Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery increases the size of your breasts and improves the look of your chest by inserting breast implants. Breast augmentation surgery can improve your figure and the shape of your breasts.
The most common reason why women have breast augmentation surgery is small breasts. Usually these patients have had small breasts their entire lives and wish to add more volume. Other reasons include breast droopiness as a result of age or post-breastfeeding and asymmetry, where one breast is a different size and/or shape than the other.
Choosing a breast implant
There are three main types of breast implants approved for breast enhancement surgeries in Canada:
- Silicone gel-filled implant: This type of implant, which first came on the market in the late 1960s, is a silicone shelled filled with either silicone liquid or silicone gel. In the older versions of this implant, ruptures were very common and the filler was essentially a liquid. The latest generation of these implants is safer, sturdier and of higher quality silicone. The filler material is a gel, similar to a gummy bear. Even if the shell ruptures, the gel stays in the form of the implant rather than leaking out. It is becoming increasingly the most popular choice for breast augmentation.
- Saline-filled implant: This is a silicone shell inflated with saline (salt water) after insertion. If the shell breaks, simple salt water is released into the body.
- Hybrid gel and saline-filled implants. This combines a silicone and saline implant into one.
Depending on your desired size and shape, you can choose between round and contoured implants, which have a teardrop shape and can provide patients with a more natural looking breast. Gel-filled implants also are available in a variety of firmnesses. Implants may also come with the choice of a textured or smooth surface. Smooth implants have a slightly softer shell and are less likely to be felt through the skin. Textured implants tend to cause less scarring and have lower rates of complications.
Modern technology has increased the safety of implants, and all breast implants sold in Canada must meet the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations.
Additionally, studies have shown that the risk of developing breast cancer is no higher in women with implants.
How does breast augmentation work?
Dr. O'Grady prefers to perform this surgery under general anesthesia. Incisions may be made in the crease under the breast, the armpit or the lower border of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) to minimize visible scarring.
A pocket is then made in the breast tissue (behind the mammary gland) or behind the muscles on the chest wall (pectoral muscles) and the implant is inserted.
How will I heal from breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is usually day surgery, meaning you can safely go home the same day. Extensive procedures may require an overnight hospital stay in rare instances. Every woman's recovery period is different, but most are able to resume light activity within one to two weeks.
Complications occur rarely in breast surgery.
Dr. O'Grady is a Top Toronto Breast
Augmentation Surgeon
Dr. Kevin O'Grady is a highly experienced and extensively trained breast augmentation Plastic Surgeon. He has a fellowship in breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery from Women's College Hospital, one of the leading facilities in Canada for breast reconstruction and breast surgery.
He will discuss your surgical options and, based on your current health, will help guide you towards a natural and attractive augmentation.
Breast Implant Replacement and Removal
All breast implants eventually wear out. Dr. O'Grady offers breast implant replacement surgery as well as breast implant removal. Talk to Dr. O'Grady about options if your breast implant has ruptured or if you've decided you no longer want to have breast implants.
