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Breast Implants (Augmentation)
Breast Augmentation with breast implants is one of our most popular surgical procedures. The procedure is highly personalized around your body and preferences, with many opportunities for customization. Dr. Kim Meathrel brings two decades of plastic surgery experience and pairs her surgical experience with a refined, natural aesthetic.
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are medical devices placed beneath either the breast tissue or the chest muscle to add volume to the breasts and improve their symmetry and shape. Implants have a silicone outer shell filled with either sterile saltwater (saline) or silicone gel. During each breast implant consultation, Dr. Meathrel selects the appropriate implant type and size based on your existing tissue and chest measurements, always allowing your goals for the surgery to guide her decisionmaking.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Implants?
Breast augmentation improves a range of concerns related to breast size, shape and balance, including:
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Naturally small breast volume
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Lost fullness after pregnancy or breastfeeding
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Deflation following weight loss
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Noticeable size or shape differences between the two sides
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Breasts with less upper pole fullness
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Shape and volume changes from aging
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Reconstruction after mastectomy or injury
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A chest that feels out of proportion with the hips and shoulders
The Bespoke Approach to Breast Implants
Dr. Meathrel has practiced in Kingston since 2006 and was one of the first surgeons to introduce advanced aesthetic technology to the region. She has a long-term perspective on how breast results hold up over time and always plans her surgeries based on how they will look both right after the surgery and years later.
Dr. Meathrel starts by understanding her patients and their aesthetic goals. She works to create a beautiful and natural-looking result, both in motion and at rest, with results that age predictably and preserve options for future surgery or treatments.
Meet Dr. Meathrel
Dr. Kim Meathrel has served Kingston since 2006. She combines world-class expertise with a sophisticated aesthetic eye, integrity, restraint, and respect for each patient’s unique identity.
“I aim to ensure that every intervention enhances who you already are, and supports how you live. Your face, body, and confidence are not replaceable.”
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Certified Plastic Surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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Undergraduate — BSc (Biology), Queen’s University, Kingston
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Medical School — MD, Queen’s University, Kingston
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Residency — Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton
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Burn Trauma Fellowship — Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto
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Cosmetic Plastic Surgery — Mentorship under Dr. Lloyd Carlsen, Toronto
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implants?
The ideal candidate for breast implants is a healthy individual with realistic expectations desiring to enhance or restore their natural breasts. Considerations for this surgery include:
Patient Concerns
Patients who consider this treatment:
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Have naturally small breasts
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Have lost volume or shape after pregnancy or breastfeeding
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Notice asymmetry between sides
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Want to restore their breasts after mastectomy or injury
Patient Age
Implants are available to adults whose breasts have finished developing. The exact age will depend on the individual case and what type of breast implant is being used.
Patient Anatomy
Dr. Meathrel considers factors such as chest width, breast width, skin elasticity and the amount of natural tissue present to determine both overall candidacy and the type of breast implant that would be best for each person.
Physical Health
One of the most important considerations for any surgery is the health of the patient. Patients need to be non-smokers who are in stable health. Conditions that affect circulation, healing or anesthesia tolerance raise surgical risk and may be a reason that Dr. Meathrel will not perform the surgery.
Proper Expectations
Implants enhance shape and volume but cannot lift sagging tissue or stop future changes from aging, weight shifts or pregnancy. Understanding what breast augmentation can and cannot do will impact your satisfaction after the surgery. It is also important to have a complete understanding of where scars will be after surgery and how much volume can be expected to be gained.
Treatment and Surgical History
Prior breast surgery, previous implants, scarring and planned future pregnancy and breastfeeding are all considerations for this surgery. They are important to discuss with Dr. Meathrel and may affect the timing of the surgery or whether it is suitable overall.
What to Expect From Breast Augmentation With Dr. Meathrel
Consultation
During your consultation, you will go over important information, including the type of implant that is appropriate for you and the right size for your desired results. Dr. Meathrel will explain all of your options in detail and let you know what she recommends for your situation. For patients who want extra support before or after surgery, registered psychotherapist Katherine Kennedy practices within the clinic.
Preparation
Preparation will start several weeks before your surgery. You will need to stop smoking and all other nicotine products at least four weeks in advance. Blood-thinning medications and supplements will also need to be paused a week before surgery to limit bleeding and bruising. At a pre-operative appointment, you will finalize paperwork and confirm your implant selection. You will also need to arrange a ride home and have someone stay with you for the first night.
Procedure
Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia and takes one to three hours. Dr. Meathrel will make the incision, usually in the breast fold, and create a pocket either above or below the chest muscle. Once there is a space for the implant, she will position it, making adjustments until the breasts are as symmetrical as possible. She will close the incisions with techniques that support healing and minimize scarring. You will return home once you are stable and comfortable.
What Breast Implant Options Are Available?
Types of Implants
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Saline Implants: Filled with sterile salt water. In case of rupture, the body absorbs the fluid.
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Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel. They feel more natural but require regular monitoring (MRI or ultrasound) to check for leaks.
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Gummy Bear Implants: Form-stable silicone implants that retain shape even if the outer shell breaks.
Size and Shape
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Proportion to Body Frame: Implants should complement body shape and proportions.
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Round vs. Teardrop (Anatomical): Round implants provide more fullness at the top, while teardrop implants mimic natural breast shape.
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Volume and Projection: Implants vary in how much they project from the chest, affecting overall appearance.
Incision Options
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Inframammary: Under the breast fold.
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Periareolar: Around the areola.
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Transaxillary: Through the armpit.
Placement Options
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Subglandular (over the muscle): Faster recovery but may show rippling.
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Submuscular (under the muscle): More natural look, less rippling, but longer recovery.
Bespoke
bi-ˈspōk
Specially made for a particular person
"Bespoke means built around you. Your anatomy, your concerns, your goals, your timeline, your life. We don't work from a menu, cookie-cutter packages or rigid protocols, and we don't recommend the same plan twice. Your treatment plan is shaped by what we see and hear during your consultation, backed by the sound judgment and long-term thinking that only come from years of experience. That is the standard we hold ourselves to for every patient, every time."
— Dr. Kim Meathrel, Plastic Surgeon & Medical Director
What Is Recovery Like After Breast Implants?
The downtime for breast augmentation can vary depending on the specific techniques used and the patient's individual healing process. You will need at least 5-7 days off, depending on your job type. This will be longer for physically demanding jobs.
Rest is essential. Light walking is encouraged, but avoid strenuous activity. Expect soreness, swelling and tightness. Prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers are typically needed for the first few days. Patients will need to sleep on their back, slightly elevated, to reduce swelling and avoid pressure on the chest.
Key Considerations
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Desk Jobs: Return in 5-7 days.
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Physical Jobs: 3-4 weeks off or more if heavy lifting is involved
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Full Recovery: It can take 3-6 months for the implants to fully settle and scars to fade.
One to Two Weeks
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Return to Light Work: Most people can return to non-physical work after one week.
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Driving: Resume driving after stopping narcotic pain medications (typically around day 5-7).
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Light Activity: Walking is encouraged, but avoid lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds.
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No Arm Lifting: Avoid raising your arms above your shoulders.
Three to Four Weeks
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Light Exercise: Light lower body workouts can resume, but avoid chest exercises, running, or high-impact activities.
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Gradual Return to Daily Tasks: Most normal activities (like shopping, light cleaning) can resume by week 3, but avoid heavy lifting.
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Bra Support: Continue wearing a supportive or surgical bra.
Four to Six Weeks
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Resume Moderate Exercise: You can return to most types of physical activity, but chest-specific exercises should still be limited.
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No Heavy Lifting: Avoid lifting anything heavier than 15-20 pounds until cleared by your surgeon.
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Swimming/Hot Tubs: Usually allowed around 4-6 weeks if incisions are fully healed.
Six to Eight Weeks:
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Full Activity: Most patients can return to their normal exercise routines, including weightlifting and upper body workouts.
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Final Stages of Healing: Implants continue to settle ("drop and fluff"), and swelling subsides significantly.
What Results Can You Expect From Breast Implants?
Immediately after your surgery, your implants will sit high and firm on your chest. Over the following weeks, they will soften and descend into a natural position, a settling process surgeons often call the “drop and fluff.” You will see your final shape around three to six months, once swelling has a chance to resolve and the tissue relaxes around the implant. Scars will fully mature over 12-18 months.
Are There Alternatives to Breast Augmentation?
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Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation (Natural Breast Augmentation): Fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction. The fat is purified and injected into the breasts to enhance volume and shape.
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Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening tissue. A breast lift can restore perkiness but does not increase volume.
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Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis (RFAL): BodyTite uses radiofrequency energy to heat and tighten the skin and underlying tissue. BodyTite can be used on breasts, but it’s typically for breast tightening and lifting rather than significant augmentation or size increase.
Can I Combine Breast Augmentation With Other Procedures?
Implants pair well with breast lift surgery when sagging accompanies volume loss, since the implant adds size while the lift repositions the tissue and nipple. Fat transfer can refine the upper edges of an implant for patients who want a smoother transition. Augmentation can also be combined with body contouring surgeries such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, a combination frequently chosen after pregnancy or weight loss. Combining surgeries means one time under anesthesia and one recovery period.
Book Your Breast Implant Consultation in Kingston
Breast implants can restore volume and make your breasts symmetrical. If you are interested in learning more, Dr. Kim Meathrel would love to hear from you. You can book online or contact Bespoke Skin MD at 613-549-7546.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation
Are there any risks or complications associated with breast implants?
Every surgery comes with certain risks, which you can discuss in detail with Dr. Meathrel during your consultation. Examples include:
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Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue forming around the implant, causing firmness or distortion.
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Rupture or Leakage: Implants can break over time, requiring replacement.
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Infection: Post-surgery infection risk.
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Breast Pain and Numbness: Possible after surgery.
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Implant Illness: Some report systemic symptoms, known as Breast Implant Illness (BII).
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BIA-ALCL: A rare cancer linked to textured implants.
How long do breast implants last?
Implants are not lifetime devices; they typically last 10-20 years. Regular check-ups and imaging are necessary to monitor implant condition.
Will I have scars after breast augmentation?
Yes, your incisions will leave scars, but Dr. Meathrel places them in discreet locations, most often in the fold beneath the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. These positions hide scars within your body’s natural contours. Early scars look pink and firm, then fade to thin, pale lines over roughly a year.
How much do breast implants cost?
Cost is determined during your consultation and will depend on the implant type, surgical technique, anesthesia, facilities fees and whether any other procedures are combined. Your plan is built around your individual anatomy and goals, and Dr. Meathrel provides a personalized quote before you commit to the surgery. Cosmetic breast augmentation is not covered by OHIP; reconstruction after mastectomy may qualify for coverage.