Breast augmentation

The science of breast augmentation and breast implants has advanced significantly over the past 25 years, and the procedure is currently widely adopted in the cosmetic surgery field.

There are currently two commonly used breast implants: cohesive gel and saline. These come in varying shapes and sizes in order to achieve the optimal and most natural appearance for women. The incisions can be made in the lowest hidden crease beneath the breast (infra mammary fold), in the peri areolar circle, or in the axilla (underarm).

Breast implants can be placed beneath the breast tissue and pectoralis muscle (subglandular) or beneath the pectoralis muscle (submuscular). Following a thorough surgical consultation, the preferred positioning of the implant is determined. Both subglandular and submuscular placements are widely used and produce satisfactory results when properly performed.

Cohesive Gel Implants

A cohesive gel implant is a silicone elastomer shell filled with a silicone gel. This latest generation of implants, available in Canada since 2000, differ significantly from the older style silicone implants. These implants are widely praised for their ability to closely imitate the soft, supple look and feel of a natural female breast. They are used more often than saline implants.

Cohesive gel implants come in both an anatomical and round shape. The anatomical cohesive gel implants come in a variety of heights, widths and projections. The implant is selected to emulate the natural shape of the patient’s breasts, resulting in a more natural looking breast augmentation.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are a silicone elastomer shell that is filled with a salt water solution, saline. Saline implants have a slightly higher tendency to ripple than cohesive gel implants, and are therefore more commonly placed under the muscle. The implants come deflated, and are filled with saline once inserted. Saline implants tend to provide a more rounded appearance to the breast.