Breast Augmentation

Choosing the right implant is a deeply personal and collaborative process. During your consultation, Dr. Noland will take the time to understand your aesthetic aspirations, discuss your lifestyle, and perform careful measurements of your unique anatomy. We consider factors like your chest width, existing breast tissue, and skin quality. Using various implant sizers, you’ll be able to see and feel how different options might look on your body. Dr. Noland’s guidance, informed by her expertise and artistic eye, is aimed at selecting an implant profile, style, and size that feels harmonious with your frame and helps you achieve results that feel authentically you, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable with your choice.

Your vision for your results is central to our planning. The most effective way to ensure we align on your desired size is through open communication during your thorough consultation. By discussing your goals, showing inspirational photos (understanding that results are unique to each individual), and participating in the implant sizing process in our office, you play an active role. Dr. Noland is committed to listening carefully and providing her expert guidance on what is realistically achievable and will best complement your natural proportions, helping you feel truly confident in the final outcome.

Achieving a “natural” look and feel is a common and understandable goal. It’s often the result of a combination of factors rather than one specific implant type. Cohesive silicone gel implants are frequently chosen for their ability to closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. However, the most natural outcome for you also depends on selecting the appropriate implant size and profile for your body, meticulous surgical technique, optimal implant placement (e.g., under the muscle for better coverage in thinner patients), and potentially the artistic use of fat grafting to soften transitions. Dr. Noland’s approach is to tailor all these elements to your individual anatomy, aiming for a result that is beautifully integrated and feels like a natural extension of you.

Many women desire enhanced cleavage or a more uplifted breast position. The amount of cleavage achievable depends on your natural anatomy (like the distance between your breasts), implant size, and placement. Dr. Noland may also discuss techniques like fat grafting to further refine the cleavage area for a more natural transition.

Regarding breast position, implants primarily add volume and can create the appearance of more upper fullness. If your breasts have significant sagging or the nipples sit low, implants alone may not achieve the desired lift. In such cases, Dr. Noland will discuss whether a breast lift (mastopexy), potentially combined with implants, would be a more suitable approach to achieve a higher, more youthful breast position and ensure you feel confident with the outcome.

Dr. Noland is committed to utilizing advanced techniques that prioritize your safety and optimize outcomes. The Keller Funnel™ is a sterile, single-use device that allows for a “no-touch” insertion of silicone gel implants. Its benefits include potentially requiring a smaller incision and minimizing direct contact between the implant and the skin, which can help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and, consequently, lower the chances of complications like capsular contracture. It’s one of the many careful steps taken to ensure you feel safe and confident in your care.

The “no-touch” or “minimal touch” technique is a surgical principle aimed at minimizing the implant’s contact with skin or other potential sources of bacteria during insertion. This is often facilitated by tools like the Keller Funnel™ for silicone gel implants. By reducing direct handling, the goal is to lower the risk of implant contamination, which is a factor in developing complications such as capsular contracture. This meticulous approach is part of Dr. Noland’s commitment to your surgical safety.

The concept of an “internal bra” involves using surgical materials, sometimes a resorbable mesh, to provide additional internal support to the breast tissue or implants. This is typically considered in specific situations, such as complex revision surgeries, when tissues may have weakened, or to help support the position of an implant, particularly along its lower edge.

It’s important to note that the availability and approval status of specific medical devices, like certain brands of surgical mesh (e.g., GalaFLEX™), vary by country. GalaFLEX™ mesh is not currently approved for general use in Canada. In very specific and unique reconstructive or complex revision circumstances, a surgeon might be able to apply for special access to a non-approved device through Health Canada if no suitable Canadian-approved alternative exists, but this is not a routine pathway for cosmetic breast augmentation.

In routine cosmetic breast augmentation, Dr. Noland utilizes established surgical techniques and Health Canada-approved materials to ensure lasting support and beautiful outcomes. If your particular anatomy or surgical goals suggest that additional internal support could be beneficial, Dr. Noland will discuss with you the Canadian-approved options and techniques available to achieve a durable and aesthetically pleasing result, ensuring you feel secure and fully informed about every aspect of your care.

This is an important consideration we will explore together. If your breasts have some degree of sagging (ptosis), meaning the nipple position is at or below the breast crease, or if there’s excess skin, implants alone may add volume but might not adequately address the droopiness. In such cases, combining a breast lift (mastopexy) with implants (an augmentation-mastopexy) is often recommended to both restore volume and lift the breasts to a more youthful, aesthetically pleasing position. Dr. Noland will carefully evaluate your skin elasticity and breast position during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.

Yes, breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means you will be completely asleep and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. A qualified and experienced anesthesiologist will administer and monitor your anesthesia, ensuring your utmost safety and well-being. This will be discussed with you in detail before your surgery.

Yes, for your safety and comfort, it is essential to have a responsible adult (a family member or trusted friend) drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. They can assist you with basic needs, provide support, and help monitor for any immediate post-operative concerns, giving you peace of mind as you begin your recovery.

Yes, following your surgery, you will wear a specialized surgical support bra or compression garment. This garment plays an important role in minimizing swelling, providing comfort, supporting your breasts as they heal, and helping your implants settle into their optimal position. Dr. Noland will provide specific instructions on how long to wear it, ensuring your healing is well-supported.

Recovery is a gradual process, and Dr. Noland will provide a detailed guide. You can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising initially, which is well-managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients feel progressively better each day. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation. However, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting (typically anything over 5-10 pounds), and high-impact exercise for about 6-8 weeks, or until Dr. Noland advises it’s safe, to allow your body to heal properly and ensure you feel secure with your results.

The time needed away from work varies depending on the nature of your job and your individual healing pace. Patients with sedentary or desk-based jobs often feel ready to return within one to two weeks. If your job is more physically demanding, you may need a longer period, potentially up to 4-6 weeks, to ensure you’re not compromising your recovery. Dr. Noland will discuss this with you based on your specific situation so you can plan accordingly.

Absolutely. Regular breast cancer screening remains crucial. It’s important to inform the mammography facility that you have breast implants when you schedule your appointment. Specialized techniques, known as Eklund displacement views, are used for women with implants to allow for the best possible visualization of your breast tissue. Your long-term health and peace of mind are paramount.

In most routine breast augmentation procedures performed by Dr. Noland, surgical drains are not typically required. Her meticulous surgical technique usually minimizes fluid accumulation. However, in certain specific circumstances or if combined with other procedures, a drain might be beneficial. If drains are anticipated for your specific surgery, Dr. Noland will discuss this with you thoroughly beforehand.

Dr. Noland typically uses dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin. This technique promotes fine scar healing and means that in most cases, there are no external stitches that need to be removed after your surgery, contributing to a more comfortable recovery experience.

It’s common to experience temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation after augmentation, such as numbness, tingling, or even increased sensitivity. For most patients, normal sensation gradually returns over several weeks to months as the nerves heal. While a permanent loss of sensation is rare, it is a potential risk with any breast surgery. Dr. Noland will discuss this with you during your consultation so you are fully informed.

Yes, it’s important to understand that breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. While modern implants are durable, they will likely need to be replaced or removed at some point during your life. This could be due to implant aging (often recommended for consideration after 10-15+ years), rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in your aesthetic preferences. Planning for long-term follow-up and potential future procedures is a realistic part of the breast augmentation journey, ensuring your continued health and satisfaction.

While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Noland, all surgeries have potential risks. Some complications can include capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening), implant rupture or leak, infection, changes in sensation, and bleeding (hematoma). Dr. Noland is committed to minimizing these risks through meticulous surgical technique and thorough patient care. She will discuss these potential complications in detail during your consultation, ensuring you can make a fully informed decision with confidence.

Yes, any surgical procedure that involves an incision will result in a scar. Dr. Noland is meticulous about placing incisions in the most discreet locations possible—typically in the natural crease beneath the breast (inframammary fold). While scars are permanent, they generally fade significantly over time and become less noticeable. Dr. Noland will provide guidance on scar care to help optimize their healing and appearance.

Yes, implants can rupture or leak, though it’s not common with modern, high-quality implants.

• If a saline implant leaks, it will deflate, and the breast will noticeably lose volume. The saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by your body.
• A silicone gel implant rupture may not always be immediately obvious (it can be “silent”). However, you might notice changes such as increased firmness, a change in breast shape or volume, or new pain or discomfort. Dr. Noland advises patients to be aware of their breasts and to report any such changes. If a rupture is suspected, an ultrasound is often the first imaging test she will recommend to investigate. She will discuss this fully during your consultation and as part of your long-term care.

It’s very common and normal for your breasts to feel tight, swollen, firm, and tender after surgery. This is part of the natural healing process as your body adjusts to the implants and tissues recover. Gentle movement, as advised by Dr. Noland (like short, easy walks), is actually important for your recovery as it promotes circulation. However, it’s crucial to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or overstretching, especially in the early weeks. Dr. Noland will provide you with clear, personalized guidelines on activity restrictions to ensure you heal safely and comfortably, without compromising your surgical results. Always listen to your body and follow her specific instructions closely.