Breast augmentation can increase breast volume, restore fullness, and improve balance between the breasts and the rest of the body. People may consider the procedure after pregnancy, weight loss, aging, or natural breast development.
We provide access to breast augmentation in Canada, including implant-based and fat transfer options. Every treatment plan should reflect the patient’s anatomy, health, lifestyle, and personal goals. A qualified Canadian plastic surgeon can explain what is realistic and help you make an informed choice.
Breast augmentation is also called augmentation mammoplasty or breast implant surgery. Some people call it a “boob job,” although the medical procedure involves careful decisions about implant size, shape, placement, and incision location.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that adds volume to one or both breasts. The procedure may use breast implants, the patient’s own fat, or both.
Common goals include:
- Increasing breast size
- Restoring volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight loss
- Improving mild breast asymmetry
- Adding fullness to the upper part of the breast
- Creating a more balanced body shape
- Correcting some congenital breast differences
- Rebuilding breast volume after implant removal or another breast surgery
Breast augmentation mainly changes volume and shape. It does not always correct sagging. If the nipple sits low or points downward, a breast lift, also called mastopexy, may be needed.
There is no single ideal breast size. Implant selection should be based on chest width, breast tissue, skin stretch, body proportions, and the result the patient wants. Bra cup size alone is not a precise way to choose an implant.
Types of Breast Augmentation Procedures
Silicone Gel Breast Implants
Silicone implants contain a cohesive silicone gel inside a silicone shell. They are designed to feel soft and hold their shape. Gel firmness can vary between implant models.
Silicone implants are available in different:
- Volumes, measured in cubic centimetres or cc
- Widths and base diameters
- Profiles, from lower to higher projection
- Gel firmness levels
- Shapes and surface types
A silicone implant rupture may not cause an obvious change. This is sometimes called a silent rupture. Follow-up imaging with ultrasound or MRI may be recommended based on symptoms, implant information, and current medical guidance.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants have a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. They are placed while empty and then filled during surgery. This allows the surgeon to make small adjustments in volume.
If a saline implant ruptures, the breast usually becomes smaller as the saline is safely absorbed by the body. Surgery is still needed to remove or replace the empty shell.
Saline implants may be more likely to show visible rippling in patients with thin breast tissue. The advantages and limits should be reviewed during consultation.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Fat transfer breast augmentation uses fat taken from another part of the body. Liposuction is often performed on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or another suitable area. The fat is processed and injected into the breasts in small amounts.
This method may suit someone who wants a modest increase without an implant. It can also help soften implant edges or correct small contour differences.
Not every transferred fat cell survives. Some volume is naturally absorbed during healing. More than one treatment may be needed to reach the desired result. Patients must also have enough donor fat for the procedure.
Hybrid Breast Augmentation
Hybrid augmentation combines an implant with fat grafting. The implant provides most of the volume, while transferred fat may improve coverage, cleavage, or contour.
This approach may help patients with thin tissue or visible implant edges. It also adds liposuction and donor-site recovery to the procedure.
Implant Shape, Profile, and Surface
Implant size is only one part of the decision. Two implants with the same volume can create different results because their widths and projections are different.
Important features include:
- Round or anatomical shape: Round implants add fullness across the breast. Anatomical implants have a shaped or teardrop design.
- Low, moderate, or high profile: Profile describes how far the implant projects from the chest compared with its width.
- Smooth or textured surface: The shell surface affects how the implant interacts with nearby tissue. Textured implants require careful discussion because certain textured surfaces have been linked to a higher risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
- Implant dimensions: Width and projection should fit the chest and available breast tissue.
Only breast implants licensed for sale by Health Canada should be used. Patients should receive the manufacturer, model, size, surface type, and serial or lot information for their implants.
Implant Placement
The surgeon creates a pocket for the implant. The main placement choices are:
- Subglandular: The implant is placed behind the breast tissue but in front of the chest muscle.
- Subfascial: The implant is placed under the thin layer covering the chest muscle.
- Subpectoral: The implant is placed partly or fully behind the pectoral muscle.
- Dual plane: The upper part of the implant is covered by muscle, while the lower part sits behind the breast tissue.
The right position depends on tissue thickness, activity level, implant type, breast shape, and the amount of coverage needed. Placement under the muscle may offer more coverage but can cause movement of the implant when the chest muscle contracts. This is called animation deformity.
Incision Options
Common incision locations include:
- Inframammary incision: Hidden in the fold below the breast
- Periareolar incision: Placed along part of the areola’s border
- Transaxillary incision: Placed within the armpit
Each option has benefits and limits. Incision choice may affect scar position, surgical access, nipple sensation, and future breastfeeding. Scar quality also depends on genetics, skin type, healing, and aftercare.
Am I a Good Candidate For Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)?
A suitable candidate is generally a healthy adult with fully developed breasts and clear, personal reasons for considering surgery.
You may be a candidate if you:
- Want more breast volume or upper-pole fullness
- Have lost breast volume after pregnancy or weight change
- Have one breast that is smaller than the other
- Have realistic expectations about scars and results
- Are at a stable and healthy weight
- Do not smoke or can stop nicotine use as directed
- Can follow recovery limits and attend follow-up visits
- Understand that implants are not lifetime devices
- Are making the decision for yourself
Breast augmentation may need to be delayed if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning a major weight loss, or managing an untreated health condition. It is often wise to wait until breast size has stabilized after breastfeeding.
Certain conditions can raise surgical risk. These include uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, active infection, poor wound healing, and serious heart or lung disease. Your surgeon will review your health, medications, allergies, prior surgeries, and family history.
Tell the surgeon about any breast lump, nipple discharge, skin change, previous biopsy, or strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Breast augmentation is not a treatment for breast cancer and should not replace routine screening.
Breast Augmentation Procedure: What to Expect
Breast augmentation is usually performed as outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. Most implant-only procedures take about one to two hours. Surgery may take longer when combined with a breast lift, fat grafting, or another procedure.
A typical process includes:
- Preoperative planning: The surgeon confirms the treatment plan, implant details, incision, pocket position, medications, and fasting instructions.
- Anesthesia: An anesthesia professional provides medication and monitors breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and comfort.
- Incision: The surgeon makes the planned incision.
- Pocket creation: Space is created above or below the chest muscle.
- Implant placement: The selected implant is inserted and positioned. Fat grafting may be added when planned.
- Closure: The incision is closed in layers. Surgical tape, skin adhesive, or dressings may be applied.
- Early monitoring: The care team watches the patient during the first stage of recovery before discharge.
Drains are not required for every breast augmentation. They may be used in some cases based on the procedure and surgeon’s approach.
You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you during the early recovery period. Before discharge, the care team should explain medications, wound care, support garments, activity limits, warning signs, and follow-up visits.
Recovery & Timeline
Recovery varies between patients. It also depends on implant placement, occupation, exercise habits, and whether other procedures were performed.
The First Few Days
Tightness, pressure, swelling, bruising, and soreness are common. The breasts may sit high and feel firm at first. Mild differences between the sides can occur because each side may heal at a different rate.
Prescribed or approved pain medication can help manage discomfort. Short, gentle walks support circulation. Patients should avoid lifting, driving while using sedating medication, and any movement that strains the incisions.
One to Two Weeks
Many people return to desk work and light daily tasks within one to two weeks. More time may be needed for physical jobs.
Incisions should be kept clean and cared for as instructed. A surgical or support bra may be recommended. Underwire bras may need to be avoided until the surgeon says they are safe.
Three to Six Weeks
Swelling continues to improve. The implants often settle into a more natural position as the skin and muscle relax.
Light exercise may restart in stages. Heavy lifting, chest exercises, running, and high-impact activity should wait for medical clearance. Returning too soon can increase swelling, bleeding, pain, or implant movement.
Two to Six Months
Most swelling fades, and the breasts begin to feel softer. Scars may look pink or firm before they flatten and fade. Scar maturation can take a year or longer.
Final results should not be judged during the early weeks. Follow the surgeon’s instructions, even if you feel well.
Contact the clinic promptly for increasing redness, fever, drainage, severe pain, sudden swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, or one breast becoming much larger than the other. Breathing trouble, chest pain, or signs of a blood clot require urgent medical attention.
Breast Augmentation Results
Breast augmentation can create fuller breasts and improve body proportion. Results may look subtle or more noticeable, depending on anatomy and implant selection.
It is normal for the breasts to look high, swollen, or uneven at first. As healing continues, the implants usually settle and the breast tissue softens around them.
Results are long lasting, but they are not permanent. Breast shape can change due to:
- Aging and gravity
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Weight gain or loss
- Skin stretching
- Hormonal changes
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Capsular contracture
- Implant movement
- Changes in personal preferences
Breast implants do not have a fixed expiry date, and they do not always need replacement at ten years. However, they are not lifetime devices. Future surgery may be needed to remove, exchange, or reposition them.
Breastfeeding After Augmentation
Some people can breastfeed after breast augmentation, but no surgeon can guarantee it. Breastfeeding may already be difficult for reasons unrelated to surgery.
Incision location, implant placement, and changes to gland tissue or nerves may affect milk production. Patients who may want children should discuss this before surgery.
Mammograms and Breast Screening
People with implants still need breast screening based on their age, personal risk, provincial guidance, and health care provider’s advice.
Always tell the mammography clinic that you have implants. The technologist can use special implant-displacement views to show more breast tissue. Implants may make some tissue harder to see, but they do not remove the need for screening.
Keep your implant information card and surgical records. These details can help if there is a safety notice, recall, imaging concern, or future operation.
Risks & Complications
Every surgery has risks. Breast augmentation also has risks linked to implants and the scar capsule that naturally forms around them.
Possible complications include:
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Infection
- Fluid collection, called a seroma
- Poor wound healing
- Thick, raised, or widened scars
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Long-lasting pain
- Breast or nipple asymmetry
- Implant rippling or visible edges
- Implant movement, rotation, or malposition
- Bottoming out or a double-bubble contour
- Implant rupture or saline deflation
- Capsular contracture
- Animation deformity
- Skin thinning or tissue stretch
- Problems related to anesthesia
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Need for implant removal or revision surgery
- An outcome that does not match expectations
Capsular Contracture
The body forms scar tissue around every breast implant. This is called a capsule. In some patients, the capsule becomes tight or thick.
Capsular contracture may make the breast feel firm, change its shape, move the implant, or cause pain. Treatment can require removal or release of the capsule and replacement or removal of the implant.
Implant Rupture
A saline rupture usually causes a clear loss of breast volume. A silicone gel rupture may not be visible or easy to feel. Imaging may be needed to examine the implant.
A confirmed rupture should be reviewed with a plastic surgeon. Treatment often involves removing or replacing the implant.
BIA-ALCL and Other Rare Cancers
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL, is a rare cancer of the immune system. It develops in the fluid or capsule around an implant, not in the breast tissue itself. The risk is much higher with certain macro-textured implants than with smooth implants.
Possible warning signs include:
- New swelling that develops months or years after surgery
- A fluid collection around the implant
- A breast or armpit lump
- New breast asymmetry
- Pain, firmness, redness, or skin changes
Other rare cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and other lymphomas, have also been reported in implant capsules. Any late swelling, lump, or major change should be assessed.
Health Canada suspended the licences for Allergan Biocell macro-textured implants in 2019. Patients who already have textured implants should not assume that removal is required when there are no symptoms. They should discuss their implant history and personal risk with a qualified health care provider.
Breast Implant Illness
Some patients report a group of symptoms known as breast implant illness, or BII. Reported concerns include fatigue, joint pain, memory problems, rashes, headaches, anxiety, and sleep changes.
BII is not a single formal diagnosis, and research is ongoing. These symptoms can have many possible causes. Patients should be taken seriously and receive a full medical assessment. Some report improvement after implant removal, but improvement cannot be guaranteed.
Breast Augmentation Cost
The cost of breast augmentation in Canada varies by province, city, surgeon, implant type, facility, and procedure complexity. Total fees for implant-based augmentation often fall within a broad range of about $8,000 to $15,000 or more. This is only a general guide. A personal consultation is needed for an accurate quote.
The total cost may include:
- Plastic surgeon’s fee
- Breast implants
- Anesthesia services
- Operating room or facility fee
- Nursing care
- Surgical garments
- Prescriptions
- Preoperative testing
- Follow-up appointments
- Applicable taxes
Ask whether the quote covers all care or only the surgeon’s fee. Also ask what happens if an early complication or revision requires another operation. Manufacturer warranties may cover part of the implant cost in certain cases, but they may not cover surgeon, anesthesia, or facility fees.
Elective cosmetic breast augmentation is not usually covered by provincial or territorial health insurance. Reconstructive surgery may qualify for coverage in specific medical situations. Patients should confirm eligibility with their surgeon and provincial health plan.
Price matters, but it should not be the only deciding factor. Proper credentials, an accredited surgical facility, safe anesthesia, clear follow-up care, and access to help after surgery are essential.
Choosing a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
Choose a surgeon who has formal training and regular experience in breast surgery. In Canada, patients can check whether a doctor is certified in Plastic Surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The surgeon should also hold an active licence with the medical regulatory college in their province or territory.
Look for:
- Royal College certification in Plastic Surgery
- An active provincial or territorial medical licence
- Experience performing primary and revision breast surgery
- Use of Health Canada licensed implants
- Surgery in an accredited hospital or surgical facility
- Qualified anesthesia staff
- Clear consent and safety information
- A plan for follow-up care and complications
- Before-and-after photos of patients with similar anatomy
- Respect for your goals, limits, and right to say no
“Cosmetic surgeon” is not the same as a specialist certified in Plastic Surgery. Verify the doctor’s training instead of relying only on advertising, social media, reviews, or price.
Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
The consultation is used to decide whether surgery is suitable and which approach may meet your goals.
The surgeon should examine:
- Chest and breast width
- Existing breast volume
- Skin thickness and stretch
- Nipple and areola position
- Breast fold position
- Differences between the breasts
- Degree of sagging
- Chest wall shape
- Prior scars or operations
You may try implant sizers or review a three-dimensional simulation. These tools can support planning, but they cannot promise an exact result.
Be open about your desired shape, not just a cup size. Photos can help explain preferences such as natural slope, upper fullness, cleavage, or projection. The surgeon should also explain when an implant alone is unlikely to meet your goals.
Your medical review may cover prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine, supplements, allergies, smoking, nicotine, cannabis, alcohol, pregnancy plans, mammogram history, and family cancer history. Some medications and supplements may need to be adjusted before surgery. Make changes only with guidance from the prescribing professional and surgical team.
You should receive informed consent information and time to consider it without pressure. If you proceed, keep copies of your consent form, operative details, and implant registration card. Canadians can also review Health Canada’s breast implant safety information and voluntary recall registry.
Questions to Ask
Consider asking the surgeon:
- Are you certified by the Royal College in Plastic Surgery?
- Is your provincial or territorial medical licence active and in good standing?
- How often do you perform breast augmentation and revision surgery?
- Is the surgical facility accredited?
- Who will provide my anesthesia?
- Which implant do you recommend, and why does it fit my anatomy?
- Is the implant licensed by Health Canada?
- What are the implant’s size, width, profile, fill, and surface?
- Where will the implant sit?
- Where will the incision and scar be?
- Would I benefit from a breast lift or fat grafting?
- How could surgery affect nipple sensation, breastfeeding, and mammograms?
- What complications do you see most often?
- What are the signs of capsular contracture, rupture, and BIA-ALCL?
- What follow-up imaging might I need?
- What restrictions will I have during recovery?
- Who can I contact after hours if I have a concern?
- What is included in the total quote?
- What costs could apply if I need revision surgery?
- What happens if I decide to remove my implants later?
What Other Procedures Can Be Combined With Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)?
Breast augmentation may be combined with other procedures when it is safe and supports the patient’s goals. Options include:
- Breast lift: A breast lift, or mastopexy, removes loose skin and raises the breasts and nipples. It may be combined with implants when a patient wants both added volume and a higher breast position. Complex cases may require the procedures to be completed in separate stages.
- Fat grafting: Fat transfer can add soft tissue over an implant, improve cleavage, or smooth small contour differences. Liposuction is used to collect fat from another area of the body.
- Tummy tuck: Breast augmentation may be combined with abdominoplasty to remove excess abdominal skin and tighten the abdominal wall. This combination is often included in a mommy makeover.
- Liposuction: Liposuction can improve body contours around the abdomen, waist, hips, back, or thighs. It may also provide fat for breast fat grafting.
- Nipple or areola correction: Surgery may address inverted nipples, enlarged areolas, or differences in nipple position. These changes can affect sensation or breastfeeding and require careful planning.
- Breast implant revision: Revision surgery can remove, replace, or reposition existing implants. It may treat capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, implant movement, asymmetry, or changes in cosmetic goals.
Combining procedures can increase operating time and make recovery more demanding. The surgeon should review mobility, blood clot risk, home support, and whether staged surgery would be safer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is surgery that increases or restores breast volume. It can use breast implants, fat transfer, or both. The procedure may improve upper-breast fullness, body balance, and mild breast asymmetry. It can also replace volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight change. Breast augmentation does not always correct sagging, so some patients may also need a breast lift.
2. What types of breast implants are available in Canada?
The two main options are silicone gel implants and saline implants. Silicone implants contain cohesive gel and often feel more like natural breast tissue. Saline implants contain sterile salt water and usually become smaller if the shell breaks. Implants also vary in width, projection, shape, firmness, and surface. Only devices licensed by Health Canada should be used. Your surgeon should explain the implant’s benefits, limits, and safety record.
3. Are silicone or saline breast implants better?
Neither implant type is best for everyone. Silicone implants may feel softer and show less rippling, especially in patients with thin breast tissue. Saline implants can be filled during surgery and make a rupture easier to notice. However, they may feel firmer or show more visible folds. The right choice depends on your anatomy, tissue thickness, goals, incision plan, and comfort with future imaging. A plastic surgeon can compare suitable models during consultation.
4. How is breast implant size selected?
Implant size is chosen by matching the patient’s goals with their chest width, breast tissue, skin stretch, and body proportions. Volume is measured in cubic centimetres, or cc, rather than bra cup sizes. Width and profile can affect the result as much as volume. Implant sizers and three-dimensional imaging may support planning, but they cannot guarantee an exact appearance. An implant that is too large for the tissue can raise the risk of stretching and movement.
5. Where are breast implants placed?
Implants may be placed above the chest muscle, below the muscle, under the muscle fascia, or in a dual-plane pocket. Placement above the muscle may allow an easier recovery but requires enough natural tissue to cover the implant. Placement below the muscle can provide more coverage in thin patients. However, the implant may move when the chest muscle contracts. Your tissue thickness, lifestyle, implant choice, and desired shape help determine the best position.
6. Where are breast augmentation incisions made?
The most common incision is placed in the breast fold. This is called an inframammary incision. Other options include an incision along the areola or within the armpit. Each approach affects surgical access, scar location, sensation, and implant placement. Incisions usually fade with time, but every breast augmentation leaves a permanent scar. Genetics, skin colour, sun exposure, wound care, and smoking can all affect how a scar heals.
7. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
A suitable candidate is usually a healthy adult with fully developed breasts and realistic goals. You should be at a stable weight and able to follow recovery instructions. Surgery may be delayed during pregnancy, breastfeeding, major weight loss, or treatment for another health condition. Smoking and nicotine can increase healing problems, so patients may need to stop before and after surgery. Any breast lump, nipple discharge, previous biopsy, or strong cancer history should be discussed.
8. What happens during breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation is commonly performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes the planned incision, creates an implant pocket, places the implant, and closes the tissues in layers. Implant-only surgery often takes about one to two hours. A breast lift or fat grafting can add more time. After surgery, the care team monitors your condition before discharge. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and assist you initially.
9. How painful is breast augmentation recovery?
Most patients feel pressure, tightness, soreness, and muscle stiffness rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is often strongest during the first few days and then improves. Placement below the chest muscle may cause more early tightness. Prescribed or approved medication, a support bra, and gentle walking can make recovery easier. Pain that suddenly becomes severe, affects only one side, or occurs with rapid swelling should be reported promptly because it may signal bleeding or another complication.
10. How long does breast augmentation recovery take?
Many patients return to desk work and light activities within one to two weeks. Physical jobs may require more time. Heavy lifting, running, chest exercises, and high-impact activity are usually restricted for several weeks. Swelling may last longer than the initial soreness. The implants often sit high at first and settle as the tissues relax. Most patients resume normal routines gradually, but only the surgeon can provide clearance based on healing and the exact procedure performed.
11. When can I exercise after getting breast implants?
Gentle walking usually begins soon after surgery to support circulation. More demanding activity returns in stages. Lower-body exercise may restart before running, heavy lifting, or chest training. Activities that raise blood pressure or strain the incisions can increase swelling, bleeding, and implant movement. Many patients wait about four to six weeks for strenuous exercise, but timing varies. Follow your surgeon’s instructions instead of using a fixed online schedule, even if you feel ready sooner.
12. How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they do not automatically expire after ten years. Some remain in place much longer without a problem. Others require earlier removal or replacement due to rupture, capsular contracture, implant movement, tissue stretching, or a change in personal goals. Aging, pregnancy, and weight changes can also alter the breasts. Future surgery should be included in long-term planning, along with follow-up visits and any imaging recommended for silicone implants.
13. How can I tell if a breast implant has ruptured?
A ruptured saline implant usually causes a noticeable loss of breast volume as the saline is absorbed. A silicone rupture may cause no clear change and is often called a silent rupture. Possible signs include firmness, pain, swelling, a change in shape, or a new lump. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess silicone implants. Contact a qualified health care provider if you notice a change. A confirmed rupture may require implant removal or replacement.
14. What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, poor scarring, numbness, ongoing pain, asymmetry, rippling, rupture, and implant movement. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue tightens around an implant, causing firmness, distortion, or pain. Rare risks include blood clots and anesthesia problems. Revision surgery may be needed if a complication develops or the result changes. A surgeon should explain personal risk factors before you sign an informed consent form.
15. What is BIA-ALCL?
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL, is a rare cancer of the immune system that can form in the fluid or capsule around an implant. It is not breast cancer. The risk is higher with certain textured implants, especially macro-textured devices. Warning signs include late breast swelling, fluid buildup, pain, firmness, or a lump. Health Canada advises patients to report unusual breast changes promptly, even when they appear years after surgery.
16. Can breast implants affect mammograms?
Breast implants can hide some breast tissue during a mammogram, but patients should still follow Canadian screening guidance based on age and personal risk. Tell the booking staff and technologist that you have implants. They can use special implant-displacement views to show more tissue. Bring implant details when possible. Breast augmentation does not cause standard breast cancer, and implants do not replace screening, breast awareness, or medical assessment of a lump, discharge, or skin change.
17. Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Many patients can breastfeed after breast augmentation, but it cannot be guaranteed. Milk production may already be limited for reasons unrelated to surgery. Incision location, implant placement, nerve changes, and disruption of gland tissue may affect breastfeeding. An implant placed behind the muscle may have less contact with milk-producing tissue. If future pregnancy or breastfeeding matters to you, discuss it during consultation. Pregnancy can also stretch the skin and change the cosmetic result.
18. How much does breast augmentation cost in Canada?
Breast augmentation costs vary across Canada, but implant-based surgery often ranges from about $8,000 to $15,000 or more. The quote may include the surgeon, implants, anesthesia, operating facility, garments, and follow-up care. Ask whether prescriptions, tests, taxes, and revision-related costs are separate. Cosmetic breast augmentation is not usually covered by provincial health insurance. Coverage may apply in limited reconstructive or medically necessary cases, depending on provincial rules and individual eligibility.
19. Can breast augmentation be combined with a breast lift?
Yes. An implant adds volume, while a breast lift, or mastopexy, removes loose skin and raises the breast and nipple. Combining them may help patients with both volume loss and sagging after pregnancy, aging, or major weight change. An implant alone may not lift a nipple that sits below the breast fold. Some patients can have both procedures together, while complex cases may be safer in stages. The choice depends on skin quality and breast anatomy.
20. How should I choose a breast augmentation surgeon in Canada?
Look for a surgeon certified in Plastic Surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Confirm that the doctor has an active licence with the medical regulator in their province or territory. Surgery should take place in an accredited hospital or surgical facility with qualified anesthesia staff. Ask about breast surgery experience, complication management, implant selection, follow-up care, and revision policies. Keep your consent documents, operative report, and breast implant registration card after surgery.
Service Areas
Newfoundland and Labrador
We help patients explore breast augmentation and breast implant options throughout Canada. Service areas include major communities across:
Patients travelling for surgery should plan for consultations, the operation, early follow-up, and urgent care if a concern develops. Ask how long you should stay near the surgical facility and when it is safe to drive or fly. Choosing care close enough for proper follow-up can make recovery safer and less stressful.
