Breast augmentation or mammaplasty is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada. It is usually performed to enlarge small or under-developed breasts, or breasts that have decreased in size after a woman has had children. It is accomplished by surgically inserting an implant behind each breast. Sometimes the breast skin also droops and Dr McGill can combine a breast lift as part of the surgical process for better, longer lasting and natural results.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Simply put, breast augmentation is a procedure that enhances breast volume with the insertion of an implant behind the breast (most often just under the existing breast tissue). This is done through various types of incisions on or around the breast, nipple or armpit areas. Implants are made from safe, certified and tested materials used in medicine every day, and include silicone gel filled, saline filled and Natrelle cohesive gel varieties.
Why Breast Augmentation?
Women seek breast augmentation procedures for various reasons, from enhancing the size of the breasts they were born with, to restoring their original size and shape due to aging, childbirth or diseases such as cancer. Whatever the reason, breast augmentation answers one common need for women: to restore balance, and thus to restore confidence.
Restoring Balance
Balance can come in the form of evening out the proportions you were born with, or regaining the breast size and appearance that was somehow lost. When a woman’s body finds that balance again it can be a completely transformative process, and her entire outlook on life can be deeply affected for the better.
As a female surgeon, Dr. McGill has an inherent understanding of the relationships women have with their breasts, and how they are associated to concepts of femininity, self-image and confidence. She understands in a fundamental way how important restoring balance is to a woman’s well-being and general outlook on life.
Dr. McGill is dedicated providing a natural appearance through her breast augmentation procedures, because that’s precisely what women are looking for. Unnatural, “fake” looking results are absolutely not the norm. Dr. McGill’s goal is to achieve a look and feel that seems as though you were simply born that way.
Dr. McGill also understands that breast augmentation, like all plastic surgery procedures, is an important decision in a woman’s life, and seeks to empower women by providing as much detailed information and guidance as possible through the process.
Types of Breast Implants
Dr McGill works with different types of implants, from silicone to Natrelle cohesive gel (“gummy bear implant”). The implant surface may be smooth or textured and the implant itself may be round or “anatomically” shaped to help define the breast shape. Dr. McGill is one of Canada’s select few experts on the use of the Natrelle cohesive gel anatomic breast prosthesis, Europe’s most popular implant.
What Happens During a Breast Augmentation Operation?
During the operation, a small incision is made
either in the armpit, around the areola (the pink skin surrounding the nipple), or most commonly under the breast. Dr. McGill frequently uses endoscopy (TV camera, monitor and fiberoptic light) in order to maximize the safety of the technique and minimize the scarring. A pocket is created for the implant either behind the breast tissue or behind the muscle between the breast and the chest wall. Dr. McGill performs both types of procedures, and will use her experience to select the most appropriate implant location, discussing the pros and cons related to your unique body shape.
What Happens After a Breast Augmentation Operation?
At the conclusion of the operation, you will be provided a surgical bra to wear for the first 2 weeks. Minimal swelling or discolouration will occur but will disappear shortly after surgery. Varying degrees of breast firmness can occur post-operatively. With some types of implants, you may be instructed to perform breast massage to help minimize this possibility. Vigorous activities, especially arm movement, may be restricted for two to three weeks following breast augmentation surgery.
Before
After
Copyright © Dr Sandra McGill, MD Inc 2012