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Breast Surgeries

Breast Augmentation is the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in Canada.

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in Canada.

Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast for a number of reasons:

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

1. Larger Breasts
2. Short Recovery Time
3. Hidden Incisions
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By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman’s bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. 

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) or in the armpit. In addition, a saline implant may be placed through an incision at the navel. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision the surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue (submammary or subglandular placement) or beneath the pectoral muscle and on top of the chest wall (submuscular placement). Once the implant is positioned within this pocket, the incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesive and/or surgical tape. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing.The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Please ask Dr. Tumi if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure.

While the majority of women do not experience complications, it’s important to understand and discuss the risks with Dr. Tumi during your consultation.

the skin is removed around the whole waist to raise the buttock, lateral thighs, and trim the tummy, it is
called body lifting. From the upper arms, we call it brachioplasty.

Body contouring surgery changes the texture of the skin by stretching it thereby making the looseness and
wrinkling less apparent. Body contouring surgery may be combined with liposuction. Liposuction is
designed to improve fat bulges, not to tighten loose skin. In fact, liposuction alone can make the
appearance of the skin worse in patients with poor skin elasticity.

The choice of implant filler, implant size, shape and other features will be determined based on your breast anatomy, body type and your desired increase in size. Your lifestyle, goals and personal preferences, as well as Dr. Tumi’s recommendations and sound surgical judgement are also determining factors. Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, and therefore there may be additional options available to you.

Breast implants are medical devices with solid silicone, rubber shells. The implant shell may be filled with either saline solution (sterile saltwater) or elastic silicone gel. Both saline and silicone gel breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approval means that an implant has been rigorously researched, tested and reviewed by an independent panel of physicians for safety.

The size of a breast implant is measured in cubic centimeters (cc’s) based on the volume of the saline or silicone filler. Breast implants vary both by filler and in size, but there are additional features to consider:

  • Shape: the implant may have a round profile or one that is anatomic (teardrop or tapered shape)
  • Profile: the implant may have a low, medium or high projection (the depth of the implant from the base to the highest point of the implant curve)
  • Diameter: the width of the implant measured across its base (the side of the implant that will be positioned over the chest wall)

 

You should be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. Regular examinations for breast health and to evaluate the condition of your implants are important whether you have chosen saline or silicone breast implants.

In your initial breast enlargement consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, your doctor may also recommend a breast lift.

Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon. You may want to ask your surgeon for a copy of the manufacturer’s insert that comes with the implant he or she will use — just so you are fully informed about it. And, be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Dr. Tumi will also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed and the costs involved. Because most insurance companies do not consider breast augmentation to be medically necessary, carriers generally do not cover the cost of this procedure.

Dr. Tumi will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. A mammogram may be recommended prior to your breast augmentation procedure to ensure breast health and serve as a baseline for future comparison.

In addition to explaining your surgical procedure, your plastic surgeon will discuss anesthesia, the recovery process and your obligations as a patient. You will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications of your surgery. There may be a waiting period of several days to weeks from the time of your consent to the day of surgery.

While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication.

Within several days the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed. You may be given a surgical bra. You should wear it as directed. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks but this will subside as bruising fades. Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.

You should be able to return to work within a few days depending on the level of activity required for your job. Follow the advice given on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks. Breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for women who are in the appropriate age group although the technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a reliable reading.

Breast augmentation can be performed with general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the entire operation. Some surgeons may use local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you drowsy, so you’ll be relaxed but awake and may feel some discomfort.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

Adult women of any age can benefit greatly from the enhancement breast implants provide. It is usually recommended, however, that a woman’s breasts are fully developed prior to placement of breast implants. Saline implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older. Silicone implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women age 22 and older. Saline or silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.

For many women, the result of breast augmentation surgery can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. Even if you believe your implants are functioning well, it is important that you follow-up as directed with your plastic surgeon to assess the condition of your breast implants. In addition, whether you choose to have breast implants or not, it is essential to your health that you practice a monthly breast self-exam and schedule regular diagnostic breast screenings.

Breast Augmentation Before & After

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Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman’s breasts.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts – at least, for a time, as no surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume – for example, after pregnancy – breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase their firmness and size.

Benefits of Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

1. Perkier, Higher Breasts
2. Increased Firmness and Size of the Breasts
3. Restores Self Confidence
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In your initial consultation, it’s important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon and listen to their opinion. Every patient — and every physician, has a different view of a desirable size and shape for breasts.

Your surgeon will examine your breasts and measure them while you’re sitting or standing. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure — such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and your skin condition–and whether an implant is advisable. It would be best if you also discussed where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they’ll be moved higher during the procedure and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breast.

Dr. Tumi will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring results. He will also explain the anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Don’t hesitate to ask him any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Depending on your age and family history, your surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on preparing for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding specific vitamins and medications.

While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll sleep through the operation. In selected patients–mainly when a smaller incision is being made–the surgeon may use local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You’ll be awake but relaxed and will feel minimal discomfort.

Mastopexy usually takes one and a half to three and a half hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the breast’s natural contour.

The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area and along the lower crease of the breast.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the “doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy,” in which circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.

If you’re having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.

After surgery, you’ll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain shouldn’t be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by your surgeon.

Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You’ll need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze. The stitches will be removed after a week or two.

If your breast skin is dehydrated following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day. Be careful not to tug at your skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture areas.

You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin caused by the swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. However, in some patients, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.

Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, don’t plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. And avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more and avoid strenuous sports for about a month. After that, you can resume these activities slowly. If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breastfeed since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact.

Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that mastopexy scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, gradually becoming less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.

It would be best if you also kept in mind that a breast lift won’t keep you firm forever–the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually retake their toll. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer. Your satisfaction with a breast lift is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic. 

A breast lift can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. 

Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. However, if you’re planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. While there are no unique risks that affect future pregnancies (for example, mastopexy usually doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding), pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the procedure’s results.

The best candidates for mastopexy: 

  • Are healthy
  • Emotionally-stable 
  • Have realistic expectations about what the surgery can accomplish
  • Have small, sagging breasts

Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last long in heavy breasts. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Tumi. A breast lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal.

Breast LiftBefore & After

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Breast Lift Before & After

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Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Surgery in Barrie, Ontario
Get smaller, perkier breasts with breast

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure meant to reduce the size and reshape the breasts by removing excess fat, tissue, and skin. Breast reduction surgery can be performed for several reasons, such as reducing back pain or improving physical appearance.

There are variations to the incisions used for breast reduction. Dr. Tumi usually uses a vertical incision technique. After excess skin and breast tissue are removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Skin that was located above the nipple pre-surgery is pulled down. Together these two maneuvers give a new shape to the breast.

Liposuction may also be employed to improve the contour of the breast. Because the nipples and areolas remain attached to the breast tissue, sensation in this area is preserved most of the time, but numbness can occur after breast reduction.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

Easy Recovery
Preferred Breast Size
Reduced Back Pain
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Several days after surgery, you will be able to move about comfortably. You may be asked to wear a support bra for a few weeks until swelling and discoloration diminished. Incisions will be red at first and usually stay this way for several months following surgery. After breast reduction surgery, it is generally possible to return to work within a month of surgery.

If you find that your breasts are very large and heavy and that they create discomfort to your shoulders, back and neck, you may be a candidate for a breast reduction. While a breast reduction can be performed in the teenage years, it is recommended that the procedure be undertaken only when breast development is completed, and sufficient maturity has been attained to understand all of the issues involved.

 

Childbirth and breastfeeding can also have a significant effect on the size and shape of your breasts. Though some women decide to have breast reduction before having children, you should discuss plans to breastfeed with your plastic surgeon, as this may not be possible after breast reduction. In assessing you as a candidate for breast reduction, your doctor will carefully check the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of the nipples and areolas. If you are overweight, your plastic surgeon may suggest that you lose weight before having surgery.

Breast Reduction Before & After

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Breast Fat Grafting

Enlarge your breasts without implants with breast fat grafting.

Causes

Breast fat grafting is a surgical procedure that uses liposuction to take fat from another area of the patient’s body and inject it into the breasts. It is a breast augmentation alternative for women who wish to increase their breast size by a small amount. 

Similar to fat grafting to the face or body, breast fat grafting is a surgical procedure that removes fat from one area of the patient’s body and transfers it to another. The fat is most commonly taken from the thighs, abdomen, arms, or hips and back. 

Benefits of Breast Fat Grafting

Transforms Body
Natural Looking Results
Easy Recovery
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Your plastic surgeon administer local or general anesthesia depending on the volume of fat removal. The fat will be obtained via liposuction through one or several 3 -5 mm incisions. The fat will be separated from any blood and other fluids.The fat is then evely injected to the targeted area through a small cannula. The whole procedure will take about one hour depending on the size of the breasts.

Patients will need to prepare for their surgery at least two weeks in advance. You will need to stop smoking and drinking to help your body prepare for recovery.

Most patients do not experience severe complications from breast fat grafting and it is usually a safe procedure. Some possible complications after the surgery include developing an infection or thick scars, adversely reacting to the anesthetic, or collecting a pool of blood underneath the skin.

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Inverted Nipple/Areola Reduction

Improve the look of your breasts with nipple inversion surgery or areola reduction.

Causes

Nipple inversion surgery is a procedure meant to correct inverted nipples. Inverted nipples are caused by the nipple being “pulled in” due to short milk ducts which don’t allow the nipple to protrude. Areola reduction surgery is a procedure that reduces the diameter of one or both of the areolas.

Nipple Inversion/Areola Reduction Benefits

Quick Recovery
Permanent
Boosts Self Confidence
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Dr. Tumi will begin by assessing your breasts. Nipple inversion is evaluated on three different severity levels. If the patient who is receiving the procedure wishes to breastfeed, the procedure will partially preserve the milk ducts. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision around the areola and then will lift the nipple and the areola tissue from the breast and then stitch it into a new shape. The procedure generally takes about one hour. 

For areola reduction surgery, your plastic surgeon will cut a donut shaped piece of tissue out of your areola, he will then secure your new areola with a permanent suture deep inside your breast. Next, he’ll close the incision by using removable/dissolvable stitches. 

For both procedures, your surgeon will administer either local or general anesthesia.

For both procedures, your surgeon may recommend that you wear a special post surgical bra or other surgical dressings. The recovery process for both procedures will be relatively short. To help with pain after the procedure , patients can take over-the-counter medication and will need to abstain from sex and other phsyical activties. \

For nipple inversion, patients will be able to return to normal activities anywhere from one day to one week after the procedure. For areola reduction, patients can return to their normal activities one to two days after the procedure.

Both nipple inversion and areola reduction are minor procedures which most patients do not experience major complications from. Some of the issues that may occur from inverted nipple surgery include scarring, infection, asymmetry, poor nipple position and the inability to breastfeed.

Nipple Inversion/Areola Reduction Before & After

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Breast Reconstruction

Mastectomy is a traumatic experience for any woman.

Breast reconstruction is an alternative for women of any age providing your health is good enough for you to tolerate a general anesthetic.

There are two basic ways of reconstructing a breast or both breasts – prosthetic implants or using your own tissue. Your surgeon will discuss with you the risks and benefits of implants versus using your own tissue to reconstruct your breast(s).

Prosthetic Implants

Prosthetic implants usually consist of silicone shell implants enclosing saline (saltwater) or silicone. Dr. Tumi prefers to use silicone implants. The implants are typically placed underneath the muscle of the chest wall. Although implant surgery is usually more straightforward and shorter than using your own tissue, the complication rate of implant surgery and the need to operate again at a later date is higher with implants. Implants have a higher rate of complications if you have had radiation to the chest skin.

Implants placed under the skin are more convenient than prostheses placed in your brassiere. However, the body’s reaction to these can be a capsule or envelope surrounding the implant making the breast hard and tender. In addition, implants do not have the same natural feel as would transplanting your own tissue.

After a mastectomy, the skin envelope may not be large enough to allow for an implant, and skin expansion may be required before the “permanent” implant is inserted. Tissue expansion is done by inserting an expandable silicone “balloon,” which is inflated with salt water weekly by your surgeon. When enough skin is available, the implant can be inserted.

Autologous Reconstruction Using your own tissue is called autologous reconstruction. Autologous reconstruction involves transferring soft tissues (skin, fat) from other areas of the body. Because of the frequent excess tissues and the convenient anatomy, skin from the lower belly is often a preferred area for harvesting autologous tissues for breast reconstruction (TRAM flap reconstruction). Less commonly, other areas can also be harvested, i.e. buttock, thigh, or back. It is essential to understand that a “normal” breast will never be obtained with a breast reconstruction operation, and realistic expectations are in order. However, patient satisfaction is generally high.

Depending on your age and family history, your surgeon may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding specific vitamins and medications. While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication.

Within several days the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed. You may be given a surgical bra. You should wear it as directed.

Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, don’t plan on returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. And avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon.

Dr. Tumi will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more and avoid strenuous sports for about a month. After that, you can resume these activities slowly.

Breast Lift Before & After

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Ready for Your Transformation?

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