What breast implants are available in Canada?

If you are undergoing breast augmentation in Canada, chances are you will end up with a smooth round breast implant.  These are the most commonly used breast implants and consist of a silicone shell and are filled with either a cohesive silicone gel (aka “gummy bear implant”) or a saline (salt water) solution.  They can come in varying projections (low, moderate, full or high), and in the case of silicone varying cohesiveness (i.e. harder or softer) but are always round.

“Tear drop” shaped implants are rarely used anymore due to issues with surface texturing.  What does that mean?  A textured surface is when the implant has a rough surface.  There are different types of texturing – macro (very rough), micro (less rough) and nano.  Macro and micro textured implants are designed to have the implant stick in place which is important when it has a fixed shape such as a tear drop.  Unfortunately there was found to be a rare but real risk of cancer with macro-textured implants and as a result they were taken off the market in Canada.  Nano-textured implants on the other hand (such a Motiva®) prevent the formation of capsule (or layer of scar tissue) around the implant.  Currently Motiva® are NOT available for use in Canada.

Manufacturers available in Canada are Allergan, Mentor and Sientra.  Any breast implant approved for use in Canada must adhere to very high safety standards.  While there are many different types of breast implants developed for the global market, only a select few are approved for use in Canada.

So how do you know what implant to choose?  A board certified plastic surgeon will help guide you in terms of what implant will give you the best result for your breast augmentation.  Surgeons may have preferences in regards to the manufacturer they use however, again, all products approved for use in Canada can deliver excellent results.  Size and shape is influenced by your goals and anatomy. Fill (i.e. saline vs silicone) is often decided by personal preference.  A board certified plastic surgeon will help guide you to pick the breast implants that will give you the best result.