Breast Augmentation at a Glance

Potential Benefits: Breast augmentation adds volume and fullness, improves symmetry, and creates more balanced body proportions, including restoring volume lost through weight loss or pregnancy.
Candidates: Good candidates are women looking to increase breast size, correct asymmetry, or address changes to their breasts over time. Patients considering fat grafting should have sufficient donor fat available.
Procedure: Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes two hours or less. Implant placement and incision location are customized to each patient.
Recovery: Most patients resume normal routines within the first week, with strenuous activity restricted for about five to six weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal and resolve with time.
Longevity: Implants typically last around 10 years on average. Most manufacturers offer warranties that may help cover replacement costs if issues arise.
Surgeons: Dr. Trefor Nodwell and Dr. Sean Smith are board-certified plastic surgeons performing breast augmentation in Ottawa, Ontario. Both use the Keller Funnel technique for silicone implant placement, which minimizes incision size and reduces the risk of complications.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. Not only can breast implants add volume to the breasts, they can also help improve the contours and proportions of your body, ultimately enhancing your silhouette. Whether you want to add volume to attain larger, more shapely breasts, create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance, or restore volume lost through weight loss or pregnancy, our team can help you achieve your goals.

During your initial consultation, an experienced plastic surgeon on our team will evaluate your needs and discuss options that can help you attain your goals. Any questions or concerns you may have will be addressed. We want you to feel confident about your decision and comfortable throughout the entire process.

Breast Implant Options
Choosing Breast Implant Size
Keller Funnel Surgical Technique
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast Augmentation Results
Breast Augmentation Cost

What Are My Breast Implant Options?

Before your breast augmentation procedure, your surgeon will discuss the various breast implant types, sizes, and shapes available, as well as the pros and cons of each. Our goal is to help you understand how each will affect your unique body shape so you can make a more informed decision. We offer both saline and silicone implants for breast enlargement surgery, as well as autologous fat grafting for a transfer of your own fat tissue to enhance your breasts. Breast implants can be round or teardrop-shaped and come in a range of sizes. Your surgeon will talk with you about the options that can best meet your unique needs and provide the most ideal proportions.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are a popular choice for breast augmentation, consisting of a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. This combination offers a natural look and feel that many patients find appealing. One significant advantage of silicone implants is their lower risk of rippling compared to saline implants, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with thin body frames where rippling might be more noticeable.

Silicone implants allow for individualization, responding to each patient’s unique needs and desired results. Whether you are looking to enhance your breast size, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or achieve a more proportionate figure, silicone implants offer versatility in achieving the desired aesthetic result. During your consultation, our surgeons will thoroughly discuss the different types available and help you make an informed decision based on your body type, aesthetic goals, and individual preferences. Their expertise will guide you in selecting the right implant that aligns with your desired breast appearance, ensuring the outcome is satisfying and natural-looking.

Saline Implants

Saline implants offer a well-established option for breast augmentation, featuring a silicone shell that encloses a sterile saltwater solution. One notable advantage of saline breast implants is their flexibility in size adjustments. Unlike pre-filled implants, saline implants are filled during the surgery itself, enabling your surgeon to use a smaller incision for implant placement. This reduced incision size often translates to minimized scarring and a quicker recovery.

Throughout the years, saline breast implants have demonstrated their effectiveness and aesthetic appeal in breast augmentation procedures. Their long-standing history of use has established their safety and efficacy. Patients often achieve beautiful and natural-looking results with saline implants, making them a dependable choice for those seeking enhancement and increased breast volume. During the initial consultation, our skilled plastic surgeons will guide you through the process of selecting the appropriate implant type based on your body proportions, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences.

IDEAL IMPLANT^{^®}

The IDEAL IMPLANT^{^®} is a structured breast implant with two chambers that hold its saline solution. Within these chambers are one to three “baffle” shells, which help minimize saline movement, providing a more natural look and feel. One of its primary advantages is the reduction of wrinkling and folding of the implant, which can potentially lead to rupture over time. The IDEAL IMPLANT^{^®} also demonstrates a lower risk of developing capsular contracture, a common concern in breast augmentation.

The Ottawa Clinic is proud to be the first practice in the National Capital Region to offer this advanced implant option, reaffirming our commitment to providing patients with cutting-edge choices for achieving their desired results. During the consultation process, our experienced plastic surgeons will meticulously evaluate your unique needs and preferences to determine whether the IDEAL IMPLANT^{^®} is the right fit for your augmentation goals. We understand that each patient’s journey is individual, and our team’s comprehensive expertise ensures that the chosen implant aligns seamlessly with your aesthetic aspirations and medical considerations.

Autologous Fat Grafting

The breast can also be augmented with fat harvested through liposuction. This has the benefit of achieving a fuller breast while contouring another area of the body, like the abdomen or thighs. A breast enhancement via fat transfer is known for offering results that both look and feel natural. Ideal candidates for this option are patients who have extra fat tissue that can be utilized for the graft.

How Do I Choose the Right Breast Implant Size?

Selecting the appropriate breast implant size is a decision that hinges on both your individual anatomy and your desired aesthetic outcomes. Your surgeon at The Ottawa Clinic will comprehensively assess your body, taking various measurements to determine which implant options will yield the most natural appearance in proportion to your frame. Engaging in an open conversation about your breast augmentation goals will allow your surgeon to craft a personalized range of implant sizes for your consideration. Our priority is to ensure every patient feels self-assured in their implant selection, confident that they have chosen the size that complements their physique.

Your surgeon will collaborate closely with you throughout the decision-making process, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. By providing you with realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of the potential outcomes, your surgeon aims to empower you with the knowledge needed to make an informed choice. They will consider your lifestyle, body type, and aesthetic aspirations to recommend implant sizes that align seamlessly with your unique vision for breast augmentation. We recognize that the journey to choosing the right breast implant size is a collaborative one, where your input is valued and your concerns are listened to attentively. By blending your goals with the expertise of our surgeons, we strive to deliver outcomes that enhance your confidence and align harmoniously with your natural features.

What Is the Keller Funnel Surgical Technique?

Research and development in the field of plastic surgery is evolving at a breathtaking pace, offering more effective and safe solutions. The Ottawa Clinic has added a cutting-edge surgical technique to its range of services: the use of the Keller Funnel for breast implantation. The Keller Funnel is a surgical device that Dr. Nodwell and Dr. Smith utilize when placing silicone implants into the breast pocket, and it brings significant benefits to patients seeking both safety and superior aesthetic results.

Compared with other methods, the Keller Funnel offers a significantly shorter incision, reducing the risk of visible scarring. It also limits trauma to the body, meaning less post-operative swelling and bruising and a faster, less painful recovery. The Keller Funnel’s “no-touch” technique is also revolutionary in terms of infection prevention: by limiting direct manipulation of the implant, it significantly reduces the chances of contamination. Its use also considerably reduces the risk of post-operative complications, including capsular contracture, which can affect the look and feel of the implant over time. Benefits of the Keller Funnel technique include:

Shorter incision, helping to limit scarring
Less force and trauma to the body, reducing post-operative swelling and bruising
Reduced risk of capsular contracture
Lower risk of infection through the “no-touch” method

Whether you are a good candidate for the Keller Funnel or an alternative technique will be determined at the time of your consultation.

No Touch

What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Involve?

Cosmetic surgery is a constantly evolving field, combining medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and individual aspirations. At The Ottawa Clinic, each procedure is meticulously tailored to the unique needs of each patient, guaranteeing harmonious, natural results. Our skilled surgeons utilize a variety of advanced techniques when performing breast augmentation procedures and can recommend the best ones to help you achieve the most natural-looking results.

The entire breast augmentation surgery typically takes about two hours or less, and most patients go home the same day. If an additional procedure such as a breast lift is necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic results, both procedures can often be combined into a single surgery.

Incision Options

Under the natural breast fold (inframammary): This incision is made in the crease where the lower breast meets the chest. The scar is cleverly concealed in the fold, meaning it is rarely visible even when wearing tight-fitting clothing or swimwear. This technique gives surgeons direct access and excellent visualization during implant placement, enabling optimal precision, and is suitable for different implant types and sizes.
Around the areola (periareolar): This incision is made around the edge of the areola. Since it follows the naturally pigmented edge of the areola, the resulting scar is often well concealed. This technique minimizes nerve disruption, preserving sensation in the area, and can be particularly beneficial for certain forms of breast correction performed in conjunction with augmentation.

Implant Placement

Under the breast tissue (sub-glandular): This placement positions the implant directly under the breast tissue, above the pectoral muscle. Since there is less muscle disruption, patients can often expect a shorter recovery period. This technique can also offer a more natural appearance for women who already have a certain amount of breast tissue, and carries less risk of implant movement during muscle contraction.
Under the pectoral muscle (sub-muscular): Placing the implant under the pectoral muscle provides an extra layer of tissue over the implant, making it less noticeable. For women with little breast tissue, this method can offer a softer, more natural look. Sub-muscular placement can also reduce the risk of certain complications such as capsular contracture, and with the implant under the muscle it is often easier to obtain a clear image of the breast tissue during mammography.

What Can I Expect in My Breast Augmentation Recovery?

Breast augmentation is a transformation that goes far beyond the operation itself. The post-operative period is a crucial phase of the process that requires understanding, preparation, and follow-up. At The Ottawa Clinic, we are committed not only to providing you with surgical excellence, but also to guiding you through every step of your recovery.

In the Days Immediately After Surgery

It is common to experience some pain and discomfort after breast augmentation surgery. This is completely normal and part of the healing process. You may also notice some swelling, bruising, and sometimes numbness around the operated area. These symptoms are temporary and will gradually diminish. To relieve pain, analgesics will be prescribed to help make this post-operative phase as comfortable as possible.

Resuming Daily Activities

Most of our patients find that they can resume their daily activities within the first week after surgery. However, it is essential to bear in mind that each person is unique, and the speed of recovery varies from one individual to another. While some feel ready to return to work or their usual routines within a few days, others may require a little more time to feel completely at ease.

Precautions for Strenuous Activity

Although resuming normal activities is generally quick, it is important to practice caution when it comes to strenuous physical activity. Our surgeons recommend that you avoid any strenuous activity, such as sports, heavy lifting, or other activities that place heavy demands on the chest, for five to six weeks after surgery. This ensures that the operated area heals properly and that the implants stabilize in their ideal position.

Personalized Post-Operative Follow-Up

The breast augmentation experience does not stop once the operation is over. Once you have had your breast augmentation at The Ottawa Clinic, you will be offered a personalized post-operative treatment plan.

Based on your state of health, the extent of the procedure, and your goals, this plan will detail the precise steps involved in your follow-up. It will provide clear recommendations on what care to take, what medication to take, what signs to look out for, and a schedule of follow-up visits. We make sure we are there for you from the initial consultation through to your full recovery, ensuring that your experience is as smooth and satisfying as possible.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

At The Ottawa Clinic, we are dedicated to ensuring not only outstanding aesthetic results, but also the longevity of those results. The quality of our implants and our surgical expertise ensure a transformation that lasts over time.

While it is common to believe that breast implants are permanent, they are actually designed to last several years, not a lifetime. On average, a patient can expect her implants to remain in excellent condition for a decade or more. However, this depends on many factors, such as the type of implant chosen, the surgical technique used, and the physiological particularities of each patient. Understanding this nuance is essential to managing expectations and planning regular follow-up. It is with this durability in mind that we select our breast implants, guided by three major principles: superior quality, a safe and reliable process, and a personalized approach for every patient.

After the initial ten-year period, you may notice changes such as rippling, deflation, or even implant rupture. These signs are not inevitable, but regular monitoring is essential to detect and treat any complications promptly. The good news is that most breast implant manufacturers recognize the need to offer warranties for their products. These warranties can be extremely useful, often covering the cost of replacement in the event of implant failure. At The Ottawa Clinic, we work closely with reputable suppliers who offer these warranties and are here to guide you through the claims process if necessary.

The beauty of cosmetic surgery, and breast augmentation in particular, lies in its ability to evolve according to the patient’s needs and desires. If at any time you feel the need or desire to undergo a breast revision, our surgeons are there for you. Whether it is to replace an implant, adjust the size, or correct any other issue, we will make sure you are satisfied throughout your aesthetic journey. When you choose The Ottawa Clinic, you are choosing a long-term partnership. Our commitment to your satisfaction and safety does not stop after the operation.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

The cost of breast augmentation is typically $11,000 or higher at our Ottawa plastic surgery practice. Because each procedure is highly customized to the unique needs and goals of each patient, the total will vary for every woman.

Several factors influence the final cost, including the type of implants chosen, the surgical technique used, the duration of the procedure, and the post-operative follow-up required. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will take the time to understand your needs, examine your individual anatomy, and design a customized surgical plan. Only after this comprehensive assessment will you receive an accurate, itemized cost estimate — no unexpected surprises.

At The Ottawa Clinic, the cost of breast augmentation reflects the expertise of our surgeons, the quality of the implants used, and the personalized attention each patient receives. When you choose our clinic for your plastic surgery, you are investing in recognized expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and a tailored approach that guarantees results that live up to your expectations. We recognize that this can represent a substantial investment, which is why we offer flexible financing options.

A member of our staff can guide you through the alternatives available to help make your goals more affordable. If you are interested in exploring plastic surgery financing, please ask during your consultation or contact us at any time.

Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation in Ottawa, ON

If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.