Surgical breast augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures in North America and the world. Throughout the years, the techniques used by plastic surgeons have been refined and improved, making way for today’s efficient, streamlined procedure that creates natural-looking results and very little visible scarring.
In our Toronto Yorkville aesthetic center, breast implants are available filled with saline and silicone, in various shapes, sizes, projections, and textures. Dr. Marc DuPéré exclusively uses implants approved by Health Canada and the United States FDA. He offers the entire line of breast implants, ranging from Mentor® (Johnson & Johnson) and Natrelle® (previously McGhan, now owned by Allergan, also the maker of BOTOX®). Dr. DuPéré also offers the IDEAL® breast implant, a saline-type of implant made to feel almost like silicone. The IDEAL® implant has a series of implant shells nested together (baffles) and contains two chambers of saline solution. They are made of standard implant material.
Royal College-certified plastic surgeon Dr. DuPéré and his team will assist you with picking the appropriate implant fill material, size, and shape, guided by your chest and breast anatomy, body proportions, and preferences. Dr. DuPéré has special breast sizers for you to try at the office, so bring a sports bra of the size you are dreaming of to ensure you pick the correct implant size. Our sizers are much more accurate than using old implants externally or imagining your look with a bag of rice.
Surgical breast augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures in North America and the world. Throughout the years, the techniques used by plastic surgeons have been refined and improved, making way for today’s efficient, streamlined procedure that creates natural-looking results and very little visible scarring.
During a breast augmentation procedure, Dr. DuPéré makes an incision, typically along the fold beneath your breast, through which he places the implant you’ve selected. Dr. DuPéré takes careful precautions to reduce the risk of infection and complications, such as using a device called the Keller Funnel® and following the so called “no-touch” technique. This device allows him to place implants without touching them, which also enables him to use smaller incisions.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that typically lasts less than 2 hours. After a brief period of recuperation, you may return to light activities before resuming vigorous exercise several weeks later. The recovery will vary slightly depending on the plane where your implants are inserted (sub-pectoral/muscular, sub-fascial or sub-glandular). In the long term, the results of your breast augmentation have the potential to last for more than 15 years.
What Is a Beautiful Breast?
Dr. DuPéré understands what makes breasts look naturally beautiful. He observes the following principles when determining implant size and shape:
Implants that are too large will give an unnatural and augmented look, sometimes pornographic; but implants that are too small may not provide the desired fullness.
The implant should match the width of the existing breast.
A small drop in the breasts provides a normal and natural look.
The margins of the breast should be soft and have a smooth transition to the surrounding areas of the chest.
The breasts should always shift slightly down a woman’s sides when she lies on her back.
A nice cleavage is usually desired, and depending on your anatomy and breast implant selected, some fat grafting procedure might be suggested.
Your Breast Implant Options
Saline or Silicone?
Our breast augmentation patients in Toronto have a choice of silicone or saline breast implants. Canada also now offers the IDEAL implant, a saline-filled implant made to feel almost like a silicone implant with silicone baffles inside. While Dr. DuPéré can provide beautiful results with all types, his patients typically prefer silicone implants. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Silicone
All of the silicone implants Dr. DuPéré offers are filled with cohesive silicone gel, which means that the filling stays together like a solid. Silicone implants range in firmness from soft to those that are firmer and made with form-stable, highly cohesive silicone gel.
Benefits: Results look, move, and feel more like natural breasts than saline
Drawbacks: Slightly costlier than saline, man-made medical-grade fill materials usually require a slightly larger incision than saline. Silicone implant volume cannot be adjusted during surgery, but breast volumes can be adjusted by excising a small amount of breast tissue.
Saline
Saline implants, while not as popular for breast enlargement in Toronto as silicone, are filled with sterile saltwater.
Benefits: Natural fill material, slightly less costly than silicone, volume can be mildly adjusted while implants are placed
Drawbacks: Rippling and wrinkling possible, less natural feel than silicone, prone to a slight deflation every year by evaporation
Size
Because breast implants are measured in volume (cubic centimeters, or cc) or weight (grams) and not bra cup size, choosing the right size is both a science and an art. Even if you’d like your breasts to be the same size as a friend’s, you might not need the same size breast implants.
Dr. DuPéré will consider your unique anatomy, desired size, and lifestyle, when determining the right implant size for you.
Dr. DuPéré has the latest implant sizers that may be placed in a bra to help you visualize the breast size you want, so please bring a sports bra of the size you are interested in.
Profile
The implant profile specifies how much the implant pushes the breast forward from the chest wall. Different brands use different profile terminology, such as low, moderate, and high (Mentor implants) and very low, low, moderate, full, and extra full (Allergan’s Natrelle). These profiles are available in a range of widths, which should be selected to match the widths of your breasts.
Shape
Breast implants are available in 2 shapes: round and anatomical (also called contoured or teardrop).
Pregnancy and aging can lead to a loss of fullness in the upper portion of the breast. Round implants are more popular because they increase that fullness and enhance cleavage.
Anatomical implants are shaped to match a natural breast silhouette, with fullness at the lower end and a thinner, tapered upper end. This shape is occasionally considered in cases of very small A-cup breasts, in tuberous breast deformity, in reconstructive procedures, for breasts with mild sagging, and for MTF transgender patients. In approximately 2% to 5% of women, anatomical implants may rotate and require corrective surgery. All anatomical implants are textured. There is a decrease in use of textured implants in Canada and the USA due to some rare and unwanted complications. Round implants do not have a top or bottom end and therefore do not cause concerns about rotation.
Texture
The outer covering of both silicone and saline breast implants is made of high-strength, elastic silicone. The surface of the implant covering can either be smooth or textured. Round implants are available with smooth and textured coverings; anatomical implants are only available with a textured cover because the texture helps these implants stay properly oriented.
You have many choices for breast implants in our Toronto center for your breast augmentation procedure, with or without a lift (mastopexy). To review your options with Dr. DuPéré, request a consultation or call our office at (416) 929-9800.
Breast Implants FAQ
Will there be visible scarring after breast augmentation with implants?
Breast augmentation with implants does result in some scarring, but a skilled surgeon like Dr. DuPéré takes care to place incisions strategically to minimize their visibility. Scars typically fade over time and can often be well-concealed within natural breast contours.
What is the recovery process like after breast augmentation with implants?
The recovery period after breast augmentation with implants varies from person to person and will also depend on which anatomic plane (under muscle, under gland or under fascia) the implants will be positioned. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It is essential to follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and avoid strenuous activities during the initial healing phase.
Can breast augmentation with implants affect breastfeeding ability?
Breast augmentation with implants may impact breastfeeding ability to some extent, but many women can successfully breastfeed after the procedure. The placement of implants and incision location can influence breastfeeding, and it is essential to discuss your plans for breastfeeding with your surgeon during the consultation.
How long do breast implants last, and will they need to be replaced?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices and may need to be replaced or removed at some point. While some implants can last for many years, others may require replacement due to natural wear and tear or changes in breast shape and size. Regular check-ups with your surgeon can help monitor the condition of your implants.
How can I get started with breast augmentation with implants?
To explore breast augmentation options and determine if you are a suitable candidate for this type of procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. DuPéré at VISAGE in Toronto. During this appointment, you will discuss your aesthetic goals and preferences, allowing Dr. DuPéré to recommend a personalized treatment plan that achieves beautifully enhanced and natural-looking breasts that complement your body shape and boost your self-confidence.
At the Maison VISAGE, we recognize that every woman’s body and self-perception are unique. For those desiring fuller, more defined breasts or seeking to restore lost breast volume, breast implants can be a transformative solution to achieve their aesthetic goals.
Potential candidates who may benefit from breast implants typically include:
Women with Naturally Small Breasts: If you are dissatisfied with the size of your breasts due to genetics or developmental factors, breast implants offer an opportunity to enhance your bustline, achieving a more proportionate and feminine silhouette.
Breast Volume Loss after Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to changes in breast size and shape. Women who experience a loss of breast volume and elasticity after these life events often find that breast implants can help restore fullness and rejuvenate their breasts.
Weight Fluctuations or Aging Effects: Significant weight fluctuations or the natural aging process can cause the breasts to lose volume and sag. Breast implants can effectively counteract these effects, providing a youthful and lifted appearance.
Breast Asymmetry: Many women have naturally uneven breast sizes or shapes, which can lead to self-consciousness. Breast implants can help create balance and symmetry between the breasts, enhancing overall body proportions.
Enhanced Body Proportions: Some women may desire breast augmentation to achieve a more curvaceous figure and improve overall body proportions. Breast implants can accentuate the waistline and enhance the appearance of the hips, creating a harmonious and attractive silhouette.
Enhanced breast’s upper pole fullness: Many ladies are looking for rounder upper poles as seen with a push-up bra, but without the bra, and implants will provide a fuller upper pole.
Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy: For women who have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer or other medical reasons, breast implants offer an opportunity for breast reconstruction. This procedure can help restore a sense of femininity and confidence after a challenging experience.
Dr. DuPéré understands the significance of the decision to undergo breast augmentation and prioritizes patient safety and satisfaction. During your comprehensive consultation, he will attentively listen to your aspirations, thoroughly evaluate your breast anatomy, and discuss various implant options that align with your preferences and body proportions. Dr. DuPéré will also discuss the various techniques including subpectoral, sub glandular, subfascial, dual plane, with or without a breast lift, etc. He will also go over his use of the Keller funnel and the 14 surgical steps he performs to maximize your outcome.
Dr. DuPéré also has special sizers that will guide you in selecting the desired breast implants. Instead of using old implants or bags of water or rice as commonly done to determine the desired implant volume, we instead use special breast moulds to determine more accurately the right volume desired for your breast augmentation.
With a focus on achieving natural-looking results, Dr. DuPéré employs advanced surgical techniques and collaborates closely with each patient to customize their breast augmentation journey. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalized care, guiding you through every step of the process and ensuring a comfortable and positive experience.
You have many choices for breast implants in Toronto. To review your options with Dr. DuPéré, request a consultation or call our office at (416) 929-9800.