Breast Augmentation
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 you improve the contours and proportions of your body, ultimately enhancing your silhouette. At The Ottawa Clinic, we find that patients often wish to achieve the following with breast enhancement surgery:
- Add volume to attain larger, more shapely breasts
- Create a balanced, symmetrical appearance
- Restore volume lost by weight loss or pregnancy
- Reconstruct breasts after mastectomy or injury
During your initial consultation at The Ottawa Clinic, an experienced plastic surgeon on our team will evaluate your needs and discuss options that can help you attain your goals. At this time, 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. Your surgeon will go over your options and recommend the best course of action to help you achieve the desired results.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Before your breast augmentation procedure, your surgeon will discuss with you 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.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are composed of a silicone shell pre-filled with silicone gel. They have a lower risk of rippling than their saline counterparts, and tend to provide a very natural look and feel. Silicone implants are typically recommended for patients who have very thin body frames.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are made of a silicone shell that contain a saltwater solution. A saline breast implant is filled during surgery, which allows your surgeon to create a smaller incision through which to insert the implant. Saline breast implants have been utilized in breast augmentation procedures for decades, and have proven to have very beautiful results.
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. The IDEAL IMPLANT® was designed to reduce wrinkling and folding of the implant, which can lead to rupture. The innovative design also provides a lower risk of developing capsular contracture. The Ottawa Clinic is proud to be the first practice in the National Capital Region to offer this advanced implant option, and our team believes it can provide the right candidates with enhanced augmentation results.
Autologous Fat Grafting
The breast can also be augmented with fat harvested from 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.
Breast implants can be round or teardrop-shaped, and of course come in a range of sizes. Our plastic surgeon will talk with you about the options that can best meet your unique needs and provide the most ideal proportions.
How Do I Choose the Right Breast Implant Size?
Finding the right size of breast implants for you will ultimately depend on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will take a variety of measurements of your body to determine which implant options will look the most natural on your frame. After discussing what you hope to achieve with your breast augmentation, this information will be used to present a range of implant sizes for you to consider. We want every patient to feel confident about their implant choice, knowing they have found the best size for their body. Your surgeon will work closely with you to ensure all your questions and concerns are addressed, and that you have a realistic view of what to expect.
What Is the Keller Funnel Surgical Technique?
The Keller Funnel is a surgical tool that Dr. Chitte, Dr. Nodwell, and Dr. Smith utilize when placing silicone implants into the breast pocket. This device allows for easier insertion of the implant and provides added safety for the overall process. The Keller Funnel is considered one of the latest, most effective devices used for implantation during breast augmentation. By using this device, Dr. Chitte, Dr. Nodwell, and Dr. Smith are able to accomplish the following:
- Shorter incision, which helps limit amount of scarring
- Less force and trauma to the body, reducing post-operative swelling and bruising
- Reduced risk of developing capsular contracture after the surgery
- Lower risk of infection due to the technique’s “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.
What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Involve?
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. During your surgery, the implants can be inserted through an incision under the natural breast fold or around the areola. They can be placed directly under your breast tissue or under your chest muscle. The entire breast enlargement surgery typically takes about two hours or less, and our patients can usually go home the same day. If an additional procedure, such as a breast lift, is necessary for you to obtain the desired aesthetic results, both procedures can often be combined into one surgery.
What Can I Expect in My Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Following your breast augmentation, it is normal to experience some pain or discomfort, but this can be remedied with pain medication. You may also notice swelling, bruising and numbness, but this will dissipate as your body heals. Patients can typically resume their normal routines within the first week, but our surgeons recommend any strenuous activities be avoided for about five to six weeks. More details regarding your recovery period will be provided by your surgeon once a customized treatment plan has been developed for you.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices and, as a result, will eventually need to be replaced. However, most patients can expect their breast implants to last for about 10 years on average. After this initial period, implants are more prone to rippling, deflation, and rupture. If you experience any problems with the structure of your implants, most breast implant manufacturers offer warranties that may help cover the cost of a replacement in breast revision surgery.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
A breast augmentation procedure is highly customized to the unique needs and goals of each patient; therefore, this total will vary for every woman. During the consultation process, your surgeon will give you an itemized cost quote based on the details of your custom surgical plan. If you are interested in exploring our financing options, a member of staff can help you get started.
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
A breast augmentation procedure is highly customized to the unique needs and goals of each patient therefor the total will vary for every woman. During the consultation process, your surgeon will give you a cost quote based on the details of your custom surgical plan.