The 4 types of breast surgery and the evolution of demand


Before your consultation, it is therefore useful to ask yourself a few questions, namely:

  1. For whom am I having non-surgical treatment?
  2. For how long have I been thinking about it?
  3. What are my expectations?

Dre Duclos speaks to you

dre duclos speaks to you

The four most common types of breast surgery are breast augmentation, breast lift, the breast reduction and the removal of implants. There is also the possibility of correcting a nipple that is inverted.

breast augmentation continues to 'be a very popular cosmetic surgical procedure, and it has been since 2006. According to the very famous American Society of Plastic Surgeon,breast augmentation is a very commonly requested cosmetic surgery ( 4% increase since 2019 or 298,568 procedures for 2022) afterthe liposuction which has seen an impressive increase (23% since 2019 with 325,669 procedures).

The breast lift (Mastopexy) is in fourth position with 143,364 procedures with a 30% increase from 2019 to 2022 just behind abdominoplasty with 161,948 procedures or a 37% increase.

Finally, breast reduction or reduction has made a leap forward 54% indicating a broader trend of individuals seeking balance and proportionality in their transformation journey.

If you would like to learn more about trends in surgery you can check my article on statistics procedural.



Dr. Duclos presents breast surgery



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Breast augmentation consists of increasing the volume of the breast by placing an implant.

Breast augmentation consists of increasing the volume of the breast by placing an implant. It is used when women find that their breasts are too small in relation to the rest of their body, when the breasts have sagged either after pregnancy or after weight loss, following an ablation for cancer to reconstruct the breast or when there is an asymmetry in the breasts.

Breast lift reshapes the breast to give it a better shape. The surgery involves removing skin and lifting the breast. It is often used in cases where there has been weight loss, loss of skin elasticity following breastfeeding or pregnancy. What you need to know is that surgery does not improve skin elasticity. Sometimes, it is also necessary to combine breast lift surgery with breast augmentation or a slight reduction in breast volume.

for breast augmentation, there are three possibilities. Either you go through a fine line located at the armpit, a natural fold of the skin, or you go through the areola of the breast, or you go through the inframammary fold. For breast lift and breast reduction, it depends on the extent of the surgery to be performed.

The more skin there is, the longer the scar will be. On the other hand, there are new techniques that allow the scars to be smaller, that is to say, we can be satisfied with making a scar only around the areola of the nipple. If the surgery is of a larger magnitude, at that time, it is also necessary to remove skin at the level of the lower part of the breast and at that time, the scar can go up to the fold of the breast and even into the fold of the breast.

The healing process takes several months. If the skin heals well, the healing progresses well, as a general rule, the scar is a fine line. There are two main categories of implants available in Canada, saline implants and silicone implants.

Saline implants are the most popular because they are made of saline water and we know that our body is made of 70% saline water. The advantage is also that when I perform the surgery, I insert the prosthesis through a small scar and then I can inflate it, which means that the resulting scar is smaller than if I take a silicone implant. On the other hand, for silicone implants, the advantage is its touch which is more natural compared to a breast.

Before and after breast augmentation

Articles to consult on breast augmentation




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Breast lift – breast lift

Over time, the lack of elasticity of the skin, the force of gravity, significant weight loss or pregnancy make the breasts less firm and more sagging. Breast lift or mastopexy or commonly called "breast lift" improves the appearance of the breasts by reshaping them.

However, surgery does not restore elasticity to the skin and has no effect on the phenomenon of gravity, so the breasts can sag again over time. A minimal breast reduction may be recommended at the same time as the lift to reduce the weight of the breast so that the result is more durable. Instead of a lift or in addition to the lift, Dr. Duclos may also suggest breast implants so that the curve of the breast is maintained at the upper part of the breast, the breast is firmer and the result is more durable. This is especially true after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

A breast lift can improve your appearance and self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change the quality of your relationships with others or make you perfect. The best candidates for this type of surgery are healthy, emotionally stable people who have realistic expectations. Before opting for this procedure, clarify your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Duclos. She will be happy to answer all your questions clearly and precisely and to inform you about the most appropriate treatments for your situation by indicating their advantages and disadvantages.

During the procedure, excess skin is removed, the breast is lifted and the incisions are closed. Depending on your condition, the scars may be located around the nipple areola only, go to the crease under the breasts or extend to the inframammary fold. In addition, the diameter of the nipple areola can be reduced so that it is more harmonious with the breast.

During the consultation, Dr. Duclos will examine your breasts and check the quality of your skin, the degree of sagging, the size of your breasts, the characteristics of your gland and the presence of nodules. After assessing your state of health and your expectations, she will make her recommendations, each surgery being planned to measure according to your condition. She will explain in detail the surgical options, the procedure and the most appropriate type of anesthesia (local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia), the pre- and post-operative instructions, the associated risks and the expected results, including the location of the incisions.

Depending on the procedure, you will need to get a sports bra for the day of the operation. The duration of the procedure varies depending on its extent. You will then be observed until your condition allows you to leave the clinic. A prescription for pain medication, instructions and the date of the next appointment will be given to you before you leave. Plan to have someone drive you home.
Since there is very little pain after the procedure, only mild analgesic medication is prescribed. Significant pain or sudden swelling should be reported immediately.

For two weeks after surgery, you will need to wear your bra at all times, except when performing hygiene procedures, and avoid lifting objects above your head. You will need to avoid exposing your scars to the sun or tanning salon for about 6 months. When you return to work will depend on the type of work you do. You will generally be able to resume vigorous sports activities one month after surgery.

Complications are rare and usually minor. Hemorrhage (or heavy bleeding), infection, scarring problems and/or asymmetry may occur. Very rarely, breast or nipple sensation may decrease and, exceptionally, complete loss of sensation may occur. This procedure generally has no effect on your ability to breastfeed.

Before and after breast lift




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Breast reduction

Breast reduction is performed to reduce the volume of the breasts, especially when people have muscle tension in the neck, shoulders or back. The surgery consists of reducing the breast and also lifting the breast to give it more firmness. This also allows for better posture support. Surgical techniques have become much more refined over time. More and more, we are proceeding with shorter scars. Also, the threads that are used to close the wound are thinner, which means that the scars are more discreet than before.

Before and after breast reduction

  • Before-redrapage et réduction mammaire avant après 1 an postop
    After-redrapage et réduction mammaire avant après 1 an postop
    Avant redrapage et réduction mammaire avant après 1 an postop Après

Article to consult on breast reduction




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Breast implant removal

Sometimes, for all sorts of reasons, following breast augmentation with implants, the patient decides to have her implants permanently removed. Regardless of the reason, the patient chooses to consult for implant explantation surgery Dr. Duclos will listen to and respect the decision of the person who consults her.



External Resources

Here is a selection of French-language resources available in Canada to learn about cosmetic breast surgery, with professional institutions and consumer protection services, as well as reliable resources to further your research.

1. Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS)
  • Description: The CSAPS represents board-certified plastic surgeons in Canada. Their site offers information on the different types of breast surgery procedures (augmentation, reduction, reconstruction, etc.) as well as advice on choosing a qualified professional.
  • Link: Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
2. Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ)
  • Description: The CMQ is the regulatory body for physicians in Quebec. On their website, you can check the qualifications of doctors, access information about their specialties, and consult the safety standards for cosmetic surgery. The College also provides recommendations and guidelines for patients.
  • Link: Collège des médecins du Québec
3. Association des spécialistes en chirurgie plastique et esthétique du Québec (ASCPEQ)
  • Description: This association brings together plastic surgeons in Quebec and provides information on procedures, particularly for breast surgery. It refers patients to recognized surgeons and provides information on procedures and treatment options.
  • Link: ASCPEQ
4. Health Council of Canada
  • Description: This public organization provides reliable information on health care in Canada, including cosmetic surgery. It does not focus solely on breast surgery, but provides resources to understand patient rights, including informed consent and safety of care.
  • Link: Health Council of Canada
5. Consumer Protection Association of Canada (CPAC)
  • Description: While the CPAC does not specialize in cosmetic surgery, it advocates for consumers’ rights and provides advice to help them avoid deceptive practices. The site offers guides on questions to ask before a medical or cosmetic procedure and recommendations for selecting professionals.
  • Link: Canadian Consumer Protection Association
6. Health Canada – Breast Implant Safety Alert and Tips
  • Description: Health Canada oversees the safety of medical products in Canada, including breast implants. The site provides information on approved implants, potential risks, safety alerts, and product recall information.
  • Link: Health Canada – Breast Implants
7. Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
  • Description: Although this order does not focus exclusively on cosmetic surgery, it regulates nursing care, including post-operative care in breast surgery. The site provides information on standards of care and patients' rights.
  • Link: OIIQ
8. Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS)
  • Description: INESSS provides scientific evaluations of medical practices in Quebec. Its site includes reports and recommendations on various procedures, including useful information for assessing the risks and benefits of breast surgery.
  • Link: INESSS

Practical advice before choosing a treatment

Before deciding on an aesthetic treatment, it is essential to be well informed and take certain precautions.

1. Specialist evaluation: Make sure that the doctor is qualified, experienced, and certified in medical aesthetics. Dr. Duclos has the skills required to safely perform these treatments.

2. Questions to ask during the consultation:
- What are the possible side effects?
- How long will the results last?
- How will the follow-up take place?

3. Maintaining the results: A healthy lifestyle and following Dr. Duclos' recommendations.

List of cosmetic surgery procedures