What Is Breast Augmentation or Breast Enlargement?

Breast Augmentation–also known as Breast Enlargement, Augmentation Mammoplasty, Breast Implants & Boob Job–is a surgical procedure performed on women to help increase their breasts’ fullness and volume. This new magnificent look from a surgeon’s touch is usually larger as it is restructured to make the breast rounder and more attractive. The breasts can be augmented using fat volume or implants such as saline or silicone by an experienced plastic surgeon. This area of medical science is what we call body contouring in the field of plastic surgery.

Breasts are a vital part of concern in the woman’s body and often has a major role to play in her self-confidence & esteem. Every woman wants to be gorgeous in their appearance and feel confident in themselves. In fact, most women consider the fullness of their breast as a prestige to them. For this reason, science and technology have decided to bring up an elective surgical procedure to help women with concerns about their breasts to get the confidence boost they need.

Types of Breast Implants

There are two different types of implants that can be used for a breast augmentation procedure:

Saline-filled implants

Most women receive saline-filled implants which consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt. This type of implant is generally less expensive.

Cohesive silicone gel-filled implants

Recently, new cohesive silicone gel implants have become available to Canadian plastic surgery patients. Silicone gel implants tend to feel more like real breast tissue than saline implants and do not ripple or fold as much as saline implants. The current cohesive gel is less likely to seep, run or shift unlike the older type of liquid silicone implants. The silicone implants have two popular subtypes which are the “Round implants” & the “Tear Drop anatomical implants”.

Silicone Gel implants

With advancement in technology daily, new implants are been still invented under the silicone gel implants. Dr. Hong’s expertise in breast augmentation surgeries is remarkable from performing hundreds of breast augmentation surgeries with great artistic skills. His professional & passionate skills can help you achieve your prospective breast augmentation goals. You need a highly skilled and efficient plastic surgeon to give you your desired rejuvenated figure and Dr. Colin Hong is one of the top plastic surgeons in Toronto.

Breast Augmentation Consultation

We will examine your breasts and take into consideration factors such as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples. If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may also be recommended. Individual factors and personal preferences will help us together to determine your appropriate breast size and the location of incisions. Keep in mind that in general, the larger the implant, the greater the risk of complications.

We have covered this topic in great detail and you can read about it on our LEARN page.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

implants can be placed under the chest muscle (submuscular) or between the chest muscle and the breast tissue (submammary). There are advantages and disadvantages with each approach. We will discuss with you the implant placement location and location of the incision through which the implant will be inserted.

Once the incision is made either under the breast, in the axilla or at the edge of the areola, the surgeon creates a pocket into which the implant will be inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue (submammary) or underneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular).

Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so it is important to arrange for someone to accompany you home after surgery and to stay with you during the first night following surgery.

Visit our LEARN page for more information on Breast Enlargement Procedures.

Side Effects of Breast Augmentation Surgery

When a breast implant is inserted, a scar capsule forms around it as part of the natural healing process. The scar capsule may tighten and compress the implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal. This is called capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can occur to varying degrees and when severe, it can cause discomfort or changes in the breasts appearance. In such cases, additional surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue or perhaps, remove or replace the implant.

After surgery, some discolouration and swelling will occur, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling diminishes within a month. You may also experience temporary soreness, swelling, bruising and change in nipple sensation.

Risks and Complications

Some potential complications include: infection, reactions to anesthesia and blood accumulation that may need to be drained surgically.

Although rare, an infection may require temporary removal of the implant. Changes in nipple or breast sensation may result from breast augmentation surgery although they are usually temporary.

Here is a more complete list of Breast Augmentation’s Risks and Complications.

Breast Augmentation Recovery Period

Typically, one can return to work within a few days. Fading of scars can take several months or longer. Please visit Dr. Hong’s Breast Augmentation FAQ page below for more information.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can help women achieve the look they desire for their breasts. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural shape, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or simply want to feel more confident in your own skin, breast augmentation can help.

What Is the Breast Augmentation Process?

The breast augmentation process is a surgical procedure that involves the use of implants to increase the size and shape of the breasts. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and can be done under general anesthesia or IV sedation.

Consultation

The first step in the breast augmentation process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this visit, the surgeon will examine your breasts, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will also explain the different implant options available, including silicone and saline implants, as well as the different incision locations, such as under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit.

Once the details of the procedure have been decided, the surgeon will mark the incision location on your breasts and you will be given pre-operative instructions.

Surgery

On the day of the surgery, you will be given general anesthesia or IV sedation to keep you comfortable during the procedure. The surgeon will make the incision, create a pocket for the implant, and then place the implant into the pocket. The incision will then be closed with sutures or surgical tape.

Recovery and Results

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room to be monitored for a few hours. You will be given instructions for recovery, including how to care for the incision site, when to return for follow-up appointments, and when it will be safe to return to normal activities.

Recovery from breast augmentation typically takes several weeks, during which time you may experience some pain and discomfort. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and avoid activities that could put stress on the incision site.

Potential Risks and Scarring

It’s important to keep in mind that breast augmentation is a major surgery and should be considered carefully. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and any potential risks associated with the procedure.

Things to Consider Before Undergoing Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can help women achieve the look they desire for their breasts. However, it’s important to carefully consider all factors before deciding to undergo the procedure. Here are some things to consider before undergoing breast augmentation:

Your Motivations

It’s important to consider why you want breast augmentation and whether the procedure will help you achieve your goals. It’s also important to have realistic expectations and understand that the surgery may not give you the perfect breasts you desire.

Implant Options

There are several different implant options available, including silicone and saline implants. You should discuss the pros and cons of each type with your surgeon to determine which option is best for you.

Incision Location

The incision location will depend on the type of implant you choose. You should discuss the different incision locations with your surgeon to determine which one will give you the best results.

Recovery Time

Breast augmentation is major surgery and recovery can take several weeks. It’s important to plan for this downtime and understand that you may experience pain and discomfort during the recovery process.

Risks and Complications

Breast augmentation carries certain risks and complications, such as infection, bleeding, and implant rupture. You should discuss these risks with your surgeon and understand that there is always a chance that something could go wrong.

Financing

Breast augmentation can be expensive. You should discuss financing options with your surgeon and consider the costs involved before undergoing the procedure.

Lifestyle Changes

Some activities such as heavy lifting, sports, or strenuous activities should be avoided for some time after the surgery, and you should be prepared to make adjustments to your lifestyle.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo breast augmentation should be based on a careful consideration of all of these factors. It’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss your goals, expectations, and any potential risks associated with the procedure before making a decision.

The Best Surgeon for You

Are you considering breast augmentation? Look no further than Dr. Colin Hong! With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Hong has the expertise and skill to help you reach your aesthetic goals.

Dr. Hong is one of the top plastic surgeons in Toronto, North York and Markham with a commitment to providing high-quality care at an affordable cost. He takes a personalized approach when helping his patients, taking into account their individual needs and desires to create the best outcome possible.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

If you’d like to schedule a consultation or learn more about Dr. Colin Hong’s services, please contact us at (416) 222-6986 or email us at info@drcolinhong.com. We look forward to helping you reach your aesthetic goals!

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing your desired implant for surgery depends on quite a number of multiple factors which include your native breast dimension (height and width) , projection, rib cage width, body anatomy, volume, the thickness of tissue, how you want the breast to look like after surgery. The most effective way of choosing implant size is to try out sizers from your surgeon while wearing a tight body fit.

In cases of implant weights, the bigger the implants the more they will likely weigh. The size of 100 cc silicone implant generally weighs 0.23 lbs while that of the saline implant with size 100 cc weighs 0.21 lbs. Going bigger in size, a 300 cc silicone implant weighs 0.69 pounds and a pair weighs 1.38 pounds. 300 cc saline implants weigh 0.63 lb and a pair weighs 1.26 lbs. In this case, implants weigh almost the same as the exact amount that an actual breast tissue would weigh. 

In most cases, the weight varies slightly depending on the manufacturers. There might be a slight weight variation from different manufacturers.

Whether or not a person performs a breast augmentation, the genetic makeup of the individual has a major role to play in the contribution of breast sag. Factors such as weight (increasing or decreasing), gravity, age, skin elasticity & ethnicity have a lot to do when it comes to breast augmentation sagging. In this case, use a very good supportive bra that will help you to reduce the effect of sagging.

The lifespan of breast implant is not actually guaranteed as it is not predictable when the implant lifecycle will eventually end. In which case, no matter how your counseling process has been with your surgeon before the operation, always bear in mind that you cannot have a breast implant that will last a lifetime. 

There is no set expiry date attached to breast implants because there has not been a reason to get them replaced unless there is a possible rupture or have other problems. Most times implants exceed more than 12 years and even last up to 30 years in some cases.  

There are quite a number of new implants that have been introduced for breast augmentation and are known as “jelly bean”, “gummy bear”, or “highly cohesive gel” implants that are also available for breast augmentation and they have a firmer feeling, but there are no effective long term results to indicate that they are much better or tend to last longer than the saline or silicone implants.  

Breast augmentation is normally performed in our Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. It also has certification by the College of Physicians and Surgeon OHP program.

Since the surgery is under general anesthesia, there is no pain during the procedure. 

The greatest period of discomfort for the patient is usually the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours after breast augmentation surgery. Afterward, pains will reduce and there will be no need for too much pain relievers as usual. We do a 24-hour recovery routine that most patients have a very little discomfort after 24 hours. In the case where breast implants are placed in the submuscular position, there will initially cause more discomfort than when it is placed in the subglandular pocket ( in front of the muscle).

In the case of breast augmentation, general anesthesia is commonly used. This will guarantee a painless procedure and also the surgeon can concentrate to deliver his best surgical result. 

You can see pre and post-operative result in our office.

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Why Dr. Colin Hong?

Many women who are considering breast augmentation may be hesitant to proceed with the plastic surgery because they are uncertain if the results will be what they have expected. Others may have in mind breasts that may not be realistic for their specific body. Dr. Colin Hong understands this and so he offers his prospective patients a simulated post-operative result. We offer our breast augmentation clients a complimentary stimulation so they can put their minds at ease before committing to a surgery!

Come and take pictures of yourself and upload them onto the confidential software, and then you can play around with different breast implant sizes and looks! We are confident this will help you see the potential outcome and it will allow you to choose the best breast implants bases on your desires, body shape and tissue characteristics.

CLICK HERE to get your 3Dconsultation

Visit Dr. Hong’s Breast Augmentation clinic in Toronto or call us to book an appointment at (416) 222-6986 today!

Check out our videos:

Where Is Breast Augmentation Carried Out?

Can I Have Breast Implants Again in the Future?

What Can I Expect if I Choose to Delay a Breast Reconstruction?

Our Testimonials

Elizabeth Ezpinosa

Amazing experience, Doctor Hong is very confident and good at what he does. Every time I go to him I always get good results that I love and feel safe. Very friendly and helpful staff!

Pat Kia

He has very good skills and also a very professional team.

C Wong

Dr. Hong and his staff are very efficient. Dr. Hong managed to diagnose my genetic disease that's been going on for years, and proposed a reasonable price given my situation. Thank you Dr. Hong. I greatly appreciated your help and will recommend your service to my friends and family