. With the funnel, the implant goes from its sterile packaging, through the sterile funnel, directly into your breast. This method completely avoids contact between the implant and the skin, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination and resulting infection.
Recovering from Breast Augmentation
In addition, you may experience some swelling in the chest area, along with some slight bruising along the incisions. We'll provide you with post-operative instructions to help you recover as quickly as possible. On average, patients return to their usual schedules in a few days.
Risks and Complications
Complications resulting from breast augmentation are rare, but can include infection, reactions to anesthesia, implant rupture (if silicone), implant deflation (if saline), hematoma (blood clot), and capsular contracture (scar tissue forming around the implant).
Alternatives and Associated
Procedures
Mastopexy Augmentation
This procedure is more commonly known as a breast lift. Sometimes, a mastopexy can be performed on its own, and simply give breasts that are sagging or have downward-pointing nipples a lift. But in some cases, if your concern is not only sagging breasts but a loss of volume, a better option may be a breast lift with implant.
Inverted Nipples and Areola Reduction
Many women have inverted nipples, where the nipples point inward rather than outward. In addition, after pregnancy and breast feeding, your areolas may stretch and become enlarged. Both of these concerns can be addressed (depending on the degree) during your breast augmentation procedure.
You don’t have to make these decisions alone. Our plastic surgeons and medical staff are here to assist you in every to help you make the right decisions based on your body type and the results you’re looking for.
Schedule a consultation today, and let’s get started!
@TorontoCosmeticClinic
More On
Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation
Question & Answer
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How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants typically last an average of 10 to 15 years. However, some situations can require implant removal such as an implant rupture or other complication, or simply a change in your personal preference and how you want to look.
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What can breast augmentation not achieve?
Breast augmentation is not intended to lift the breasts up. While a minimal amount of lift is achieved with breast implants, for patients who need a large degree of lift, a mastopexy (breast lift) would be the best procedure.
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Are there non-surgical breast augmentation options?
The short answer is no. Not any external or unnatural options, anyway. Some women may see an increase in breast size and volume as a result of weight gain or pregnancy. However, those may not be permanent, and are not true alternatives to breast augmentation surgery. In addition, no creams, pills, massages, or devices can enlarge or add volume to breasts. The only long-term, natural alternative is a fat transfer breast augmentation, but this still requires surgery.
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Are silicone implants safe?
They are much safer now than they were many years ago, and they are FDA-approved. However, few things in life are 100% without risk, and you should know there are possible breast augmentation risks and complications.
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How do I know if I am a good candidate for breast augmentation?
The most important factor is that you are currently in good health, and have realistic expectations of what can be achieved through breast augmentation surgery. Our plastic surgeon will discuss those expectations with you, and if for any reason, it turns out you may not be a good candidate, he will discuss possible alternatives with you.
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What is the recommended age to receive breast implants?
Whether you are 19 years old, or 55, being in good health is more important than age. You do need to be at least 18 years of age in order to undergo breast augmentation as you want the breasts to have fully developed from the onset of puberty. As long as you have realistic expectations and have thought about the decision, age is only a number.
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Is it best to be at my ideal weight prior to the breast augmentation procedure?
Yes. We recommend that you be as close to your ideal weight as possible prior to surgery. Significant weight loss following the breast augmentation procedure can alter your results. Possible negative side effects to significant weight loss may include breast ptosis (drooping), and a decrease in breast volume. Significant weight gain can also adversely affect breast size and appearance.
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I don’t want my breasts to look fake. How do I prevent this?
This is why our consultation plays such an important role in our process. It is crucial that you communicate to your surgeon your desired outcome. Your surgeon will then proportionally match an implant size to fit your anatomy, lifestyle and preference. Breast implants that are placed under the muscle, have a lower set profile, and are made of cohesive silicone gel tend to look the most natural. You may also opt for the fat transfer breast augmentation procedure.
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Where is the surgery performed?
Usually, in one of the accredited operating suites which are part of our clinic’s facilities.
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What type of anesthesia is used?
General anesthesia is used most of the time as it is much more comfortable for you. If you have a health concern that prevents you from receiving general anesthesia, our surgeon will discuss other options with you.
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What is capsular contracture?
The human body reacts to the introduction of any foreign object or matter. Usually, after breast augmentation, the body reacts by forming a fibrous capsule around the implant. Sometimes, that capsule can become too thick, squeezing the implant, and causing a malformation of the implant pocket and your breast. This is a capsular contracture, and although we take steps to prevent it, it is a possible complication of breast augmentation. In addition to being uncomfortable, it is also noticeably visible, and may require corrective surgery to either release or remove the capsule. Our surgeon will discuss capsular contracture prevention methods with you during your consultation.
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How do I massage my breasts after surgery?
Massaging the breasts after augmentation is necessary to help keep the capsule soft and natural. Your doctor will instruct and show you how to properly massage your breasts the first time, then you’ll start massaging them regularly about one week after surgery. Massaging is recommend up until about the fourth week after surgery.
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Do I have to stay overnight for my breast augmentation?
No. Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you are able to go home the same day, provided there are no surgical complications. After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in our Recovery Room for about one to two hours, and then you can go home. You’ll receive a follow-up call the next day from one of our medical staff, and will be booked for a follow-up appointment a few days to one week after surgery.
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When will I see results?
Immediately! You’ll also see some initial swelling, which should subside in about a month.
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What if I decide later I no longer want larger breasts after breast augmentation?
If you become unhappy with the new size of your breasts, you can either switch your implants to a smaller size, or undergo implant removal (explantation). It is important to remember that when the implants are removed or exchanged for a smaller size, your skin will most likely have stretched, and will look different than it did before you had the implants. This is why it is so important to make clear to your surgeon your lifestyle, and the type of results you want after surgery.
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How long after giving birth and breastfeeding can I get implants?
We recommend you wait at least three months after either pregnancy or breastfeeding to make sure your breasts have returned to a stable volume and shape.
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Can pregnancy affect my breast augmentation?
If you are pregnant prior to breast augmentation, you will be asked to come back for the procedure after you have given birth. If you have already had the procedure and become pregnant, your breasts may still naturally become enlarged. The extent to which your breasts enlarge will depend on your individual anatomy, and the size and type of your breast implants.
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If I have breast implants, can I breastfeed?
Yes. Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania conducted a study that found “there should be no absolute contraindication to breastfeeding by women with silicone breast implants.” If you have any concerns about this, please discuss them with your doctor prior to undergoing breast augmentation.
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Will my nipples lose sensation following breast augmentation?
Possibly. A change in nipple sensation—either increased or decreased—following breast augmentation is normal. This can be either temporary or permanent, with the latter potentially being a sign of nerve damage. Breast implants may also affect sensation during breastfeeding and sexual activity.
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Do breast implants prevent me from having mammograms?
No. If you have breast implants you are able to still have mammograms done and they do not interfere with the readings. If you have breast augmentation and mammograms, your radiologist will just use a different technique to account for the presence of implants.
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When can I wear an underwire bra?
Most surgeons recommend women wait for at least one to three months, and you should only wear underwire bras intermittently after that time.
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Can I get stretch marks from breast implants?
Yes. It’s rare, but it does happen. You can minimize the risk of stretch marks by getting smaller implants.
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Will my breasts move naturally after breast augmentation surgery?
It depends on the type and size of the implants, how your body holds them, the existence (if any) of capsular contraction, and whether you have subglandular or submuscular breast augmentation.
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Is there a relationship between breast implants and the occurrence of breast cancer?
There does not appear to be a relationship between breast implants and the occurrence of breast cancer.
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When can I start exercising again?
It will depend on how well you’re healing, and what kind of exercise you want to do. In general, you should avoid activities that will put a strain on the newly formed breast pocket. This means running and other activities that can cause the breasts to bounce. You’ll need to wait until the breast pocket is fully healed and strong enough to withstand that kind of movement. In the meantime, low-impact cardio exercise can be done about three weeks after surgery. Listen to your body. If you feel too sore, wait a little longer. By the sixth week after surgery, you can most likely return to your full exercise regimen. Just be sure to check with your surgeon first to avoid injury or complications.
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After I’ve healed, can I tan?
Yes. Sunbathing or visiting a tanning salon will not hurt your breast implants. However, the implants may become a bit warm while tanning, and cool down more slowly. We recommend shielding the incision sites from direct sunlight (or tanning bed light) during the first year after surgery, as tanning in this area may permanently darken the scar.
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When can I start flying again after breast augmentation surgery?
About 24 hours after surgery. You shouldn’t experience any problems with the elevation as airplane cabins are pressurized.