How do I choose the right surgeon for me?
There are many ways of finding a surgeon who performs breast augmentation. This may be through referrals from a friend who has had this procedure, a referral from your family physician, through research on the internet or through the Canadian or Provincial Plastic Surgery Societies.
For a printable list of important credentials that you should consider when choosing a surgeon, click here.
How should I prepare for surgery?
Please see Preparing for surgery page.
How do I choose the right implant size?
There are a variety of excellent ways in which you and Dr. Brown can select the appropriate size of breast implant. Please see Choosing Implant Size page.
Where will the surgery be performed?
Dr. Brown performs the majority of his cosmetic surgical procedures at The Cumberland Clinic™. Designated as a CAAASF class III facility, The Cumberland Clinic™ is a private, state-of-the-art cosmetic surgery facility located in the heart of the Yorkville district in mid-town Toronto. For more information about The Cumberland Clinic™, please click here.
Dr. Brown also operates at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. If preferred, your surgery can be performed at the hospital.
Who will the anaesthetist be?
Dr. Brown has selected his anaesthetists to provide you with the most safe and gentle care possible. All of the anaesthetists are certified by The Royal College of Physicians of Canada and are experts in their field. You will have an opportunity to meet with the anaesthetist prior to your surgery, in order to have any of your questions answered.
How long is the surgery and what is the type of anaesthetic?
Typically, breast augmentation surgery takes approximately 60-90 minutes to perform. It is usually done under a general anaesthetic although in some situations, it can be performed using intravenous sedation.
How is the surgery performed?
There are many steps that go into a successful breast augmentation. In general, Dr. Brown will make a small incision and create a pocket underneath the breast to insert the implant. The pockets are inspected to ensure that they are balanced and symmetrical and then an implant is prepared in a sterile manner and inserted into the pocket. The incision is then closed using dissolvable stitches.
Where will the incisions be placed?
Please visit the Incisions and Scars page.
What is the difference between placing the implant above the muscle and below the muscle?
Please see the Implant Placement page.
What happens if I am menstruating on the day of my surgery?
You should not be concerned if you are menstruating on the day of your surgery. This will not affect the procedure or the results in any way.
What medications will I be given after my surgery?
You will be given two types of medication. The first is an antibiotic that you will take for several days following surgery. This is to minimize the risk of infection. The second is a pain medication which most women will require during the first few days.
What are the risks and complications of breast augmentation surgery?
Although breast augmentation surgery is a very safe procedure, there are associated risks as there are with any surgical procedure. Some of the general risks include bleeding, infection and reactions to anaesthesia. There are also specific potential risks related to the use of breast implants. Dr. Brown will discuss these risks and complications with you in detail at the time of your consultation.
Who will be on call following my surgery?
Either Dr. Brown or his surgical resident will be available 24 hours a day should you require assistance following your surgery.
What should I expect in terms of recovery?
Please see the After Care page.
How long will it take before I can see the results of my surgery?
Although your new size and enhanced breast shape will be evident immediately, it usually takes several weeks for the breasts to soften and for the implants to settle into a completely natural position.
How soon after surgery can I exercise?
It will be fine to start gentle physical exercise in the second week following surgery. This includes walking, a stairmaster or a stationary bike. Activities that involve bouncing such as aerobics or jogging as well as upper body weights should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
Are there any long-term restrictions to exercise?
Once you have completely healed, you will be able to resume all activities that you were able to participate in prior to surgery.
What is a good bra to wear during the recovery period?
Most women find a supportive sports bra very comfortable to wear during the first few weeks following surgery. We usually recommend a cotton sports bra which fastens in the front. Bras that must be pulled on over your head are best to avoid because this movement may be uncomfortable during the first few weeks after surgery.
How long will it take for my scars to heal?
Scars will usually turn red in colour during the first few months of healing. After this, they will fade and slowly approximate your normal skin colour. The time that it takes for this to happen varies from person to person. Most scars will take approximately one year to fully mature. It is important to remember that the scars will be well-positioned so as to be covered when wearing clothing, a bra or a bathing suit.
What can I do to help improve my scars?
After the initial light dressing has been removed from your incision, Dr. Brown or his nurse will instruct you on using vitamin E or BioOil. There are several other experimental creams, lotions and scar treatments that Dr. Brown would be happy to discuss with you if you wish.
Can I suntan topless after surgery?
Once your scars have completely matured, it is fine to expose your breasts directly to sunlight. During the first year however, it is important to keep the scars well protected from direct sun exposure because sunlight has been shown to darkly pigment scars in the early healing period.
Is it safe to breastfeed after having breast augmentation?
Several studies have shown that the vast majority of women who try to breastfeed after having had breast augmentation are able to do so successfully. Research studies do not suggest any danger to a child who is breastfed by a mother who has breast implants. In fact, several studies have shown that the quantity of Silicon in store bought formula is substantially higher than the quantity of Silicon in breast milk in women with breast implants.
What implants require massage and what implants do not?
It is common to undergo massage exercises after having breast augmentation to minimize the risk of hardening or capsular contracture. Dr. Brown will advise women who have undergone breast augmentation with saline implants and smooth surfaced silicone gel implants to start massaging within the first week after surgery. When teardrop, textured surface cohesive gel implants are used, routine massage exercises are not necessary.
Do breast implants need to be replaced?
It is important for women who undergo breast augmentation to recognize that this is not a once in a lifetime procedure. Implants do not have an expiry date when they absolutely must be replaced, but if there is a problem with an implant such as leaking or hardening, then further surgery will be necessary. On average, it is reasonable to expect that your implants will need to be replaced every 10-15 years.
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