Private Breast Augmentation in Canada | Find Accredited Plastic Surgeons

What is breast augmentation surgery, and why do people typically choose to do it?

Breast augmentation (also known as a boob job or augmentation mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure that increases the size, shape, and projection of the breasts using breast implants, fat transfer, or a combination of both. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world.

Breasts change throughout life. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave them deflated; weight loss often shrinks the upper pole; some women have always felt their breasts were too small or noticeably uneven. There is no exercise, cream, or supplement that meaningfully increases breast volume—the only reliable options are breast implants or fat transfer.

What actually happens

The surgeon places breast implants into a carefully created pocket either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or partially behind the chest muscle (submuscular/dual-plane), through a small, hidden incision. Fat transfer involves harvesting your own fat with liposuction, processing it, and re-injecting it into the breast.

Implant types

Saline implants: Filled with sterile salt water after placement. If they leak, the body safely absorbs the saline. Tend to feel firmer.
Silicone gel implants: Pre-filled with cohesive silicone gel that more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Most popular in Canada today.
"Gummy bear" (form-stable) implants: Highly cohesive silicone that holds its shape. Often shaped (teardrop) for a more sloped upper pole.
Round vs. shaped: Round implants give more upper-pole fullness; shaped (anatomic) implants give a more sloped, natural look.
Smooth vs. textured: Most surgeons in Canada now use smooth implants, given the rare association between certain textured implants and BIA-ALCL (a rare lymphoma).

Implant placement

Subglandular (above the muscle): Faster recovery, but more visible rippling in thin patients.
Submuscular / dual-plane (partly under the chest muscle): More natural upper-pole appearance and lower rippling risk; slightly more discomfort early on.

Incision options

Inframammary (in the crease under the breast): Most common, hidden in the fold, gives the surgeon the best access.
Periareolar (around the lower edge of the areola): Hidden in the colour transition; may slightly increase risk to nipple sensation and breastfeeding.
Transaxillary (in the armpit): No scar on the breast, but technically more demanding.

Fat transfer (autologous)

Fat is liposuctioned from another area (abdomen, thighs, flanks), processed, and injected into the breast. Best for modest size increase (typically half to one cup), correcting unevenness, or improving cleavage—not for significant size change.

Why do it?

People choose breast augmentation for many reasons: restoring fullness lost after pregnancy or weight loss, correcting noticeable asymmetry, balancing proportion with the rest of the body, or simply feeling more confident in clothes and out of them. Breast augmentation is permanent in the sense that breast implants change shape and volume immediately—though implants themselves are not lifetime devices and may need replacement at some point.

How long does breast augmentation take?

A standard breast augmentation typically takes about 1–2 hours of operating time. Add time at the centre for check-in, anaesthesia, and recovery (usually a few extra hours). Combined cases (augmentation + lift, or as part of a "mommy makeover") take longer.

Basic steps

1. Check-in and confirmation

You meet the team, review your surgical plan and breast implant choice, and confirm incision markings drawn on you while standing.

2. Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia (you're fully asleep) is standard. Some surgeons offer deep sedation with local anaesthetic for select cases.

3. Position and prep

You're positioned on your back with arms gently out. The chest is cleaned and draped sterilely.

4. Incision

The surgeon makes the chosen incision—most commonly a 4–5 cm cut hidden in the inframammary crease under the breast.

5. Pocket creation

The surgeon creates a precise pocket either above the muscle (subglandular) or partly behind the chest muscle (dual-plane/submuscular), based on your anatomy and goals.

6. Implant placement

The chosen breast implants are inserted using a sterile, no-touch technique (often through a Keller funnel) to lower the risk of infection and capsular contracture. For saline implants, they're filled to the planned volume after placement.

7. Symmetry check

The surgeon sits you up on the operating table to assess symmetry and shape, adjusting as needed.

8. Closure

The incisions are closed in multiple layers with dissolving stitches. Surgical tape or skin glue is applied. Drains are rarely used in primary breast augmentation.

9. Surgical bra

A soft surgical bra is placed before you wake up.

10. Wake-up and instructions

You recover in the post-anaesthesia care unit. Most patients go home the same day.

Female patient selecting the implant for breast augmentation surgery in surgeon's office

What to expect from the recovery process—breast augmentation recovery time

Every body heals differently—follow your surgeon's plan. Most people are back to desk work in 5–7 days and full exercise around 6 weeks, but breast implants take 2–3 months to fully "settle" into their final position and feel.

Days 1–3

Reality check:

You'll feel tight, swollen, and as if a heavy weight is sitting on your chest—especially with submuscular implants. Reaching overhead is uncomfortable. Most patients sleep semi-upright.

Goals: Manage pain, stay ahead of nausea, walk, prevent blood clots.

Activities: Short, frequent walks; sleep on your back, propped up with pillows; wear your surgical bra 24/7; no lifting more than 2–3 kg (5 lb); no reaching overhead.

Week 1

Tight and sore, improving day by day.

Goals: Reduce swelling, return to light routines.

Activities: Most patients return to desk work around days 5–7. Continue surgical bra 24/7. Light walking. Driving usually permitted once off narcotics and able to brake reflexively. No lifting, pushing, or pulling.

Weeks 2–4

Implants still sit high—this is normal.

Goals: Allow implants to begin settling, return to light exercise.

Activities: Light cardio (walking, stationary cycling) with surgeon approval. Continue support bra most of the day. No chest work, no overhead lifting, no running, no sleeping on your stomach. Most patients return to non-physical jobs.

Weeks 5–6

Implants beginning to settle and soften.

Goals: Build endurance, gradual return to most exercise.

Activities: With surgeon clearance, return to most cardio and lower-body strength training. Chest work and heavy upper-body lifting are introduced cautiously, usually starting at 6 weeks.

Weeks 7–12

Most restrictions lifted.

Goals: Full activity return.

Activities: Most patients return to full gym routines, running, and chest work. Sleep position no longer restricted. Some surgeons recommend continuing a supportive sports bra for high-impact activities.

Months 3–6

Final result emerges.

Goals: Allow full settling and softening.

Activities: No restrictions. Breast implants "drop and fluff" into their final position usually by 3 months; final shape and softness settle by 6 months. Scars continue to fade for a year or more.

Helpful tips

Walk often, even on day 1: It reduces blood-clot risk and helps swelling.
Sleep on your back, semi-upright: Use a wedge pillow or recliner for the first 1–2 weeks.
Wear your surgical bra: It supports the implants while the pocket heals—don't skip it.
Avoid underwire bras until cleared (usually 6–8 weeks).
No chest workouts until cleared—pectoral contraction can shift submuscular implants.
Stop smoking and vaping: Nicotine impairs wound healing and raises capsular contracture risk. Stop at least 4 weeks before and after.
Be patient with shape: Implants always sit too high at first—settling takes weeks.

Warning signs after breast augmentation—when to call your care team

Most recoveries are uneventful, but it's important to know what's not normal. Call your surgeon or seek care immediately if you notice any of the following:

Signs of infection: Spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain, foul-smelling drainage, or fever above 38.5 °C (101 °F).
Wound problems: Edges of the incision opening up, dark/black skin, or sudden heavy bleeding through the dressings.
One breast suddenly larger, harder, or much more painful than the other: May indicate a hematoma (blood collection) needing urgent drainage.
Blood clot warning signs (very important):
- In the leg (DVT): New calf pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg.
- In the lung (PE)—call 911 or go to the ER: Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, coughing up blood, or fainting.
Severe nausea, vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
New or worsening firmness, distortion, or pain weeks to months later: May indicate capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant).
Sudden change in breast shape or size months/years later: May indicate implant rupture, leak, or fluid collection—needs imaging.
Persistent fluid swelling around an implant years later: Late seroma—should be evaluated, especially for textured implants (rare BIA-ALCL risk).
New numbness, weakness, or sharp shooting pain that wasn't there before.
Signs of allergic reaction to medication: Rash, hives, swelling of the face/throat, or trouble breathing.

When in doubt, call. Your surgical team would always rather hear from you early than late.

How much does breast augmentation surgery cost?

Breast augmentation pricing depends on the type of breast implants, surgical approach, surgeon experience, and city. Always ask for a written, itemized quote.

Cost in Canada

Typical range: $9,000 - $15,000+

Saline implants: roughly $8,000 - $12,000
Silicone gel implants: roughly $10,000 - $14,000
"Gummy bear" / form-stable / shaped implants: roughly $11,000 - $16,000
Fat transfer breast augmentation (no implants): roughly $12,000 - $18,000
Combined with a breast lift (augmentation-mastopexy): $15,000 - $22,000+
Combined with a tummy tuck or liposuction ("mommy makeover"): $20,000 - $35,000+

Cost in the United States

Typical range: CA$13,000 - CA$25,000+ for comparable procedures, usually higher in major metro areas.

What's usually included

Surgeon fee and anaesthesia services
Accredited facility/OR time, nursing, and standard disposables
The breast implants themselves
Surgical bra
Standard post-op follow-up visits in the first few months

What's often not included

Initial consultation fee (often $150–$300, sometimes credited toward surgery)
Pre-op blood work, ECG, or imaging
Prescriptions after discharge (pain, anti-nausea, antibiotics)
Specialty bras (sports bra, second surgical bra)
Scar treatment (silicone sheets, laser)
Future implant exchange or revision surgery
Travel and accommodation if you're out-of-province

Tips to compare quotes

Quotes vary widely. Request line items for: surgeon, facility, anaesthesia, the implants themselves, follow-ups, and clarify the revision policy (does the surgeon cover minor touch-ups or implant exchanges, and under what conditions?). Be cautious of bargain pricing—cheap breast implants and high-volume "mill" clinics are often associated with higher complication and revision rates.

Insurance and financing options

Private health insurance: Cosmetic breast augmentation is not covered. Breast reconstruction after cancer surgery or for severe congenital deformity is a separate situation and may be funded provincially. Check your policy directly.
Financing plans: Many clinics offer monthly payment options to help spread out the cost. Learn more about your financing options here.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC): Purely cosmetic boob jobs generally do not qualify for METC. Medically necessary breast reconstruction may. Learn more about how to claim METC for private surgeries.

How to choose a surgeon and clinic

Breast augmentation ('boob job') is one of the most heavily marketed procedures in cosmetic surgery, and not every provider doing them has the same training. Choosing your surgeon carefully has a bigger impact on your result than the implant brand.

What to look for

Experience and volume (breast augmentation-specific)

Ask how many breast augmentations they perform each year—not just "cosmetic procedures" in general.

Breast augmentation is technique-sensitive because:

Pocket dissection determines whether implants sit correctly and symmetrically
Implant choice (size, profile, fill, shape) must fit your tissue and frame, not just a target cup size
The wrong implant in the wrong pocket leads to rippling, malposition, animation deformity, or visible edges
Revision rates are meaningfully higher in lower-volume practices

Also ask about their case mix:

Primary breast augmentation (size and volume)
Augmentation + lift (mastopexy-augmentation, the trickiest combination)
Fat transfer breast augmentation
Revision breast surgery (capsular contracture release, implant exchange, malposition correction)

Credentials and training

Verify licensure with your provincial college (CPSO Ontario, CPSBC BC, CPSA Alberta, CMQ Québec, etc.)
Look for FRCSC-certified plastic surgeons—the only Royal College certification recognized for plastic surgery in Canada
Be cautious of "cosmetic surgeons" without FRCSC plastic surgery certification; in Canada, any licensed physician can advertise as a "cosmetic surgeon," so credentials matter
Bonus: surgeons who teach breast augmentation, publish outcomes, or are members of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) or the Aesthetic Society

For a more in-depth guide read, How to Understand Surgeon Credentials in Canada

Outcomes and safety (ask for real numbers)

Request recent data, ideally for breast augmentation specifically:

Infection rate
Hematoma rate
Capsular contracture rate (the most common long-term complication)
Implant malposition / asymmetry rate
Revision rate within 5 and 10 years
Blood clot (DVT/PE) rate and prevention protocols
Patient satisfaction and typical return-to-work timelines

Implant selection process

A careful surgeon should:

Measure your chest dimensions (base width, tissue thickness, skin stretch) and use those to recommend implant size, profile, and shape—not just "what size do you want?"
Offer sizers, 3D imaging (e.g., Vectra), or in-bra trial implants so you can preview the result
Discuss the long-term implications: implants are not lifetime devices, and most people will need a revision or exchange at some point
Discuss BIA-ALCL (rare lymphoma associated with certain textured implants) and BII (breast implant illness) honestly

Surgical plan

Ask:

Which implants do you recommend for me, and why?
Will you place them above or below the muscle, and why?
Where will the incision be?
Will you use a Keller funnel or no-touch technique to insert the implants?
What is your protocol to lower capsular contracture risk?

Facility accreditation and safety systems

Choose accredited centres (e.g., Accreditation Canada or CAAASF) with:

a dedicated, certified anaesthesiologist (not just a sedation nurse)
emergency equipment and clear hospital transfer protocols
DVT prevention protocols (compression devices, early walking, sometimes blood thinners)
documented sterile technique for implant handling

Recovery integration

You want a written plan for:

surgical bra and support garment use
pain control plan
return-to-work and exercise milestones
scar care (silicone, sun protection)
when virtual follow-ups are appropriate
long-term implant monitoring (when to image, when to revise)

Transparent pricing

Request an itemized quote including:

surgeon fee
facility/OR fee
anaesthesia
the breast implants themselves (and brand)
garments and dressings
follow-ups
revision/exchange policy

Questions to ask at your consultation

Surgeon and plan

How many breast augmentations do you perform yearly?
How many cases like mine (similar frame, tissue, and goals)?
Which implants do you recommend, and why those specifically?
Should my implants go above or below the muscle?
Where will my incision be, and how will it heal?

Technique and safety

What are your rates of: infection, hematoma, capsular contracture, and revision?
What's your sterile technique protocol for handling implants?
What's your plan if I develop a complication?
How will you talk to me about BIA-ALCL and breast implant illness?

Recovery and after-care

When can I return to desk work, driving, the gym, and chest workouts?
What symptoms should prompt an urgent call?
What's included in follow-up care, and for how long?
How and when will we monitor my implants long-term?

Costs and logistics

What exactly is included in my quote?
What could increase the cost?
What is your revision/exchange policy if I'm not happy with the result, or if an implant fails?
How are follow-ups handled if I live out of province?

Signals of a high-quality breast augmentation program

Performs breast augmentations regularly (not occasionally) and explains implant and pocket choices clearly
FRCSC-certified plastic surgeon working in an accredited facility with a certified anaesthesiologist
Uses tissue-based, measurement-driven implant selection—not just "what cup size do you want?"
Discusses BIA-ALCL, breast implant illness, and long-term implant monitoring honestly
Shares complication and revision rates openly and sets realistic expectations
Provides a written recovery plan, support-garment protocol, and clear warning-sign list
Offers transparent, itemized pricing—including the revision policy

Breast augmentation - frequently asked questions

How do I know this surgery is right for me?

Breast augmentation (boob job) is elective, permanent in feel and shape, and—because breast implants are not lifetime devices—also a long-term commitment. It's a great fit for some patients and the wrong choice for others. It is a deeply personal decision and should receive extensive thought and reflection.

Not medical advice, seek personal guidance from your health provider.

Signs breast augmentation might be right for you

You want more volume or shape than diet, exercise, or bras can provide.
You've lost volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss and want to restore it.
You have meaningful asymmetry between the two breasts.
You're at a stable weight and your body is settled.
You're done having children, or are comfortable with the possibility of needing future revision if pregnancy changes your breast shape.
You're a non-smoker (or willing to quit): Smoking raises capsular contracture and wound complication risk.
You have realistic expectations: Breast augmentation changes size and projection, but won't lift significantly droopy breasts (a lift is needed for that), won't perfectly match the two sides, and won't last forever without future surgery.
You understand long-term commitment: Breast implants typically last 10–20+ years, but some people need revision sooner. Lifetime implant monitoring is part of the deal.

When it might not be the right option (yet)

Significant breast sag (ptosis): Implants alone can't lift the breast—you may need a breast lift, with or without implants.
Active smoking: Increases healing problems and capsular contracture.
Unstable weight: Recent or ongoing weight changes should stabilize first.
Untreated breast lump or abnormal mammogram: These need to be evaluated before any cosmetic surgery.
Active or untreated breast cancer concerns: Implants can complicate future imaging—talk with your surgeon and your family doctor.
Uncontrolled medical conditions: Diabetes, blood-clotting disorders, or significant heart/lung disease should be optimized first.
You're not comfortable with future revision: If the idea of any future surgery is a deal-breaker, breast implants may not be right for you.

Do I need a referral?

In most cases, no. Cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation are accessed directly—you can book a consultation with a private plastic surgeon without a family doctor's referral.

That said, your surgeon will want a complete medical history, your medication list, and recent blood work or other tests before clearing you for surgery. Most surgeons also want an up-to-date breast exam and, if you're 40+ or have risk factors, a recent mammogram. If you have ongoing medical conditions, your surgeon may ask your family doctor or a specialist to confirm you're safe for surgery.

If you don't have a family doctor, many clinics can help coordinate the medical clearance you need.

How do I prepare for surgery?

Your surgeon's instructions come first—follow their plan if it differs.

Prehab and health optimization

Stabilize your weight

Most surgeons want you within ~5–10 lb of your goal weight and stable for several months.

Build cardiovascular fitness

Walking, cycling, swimming—better baseline fitness improves recovery and lowers blood-clot risk.

Quit nicotine—this is critical

Stop smoking, vaping, and nicotine pouches at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine impairs healing and increases the risk of capsular contracture and wound complications.

Medication review

Share all prescriptions, OTC meds, and supplements.
Pause blood thinners, anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs like ibuprofen), and certain herbal supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic) as directed—usually 1–2 weeks before surgery.

Optimize medical conditions

Diabetes: tight blood-sugar control improves healing.
Blood pressure: well-controlled BP lowers bleeding risk.

Breast health

Discuss any family history of breast cancer with your surgeon.
Update your screening (clinical exam, mammogram if appropriate) before surgery.

Home prep

Set up a recovery zone

A recliner or bed with plenty of pillows is ideal—you'll need to sleep semi-upright for 1–2 weeks.
Keep essentials at waist height so you don't reach overhead.
Have a small side table for water, meds, phone, and snacks.

Bathroom safety

Non-slip mat and a handheld shower.
Easy-access toiletries; avoid bending or reaching overhead.

Clothing

Loose, button-up tops or zip-up hoodies—no pulling shirts over your head for the first 1–2 weeks.
A second front-closure surgical or sports bra is useful for laundry days.
Slip-on shoes.

Help at home

Arrange for an adult to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
Plan for help with cooking, childcare, pets, and lifting for the first 1–2 weeks.
No lifting children, groceries, or laundry baskets for 4–6 weeks.

Food, meds, and surgery-day prep

Stock easy meals

High-protein, easy-to-prepare foods support healing: soups, smoothies, eggs, yogurt, pre-cut vegetables.
Hydrate well in the days before.

Skin prep

Use the antiseptic wash as directed (usually night before and morning of).
Don't shave the chest or underarm area in the days before—micro-cuts increase infection risk.

What to bring

Health card/ID, medication list, and a list of allergies.
A loose, front-closing top for the ride home.
A small pillow to hold against your chest during the car ride (helps with seatbelt pressure).
CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea.

Day-before checklist

No food after midnight (or as instructed).
Confirm your ride home—you cannot drive yourself.
Confirm your support person is ready for the first 24 hours.
Charge your phone and put it within reach.

How much does Surgency cost?

Surgency is free for patients, funded for by surgeons.

Surgeons—who meet our listing criteria—pay a flat fee to list on the Surgency platform. To maintain objectivity, there are no commissions, referral fees, nor any ranking or recommending one surgeon over another. Surgency is patient-first. Our goal is to make the process of finding a private surgeon as simple as possible. You choose who to contact. Learn more in our Advertising Policy.

What are the risks involved with surgery?

This is generalized information, your personal risk depends on your anatomy, BMI, smoking status, medical history, implant choice, and surgical approach. Discuss your specific risks with your surgeon.

Common and usually temporary

Swelling and bruising: Significant for the first 1–2 weeks; full resolution can take 2–3 months.
Tightness and pressure: Common with submuscular implants for 1–2 weeks.
Numbness or altered sensation: Around the nipple and lower breast; usually improves over weeks to months. Some areas may stay permanently numb.
Implants sitting high ("high riders"): Universal in the first weeks; settles over 2–3 months.
Discomfort with the surgical bra: Common but essential.

Less common

Hematoma (blood collection): Usually within 24–48 hours; may require return to OR if large.
Seroma (fluid collection): May need drainage in clinic.
Infection: Treated with antibiotics; rarely requires implant removal.
Wound healing problems: Slow healing or opening of the incision.
Asymmetry: Small differences are normal; significant asymmetry may need revision.
Wide or thick scars: Most fade and flatten over a year, but some thicken (hypertrophic) or stretch.

Implant-specific considerations

Capsular contracture: Scar tissue around the implant tightens and squeezes it, causing firmness, distortion, and pain. The most common long-term complication. May need revision surgery.
Implant malposition: Implants too high, too low, too far apart, or too close together ("symmastia"). May need revision.
Rippling or visible edges: More common with saline implants and in thin patients.
Animation deformity: With submuscular implants, flexing the chest muscle can temporarily distort the breast shape.
Implant rupture or leak: Saline ruptures are obvious (the breast deflates); silicone ruptures are often "silent" and detected on imaging. Implants are not lifetime devices and may need replacement.
Loss of nipple sensation or breastfeeding ability: Most patients retain both, but there's a small risk—higher with periareolar incisions.
BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma): A rare lymphoma linked almost exclusively to certain textured implants. Most surgeons in Canada now use smooth implants for this reason.
BII (breast implant illness): A constellation of systemic symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, joint pain) some patients attribute to their implants. Not yet fully understood medically; some patients improve after explant surgery.

Uncommon but important

Blood clots (DVT/PE): Less common than in larger surgeries, but still a risk. Modern surgeons use compression devices, early walking, and sometimes blood thinners to reduce risk.
Anaesthesia complications: Rare, but discussed by your anaesthesiologist.
Need for revision: A meaningful percentage of patients will need revision or implant exchange within 10–20 years, often for capsular contracture, implant rupture, malposition, or simply wanting a size change.

How you can lower risk

Stop nicotine completely for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.
Choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility.
Use modern sterile technique (Keller funnel, no-touch insertion).
Move early and often after surgery to lower clot risk.
Wear your surgical bra as directed.
Keep all follow-up appointments—including long-term implant check-ins.
Be honest about your medical history, including supplements and recreational drug use.
Plan for long-term monitoring: Periodic imaging (MRI or ultrasound) is recommended for silicone implants.

How long do breast implants last, and will I need another surgery later?

This is general, information. Seek specific guidance from your doctor/surgeon.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Most modern saline and silicone implants last 10–20+ years, but some people need revision sooner—and some go much longer without issues. The most common reasons for a second surgery are capsular contracture, implant rupture or leak, malposition, or simply wanting a size or style change as your body and preferences evolve.

Health Canada and most plastic surgeons recommend periodic monitoring of silicone implants—typically MRI or ultrasound starting around 5–6 years after surgery, then every 2–3 years—to check for silent ruptures. Saline ruptures are usually obvious because the breast visibly deflates.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and aging can also change the look of your breasts over time, sometimes prompting a future lift, implant exchange, or explant. Going into a boob job, it's healthiest to think of it as a long-term relationship with your breasts and your surgeon, not a one-and-done procedure. A good surgeon will discuss this openly at consultation, including their revision and exchange policy.

I still have questions

If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us directly.

Please note: Surgency is not a clinic itself. Nor can we help with emergency situations, or provide personalized medical advice—that is between you and your surgeon. If you are experiencing acute or severe symptoms, please present to your local emergency department or urgent care centre.