Breast Surgery

Dr. Haley Augustine, North Toronto Surgical's expert plastic surgeon, offers a wide range of surgical procedures to restore confidence and comfort in your body. Dr. Augustine will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Breast Augmentation

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Treatment time: 1-4 hours
Recovery time: 3-6 weeks
Average cost: 9,500 + CAD
Anesthesia: Requires general anesthesia

  • Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing your natural breast size and shape to help achieve your aesthetic goals. The procedure is done under general anesthetic, but you go home the same day.

    Breast augmentation can be achieved through two main methods:‍

    Breast Implants: Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saline solution or silicone gel. They are placed behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to enhance the size and shape of the breast. The size and type of implant used will depend on the patient's individual goals and anatomy.

    Breast augmentation involves making an incision on the undersurface of the breast, creating a pocket to hold the implant, and placing the implant in the predetermined position. The incision used to place the implant is typically at the undersurface of the breast (inframammary incision). The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the recovery time can take 2-6 weeks.

    Fat Transfer Augmentation: Fat transfer augmentation, also known as autologous fat transfer, may be used as an adjunct to help smooth the contour of the breast implant. It is a procedure in which fat is harvested from other areas of the body, such as the thighs, abdomen, or buttocks, and transferred to the breast. The fat is first removed through liposuction, then processed and injected into the breast tissue to improve the shape and volume. The patient may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after the procedure.

  • During the first few days after the procedure, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the breast area. Most patients are able to return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, but more strenuous physical activities should be avoided for 6 weeks.

    It is important for patients to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. This includes wearing a surgical brassiere, avoiding smoking and intense physical activity.

  • Breast augmentation can potentially affect a woman's ability to breastfeed, but the extent of the impact depends on the type of procedure and the individual case. Here are some general considerations to keep in mind:

    Breastfeeding with implants: Women with breast implants may still be able to breastfeed, but the location of the incisions and the placement of the implants can affect the ability to produce milk. In general, incisions around the nipple or areola may be more likely to affect breastfeeding, while incisions under the breast or in the armpit may have less impact. The placement of the implants can also affect milk production and delivery.

    Wait until after breastfeeding: Some women may choose to wait until after they have finished having children and breastfeeding before undergoing breast augmentation to avoid any potential impact on milk production or delivery.

Breast Lift

Treatment time: 2-4 hours
Recovery time: 6 weeks
Average cost: 10,500 CAD – 15,000 CAD
Anesthesia: general

  • A breast lift surgery, also known as a mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. This surgery is commonly performed on women who have experienced changes in breast shape and position due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, or genetics.

    During a breast lift surgery, excess skin is removed from the breasts, and the surrounding tissue is tightened to give the breasts a more youthful and lifted appearance. The nipple and areola are also repositioned to a higher location on the chest while restoring the breast shape using your own tissue. In some cases, breast implants may also be used at the same time to restore lost volume and enhance the overall shape and contour of the breasts.

    A breast lift surgery uses your own tissue to improve the overall appearance of the breasts, making them look more youthful and lifted. It can also improve the balance and symmetry of the breasts, improving comfort in clothing and activities.

  • Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, and breast reduction are two different surgical procedures. While both procedures involve altering the shape of the breasts, they are used to address different concerns.

    Mastopexy, is a procedure that is designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. It involves removing excess skin from the breasts, repositioning the nipples and areolas, and tightening the surrounding tissue to give the breasts a more youthful and lifted appearance. The goal of a breast lift is to improve the shape and position of the breasts, but it does not typically involve removing a significant amount of breast tissue.

    Breast reduction, on the other hand, is a procedure that is designed to significantly reduce the size and weight of the breasts to help with back pain and other physical symptoms. It is often performed on women who have breasts that are disproportionately large, causing physical discomfort, back pain, and other health problems. During a breast reduction, excess breast tissue and skin are removed.

  • The results of a breast lift surgery and longevity of the surgery varies based on age, lifestyle, quality of the skin and soft tissue. Changes in weight, gravity, hormonal changes, and aging can cause the breasts to sag again over time, which may affect the longevity of the results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, wearing a supportive bra, and avoiding significant weight fluctuations can help prolong the results of a breast lift surgery. It's important to discuss the expected outcomes and potential risks before undergoing the procedure.

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Breast Reduction

  • Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce the size and weight of large breasts. The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to achieve a more proportional breast size. Additional procedures, such as liposuction of the chest wall may be performed at the same time to creat a smooth contour under the arms where the breast meets the chest wall.

    The breast reduction procedure typically involves the following steps:

    Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

    Incision: The incisions on the breasts, are usually around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, or in an anchor shape.

    Removal of tissue: The surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size of the breasts. The nipples and areolas are also repositioned to a higher position.

    Closing the incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures; no drainage tubes are used.

    Liposuction along the side of the chest wall may be done at the same time to create a smooth contour along the lateral chest.

    Recovery: Patients will typically need to wear a surgical brassier for 6 weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and support the breasts during the healing process. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within two to four weeks.

    Breast reduction surgery is a safe and effective procedure for women who are experiencing physical and emotional discomfort due to large breasts. The procedure can help relieve symptoms such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, and difficulty exercising, while also improving self-confidence and body image.

  • The recovery time after a breast reduction can vary depending on overall fitness, health, and extent of breast tissue removed as well as combined procedures such as liposuction. In general, it can take several weeks to a few months to fully recover from breast reduction surgery.

    During the first few days after the procedure, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the breast area. Most patients are able to return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, but more strenuous physical activities should be avoided for 6 weeks.

    It is important for patients to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. This includes wearing a surgical brassiere, avoiding smoking and intense physical activity.

  • Breasts may partially regrow after a breast reduction surgery. The amount of regrowth can vary depending on several factors, including the amount of breast tissue removed, the patient's age, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes including pregnancy. Breast reduction surgery may also impact the future ability to breast feed.

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Treatment time: 2-4 hours
Recovery time: 2-6 weeks
Average cost: OHIP covered with approval; liposuction $3,500+ CAD; 10,000 + CAD (non-OHIP)
Anesthesia: general

Disclaimer

The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider concerning any questions you may have regarding the above information and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. The above information is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, physical conditions or their treatments.

Disclaimer • The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider concerning any questions you may have regarding the above information and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. The above information is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, physical conditions or their treatments.

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