Breast augmentation, or breast enhancement surgery, is one of the most popular and aesthetically dramatic procedures performed by Dr. Robert Shenker at The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in Waterloo, Ontario.

There are many reasons that a woman may choose breast augmentation. A woman may feel her breasts are too small, or note that there is a size difference between her breasts. Breasts may change in size following pregnancy, breast-feeding, or weight loss.

What are my options for breast augmentation?

Breast Implant Size

Breast implants come in a variety of sizes. Selecting the proper size is critical to ensure long-term satisfaction with your breast implants. Dr. Shenker and his staff will help you decide on the best size of implant to meet your goals.

Breast Implant Shape

Some breast implants give the breast a more rounded appearance, while others create a breast shaped with a gentle slope and fullness in the lower portion of the breast.

Breast Implant Filler

There are two approved options for breast implant fillers; silicone and saline. While each filler has been approved by Health Canada for breast implants, each has distinct features and benefits.

Silicone - The unique qualities of today’s silicone gel-filled breast implants make it the filler of choice for patients in countries where both silicone gel-filled and saline-filled breast implants are widely available. Silicone gel-filled implants are available in a range of cohesivity, from very soft to more firm, so you can choose the option that you prefer. Today’s cohesive silicone gel implants have eliminated the problems encountered with the silicone implants of the past.

Saline - Some patients prefer the look and feel that can be achieved with saline-filled breast implants. Saline implants use a silicone shell that is inserted into the breast and then filled with sterile saline, a saltwater solution, through a valve. The size of the implant shell, as well as the amount of saline that is used to fill it, is what determines the look and level of softness.

Breast Implant Surface Texturing

Breast Implants can be either smooth or textured. Texturing is designed to help keep the breast implant from shifting in place and to reduce the rate of capsular contracture, but is not recommended for every body type.

Incisions
An incision may be made in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or within the armpit.

How should I prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

You will first have a thorough consultation with Dr. Shenker to determine your goals and preferences for your breast augmentation. Dr. Shenker’s Patient Coordinator will guide you through all the details of the planning process for your procedure, including financing, scheduling, and paperwork.

Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

You are to have nothing to eat or drink for the twelve hours immediately before your surgery.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

While under a general anesthetic, the smallest possible incision is made in your site of choice. A space is created either above or below the chest muscle. The implant is carefully placed in this space and your incision is closed with dissolving stitches that do not need to be removed.

What will the day of surgery be like?

You will arrange for someone to drive you to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and to pick you up after the procedure. Our staff will assist you with planning for your ride home.

You will meet our highly qualified and professional operating room staff so you will be assured that you are in excellent hands. Our anesthesiologist will talk to you before you go to sleep for your surgery. After the procedure is completed, you will be taken to our recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. After a brief recovery period you will be permitted to leave with your driver.

How will I look and feel initially?

In some instances you may have a support bra that you will need to wear for a short period of time after surgery. There will be some swelling initially, but this will disappear quickly. You will return to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic for a follow up appointment within a few days. Most residual swelling will resolve within one month after the procedure.

Vigorous activities should be restricted for a period of two to three weeks. Care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least one month.

When can I resume normal activities?

It is not unusual for breast augmentation patients to resume normal activities, such as driving, showering, cooking, or shopping, within one to two days after surgery. Exercise and physically demanding jobs may be resumed three to six weeks after surgery.

Results of your breast augmentation

Breast augmentation will result in your breasts being fuller and having an enhanced shape. Clothes may fit better and most women experience a boost in their self-confidence.

How long will the results last?

The results of breast augmentation are long lasting. However, gravity and the effects of ageing will eventually alter the size and shape of every woman’s breasts. If, after time, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift to restore their youthful contour.

What if I have more questions?

You may contact The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at any time if you have questions or concerns: 519.746.1132