Breast Augmentation Calgary: Cost, Recovery & Consultation | art&fact

If you've ever found yourself with ten browser tabs open researching breast augmentation, you already know the challenge isn't a lack of information. It's the overwhelming amount of it. Between medical terminology and marketing messages, finding clear, transparent answers can feel surprisingly difficult.

Most patients starting this journey tend to ask the exact same questions:

At art&fact, a surgeon-led plastic surgery and medical aesthetics clinic in Calgary, Alberta, breast augmentation is performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons, who believe transparency is the foundation of patient care. Here are the honest answers to the questions we hear most.

How does breast augmentation surgery work?

Breast augmentation is not one size fits all, but rather takes a more individualized approach. It is a surgery designed to increase volume, refine shape, restore fullness, or correct natural asymmetry. 

There are a number of reasons why patients opt for this surgery. For many, it is about restoring the volume changes that naturally occur after pregnancy or significant weight loss.  Oftentimes patients opt for this surgery to correct asymmetry or achieve more proportional results. And of course some may want to enhance their breast shape and volume. No two patients have the exact same goals, and that's exactly what makes every breast augmentation different.

During surgery at our accredited surgical facility, Cambrian Surgical Centre, your plastic surgeon places an incision in a location that helps conceal it within the natural creases of the breast, minimizing visible scarring. A pocket is then created where the breast implant is positioned, balancing your aesthetic goals with the natural contours of your chest wall. 

At art&fact, we build our reputation on honesty. If surgery isn't the right option at all, we'll tell you. We value the right outcome over recommending surgery. Every plan at art&fact is personalized.

What to expect at your Calgary breast augmentation consultation

So, you’ve decided you’re interested in a breast augmentation. What’s next? 

Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with one of our surgeons at art&fact, our Calgary clinic. Together, we will map out your surgical plan, discuss anesthesia choices, select implant options, and establish a realistic timeline for your post-operative recovery.

It’s a good idea to come to your consultation with a general idea of what you'd like to achieve, but if you're not sure that's completely okay. Many patients arrive apologizing for bringing a long list of questions. At art&fact, that is precisely what the consultation is for.  It is designed to answer questions, explore your options, and help you decide what feels right for you, all in a pressure-free environment.

One of the biggest misconceptions about breast augmentation is that it’s all about choosing an implant size. In reality, that's only one piece of the planning process. Our surgeons will evaluate your breast anatomy, discuss your goals, and help determine the approach that best aligns with your expectations. Your surgeon may recommend breast augmentation with implants, breast augmentation with fat grafting, breast lift (mastopexy), or a combination of procedures. 

Breast Implants vs Fat Grafting vs Breast Lift 

Breast Implants Fat Grafting Breast Lift
(Mastopexy)
Best for Increasing breast size and fullness Subtle volume enhancement using your own fat Lifting and reshaping sagging breasts and correcting asymmetry
How it works A breast implant is placed through an incision Fat is removed by liposuction, purified, and injected into the breasts Excess skin is removed and the surrounding tissue is tightened
Size increase Significant Modest No added volume
Can be combined? Yes, with a breast lift Yes, with a breast lift Yes, with implants or fat grafting

Breast augmentation recovery and post-op care

Recovery after breast augmentation generally takes about four to six weeks, although healing continues beyond this point. During that time, bruising will subside within two to four weeks after surgery. If your day-to-day routine involves a desk-based job, you can generally expect to return to work after about one week. If your job is more physically demanding, you may require additional time before returning.
At your consultation, your surgeon will give you a personalized recovery plan, along with specific guidance on incision care and wearing your post-surgical compression garment.

Your post-surgical compression garment plays an important role in protecting your results. It helps keep the implants in their intended position while the pocket heals over the first three months after surgery. During this time, following your surgeon's activity restrictions is just as important. Excessive strain on the chest muscles can increase the risk of the implant shifting before healing is complete.

What does a breast augmentation cost in Calgary?

Because every breast augmentation is tailored to each patient’s goals and anatomy, pricing is confirmed at your consultation once your surgeon has mapped out exactly what your plan involves. For reference, a breast augmentation at art&fact starts at $13,800 plus GST. 

Your consultation concludes with a completely transparent, written treatment plan with exact pricing before you make any decision. This quote will include all surgical, facility, and anesthesia fees clearly, ensuring you have all the facts before making any decision.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral for breast augmentation?

No. Breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by Alberta Health Care. You do not need a referral from your family physician to book a consultation. Simply call (403) 800-9157 or book a consultation through our contact page.

Can you get a mammogram with breast implants?

Yes. But breast implants can change the way mammography is done to detect breast cancer. When you request a mammogram it is recommended you ask if the technicians are experienced in special techniques used to get a reliable image of a breast with an implant.

Can you breastfeed after a breast augmentation with implants?

Many women are able to successfully breastfeed after breast augmentation with implants. However, no surgeon can guarantee that breastfeeding ability will be unaffected, as milk production is influenced by many factors unrelated to surgery. If breastfeeding is important to you, be sure to discuss your plans during your consultation so your surgeon can consider this when planning your procedure.

How long do breast implants last?

While no medical device can be guaranteed to last forever, modern breast implants are designed to be extremely durable and no longer have a set expiration date. Many patients enjoy their implants for 10 to 20 years or longer without any issues. Rather than replacing implants on a fixed schedule, replacement is generally only recommended if you develop a complication, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture, or if your aesthetic goals change over time. 

Who performs the surgery at art&fact?

Breast augmentation surgery at art&fact is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. You can meet the full team on our About Us Page.

Book a breast augmentation consultation in Calgary

If you're researching breast augmentation, the next step is a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain your options honestly so you can make an informed decision.

art&fact is located at 2403 33 Avenue SW in Calgary's Marda Loop. Call (403) 800-9157 or book a consultation through our contact page.

We look forward to meeting you!

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