A breast augmentation is a transformative procedure that can have a significant effect on a woman’s self-esteem.
This procedure is designed to create natural-looking breasts that complement the unique proportions of your body. Every woman has her own reasons for undergoing breast augmentation, whether it be to address asymmetry or gain fuller, more youthful-looking breasts. A breast augmentation in our southern Alberta plastic surgeon’s office helps women to achieve these goals.
Whatever your motivation, you deserve to look and feel confident in your own skin.
As one of the leading plastic surgeons in Alberta, when you choose Dr. Secretan, you will be working with a plastic surgeon who has the skill and experience to provide you with the results you want.
With breast augmentation in Lethbridge, you can achieve the size and fullness of breast that you’ve always wanted, with better symmetry, and enhanced contours.
The Benefits of Breast Augmentation.
We understand that breast augmentation surgery goes beyond creating a larger cup size. and Dr. Secretan’s goal is to create beautiful breasts that complement your natural body. He focuses on creating the shape, volume, and symmetry that perfectly complements your body shape.
Breast augmentation can help restore confidence by correcting uneven breasts that are naturally small, or have lost mass and volume post-pregnancy or weight loss.
The benefits of having a breast augmentation include:
*increased breast size
*refined shape
*restored volume
*symmetry correction
*a more proportional body shape
Only you can answer that question.
However, as a woman, your self-image and confidence are important elements of your overall well-being.
Whether you are looking to increase the size of your breasts or achieve a more proportionate physique, breast augmentation can have a positive impact on your sense of femininity and self-confidence.
Breast augmentation surgery is an excellent option for many, however, it may not be the solution for significant breast sagging. In such cases, our board-certified surgeon may suggest a breast lift in combination with breast augmentation surgery to achieve the desired results.
By working with a experienced professional, you can find the solution that is right for you.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
If you meet certain criteria, breast augmentation may be a suitable option for you.
Ideal candidates must be at least 18 years of age for saline implants or 22 years old for silicone implants.
In addition they must:
- be in good health
- have realistic expectations
- be a non-smoker or be willing to quit before the procedure and during recovery
- be at or near-ideal weight
- have sufficient breast tissue to accommodate the implant
- not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
However, this list is not exhaustive and ultimately a consultation with our plastic surgeon is necessary. During an initial in person consultation, the surgeon will conduct a thorough review of your medical records, assess your physical condition, discuss your objectives, and evaluate your eligibility.
During the procedure, breast implants are placed within surgically created pockets. Dr. Secretan carefully considers the location to ensure the best possible outcome.
Dr. Secretan will guide you throughout your surgical process. He will assess your specific needs and place your implants into one of two areas, depending upon which will achieve the best results.
The two placement areas are:
Subglandular Placement
For women with thicker natural breast tissue, their breast implant may be placed above the chest muscle and behind the breast tissue. This is a popular choice because it effectively enhances the appearance of mild sagging.
Submuscular Placement
The breast implant is positioned beneath the chest muscle, which offers extra padding and provides a more natural look. This is a suitable option for women with minimal natural breast tissue.
Dr. Secretan is committed to providing his patients with exceptional care to ensure that they achieve optimal outcomes.
The Consultation:
In your initial consultation with Dr. Secretan, you can expect to have a thorough discussion about what you hope to achieve with breast augmentation. He will provide you with detailed information regarding the treatment options available, and address any concerns or questions you might have.
Many of our patients come from different provinces such as Saskatchewan and British Columbia to receive care from us and it is always our pleasure to serve them. If you are traveling from out of province and would like to have a consultation with Dr. Secretan while in Alberta, call our office to see if we are able to work around your schedule.
At LPSA, we are committed to providing quality care in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
To complement our surgical services, we also offer a range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments that can enhance your natural beauty without invasive procedures. To learn more about these treatments, please view our aesthetic services.
Breast augmentation cost varies based on factors like the type and style of implant chosen. Being an elective surgery, it’s not covered by health insurance. During your consultation, after your implants have been decided upon, Dr. Secretan will determine the cost of your procedure.
For more details, please view the FAQ found below entitled “Surgery Fees”.
Do Something Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For - Contact Us To Schedule a Consultation.
We understand that the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is a personal and important one, and we are here to provide our patients with the support and guidance they need to feel confident and comfortable throughout their journey.
Our friendly administrative staff will expertly guide you through the entire process, from booking to recovery, allowing you to confidently take the first step towards achieving your desired figure.
You deserve to feel confident and beautiful in your own skin, and we are here to support you every step of the way!
Dr. Secretan performs breast augmentation surgery as a day procedure at Southgate Surgical Suites.
With Dr. Secretan’s skill and years of experience, patients experience minimal discomfort and can generally resume regular activities in just 2-3 weeks.
The consultation, which typically lasts 45 minutes, will be your time to spend with Dr. Secretan, as well as the staff. We will discuss your goals and expectations and review with you the various options that exist in performing the procedure. Ample opportunity will be provided to ensure your personal comfort level with both the procedure and with us. Once you have decided to proceed with breast augmentation, we will do our best to schedule your surgery as conveniently for you as possible.
Possible breast augmentation surgery risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Poor scarring
- Wrong or faulty position of the implant
- Implant leakage or rupture
- The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
- Persistent pain
- Possibility of revision surgery
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your surgery.
During your consultation you will receive a quote for your surgery from Dr. Secretan which will include all associated costs of your surgery.
If you are considering having multiple cosmetic procedures done, speak with Dr. Secretan about the possibility of having them all done at once.
For patients whose insurance will not cover cosmetic procedures, there are financing options available. Often patients will use a credit card or a personal line of credit, however our clinic offers financing through companies like Medicard that specialize in financing for cosmetic procedures.
Your quote will include the following fees:
Anesthesia Fees
These fees cover the cost of the anesthetist, whose presence is required during and immediately after your surgery, and the anesthesia administered.
Hosptial/Private Surgical Suite Fees
These fees cover the cost of where your surgery is scheduled to take place.
The Surgeon’s Fees
In addition to your actual surgery, these fees also cover all pre-operative and post-operative follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Miscellaneous costs include the compression garment and any supplies you’ll need while you recover (such as sterile bandages).
To determine the exact cost of your personal surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Secretan.
Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, although overnight facilities are available if you are from out-of-town or coming from a distance.
Before Surgery
Do not eat after midnight the night prior to surgery. You may drink clear fluids only, up to 6 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. Dr. Secretan will see you prior to your surgery. He will usually do a few measurements and make several standardized markings on your breasts while you are still sitting up. This will assist him in placing the implants in the proper position once you are lying down in the operating room. Breast augmentation surgery is carried out under general anesthesia. Our highly skilled anesthesia and nursing staff are there with you at all times to provide you with a safe experience in as caring and compassionate manner as possible.
Surgery
The surgery will take between 1-1 1/2 hours. At the conclusion of the surgery, a very light bandage will be applied over the incision site. The anesthetist will have given you pain medication prior to the end of the surgery to minimize postoperative discomfort. From the operating room, you will be taken to our recovery area where you will stay until you are ready to go home. A recovery room nurse will be attending to you at all times to monitor your recovery and to ensure that you are comfortable.
After Surgery
Once you are ready to be discharged home, we will see you to review your postoperative instructions. You will be given a number to contact Dr. Secretan in the case of an emergency. You may also contact one of our staff should you need any advice after leaving the clinic. Because you will have been under an anesthetic, your judgement and coordination may be affected for up to 24 hours. It is important to have a responsible adult pick you up from the clinic and stay with you the first night following surgery.
Following your surgery, there are several things that you should be aware of. Most important, if there is anything at all that you are uncertain about, please make sure to contact our office at 403-381-0083 or email our help line at info@lpsa.ca.
Swelling & Bruising
This is normal after surgery and will subside gradually over 7-10 days. You can minimize swelling by wearing a supportive sports bra, limiting your physical activity and applying ice packs to the breasts during the first few days. If one breast noticeably swells more than the other, please notify Dr. Secretan.
Bruising following breast augmentation is rare although sometimes a small amount of bruising can be seen under the breast or in the area between the two breasts. If bruising does occur, it will disappear within the first two weeks.
Pain
Most patients experience some pain and discomfort following surgery. This usually subsides after several days. You will have been given a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics which should adequately control any discomfort. Please take it as prescribed on the bottle. If you experience increasing pain not responding to medication, please notify our office.
Temperature
The body temperature may rise slightly over 38°C after surgery. If fever persists after 24 hours, despite drinking liberal amounts of fluid, notify Dr. Secretan’s office.
Bandages
Following your surgery, there will be a thin, white bandage placed over your incision. This is the only bandage that will be used. It should be kept dry until your first postoperative visit at our office. It is acceptable to shower on the first postoperative day after surgery.
Stitches
Dr. Secretan uses dissolvable stitches only, so there are no stitches to be removed. Once the initial bandage has been removed it is fine to wash normally over the incision with soap and water. You can then apply a thin coat of Vitamin E oil or Dermatix to the incision once or twice daily.
Bras
In general, you should wear a comfortable cotton sports bra day and night for the first month after surgery. This will help to provide you with support during the early healing period. Underwire and push-up bras can be worn after the first month.
Exercise
It is fine to start gentle physical activity in the second week after surgery. This includes walking and stretching. Heavier activities such as jogging, aerobics classes, contact sports and upper body weights should be avoided for one month.