A discussion with your surgeon coupled with imaging will allow you to develop a healthy mindset for your surgical journey and most importantly – realistic goals and expectations. 

A breast augmentation procedure can achieve the following in most eligible women: 

• Increase breast fullness
• Fix asymmetry or volume loss/drooping
• Increase the projection, size and shape of the breasts
• Balance the figure with a more ideal hip-to-breast ratio

Augmentation alone may not always correct drooping, and in this case a breast lift is performed along side the implantation.

You may need a breast reduction if you suffer from chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain that leads to poor posture. You might also experience frequent rashes, irritation, or grooving of the shoulders due to bra straps. Additionally, having larger breasts may take a toll on one’s self-esteem, with many women regularly experiencing embarrassment when doing certain exercises or going out in public. Breast reduction is a highly effective solution to alleviate this pain and discomfort.

Returning to upper body exercise can take as long as 4-6 weeks after surgery. It is important to avoid dislodging the implants or damaging healing tissues in the recovery period.

It takes time to return to normal but being careful and patient during the healing process is the best way to protect your body, your health and your investment.

Yes. Breast implants are placed either below the breast tissue or under the muscle behind the breast. Neither of these placements affect milk production or milk letdown.

Peri-areolar incisions may affect breast feeding, but Dr. Banwell will be able to discuss these risks with you in depth and choose the best incision and placement for your needs and goals.

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will work with you to choose the size that will best complement your figure and your goals, as determined by the structure of your chest and the limits of safe surgical technique.

When choosing implants by size we estimate that an increase in one cup size is about 125-150cc of implant volume. Each patient’s body is different. By working with your surgeon and their clinical team, you can set realistic goals and visualize them using advanced imaging techniques. You can even bring your ideal bra to the consultation to help determine the size and shape you desire.

Sometimes additional surgeries may be needed to reach optimal symmetry and desired results.

Do keep in mind that breast implants age along with the rest of the body.  Some women choose to have additional operations over time to correct the results of gravity and aging.

During a breast reduction, your surgeon will make a small incision to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts. This surgery will also reposition the nipple to a higher location and enhance the shape of the breasts, giving them a “lifted” appearance. This 2-4 hour surgery will be performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient will not experience any pain throughout the process. In some cases, drains will be placed under the skin during surgery to remove excess fluid that may accumulate.

You should not get breast augmentation or reduction surgery if you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant. The hormonal changes during and after pregnancy will significantly change the size and shape of your breasts, leading many women to get a repeat breast reduction or lift. For the most optimal results, it is best to wait until you are done having children and breastfeeding before undergoing a breast reduction. 

After surgery, you will usually be asked to stay in hospital for two nights and allowed to shower on the third day. For the first eight weeks following surgery, you will need to wear a soft sports bra to support circulation. You might notice a temporary loss in nipple sensation, which should come back in a few months. Patients should also avoid exercising and heavy lifting for at least six weeks following the procedure. It will take about 2-3 months for the swelling to disappear completely.

It takes a while before you can see the final result. Right after surgery, your breasts will likely appear unnaturally high and stiff. You should give them about a year to settle before judging the final result.