Breast Augmentation in Ottawa

Mammoplasty includes several procedures: augmentation (adding volume with implants), reduction (removing excess tissue and skin), mastopexy (lifting sagging breasts), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and asymmetry correction. The optimal method is selected individually, based on your wishes and the surgeon's recommendation.

Complications are rare when recommendations are fully followed, yet they can include hematoma or seroma, wound infection, reduced or increased nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, separation of the wound and tissue necrosis.

You can expect a long-lasting mammoplasty result: about 10–15 years after augmentation (until the implants are replaced) and 5–10 years after a lift or reduction. How long it lasts is affected by weight, pregnancy, skin aging and gravity. Wear supportive underwear and control your weight to keep it.

Your ability to breastfeed after mammoplasty depends on the surgery type. For augmentation using an under-breast or armpit incision and an implant placed under the muscle, lactation is usually preserved: the glandular tissue is not damaged. A lift or reduction raises the risk, as ducts may be cut. Discuss this with your surgeon ahead of time.

In choosing implants, the surgeon considers material (silicone looks most natural, saline is less common), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile, and selects the best option for your anatomy and wishes.

The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia — the patient feels nothing. In the first 1–3 days moderate discomfort is possible and is relieved with painkillers. By day 5–7 pain decreases significantly, and by weeks 2–3 discomfort is gone. If pain is severe, tell your doctor right away.

You may go back to work (with no physical exertion) after 7–14 days, take light walks after 1–2 weeks, and do fitness and swimming after 4–6 weeks. Strength training is allowed after 3 months, pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Compression garments stay on for 4–6 weeks. Timing depends on your recovery.

There is no scientific proof linking mammoplasty to a higher breast cancer risk. Implants do not cause cancer. Continue regular screening after surgery, including self-exams, mammography and ultrasound, and always inform the examining doctor about your implants.

Mammoplasty can follow a C-section, but first your body must fully recover. Allow a minimum of 6–12 months from giving birth and from the end of breastfeeding. Before surgery, a consultation and check-up with the surgeon are required.

Mammoplasty does result in scars, but a skilled surgeon keeps them minimal. Incisions are made in areas that are out of sight: under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. At first scars are reddish, and within 6–12 months they fade and become nearly invisible.

During the first weeks after the operation, slight asymmetry is normal, since swelling and healing are uneven. If a size or shape difference continues after 3–6 months, see your surgeon for an exam to find its cause.

Following mammoplasty, the nipples and breasts may temporarily become less or more sensitive. Irritated nerve endings are the cause. In most cases normal sensitivity returns within 3–12 months. With no improvement after a year, visit your surgeon.

Implants are not directly affected by hormonal drugs (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy), though these can cause swelling or changes in the volume of breast tissue and temporarily change appearance. Tell your surgeon about them before the operation.