Am I a good candidate?

Good candidates are in good general health with a stable weight and realistic expectations. The procedure suits anyone looking to add volume, improve proportion, correct asymmetry, or restore fullness lost after pregnancy or weight changes. The right approach is determined at consultation based on your anatomy and goals.

Silicone implants most closely replicate the natural look, feel and movement of breast tissue. Modern cohesive silicone gel implants hold their shape, feel soft to the touch, and move authentically with the body. Available in a wide range of profiles, projections and sizes, they offer a high degree of customization for any body type. They are the preferred choice at The SELF Institute because they consistently deliver the most natural, long-lasting result.

What does "implant plane" mean?

The implant plane is the layer of tissue the implant sits within. It determines how the implant looks, moves and feels — and how much coverage exists above it. Choosing the right plane is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation, based entirely on your anatomy and goals.

What are the different placement options?

There are four primary planes. Subglandular sits above the chest muscle, beneath the breast tissue — suited to patients with adequate natural coverage, with a comfortable recovery and preserved breast movement. Subfascial sits just above the muscle, beneath the fascia, offering slightly more coverage than subglandular with a similarly smooth recovery. Dual plane places the upper portion under the muscle and the lower portion under the breast tissue, producing a natural upper slope, excellent coverage and realistic movement — one of the most commonly used placements. Full submuscular sits entirely under the chest muscle for maximum coverage and a softer upper contour, best for patients with minimal existing breast tissue.

How is the right plane chosen for me?

Your surgeon will assess your chest measurements, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity and aesthetic goals to make a specific recommendation. There is no universally superior placement — the right choice is what suits your anatomy and produces the result you are looking for. This decision is made together at consultation.

How do I choose the right size?

Size is guided by your chest measurements, existing tissue and skin elasticity. The current trend favours natural, proportionate results — enhancements that complement your frame. Your surgeon will use precise measurements at consultation to recommend what suits your body and lifestyle.

What incision is used and will there be a scar?

All implant placements at The SELF Institute are performed through an inframammary incision — a small cut in the natural crease beneath the breast. It sits within the fold, is not visible when standing, and continues to fade with appropriate scar care.

What does recovery involve?

Most patients experience the most tightness and fatigue in the first three to five days and are moving comfortably by the end of week one. Most return to desk work within one to two weeks. Strenuous upper body activity is restricted for four to six weeks. Implants settle and soften gradually over a few months.

What is implant massage?

Implant massage is a simple at-home exercise your surgeon will walk you through at your follow-up. It involves gently moving the implant in each direction to keep the pocket soft and mobile. It takes a few minutes and is an important part of your long-term result.

Will I ever need additional surgery on my implants?

Silicone implants have no expiration date and do not need to be replaced on a schedule. Some patients choose to revisit their implants over time — to change size, address a shift in appearance, or as part of a broader refresh. This is called secondary or revision breast surgery and is a routine procedure. Most patients go many years before considering anything further.

Can I breastfeed with implants?

In most cases, yes. Implants placed through an inframammary incision do not disrupt the milk ducts or glandular tissue responsible for milk production. Individual anatomy plays a role, so if breastfeeding is a priority, raise it at consultation.

Does my breast augmentation change with pregnancy?

Pregnancy changes the breasts significantly — volume, skin and overlying tissue can all shift. The implants themselves are not affected, but the surrounding tissue may look or feel different after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some patients address these changes with a secondary procedure once their family is complete.

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Most issues that arise after a breast augmentation are minor and resolve with proper care. Serious complications are uncommon. Your surgeon will walk through everything relevant to your specific health history before surgery so you feel fully informed going in.

In the weeks before surgery, we provide a personalized preparation plan. This typically covers optimizing your health, pausing medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, and avoiding nicotine, which impairs healing. We’ll also help you plan the practical details — time off work, prescriptions, and arranging a ride home with some support for the first day or two.

What should I expect during the consultation?

Your consultation begins with a conversation. Dr. Armstrong wants to understand what you see and what you hope to change. She examines the area and walks you through your options with complete candour, including what surgery can and cannot achieve. You leave with a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, a personalized quote, and answers to every question you came in with.

Is the surgeon board-certified?

Yes. Dr. Katie Armstrong is a Royal College–certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon (FRCSC) with hospital affiliation in Toronto. Certification reflects years of accredited surgical training and a commitment to ongoing standards of safety and excellence.

Where is it performed?

Surgery is performed at GraceMed Mississauga, in partnership with the McLean Clinic — Dr. Armstrong’s primary practice, home to a fully accredited surgical facility and an experienced surgical team, with dedicated anesthesia care throughout. Your consultation, pre-operative appointments and follow-up care all take place at the same location: 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Suite 343, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C2.

Breast Augmentation Toronto | Implants & Fat Transfer

Overview

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of the breasts using silicone or saline implants, or fat transferred from another area of your body. It can restore lost volume, improve symmetry, and create a fuller, more proportionate silhouette.

Dr. Armstrong helps you choose the approach, implant type and size that suit your frame and goals, prioritizing a result that looks and feels natural.

Breast Augmentation at The Self Institute

The process

What to expect

Step 1
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Armstrong to discuss your goals, explore your options, and receive personalized recommendations and a detailed quote.
Step 2
Surgical planning
We confirm your procedure, select your surgery date, and provide guidance on the next steps.
Step 3
Pre-operative appointment
About one month before surgery, our RN reviews your medical history in detail and explains how to prepare for surgery, what to expect on the day, and how to manage your post-operative care.
Step 4
Surgery day
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Armstrong and her surgical team, with your safety and comfort closely monitored throughout.
Step 5
Recovery & follow-up
Dr. Armstrong and her team monitor your healing, answer your questions, and support you throughout your recovery.

Candidacy

Am I a candidate?

A breast augmentation tends to suit patients who recognize themselves in most of the points below. The only way to know for certain is an in-person assessment, and Dr. Armstrong will confirm your candidacy at your consultation.

You want fuller breasts, restored volume, or improved symmetry
You are in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop around surgery)
Your weight is stable and you are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
You want a result in proportion with your frame — natural, not exaggerated
You have realistic expectations about sizing, scars and recovery

Healing, step by step

Recovery timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace. This is the typical arc, and your personal plan and follow-ups are tailored to you.

Day 1
Home the same day in a supportive surgical bra. Rest, short walks, and a helper at home for the first night.
Week 1
Soreness and swelling ease day by day — most patients are back to desk-based work by the end of the week.
Weeks 2–4
Light activity resumes; implants begin to settle into position. Avoid lifting and chest-focused exertion.
Weeks 4–6
Cleared gradually for full activity and exercise. Scars start to fade with your scar-care plan.
Months 3–6
The final shape settles as swelling fully resolves — the natural, proportionate result you planned together.

Before & after

Breast Augmentation results

A few of Dr. Armstrong's most recent breast augmentation results, shared with patient consent. She'll walk you through more — matched to your goals — at your consultation. Every result is individual.

Before

After

Patient 1

Breast Augmentation

Individual results may vary.

Before

After

Patient 2

Breast Augmentation

Individual results may vary.

View the full Breast Augmentation gallery →

Your investment

Planning for Breast Augmentation

Every surgical plan is individual, and your exact quote is provided after your consultation. Starting prices are listed on our pricing page, and financing is available through our partner, Beautifi, should you wish to spread the cost over time. To begin, we invite you to book a consultation.

Breast Augmentation

What is breast augmentation?

What to expect

Consultation

Surgical planning

Pre-operative appointment

Surgery day

Recovery & follow-up

Am I a candidate?

Recovery timeline

Breast Augmentation results

Patient 1

Patient 2

Planning for Breast Augmentation

About the procedure

Recovery, results & safety

Planning & logistics

Articles you may find helpful

Natural Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer in Toronto

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Which Do You Need?

Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss in Toronto

Breast Lift

Breast Implant Exchange

Breast Reduction

Ready to take the
first step?

Breast Augmentation

What is breast augmentation?

What to expect

Consultation

Surgical planning

Pre-operative appointment

Surgery day

Recovery & follow-up

Am I a candidate?

Recovery timeline

Breast Augmentation results

Patient 1

Patient 2

Planning for Breast Augmentation

About the procedure

Am I a good candidate?

Why silicone?

What does "implant plane" mean?

What are the different placement options?

How is the right plane chosen for me?

How do I choose the right size?

What incision is used and will there be a scar?

Recovery, results & safety

What does recovery involve?

What is implant massage?

Will I ever need additional surgery on my implants?

Can I breastfeed with implants?

Does my breast augmentation change with pregnancy?

What are the risks?

Planning & logistics

How do I prepare?

What should I expect during the consultation?

Is the surgeon board-certified?

Where is it performed?

Articles you may find helpful

Natural Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer in Toronto

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Which Do You Need?

Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss in Toronto

Breast Lift

Breast Implant Exchange

Breast Reduction

Ready to take thefirst step?

Ready to take the
first step?