Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation in Toronto

Breast implant surgery is often sought after by those who wish to restore their confidence, fix asymmetry in their breast size, or rejuvenate their appearance following life-altering events like pregnancy or a mastectomy. These concerns are deeply personal and vary from person to person, but they all warrant the attention of an experienced professional.

Dr. Bell’s esteemed clinic specializes in breast implants in Toronto. With over 25 years of hands-on experience and over 5,000 successful procedures, Dr. Bell’s reputation for precision and personalized care is unparalleled in Toronto and throughout Ontario.

What is a Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, known medically as augmentation mammaplasty (or breast implant surgery), is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of breasts. By using breast implants, board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Bell can provide a fuller, firmer, and more proportionate bust line, making it one of the most sought-after plastic surgery treatments in Toronto and worldwide.

Who is the Best Candidate for Breast Implant Surgery?

If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, you may be an excellent candidate for breast implant surgery:

1. Are you looking for volume, shape, and proportion enhancement for your breasts?
2. Do you have realistic expectations regarding the benefits and potential risks of breast implants?
3. Are you in good overall health and have an understanding of the recovery process?

Your Breast Implant Consultation with Dr. Bell

Breast augmentation patients will meet with Dr. Thomas Bell during their consultation. Based on their many years of experience performing breast augmentation surgery, the doctors will use your specific anatomy to recommend the potential sizes, styles, and shapes that would meet your stated aesthetic goals and expectations.

Your surgeon will use the VECTRA® 3-D imaging machine to show you imaging of your figure, shape, and form and select a breast implant that best matches your sense of proportion, shape, and beauty before your breast augmentation.

What is The Cost of a Breast Augmentation in Toronto?

Breast augments start from $13,999, depending on the type of breast implant selected and whether or not existing implants need to be removed. The price also depends on whether or not the breast pocket must be corrected. Dr. Bell uses their attention to detail, experience, and technological support to choose the perfect breast implant for your unique proportions.

Preparing for a Breast Augmentation

Like all surgical procedures, breast augmentation patients must take simple steps to ensure the plastic surgery goes as smoothly as possible. Dr. Bell and his team will ensure you have all the information to prepare for your breast augmentation.

In the two weeks leading up to breast augmentation surgery:

• Stop drinking alcohol
• Stop smoking cigarettes
• Refrain from taking aspirin and ibuprofen

To prepare for your post-procedure recovery:

• Stock up on ready-made meals
• Prep loose-fitting clothes that open with buttons at the front
• Set up a comfortable recovery space with all essentials nearby
• Make sure someone is available to drive you home post-surgery and assist you during the first 24 hours

The day before the surgery:

• Wash with antibacterial soap
• Take any medication prescribed
• Don’t eat or drink anything for eight hours before your surgery

How is a Breast Augmentation Performed?

Breast implant surgery, often referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, is a specialized procedure requiring a blend of art and science. Dr. Bell and his esteemed team in Toronto take pride in their unique approach:

• Incision: The incision can be made in various areas, such as under the breast fold or around the areola, tailored to your preferences and body anatomy.
• Implant Placement: Depending on the implant choice (silicone gel implants or saline implants), Dr. Bell expertly places the implant either above or below the chest muscle.
• Closure: The incisions are meticulously closed to ensure minimal scarring.

Throughout this process, the state-of-the-art equipment and unparalleled expertise of Dr. Bell become evident. Having performed countless surgeries in Toronto, his ability to combine modern techniques with tried-and-true procedures sets him apart in the field.

How Long Does it Take to Perform a Breast Augmentation?

Breast implants take an average of 2 hours. Patients are usually able to return home two hours after their procedure. Time spent in the recovery room will depend on factors such as local or general anesthesia and the extent of your procedure.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

After breast enlargement surgery with Dr. Bell, patients typically feel discomfort for the first 48 hours. However, by 2-3 weeks, the implants settle into their pocket, resulting in a natural appearance. Dr. Bell ensures necessary follow-up appointments for optimal healing and results.

First Few Days: Expect some pain post-operation. Starting on the third day, patients are encouraged to gently massage their breasts, aiding in softening the implant pockets and minimizing potential complications like wrinkling and capsule formation. The implants might initially seem swollen and positioned high, but they’ll adjust to a natural placement over time.
Day 2: It’s crucial to rest and follow the surgeon’s instructions to aid in healing.
Week 1: Patients typically see a reduction in swelling and bruising and can often return to non-strenuous jobs and light workouts. However, activities involving the pectoral muscles should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks.
Week 4: Most swelling has likely subsided, and implants have fully settled.
Week 6: Patients can resume all regular activities, including those that involve pectoral muscles.

Throughout the recovery, patients are provided with either an elastic breast band or a soft, supportive bra to maintain the breast position. Any post-operative discomfort is manageable
with oral medication, and there might be sutures to remove in some cases.

The cohesive gel implants Dr. Bell utilizes come with a lifetime warranty. Even under high-impact activities, they’re designed to last without needing replacement.

4 Breast Augmentation Benefits

Even Out Naturally Uneven Breasts

While all women have some breast asymmetry, some feel uncomfortable with their uneven shape – making it challenging to shop for bras and bathing suits.

Rebuild Breasts After a Mastectomy

While mastectomies can save a life, breast augmentation can help cancer patients and survivors feel like themselves again.

Post-pregnancy

Pregnancy takes a toll on women’s bodies in a number of ways. Breast augmentation is an excellent way to revive lost volume, making your breasts appear more youthful.

Improve self-confidence

Boost your confidence and be proud of your body with the shape and curves you’ve always wanted.

Breast Implant Surgery Risks & Complications

Like all procedures, breast augmentation comes with the risk of potential complications. The best thing to do is select a trusted, experienced breast augmentation surgeon to minimize the likelihood of complications. Dr. Bell has been performing breast augmentations for over 25 years. Significant complications are uncommon and, in the rare event they occur, are expertly managed.

• Small skin infections: Can be easily treated by an antibiotic prescribed by our team.
• Smaller breast implant than hoped: Our Vectra 3D breast imaging system ensures you select the correct size and projection.
• Hardening of tissue around a breast implant (capsular contracture): Easily managed with a revision breast procedure to remove the hardened tissue.
• Softening/enlargement of the breast implant pocket (pocket expansion): Easily managed with an enhancement breast procedure.

Different Types of Breast Augmentation

Silicone Breast Implants

Known for its natural appearance and feel, the silicone breast implant, also called the “gummy bear” breast implant, is the most popular option on the market today. These implants are commonly inserted through the under-the-breast incisional approach as they are prefilled.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water (saline) solution. The implant can be filled with the solution once placed, making incisions much smaller. Saline breast implants can also be inserted through the armpit or the areola for minimal visible scarring.

Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants

Silicone Breast Implants:

These are the newer generation of breast implants, often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants.
Texture & Feel: They closely mimic the natural feel and texture of real breasts. Their consistency minimizes visible rippling or irregularities.
Safety & Durability: They don’t leak, ensuring long-lasting results. A lifetime warranty backs them, indicating the manufacturer’s confidence in their integrity.
Versatility: They are available in a range of shapes, textures, heights, widths, and projections to suit various body types.
Responsive Nature: These implants adjust their shape based on the individual’s posture. While standing, they adopt a teardrop form, and when lying down, they become more rounded.

Saline Breast Implants:

Saline implants have been in use for 30-40 years, marking them as the most time-tested option.
Texture & Feel: They can sometimes display visible irregularities like rippling, especially when bending over.
Safety & Durability: Saline implants carry the risk of rupturing and leaking saline, which might necessitate replacement.
Longevity: It’s estimated that a saline breast augmentation might need a redo approximately every ten years due to potential complications.
Visibility: In certain positions, the breast implant shell’s collapse can cause visible ripples or rib-like structures under the skin.

Why The Toronto Plastic Surgeons?

In Toronto’s thriving plastic surgery scene, breast implants are in high demand. This popularity is often linked to top-tier surgeons like Dr. Bell. At the Toronto Plastic Surgeons facility, state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated surgical team ensure every step, from consultation to post-op care, meets the highest standards. While breast augmentation costs in Toronto can vary, the results and benefits are consistently compelling when you choose us.

At Toronto Plastic Surgeons, patients have various implant options, from silicone to saline. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Bell’s expertise is unmatched. He’s led the University of Toronto’s Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Training program for 15 years and served as president of the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. For those considering the procedure, knowing Dr. Bell is at the forefront offers peace of mind.

Breast Augmentation FAQ

Is Getting a Breast Augmentation Painful?

All patients experience and interpret pain in different ways. Breast augmentation often involves dissection under the pectoralis major muscle, and there can be significant pain and discomfort for the first 2-3 days and thereafter, the pain becomes more of a “bruised sensation.”

Does a Breast Augmentation Leave Scars?

The surgeon will place the scar in the least visible location, close the opening expertly, and use high-tech strategies to limit the scar length. The under-the-breast incision can be elevated high up under the breast, creating a new fold, which is attached to the underlying tissue.

Not only is the “new crease” placement for the scar difficult to see in the standing or lying position without lifting the breast, its attachment to the underlying tissue minimizes descent or drooping of the implant over time, like built-in underwire support. The actual length of the incision is shortened by using a high-tech insertion device called the “Keller funnel” which is a soft, silicone lined sterile insertion that significantly minimizes the length of the scar, insertion trauma, and potential contamination of the breast implant.

How Long do Breast Implants Last?

The results of breast augmentation, performed with a cohesive gel silicone breast implant, are designed to last the rest of your life.

How do I know if my Breasts Have Stopped Growing?

Breast augmentation should only be considered if your breasts are fully developed. While this is typically around the age of 18, it can vary from patient to patient.

What if my Breasts Are Two Different Shapes or Sizes?

Having two different-sized breasts is very common. Most of the patients who visit The Toronto Plastic Surgeons for breast augmentation surgery have a certain level of breast asymmetry. Breast augmentation can adjust the difference by simply using two different sized breast implants. Your implants may vary according to their volume, projection, or both to make your breasts even and symmetrical.

Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After Surgery?

While breastfeeding is a possibility for those who have undergone breast enhancement surgery, breast implants may affect a mother’s ability to produce milk. A mother will have a sufficient or only a partial milk supply depending on:

• The type of breast augmentation surgery involved and the amount of harm to the nerves or breast tissue
• Whether there is scarring on the milk ducts
• How much working milk-making (glandular) tissue is present before and after the procedure

Should I Combine a Breast Lift with a Breast Augmentation?

The purpose of the Mastopexy Surgery is to lift the breast for a more feminine and youthful appearance. The surgery itself does not increase the size of your chest like breast augmentation; however, patients may request implants if they wish to increase the volume of their bust.

What Is the Most Common Size Breast Implant?

Women tend to want very different things from their breast implants. Some want to go as big as possible, while others prefer a more moderate or natural look. Ultimately, it’s up to you, your preferences, lifestyle, and personal taste.

The most popular implant size is between 350 and 400 cc. In most patients, this translates to a C cup of varying sizes. It’s also worth noting that the top five most popular breast implant sizes all fall between 350 and 500 cc. But again, it’s up to you–you have no obligation to follow in anyone else’s footsteps.

Do Breast Implants Feel Natural to the Touch?

Breast implant patients can often go unnoticed after their surgery, with silicone implants providing a more natural look and feel than saline. However, the amount of natural breast tissue a patient has also plays a role.

If someone has a lot of their own breast tissue, the difference in feel between saline and silicone is less significant because the material is not as palpable as the natural breast tissue that covers it. On the other hand, for patients with very little breast tissue, silicone implants feel much more natural than saline.

Can I Transfer Fat to My Breasts?

Yes, you can, and the procedure is known as fat transfer breast augmentation. It essentially uses liposuction to take undesired fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. This is a good option for women who want a relatively small breast size increase and prefer results that look and feel natural. Fat transfer breast augmentation can increase breast size by about half to a full bra cup size. If you would like to undergo a breast augmentation without implants and don’t want a huge increase, breast augmentation with fat transfer may be right for you.

Can I Damage My Breast Implants?

Breast implant damage is rare, but the risk increases over time. If you have saline implants, they may deflate quickly if they leak, while silicone implants may leak slowly, making it less obvious. Sometimes, a rupture can lead to capsular contracture, which can distort the shape of your breasts. Additionally, implants may shift position, in which case a revision surgery is needed. If you experience any issues, please book a consultation with us. We are always here to help!

How Long Does It Take for Breast Implants to Soften?

After breast implant surgery, it’s normal for implants to sit high and feel firm due to swelling. Over time, as the breast pocket expands to fit the implants, they will soften and settle. This process typically takes about 6 months.

How Long Until You Can Drive After a Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is done under general anesthesia, so you’ll need a ride home afterward. It’s essential not to drive while on pain medications, which most patients stop taking within 1-2 weeks. Ensure you’re comfortable moving your head and shoulders before driving. For your first drive post-surgery, it’s recommended to have someone with you and to keep journeys short.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Breast implants don’t have an expiration date, but they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. The typical saline or silicone implant can endure for 10-20 years, after which it may need to be removed or replaced due to complications or aesthetic concerns. Capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue) may develop around one or both implants, causing them to shift positions or develop wrinkles. Others may experience ruptured implants. Weight fluctuations may also alter the appearance of the breasts. Any of these issues might necessitate additional surgery.

If you are considering implant removal or replacement, please schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.

What’s the Safest Breast Implant?

Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe. While the Food and Drug Administration recommends routine monitoring of implants via MRI after three years, recent studies show little data to support routine screening unless you have symptoms of concern. With some implants, you do have a low risk of developing breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Not to be confused with breast cancer, it may require treatment with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Based on your anatomy and other factors, your surgeon may recommend one type of implant over another for best results and lower risk factors.

Which Type of Breast Implant Feels the Most Natural?

Silicone or “gummy bear” cohesive gel breast implants feel more like natural breast tissue than saline, as they’re designed to mimic natural breast tissue. However, positioning can also help: breast implants are placed either above the chest muscles and just below breast tissue (sub-glandular) or below both breast tissue and chest muscles (submuscular).

While sub-glandular implants are covered with natural breast tissue, women with insufficient breast tissue may prefer to opt for submuscular implants for a more natural feel, as they are placed underneath any natural tissue. Incision placement and implant shape can also affect how natural your implants feel. Your surgeon will help you choose as wisely as possible!

Breast Augmentation Testimonials

“Testimonial 1: Exceptionally skilled surgeon with a compassionate and honest demeanour. Since meeting Dr. Bell in 2008 I have undergone, over the course of 14 years, a rhinoplasty, labiaplasty, liposuction, fat graft to tear troughs, mid face lift and breast augmentation. Certain procedures he made me hold off on for several years as he said I did not need to perform it yet (i.e., mid face lift and liposuction). I respect his honesty and integrity, but also his amazing talents in producing natural beautiful results and improving client confidence and rejeuvanation. He has a lovely bedside manner and is a genuinely kind human being. He was the director of the U of T plastic surgery residence program for years which initially drew me to him. His expertise and skill set was selected to lead and train future plastic surgery graduates in how to perform cosmetic surgery because he is truly the best! Thank you Dr. Bell for helping me feel and look the best I ever have in my life.” – Natalie 777 (RealSelf).

“Testimonial 2: Had 500 cc under the muscle for about 21 years, developing medical issues suspected to be implant-related. After learning about the risks of Allergan textured implants and identifying my symptoms with BII, I sought removal. Nervous about switching surgeons, Dr. Bell’s consultation put me at ease. He took his time, answered all questions without judgment, and his professional bedside manner and work are exceptional. Opted for a lift, resulting in minimal scars and amazing-looking breasts. Thrilled to regain my health and natural appearance, looking better than ever. Highly recommend Dr. Bell!” – RealSelf.

“Testimonial 3: I cannot stress enough how pleased I am with Dr Bell. From the very first consultation up until surgery day I felt so comfortable with my decision. His knowledge and experience really made me feel at ease. I am currently two months post op from a breast reduction, lift and implants. To say I LOVE my new breasts is an understatement. If you’re thinking of having a breast augmentation, I highly highly recommend Dr Bell!” – RealSelf.

“Testimonial 4: I got a breast augmentation. I had the best experience here at SpaMedica. Everyone was so friendly and they made me feel so comfortable pre, during and post op. Dr.Bell really knows what he’s doing. I trusted his judgment and I’m so grateful. I also had a great experience with the nurse Yolanda. When I was getting my stitches removed she was so gentle I didn’t feel a thing. So happy !!” – Nicole Vujanic (Google Reviews).