Breast Augmentation Calgary

One of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures, breast augmentation (breast enlargement) can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned look through the placement of implants in the breast. Women may elect to undergo breast augmentation for many different medical and aesthetic motivations, including balancing breast size and compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy or surgery. The procedure may be combined with others such as a breast lift for more satisfying results.

More about the Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast implants are cohesive gel implants that are placed behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest wall muscle. The procedure lasts one to two hours and is typically performed with general anesthesia, although local anesthesia combined with a sedative is also possible. After breast enlargement surgery the patient’s bustline may be increased by one or more cup sizes.

Incisions can be made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility (in the armpit, in the crease on the underside of the breast, or around the areola, the dark skin around the nipple).  Dr. Frank prefers the incision around the bottom part of the nipple, due to the fact the scar hides the best and gives Dr. Frank the best access to perform the surgery. The breast is then lifted, creating a pocket into which the implant is inserted.

Placement behind the chest wall muscle offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations.  Most patients are quite surprised at how little pain they are in following the surgery, and often equate the pain they feel to that of an intense chest workout.

After the implants are placed and centered beneath the nipples, incisions are stitched and taped.  Most patients feel tired and sore after breast augmentation surgery, but this usually passes in a day or two and many patients return to work within the week. Most post-operative pain, swelling and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks. Scars will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade for months or years.

Breast Augmentation (Mammaplasty) FAQS

Augmentation mammaplasty (breast enlargement) is performed to increase breast size and/or fix breast asymmetry. Candidates include women who want larger breasts, and those who want to restore the breast volume often lost as a result of pregnancy or significant weight loss. Breasts are typically enlarged with implants. Augmentation mammaplasty is not a substitute for mastopexy, which is a procedure to “lift” breasts that sag significantly.

Who Is A Candidate For Augmentation Mammaplasty?

A woman who wants to increase the size of her breasts, to fix asymmetrical breasts, or to restore lost volume to her breasts is a candidate for augmentation mammaplasty. She must have fully developed breasts, be physically healthy, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

How Are Breasts Augmented?

Using small incisions around the breast, a pocket is created beneath the pectoralis muscle, in which the implant is placed. The procedure usually takes between 40-60 minutes.

How Much Scarring Is Caused By Augmentation Mammaplasty?

During augmentation mammaplasty, Dr. Frank uses small incisions around the areola, which minimizes scar visibility. This placement of scar also limits the possibility of implant malpositioning during the recovery process.

What Are The Risks And Complications Of Augmentation Mammaplasty?

In addition to the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, those related to augmentation mammaplasty using implants include capsular contracture; implant leaks and ruptures; and implant deflation or shifting.

How Much Recovery Time Does Augmentation Mammaplasty Require?

After augmentation mammaplasty with implants, most patients feel tired and sore, but many return to work within a week.

Complications following breast augmentation surgery are uncommon. They may include capsular contracture causing implant malposition, swelling and pain, infection around the implant, a change in nipple sensation, and milk production if you nursed a baby within a year before the procedure.