Breast augmentation can enhance the size of the breast as well as give you a better-proportioned figure.  Dr. Haywood will examine your breasts taking into consideration factors such as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples. If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may also be recommended.

Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis so it is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you the first night following surgery. The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic.

Individual factors and personal preferences will help you and Dr. Haywood determine your appropriate breast size, the location of incisions, and whether the implants will be placed on top of or underneath the chest muscle.

Breast implants can make it more difficult to read mammograms. Women at risk of breast cancer will need to consider this prior to making a decision about whether to have implants. Saline filled implants can be placed under the chest muscle so that they will interfere less with mammograms but other factors also need to be considered. Dr. Haywood will discuss these issues with you.

In 1992, the FDA decided that "classical" silicone gel-filled implants would not be generally available for cosmetic breast enlargement. Currently, most women in Canada undergoing breast augmentation receive saline-filled implants which consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. However new cohesive silicone gel implants are making a foray into the realm of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Haywood will discuss the types of implants available to you.

Once the incision is made, Dr. Haywood creates a pocket into which the implant will be inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall.

Some potential complications of breast augmentation include reactions to anesthesia, and blood accumulation inside the breast that may need to be drained surgically. Although rare, an infection that does not subside with appropriate treatment may require temporary removal of the implant. Changes in nipple or breast sensation may also result from breast augmentation surgery; though these changes are usually temporary. Mild asymmetry between the breasts can also be found after surgery.

When a breast implant is inserted, a scar capsule forms around it as part of the natural healing process. The capsule may sometimes tighten and compress the implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal. This is called capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can occur to varying degrees. If it is severe, it can cause discomfort or changes in the breast's appearance. In such cases, more surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue, or perhaps remove or replace the implant.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. They cannot be expected to last forever. Surgery will be required to replace your implants, if they rupture.

After surgery some discoloration and swelling will occur initially. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month. After breast augmentation surgery it is often possible to return to work within just a few days or a week. Exercising and heavy work is to be avoided for the first six weeks after surgery.