Breast Implants

About the Procedure

Vancouver breast implant surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Breast implant surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the world. Breast augmentation can be a self-confidence boosting experience for women who are dissatisfied with their proportions, either due to childbearing, aging, or heredity. There are several important decisions to make with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Watts during your breast augmentation consultation:

• Implant size
• Implant shape
• Implant filler – either saline or silicone
• Implant texture – smooth or textured

Please visit this website’s knowledge base to find out more about important breast surgery considerations including breast implant sizing, breast implant placement, breast implant types and breast implant incisions.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Women make the decision to have breast implant surgery for a variety of reasons. Some find that the size of their breasts are too small and would like to achieve a fuller appearance. Others desire a more enhanced shape, for example a rounder appearance. Others desire more breast symmetry. Some want to return their breasts to their pre-baby shape and size. Making the decision to have breast augmentation surgery, and the size and shape of your new breasts, is a personal decision.

How the Procedure Is Performed

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Robyn Watts begins by making an incision in one of three locations:

• Inframammary Incision (under the breast)
• Pariareolar Incision (around the nipple)
• Transaxillary Incision (in the arm pit)

Dr. Watts then uses a special surgical tool to form a pocket for the implant to be placed into. There are three positions where the implants can be placed:

• Subglandular (above the pectoral muscles)
• Submuscular (partially behind the muscle)
• Complete Submuscular (completely behind the muscle)

Choosing Implant Size and Type

Breast implants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, projections and textures. Finding the right fit for you is an important part of your surgical consultation. Dr. Watts will measure your chest width, breast size, and evaluate your tissue and skin characteristics. You will discuss your objectives for the surgery, and Dr. Watts will explain the pros and cons of each option. The choice of incision and implant placement depend on the size and shape of the implant, your body frame size, existing amount of breast tissue and the planned scar location.

Choosing an Implant Filler

Silicone

New highly cohesive silicone implants are FDA approved and available in Canada. These silicone implants, often called Gummy Bear Implants, are safe and have a natural feel. Today’s cohesive silicone gels come in a range of cohesivity, from soft to firm. Silicone is a popular choice since they have a more natural feel than saline implants. Find our more about silicone implants.

Saline

Saline implants are filled with a salt water solution, through a valve, during the surgery. The size of the implant depends on the size of the shell and the amount of saline added. Find our more about saline implants.

Are You a Good Candidate

Breast implant surgery in Vancouver is most commonly performed on people aged 18 years of age and older who desire larger and more shapely breasts.

General Health

You may be a candidate for breast implants if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your family physician can safely recommend that you stop taking them for two weeks

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complication
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for breast augmentation surgery if you are bothered by any of the following physical features:

• Small breasts
• Droopy breasts
• Asymmetric breasts

General Health

You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your family physician can safely recommend that you stop taking them for two weeks

Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from breast augmentation surgery to be associated with some discomfort. You can expect to have difficulty raising your arms for at least a week following surgery. The level of discomfort varies from person to person and depends on if the implants were placed under the muscle or over the muscle. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people take one to two weeks off work, depending on where the implants were placed
• It is important to avoid lifting your arms above your head for the first week after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, two weeks after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, four to six weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Bikini Ready

• Your breasts will appear to be too high and too hard for the first few weeks after surgery – this is normal and improves over time as they settle
• Your breasts will be swollen for the first two to four months after surgery
• While everyone is different, most people feel comfortable in a bikini one to two months after surgery

Complete Recovery

• The incisions fade over time and often become imperceptible

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Watts will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general complications of breast implant surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result
• Risk of loss of nipple sensation
• Risk of capsular contracture

Combination Body Shaping Procedures

Vancouver breast implant surgery is often combined with liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. This combination is particularly popular with mothers who are frustrated by the body changes that occurred as a result of pregnancy. Find out more about Post Pregnancy Body Changes in this website’s knowledge base.

Alternative Breast Procedures

Sometimes changing the shape of the breasts if best achieved with an augmentation and lift. During your surgical consultation, Plastic Surgeon Dr. Watts will assess your physical features, consider your objectives, and recommend which cosmetic breast surgery is best for you.

What Cosmetic Breast Surgery Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Watts can provide the specific information required to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Cosmetic Surgery Needs With Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Watts? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.