What is the difference between breast implants and breast augmentation In Toronto?
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Many of our Toronto patients use the terms “breast implants” and “breast augmentation” to mean the same thing. But they mean different things and understanding the difference will help you explain what you want to do with your body. We at Beber Plastic Surgery want you to feel safe and informed during your appointment so we take the time to explain the difference.
Breast augmentation is the name of the surgery that makes breasts bigger. It’s the whole process of surgery to make breasts bigger, change their shape or add more volume. You need breast augmentation to get bigger, more even breasts. Making incisions, creating pockets for the implants, placing the implants and closing the incisions are all part of the process. Everything from your first consultation to your recovery is part of breast augmentation.
Breast implants are what’s actually used in the procedure to make breasts bigger. We insert these medical grade ingredients, either saline solution or silicone gel, into your breasts to make them the right size and shape. Implants are only one way to make breasts bigger. They are the things that are there, not the surgery. We do breast augmentation and use breast implants.
You can’t get breast implants without getting breast augmentation, but if you choose fat transfer instead of regular implants you might be able to get breast augmentation without them. This is important because it makes it easier to talk about your procedure and what you really want. A lot of people get these phrases mixed up because breast implants are the most common way to make breasts bigger. Most people who want to get surgery to make their breasts bigger think of implants. However most breast augmentation surgeries in Toronto do involve putting in implants. But breast augmentation can also mean fat transfer procedures which take fat from another part of your body and put it into your breasts to make them bigger.
It’s very important to understand this difference when talking about problems or concerns. Most of the time when someone says they’re scared of breast implants they mean the implants themselves. Some of these fears can be about the implants breaking, capsular contracture or how the implants feel in the body. When people ask about breast augmentation they usually want to know about the procedure, how long it takes to heal or how well it works.
There are many types of breast implants and each one has its own set of features. Saline implants are made of sterile salt water and during surgery they can be adjusted so they are completely symmetrical. Silicone implants are filled with gel that sticks together and feels more like real breast tissue. Silicone gel implants often called gummy bear implants are very sticky and hold their shape even if the shell of the implant breaks. We discuss the pros and cons of each type of implant during your consultation.
Putting in implants is only one part of breast augmentation. We start by making small incisions in areas where the scars will be the least noticeable. The fold under the breast, the area around the areola and the armpit are all popular areas for incisions. We make a pocket above or below the chest muscle when we cut it open. This is where the implant will go.
The location of this pocket has a huge impact on how you do and how soon you heal. Once the pocket is done we put in the breast implant and make sure it’s in the right place so the results look natural and even. You need a lot of skill and experience at this point because the right placement of the implants will make your breasts look and feel more natural. We put in both implants and then close the incisions with stitches and bandages. The whole breast augmentation procedure usually takes one to two hours. Some people need more than just breast implants to look like they want. If your breasts are truly sagging you may want to consider getting a Breast Lift with your augmentation to move the breast tissue around and improve the overall shape. This combination fixes both volume loss and sagging in one process but does make the procedure more complex.
At Beber Plastic Surgery we help our patients understand not just what we say but what their decisions mean in real life. You have to choose the size, shape, texture and fill material of your breast implants. You agree to have surgery, take time off to heal and keep your breast implants for a long time if you choose to get them. Both options require a lot of thought and an honest talk about what you want and expect.
Another big difference is how long breast implants last. Breast augmentation is a one time procedure but breast implants are medical devices that may need to be replaced at some point. Implants made today are durable and should last a long time but not forever. You may need more surgery in the future to replace implants or repair changes in your breasts over time.
Getting well after breast augmentation means recovering from the procedure. Your body needs time to heal from the wounds, get used to the implants and get used to its new shape. Most people can do light activities again within a week but it takes a few weeks to fully heal. Your body needs time to get acclimated to the implants but the implants themselves don’t need time to heal.
If you know the difference between breast implants and breast augmentation you’ll be able to ask better questions and make better choices. When you research operations you should read about possible complications or talk to surgeons about your options. It’s easier to talk to them when you know the differences. We recommend patients to ask questions about the procedure and the implants so they know what they’re getting into. You may be confident you’re getting the best in Toronto because we have access to the latest surgical procedures and implant technology. We stay up to date with the latest in breast implant design and breast augmentation techniques so we can offer you the best options.
We never cut corners on either part of your care because both good implants and good surgery are important for good results. Dr. Brett Beber, MD, FRCS, is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in Toronto known for his dedication to achieving natural, refined results through advanced surgical techniques and personalized patient care.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Beber Plastic Surgery is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or a guaranteed cost estimate. Surgical pricing and treatment outcomes vary for each individual based on anatomy, procedure complexity, surgeon expertise, and other medical or facility-related factors.
All prices and ranges mentioned are approximate estimates meant to help patients understand general cost expectations in Toronto. Final treatment plans, surgical recommendations, and exact fees can only be determined during a personal consultation after a thorough medical assessment.
Beber Plastic Surgery encourages all prospective patients to discuss their goals, medical history, and budget directly with a qualified surgeon. We are committed to transparency, patient safety, and delivering the highest standard of care—but no information on this page constitutes a binding quote or medical guarantee.
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