At Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures. Breast augmentation, also known by the technical term augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to enhance the size and projection of the breasts by implant or fat transfer. It can also correct breast asymmetry.
Patients know that Dr. Patel is one of the best breast implant surgeons in Chicago.
Contrary to popular belief, breast augmentation is useful for more than just increasing cup size; it can also restore the balance between the shape of the hips and breasts, enhance breast fullness, and improve the contours of your chest.
If you are interested in addressing the shape of your breasts as well as their size, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift. This combination procedure is known as augmentation mastopexy.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. Whether you desire fuller curves or wish to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes, breast implants in Chicago and fat transfer breast augmentation are popular options that can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Key Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Choosing breast augmentation surgery offers a multitude of benefits beyond simply increasing breast size. These include:
- Enhanced Body Proportions: Breast augmentation can create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
- Increased Self-Confidence: Many patients experience a significant boost in self-esteem and body image after the procedure.
- Improved Clothing Fit: Clothes may fit better and look more flattering.
- Restoration of Breast Volume: Breast augmentation can restore volume lost due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
- Correction of Asymmetry: The procedure can address uneven breast size or shape.
Got a breast augmentation with Dr.Patel and they are literally perfect. He listened to exactly what I wanted and made sure I got the best possible outcome. I was really worried about them potentially being too big or looking off and he made sure to work with me to get the perfect result. The process was incredibly smooth and everyone at the clinic is incredibly friendly. Highly recommend! – Alma
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, and patient satisfaction is generally very high. You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if any of the following apply to you:
• Your breasts have lost volume after weight reduction
• Your breasts have lost shape and volume after pregnancy
• You are unhappy with the size or contours of your breasts
• Your breasts are asymmetrical (one is larger than the other)
• One or both breasts did not develop normally
To be an ideal candidate for breast augmentation, you should be in generally good physical health, a non-smoker, and not have medical conditions that may impede the healing process. We recommend smoking cessation six weeks before and after surgery.
You should not be pregnant or nursing, and your breasts should be fully developed. If you plan to have children after the procedure, you should speak with Dr. Patel about the potential complications associated with breastfeeding after breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Implants Available
Several breast implant options are available in the market, including Allergan and Mentor. Each brand has its own unique features, and it’s essential to know the differences between them to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Allergan breast implants are made from a silicone shell filled with saline or silicone gel. The company offers a wide range of implant sizes and shapes, including round, teardrop, and contoured implants. Their textured surface can help reduce the risk of implant movement and provide a more natural feel.
Mentor breast implants are also made from a silicone shell filled with saline or silicone gel. The company offers a range of implant sizes and shapes, including round, teardrop, and contoured implants. Their smooth surface can provide a more natural look and feel.
During your consultation, Dr. Patel can help you choose the best option based on your desired outcome.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
When you schedule a consultation with the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, you will speak with Dr. Parit A. Patel, a board-certified plastic surgeon, who will thoroughly review your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. Any previous surgeries or preexisting medical conditions you may have will be discussed.
Dr. Patel will examine and measure your breasts, including the size, shape, skin quality, and nipple position. Photographs are usually taken at this stage to perform a full evaluation and choose appropriately sized implants. Dr. Patel will work with you to determine the best course of treatment to reach your ideal aesthetic goals.
All aspects of the procedure, including recovery and potential risks associated with breast augmentation, will be discussed. If you have any questions about any of these factors, you should not hesitate to ask; the consultation is the best time to have all your questions answered.
How Breast Augmentation Surgery Is Performed
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
Breast augmentation can be performed by inserting implants or by performing fat grafting. Breast fat grafting is the process of taking excess fat from other parts of the body, purifying it, and injecting it into the breasts to give them more volume with a natural appearance and feel.
To begin breast augmentation with implants, a general anesthetic is administered. Then Dr. Patel will make incisions in places on the body that make it easiest to conceal any potential scarring.
Dr. Patel will discuss the placement of incisions with you ahead of time; most commonly, the incisions are made in the armpit, in the fold under the breast, or along the edge of the areola. The type of breast implant and implant size may also influence the placement of incisions.
The implants are inserted either behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or over it, just behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement). This also depends on the implant type and can be further influenced by the degree of enlargement.
Implants may be filled with silicone or saline. You can consult Dr. Patel regarding the different implant types and what would be preferable based on your aesthetic goals.
Silicone implants are gel-filled and, according to many patients, tend to feel and look more natural. Saline implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They are generally less expensive than silicone implants and tend to be more adjustable.
Once the implants are placed and the surgeon performs a final examination to ensure symmetry and the correct positioning, the incisions are closed with sutures. The results of breast augmentation surgery are apparent immediately following the procedure, and scarring is usually minimal and concealed.
Recovery Timeline After Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, so in most cases, patients can return home on the day of surgery. Elastic bandages or a support bra are usually necessary following the procedure to keep swelling to a minimum and to support the breasts as they heal.
Dr. Patel will prescribe pain medication and issue post-surgical care instructions to ensure a safe breast augmentation recovery. It is very important to follow all instructions precisely to avoid any complications.
Swelling and bruising are normal for a few weeks following surgery, and you should avoid vigorous exercise or exertion until your doctor clears you to return to your normal activity level.
WHAT ARE THE AFTERCARE STEPS FOLLOWING A BREAST AUGMENTATION?
After breast augmentation surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions for how to care for your new breasts. These instructions may vary depending on the type of surgery you had, but they will generally include:
- Resting and avoiding strenuous activities for the first week. You may resume normal activity after that time, but avoid heavy lifting and contact sports.
- Elevating your arms above your head and keeping them elevated for at least 24 hours after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and pain.
- Taking any prescribed pain medication as directed by your doctor or as needed to control discomfort. You may also need to take antibiotics before having any sutures removed in order to prevent infection at the incision site(s).
- Avoiding smoking until after sutures have been removed because it can increase blood clotting and cause more bleeding than usual during the suture removal period. Also, avoid alcohol consumption while taking antibiotics, as it could interfere with their effectiveness against bacterial infections.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush out any debris from under your skin and keep yourself well hydrated. This will also help reduce swelling and bruising.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED RESULTS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
After a breast augmentation, the breasts will look larger and have increased projection and improved symmetry. The results of breast augmentation surgery are dependent on a few factors. The size and shape of your breasts and the type of implant you choose will all affect the look of your new breasts.
HOW MUCH DOES A BREAST AUGMENTATION COST IN CHICAGO?
The cost of a Chicago breast augmentation depends largely on the surgeon and the patient’s needs. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost is around $6,000, though it can range up to $9,500 depending on the technique and implants used.
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago provides every patient with a detailed breakdown of costs after an initial consultation. Your health insurance provider will rarely cover any of the costs associated with a breast augmentation.
Why Choose Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago
At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we proudly offer expert breast augmentation services led by Dr. Parit A. Patel, a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his skill and compassionate care. All surgical procedures are performed at top Chicago hospitals and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers, which adhere to the highest standards of safety and care.
Dr. Patel and his team provide detailed post-surgical care instructions and ongoing support for a smooth and comfortable recovery. Whether you prefer traditional breast implants or fat transfer breast augmentation for a more natural enhancement, we offer the latest options backed by advanced technology.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Can breast implants affect mammogram results?
Yes, breast implants can sometimes make it more difficult to interpret mammogram results. It's essential to inform your mammography technician that you have implants so they can use special techniques for accurate screening.
How long will my breast implants last?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. While some implants can last for many years, you will likely need to have them replaced or removed at some point in your life.
Will my scars be visible after surgery?
Scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure. However, our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize scarring. Scars will fade over time and can be further improved with scar treatment options.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Dr. Patel is one of the top breast augmentation surgeons in Chicago. Our goal is to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself. We understand that the decision to undergo breast augmentation is a deeply personal one, and we strive for the highest levels of patient satisfaction in everything we do.
If you have any questions or concerns about breast augmentation, or you believe you are a good candidate for the procedure and would like to speak to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Parit Patel, contact us to schedule a consultation.