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

In order 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.

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.

TYPE OF BREAST IMPLANTS

There are several breast implant options available in the market, including Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra. Each of these brands has its own unique features, and it’s essential to know the differences between them to choose the one that suits your needs best.

Allergan breast implants are made from a silicone shell that is filled with saline or silicone gel. The company offers a wide range of implant sizes and shapes, including round, teardrop, and contoured implants. Allergan implants have a textured surface, which can help reduce the risk of implant movement and provide a more natural feel.

Mentor breast implants are also made from a silicone shell that is filled with saline or silicone gel. The company offers a range of implant sizes and shapes, including round, teardrop, and contoured implants. Mentor implants have a smooth surface, which can provide a more natural look and feel.

Sientra breast implants are made from a unique type of silicone called High-Strength Cohesive (HSC) silicone gel. Sientra implants have a textured surface, which can help reduce the risk of implant movement and provide a more natural feel. The company offers a range of implant sizes and shapes, including round, teardrop, and contoured implants.

During your consultation, Dr. Patel will be able to help you choose the best option based on your desired outcome.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CONSULTATION

When you schedule a consultation with the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, you will speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon, who will thoroughly review your medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. Any previous surgeries or preexisting medical conditions you may have will be discussed.

Your plastic surgeon will examine and measure your breasts, including the size, shape, skin quality, and nipple position. Photographs are usually taken at this stage in order to perform a full evaluation and choose appropriately sized implants. Your plastic surgeon will work with you to determine the best course of treatment to reach your ideal aesthetic goals.

You and your plastic surgeon will discuss any and all aspects of the procedure, including recovery and any potential risks associated with breast augmentation. 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 IS BREAST AUGMENTATION 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. 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 with 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 AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, so in most cases, patients are able to return home 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 is normal for a few weeks following surgery, and you should avoid any rigorous exercise or exertion until your doctor clears you to return to your normal level of activity.

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 be sure to 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 suture removal time 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 will 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.

My visit with Dr. Patel was my first breast augmentation consultation. I was nervous but I did my due diligence researching the best plastic surgeons in Chicago. Dr. Patel blew me away with his down to earth demeanor and bed side manner. He was very informative and explained to me what would best fit what I was hoping for. After my consultation, I was at ease with the whole process and the plan. There aren’t words to express how grateful and happy I am with your expertise, attention to detail, and perfection. You helped me choose the right size for my body. I am elated with my new body and improved self-image. Thank you so much for being so kind and available for me after the surgery.

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 of a breast augmentation 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. It is rare that your health insurance provider will cover any of the costs associated with a breast augmentation.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Dr. Patel is one of the top breast augmentation surgeons in Chicago. Our goal is to help you not only look but 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.