Breast Augmentation in Toronto and Burlington
Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae perform breast augmentation in Toronto and Burlington, selecting the implant type, size and placement based on your anatomy and desired results.
Using the latest Health Canada-approved techniques
Surgery Time
1 – 2 hrs
Recovery
1 – 2 weeks
Final Results
6 weeks
From
$9,500
What Breast Augmentation Does
Breast augmentation adds volume to the breast and changes its shape. Most patients who book a consultation with us are in one of three situations: their breasts never developed to the size they wanted, they lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or one breast is noticeably different from the other.
The surgery takes one to two hours under general anesthetic and you go home the same day. Most patients are off prescription pain medication within two or three days and back at a desk job in about a week. Implants sit high and firm at first, then settle over three to six months into their final position.
One thing it does not do is lift the breast. If your nipple sits at or below the crease underneath your breast, an implant on its own will add weight without raising anything, and a breast lift is usually part of the plan. Your surgeon will tell you at consultation if that applies to you.
Breast Augmentation Before & After Photos
Results from our own patients, photographed at three months or later.
Three Ways to Add Volume
Breast implants
Breast implants provide the most predictable increase in volume. You choose a volume measured in CC, and the final result is generally close to that amount. Silicone implants are pre-filled with a soft, cohesive gel that feels more like natural breast tissue and tends to show less rippling. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water after placement, allowing for a smaller incision and volume adjustments during surgery.
Implants can realistically add around one to three cup sizes. Surgery takes approximately one to two hours, and most patients return to desk work after about one week. The results feel soft, although the implant edge may be felt in patients with thin breast tissue. Implants are not lifetime devices and may eventually require revision. Breast augmentation with implants starts at $9,500.
Fat transfer
Want a natural boost without implants? Fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own body fat, taken from areas such as the abdomen, flanks or thighs through liposuction. The fat is cleaned and injected into the breasts in fine layers. Because it is your own tissue, the results feel and move naturally, while the donor area is contoured at the same time.
Fat transfer typically adds about half a cup size because the amount that can be transferred is limited and not all the fat will survive. Surgery takes approximately two to three hours, and most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks. The surviving fat is permanent, although weight changes can affect the results. The procedure requires small liposuction incisions and starts at $10,999.
Hybrid
Hybrid breast augmentation combines an implant for predictable volume with a thin layer of your own fat grafted over it. The fat helps cover the upper edge of the implant, which may be visible or felt in patients with thin breast tissue. It can also be placed in specific areas to improve breast shape or correct differences between the breasts.
Hybrid breast augmentation can realistically add around one to three cup sizes. Surgery takes approximately two to three hours, and most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks. The breast feels more natural over the implant because of the added fat coverage. The implant may eventually require revision, while the surviving fat is permanent but can change with weight fluctuations. The procedure requires small liposuction incisions and starts at $12,700.
Our Surgeons’ Approach to Breast Augmentation
Every patient has different anatomy and goals. Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae begin with a detailed assessment of your breast tissue, chest proportions, skin quality and desired results before recommending a surgical plan.
Rather than using the same approach for every patient, they select the implant type, size, incision and placement that best suit your body. If implants are not the right option, they may recommend fat transfer, hybrid breast augmentation or another procedure.
Dr. Mark McRae
MD, FRCSC · Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark McRae is board-certified in Canada and the United States and is an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital.
He specializes in facial and breast surgery, with a focus on precision and natural-looking results. His training includes Cornell University, Yale School of Medicine, New York University and a craniofacial fellowship at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Matthew McRae
MD, FRCSC · Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Matthew McRae is a board-certified reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon in Toronto. His aesthetic practice includes breast surgery, facial surgery and male chest contouring.
He is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto and previously directed the Plastic Surgery Residency Program at McMaster University. His training includes Cornell, Yale, the University of Toronto and the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco.
Recent Media and Publications
Explore recent podcast discussions, clinical research and academic publications from Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae.
McRae Plastic Surgery Podcast
Surgeon-led discussions about plastic surgery, including breast procedures, surgical options, preparation, recovery and answers to common patient questions.
Breast Implant Explantation and Capsulectomy
A 2026 clinical case report co-authored by Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae examining a rare perioperative complication during breast implant removal, capsulectomy and auto-augmentation.
Tranexamic Acid in Breast Surgery
A systematic review and meta-analysis co-authored by Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae examining the use of tranexamic acid in breast surgery.
Five Decisions When Choosing Breast Implants
1
Implant type
Choose between saline and silicone implants. As explained above, silicone implants generally feel softer and show less rippling, while saline implants allow a smaller incision and adjustable volume. Your surgeon will recommend the option that best fits your body and goals.
2
Implant Size
Implant size is measured in cubic centimetres, or cc. Your surgeon considers your chest width, existing breast tissue, body proportions, skin quality and lifestyle.
During your consultation, you can try implant sizers to compare different volumes. The goal is to choose a size that provides your desired fullness while remaining balanced with your frame.
3
Profile
Profile describes how far the implant projects forward from the chest. Lower-profile implants provide less projection, while higher-profile implants create greater forward fullness.
Size and profile are considered together. Two implants can have the same volume but produce different results because their width and projection differ.
4
Incision
Your surgeon will recommend an incision based on your anatomy, implant type and placement:
- Inframammary: Placed in the fold beneath the breast. It provides excellent access and control, while the scar remains within the natural crease.
- Periareolar: Placed along the edge of the areola, where the change in skin colour and texture can help conceal the scar.
- Transaxillary: Placed in the armpit to avoid a scar on the breast. It is typically used with saline implants because they are filled after insertion.
5
Placement
The ideal implant placement depends on your existing breast tissue, chest anatomy and desired result:
- Subfascial: Above the muscle but beneath the fascia and breast gland. It provides more coverage than traditional subglandular placement without disrupting the pectoralis muscle.
- Subglandular: Above the chest muscle and directly beneath the breast tissue. It may offer a quicker recovery and greater upper-breast fullness but requires enough tissue to cover the implant.
- Submuscular: Beneath the chest muscle. It provides more tissue coverage and may reduce visible rippling.
- Dual plane: Partly beneath the chest muscle and partly beneath the breast gland. It can create a natural upper-breast slope with greater fullness in the lower breast.
Who This Surgery Suits
- You are 18 or over, in good general health, and not pregnant or breastfeeding. We ask patients to wait about six months after breastfeeding ends so the breast has settled to its resting size.
- Your weight has been stable. Significant weight change after surgery will change your result, and it affects grafted fat most of all.
- You do not smoke, or you can stop six weeks before surgery and stay off it six weeks after. Nicotine narrows blood vessels, slows healing, and reduces how much grafted fat survives.
- You can describe what you want in terms of proportion and fit. Cup sizes are not standardised between brands, so we plan in cc and chest measurements instead.
This may not be the right procedure if your main concern is sagging rather than volume, if someone else is pushing the decision, or if you have a breast symptom your family doctor has not yet investigated.
What The Day Looks Like
- Before
Nothing to eat or drink after the time you are given. Your surgeon marks you standing up and confirms the plan with you while you are awake. - Anesthetic
General, given by an anesthesiologist. You are asleep for the whole procedure. - Surgery
One to two hours for implants, two to three if fat transfer is included. Implants go in through a funnel so they are never handled directly, and the pocket is irrigated with antibiotic solution before closing. - After
A few hours in recovery, then home in a post-surgical bra. An adult needs to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Week by Week Recovery
Days 1–3
The first 24 hours are mainly about allowing the anesthetic and other medications to clear your system. Rest, take your prescribed medication and keep activity light. Nausea, tightness, swelling and lower energy are normal during early recovery.
Week 1
Continue resting and avoid lifting, strenuous activity and unnecessary upper-body movement. Some patients with desk-based jobs may return to work within the first week, but others need more time depending on their energy and discomfort.
Weeks 2–4
Most patients feel significantly better around the two-week mark, although recovery between two and six weeks varies. Light daily activities can gradually resume, but avoid chest exercises, upper-body workouts and running during the first month. If you had fat transfer, continue following instructions for your compression garment and donor areas.
Week 6
If your incisions have healed well, you can usually return to exercise, swimming and more strenuous activities. Introduce activity gradually, listen to your body and wear a supportive bra during vigorous exercise.
Weeks 8–12
By around eight weeks, most patients feel close to their usual energy level. Swelling continues to settle, so wait until this stage before purchasing new bras or judging your final size.
Months 3–12
Your breasts continue to soften and settle as swelling decreases and scars mature. Results generally become more stable between three and twelve months. Follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor your healing throughout the first year.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Every operation carries risk. You should hear about these now, not on a consent form the morning of surgery.
- Capsular contracture
Scar tissue tightens around the implant and the breast becomes firm. It is the most common reason for revision surgery. Careful sterile technique lowers the rate. No surgeon can rule it out. - Changes in nipple sensation
Usually temporary. Occasionally permanent. Reported in up to 15 percent of patients. - Implant rupture
Modern cohesive silicone holds its shape when the shell fails, so a rupture is often silent and found on imaging. Saline deflates visibly. - Bleeding, infection, poor scarring
Uncommon, and usually manageable, but each can require a second procedure. - BIA-ALCL
A rare lymphoma associated with textured implants. We do not use textured implants. - Fat transfer specifically
Some grafted fat does not survive and can leave firm areas or oil cysts. These are harmless but they appear on mammograms, so tell your radiologist you have had fat grafting. - Revision
Implants are not lifetime devices. Assume further surgery is possible at some point.
Implants do not prevent breast cancer screening. Tell the imaging centre you have implants so they use displacement views.
How Our Surgeons Reduce the Risk of Capsular Contracture
Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae carefully select the implant type, incision and placement based on each patient’s anatomy. Surgery is performed in an accredited facility, followed by detailed aftercare and regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and identify concerns early.
During your consultation, your surgeon will explain the steps used to reduce the risk of capsular contracture and protect your long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the cost of breast augmentation surgery in Toronto and Burlington?
The cost includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, use of an accredited surgical facility and postoperative care. During your consultation at our clinic, our team will explain the expected costs based on your personalized treatment plan.
What is the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline implants contain sterile salt water and can be adjusted during surgery. Silicone implants contain cohesive silicone gel and generally feel more similar to natural breast tissue. They are also less likely to produce visible rippling.
How do I choose the right breast implant size?
During your consultation your surgeon will consider your body frame, existing breast tissue, lifestyle and desired results. You can also try implant sizers and discuss the amount of volume and projection you want.
How long does breast augmentation surgery take?
Breast augmentation surgery typically takes between one to two hours to complete. The duration can vary depending on the specifics of the procedure, such as the type of implants used and the surgical technique employed.
What is the recovery timeline after breast augmentation?
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within five to seven days. Swelling gradually decreases over the following weeks, and many patients can resume exercise after approximately six weeks when cleared by their surgeon. Final results generally become visible within three to six months.
When will I see my final breast augmentation results?
You will notice an immediate change in breast volume, but swelling and implant positioning will continue to change during recovery. The implants gradually settle into a more natural position, with final results generally becoming visible within three to six months.
Will breast augmentation leave visible scars?
Breast augmentation requires an incision, so some scarring is expected. Incisions may be placed beneath the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. Your surgeon will recommend an incision location that helps keep the scar as discreet as possible.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, but they do not need to be replaced according to a fixed schedule. Replacement may be recommended if an implant ruptures, shifts, causes discomfort or no longer matches your aesthetic goals.
Can breast augmentation be combined with another surgery?
Yes. Breast augmentation can be combined with procedures such as a breast lift, tummy tuck or liposuction when appropriate. Combining procedures may address multiple concerns during one operation, but suitability depends on your health, anatomy and treatment goals. Your surgeon will recommend the safest approach during your consultation.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Many patients can breastfeed after breast augmentation, but this can depend on their anatomy, incision location and surgical technique. If you plan to breastfeed, discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation in Toronto and Burlington.
Contact Us
We’re here to assist you with cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery consultations in Toronto, Burlington, and surrounding Ontario communities like Hamilton, Oakville, Milton, Waterdown, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, Yorkville, and Midtown Toronto.
Plastic Surgeons in Toronto
- Address (St. Michael’s Hospital): 30 Bond Street, Martin Family Center, B1 (Ground Level), Donnelly Wing, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Phone: +1 416-638-3499
- Email: info@mcraeplasticsurgery.com
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM, Friday: 8 AM – 3 PM, Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Fax Line for Referrals: 416-637-7608
Plastic Surgeons in Burlington
- Address: 4300 Upper Middle Road, Unit #2, Burlington, Ontario L7M 4P6
- Phone: +1 416-638-3499
- Email: info@mcraeplasticsurgery.com