Breast Augmentation
What Is Breast Augmentation?
For many women, an attractive bustline is an important part of feeling self-confident and sexy. Often, however, the aging process, breastfeeding, weight changes and/or hormonal shifts can alter the natural appearance of the breasts. These patients, in addition to patients who desire an increase in volume and/or size for small or underdeveloped breasts, may be candidates for breast augmentation with implants.
ICLS Plastics is a leader in breast augmentation with cohesive silicone gel implants. With a surgical team led by renowned plastic surgeon Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC, we use scientific measurements to accurately determine which range of implants would create the most natural and cosmetically-appealing breast augmentation according to your shape, size and height. As each patient has different needs and goals (not to mention different body types), our breast enhancement surgeries are tailored to each individual’s requirements. Contact ICLS to begin your breast augmentation journey!
- Breast Augmentation Candidates
- Complementary Procedures to Breast Augmentation
- Breast Implant Size
- Breast Augmentation Consultation
- Breast Augmentation Procedure
- Breast Augmentation Recovery
- Breast Augmentation Scars
- Breast Implants Longevity
- Breast Augmentation Cost
- Why Choose ICLS?
Is Breast Augmentation Right for Me?
Breast augmentation candidates generally want to achieve fuller breasts and an enhanced silhouette. In many cases, they desire a more lifted appearance, as well; these patients often incorporate breast lift surgery (“mastopexy”) into their care. Otherwise, women eligible for breast augmentation include those in reasonably good health who have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome.
During a consultation, our surgeon will ask a series of questions to determine what you want to get out of the surgery. These questions focus on why you want a breast augmentation, what you hope to gain post-surgery and a briefing of your medical history and conditions. Dr. Khanna will also take this time to assess your general health, examine your breasts, take photographs and thoroughly discuss your different options before moving forward.
Complementary Procedures to Breast Augmentation
In addition to mastopexy, which is commonly combined with breast augmentation, Dr. Khanna is frequently able to complement this surgery with additional cosmetic procedures. Depending on your unique aesthetic goals, your personalized experience at ICLS can include body contouring surgeries (e.g. liposuction or tummy tuck) or facial enhancement procedures (such as facelift or eyelid surgery).
Please also note that we offer a wide variety of non-surgical options and skincare products that can be added to your treatment. If any solution piques your interest, we encourage you to bring it up at your initial consultation!
How Do I Choose the Right Breast Implant Size?
At ICLS, we believe choosing the correct implants takes time, research and lots of “trial and error.” We focus less on implant size and more on the unique anatomy of the breasts, as well as the right technique to achieve the desired result. To simplify this approach, we have developed a well-honed five-step process for helping patients choose an implant size:
- VECTRA® 3D imaging. During your first visit, our nursing team will use the advanced VECTRA® 3D imaging system to obtain scans of your breasts. This step is not just necessary for determining implant size, but also for Dr. Khanna to familiarize herself with your anatomy and breast shape.
- Measurements. During this step, Dr. Khanna will not only collect measurements, but consider the breasts’ size in proportion to the rest of your body. She will also take note of your posture, the positioning of your breasts on the chest wall and other specifics necessary to produce natural-looking results.
- Homework. Before you return for your next visit, we will ask you to collect photos to help us plan the procedure. These photos can include celebrities, models, surgical before-and-afters or any display that resembles your ideal bustline. (You are also encouraged to show us photos of breasts you dislike to give us a sense of results you want to avoid.)
- Make a homemade implant. Once you have gathered some reference pictures, we ask that you construct a makeshift sizer at home. This is achieved by using the toe end of your pantyhose, filled with dried rice and tied with a loose knot, creating an “implant” you can fit in your sports bra. You can then add or take away rice to the hose until you like the volume you see in the bra. Please measure this amount and bring the amount to your appointment and it will be noted in your chart. This may help you visualize your potential size.
- Pre-operative appointment. This meeting will involve an in-depth review of the work and research we (and you!) have completed so far. We will take stock of your data, look at your measurements and may review your VECTRA® 3D scan. Afterward, you will be given sizers to try on before we narrow down a choice for your implant size and projection. We offer the latest options in cohesive silicone gel implants for a natural look and feel.
What Does the Breast Augmentation Consultation Entail?
The initial consultation at ICLS is an important time for you and Dr. Khanna to get to know one another. Not only will Dr. Khanna take your measurements and obtain your VECTRA® 3D scans, but she will familiarize herself with your medical history and speak with you directly about your goals for this procedure.
As part of the ICLS Advantage, you can expect devoted care and compassionate understanding from Dr. Khanna and the rest of our team throughout your entire experience. Please never hesitate to communicate with us or express questions or concerns about your care; we are here for you.
What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Involve?
Breast augmentation is typically completed under general anesthesia. Depending on the techniques used and whether or not additional procedures (e.g. breast lift or fat transfer) are being incorporated, the surgery can last from one to several hours.
The incision for each implant is made as carefully as possible at one of two typical sites. These sites most commonly include the inframammary crease (under the breast fold); alternatively, patients may be eligible for a periareolar incision, which is made around the nipple. The breast implant is then placed either under the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular) or on top of the muscle and under the breast tissue (subglandular).
What Can I Expect During Breast Augmentation Recovery?
The patient goes home with surgical tape on the incision sites, which are removed 7-10 days after surgery. The sutures used are dissolvable and therefore do not have to be removed, though they may be trimmed 7-10 days after surgery if necessary.
In most cases, minimal initial discomfort can be easily controlled with oral medication. Patients can resume normal activities five to seven days after surgery. Exercise, heavy lifting and strenuous activity can typically be resumed four to six weeks after surgery—our team will advise you on when it is best to resume these activities based on your unique needs. For the first two weeks following surgery, you will wear a light bra or bralette. After two weeks, you will begin wearing an underwire bra for four to six weeks to support the breasts and implants while they heal.
Will I Have Breast Augmentation Scars?
As breast augmentation is a major surgical procedure, scarring is possible. With this in mind, rest assured that Dr. Khanna is always careful to place incisions in inconspicuous locations to potentially limit the chance of visual scarring. Additionally, scars that do appear typically fade to a flesh colour in the months following surgery.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
There is no defined time limit for breast implants. That said, implants can age or experience complications, which usually require immediate attention. With that in mind, please note that capsular contracture rates at ICLS are extremely low as a result of our exceptional surgical techniques, which often lead to a rapid recovery overall for breast surgery patients.
Generally, as our bodies naturally age, our lifestyles and personal choices may evolve too. Some women may seek more balance, symmetry and/or more or less volume in their breasts within 10 – 15 years of first receiving implants. These women may be candidates for breast revision surgery.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Ontario?
At our practice, a primary breast augmentation begins at $12,300, while breast augmentation with mastopexy begins at $14,000. Be aware, however, that the price may fluctuate based on the level of services (e.g., the incorporation of additional procedures, the use of pain medications, etc).
During your consultation, you will have an opportunity to create a customized approach with Dr. Khanna and finalize the pricing for your care. Meanwhile, we encourage you to review our plastic surgery financing options. In addition to accepting all major forms of payment, we work with two third-party financiers – iFinance and Beautifi – to help eligible patients finance their treatment through installments.
We always aim to make the financial aspect of your experience as painless as possible. If you have any questions about your payment, feel free to contact our friendly team.
Why Choose ICLS for Breast Augmentation?
Undergoing breast augmentation is a major life decision. For this reason, Dr. Khanna encourages patients to research their prospective provider to ensure they have the proper background, credentials, experience and reputation to perform breast augmentation surgery.
When you choose to undergo breast augmentation with Dr. Khanna, you choose a compassionate, ethical physician with years of experience. In addition to specializing in many techniques of aesthetic breast surgery, Dr. Khanna is one of the top users of cohesive gel breast implants in North America. She was actively involved in the lifting of the 13-year moratorium on silicone breast implants in 2006; played an instrumental role in achieving the approval for silicone implants initially in 1999; and was the first doctor to use cohesive gel implants for primary augmentation in Canada.
Dr. Khanna is devoted to patient satisfaction. Along with the rest of our team, she will work alongside you to help you achieve a bustline that exceeds your every expectation.
To schedule your breast augmentation consultation or learn more about this specialized procedure, we invite you to contact ICLS today!
Before and After
Photos are for educational purposes only.
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Our Specialist
Our plastic surgeons specialize in many techniques of aesthetic breast surgery. Dr. Khanna is one of the top users of cohesive gel breast implants in North America and was actively involved in the lifting of the 13-year moratorium on silicone breast implants in 2006. She played an instrumental role in achieving the approval for silicone implants initially in 1999, and was the first doctor to use cohesive gel implants for primary augmentation in Canada.
Dr. Julie Khanna
Our internationally-renowned, double board-certified plastic surgeon is considered a leader in breast reshaping, body contouring and facial anti-aging procedures. Combining well-honed surgical skill with a commitment to ethical care, Dr. Julie Khanna looks beyond the procedure to the patient as a whole, from inner self to outer beauty.
Dr. Khanna’s Profile