Breast Augmentation FAQs

What can breast augmentation do for me?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can make you feel better about your appearance by increasing the size of your breasts. It can also correct asymmetry when related to size. Not only will the procedure make you look better, your self esteem and self confidence will improve as well.

What can breast augmentation not do for me?
This procedure cannot address sagging (ptosis) or correct deformities of the breasts. If you would like to increase the size of the breasts and address another concern related to their appearance, you may be able to undergo a single surgery. For example, breast augmentation may be performed in conjunction with reconstruction or a breast lift. Please book your free consultation with Dr. Martin Jugenburg for more information.

Who is a candidate for surgery?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are physically and mentally healthy adult women who have realistic expectations of the surgery. Every woman who would like to undergo surgery will be screened by Dr. Jugenburg to ensure that it will be safe to do so and that their goals can be achieved.

Who is a typical patient?
Every surgeon treats a variety of patients of all ages and backgrounds who have their own unique reasons for undergoing surgery. At Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute, a typical patient requests this surgery to enhance their bustline for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons. They may be unhappy with the size of their breasts because of genetics, pregnancy, weight loss or a previous surgery.

What is the difference between breast augmentation and scarless breast augmentation?
Both can improve the size of your breasts, however different techniques are applied. Scarless breast augmentation at Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute involves the transaxillary technique, which means that the incision is made in a discreet crease within the armpit. This means that there is no resulting scar on the breasts at all! Regular breast augmentation also involves scars that are placed in discreet locations, but they may be on the breasts.

How should I determine what implant size is best for my body?
Size is a very personal issue. Consider factors such as your body type, your lifestyle and what type of change you’d like to have. For example, if you have a small body frame, lead an active lifestyle and want to have more balanced proportions, you may consider implants that will add less volume than a patient who has a larger body frame and is going for a more “voluptuous” look.

When considering the best size, talk to your plastic surgeon and be honest and frank about your hopes and expectations. They can help you determine how big to go based on the information you provide coupled with an assessment of your body.

Can’t I just tell you my preferred bra size for what implants I’d like?
Bra size alone is a very poor indicator on what size your implants should be. While it’s a good idea to bring a bra in the size you hope to be to your consultation, which will enable you to try on sizers, just saying what bra size you’d like to be is insufficient. This is because cup size varies greatly between manufacturers, styles and even countries. How you wear your bra also makes a difference.

The filling of breast implants is measured in cubic centimetres (CC’s). Your implant size will be determined by the number of CC’s, and not bra size.

What types of implants are there?
There are many types of implants available. Aside from size, types are determined by shape, texture, profile and filling. There are two types of shapes: teardrop, which can also be called anatomically-correct or contoured, and round. Texture refers to the shell of the implant, which can be smooth or slightly rough. Profile refers to the amount of projection achieved by the implant when placed in the body. Finally, filling creates the volume of the implant, and there are two currently offered in Canada: saline and silicone (also known as cohesive gel or more casually, as “gummy bear” because of their consistency).

How will the type of implants be determined by my surgeon?
Your results can be achieved by three main considerations: the amount of breast tissue you have now, the size of the implant you choose and your body frame.

How safe are implants filled with silicone?
The FDA and Health Canada have both evaluated and approved silicone implants for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Their decision is based on many years of data collected from over 50,000 women around the world. In fact, silicone-filled implants are among the most examined medical devices in history.

Do breast implants last forever?
Breast implants are not designed as lifetime devices, as is the case for any medical device. However, you won’t need to replace them if there are no problems with them. They do not have an “expiration date”.

Why would I need to replace my implants?
If you experience any problem with your implants, such as rupture or shifting, you may need to replace them. Many women also seek a subsequent procedure to replace their implants because they want to have a different size.

Will my implants affect a mammogram?
It’s always best to tell your mammography technician that you have implants before your examination. It’s also a good idea to seek a technician who has experience in examining women with implants.

What are the side effects and risks of breast augmentation that I should be aware of?
All surgical procedures have risks and side effects. Those associated with this surgery include infection, excessive bleeding and capsular contracture. You will most likely feel some level of discomfort after surgery. This can be addressed with prescribed medication.