Breast Implants in Vancouver: Augmentation Surgery

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.

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If you follow all the recommendations, complications are rare; they may, however, include hematoma or seroma, wound infection, decreased or heightened nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

Mammoplasty results are durable: about 10–15 years following augmentation (until implant replacement) and 5–10 years following a lift or reduction. Weight, pregnancy, aging skin and gravity influence how long the effect lasts. Maintain it by wearing supportive underwear and watching your weight.

Whether you can breastfeed after mammoplasty depends on the kind of surgery. After augmentation via an under-breast or armpit incision with the implant placed under the muscle, lactation is usually preserved, since the glandular tissue is not damaged. A lift or reduction carries a higher risk because ducts may be cut. Talk this over with your surgeon beforehand.

Several things guide implant choice: material (silicone looks most natural, saline is used less often), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile. The surgeon selects the best match for your anatomy and wishes.

Surgery takes place under general anesthesia, and the patient feels no pain. Moderate discomfort is possible in the first 1–3 days and is managed with painkillers. Pain eases considerably by day 5–7 and discomfort disappears by weeks 2–3. Tell your doctor immediately if pain is severe.

Returning to work without physical exertion is possible after 7–14 days, and light walks after 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming are allowed after 4–6 weeks, strength training after 3 months, and the pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Compression garments: 4–6 weeks. Exact timing depends on 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.

A C-section does not rule out mammoplasty, but full recovery of the body must come first. Wait 6–12 months or more after giving birth and after you stop breastfeeding. Before surgery, you must have a surgeon's consultation and check-up.

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.

Mild asymmetry soon after surgery is normal during the first weeks and is caused by swelling and uneven healing. If shape or size remains different after 3–6 months, your surgeon should examine you to establish the cause.

After mammoplasty, sensitivity of the nipples and breasts may change for a while, becoming lower or higher. This is due to irritation of the nerve endings. In most cases sensitivity comes back within 3–12 months. If nothing improves after a year, see your surgeon.

Implants are not directly influenced by hormonal drugs (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy), yet swelling or breast tissue volume changes can result and temporarily affect appearance. Mention any such medications to your surgeon before surgery.