If you are a male with the aesthetic goal of enhancing or augmenting the size and shape of your chest but exercise has failed to do so, you may be a candidate for chest implants. Alternatively, if you suffer from a muscle deficiency that has prevented your pectoralis muscles from developing normally, this procedure may be a solution for you.

If you believe that chest implants could be a viable option for you, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and treatment options. Ideal candidates are physically healthy males, non-smokers, and do not have any medical conditions that may impede the healing process.

When you schedule a consultation with the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, you will meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will review your medical history, perform an evaluation, and talk with you about your aesthetic goals. If your surgeon determines that pectoral augmentation is the best course of treatment for you, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss all aspects of the process, including recovery, cost, and potential risks associated with the procedure. If you have any questions regarding any of these points, the consultation is the best time to ask.

When you make the decision to undergo chest implant surgery, your plastic surgeon will take measurements of your upper body and determine the right size and shape of your implants, which are customized to fit each individual. Implants are typically made of solid silicone that is fairly soft and flexible, and because they are not gel or liquid, there is no risk of tearing or leaking.

On the day of the procedure, a general anesthetic will be administered to ensure comfort. Then small incisions are made in the axilla (the arm pit) in order to hide any potential scarring that may occur.

Surgical tools are inserted into the incision to create a pocket between the chest muscles, and the implant is placed. After your surgeon examines the chest to ensure symmetry and the correct positioning of the implant, the incision is closed with sutures and the process is repeated on the opposite side.

A compression bandage may be applied to the implant sites to ensure that they do not shift during the healing process. In some cases, a drain may be placed at the incisions to remove any excess fluid.

Swelling and bruising at the incision sites and the chest are normal after pectoral implant surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication and give you post-surgical care instructions.

You can expect your chest muscles to feel sore and stiff for at least a week after the procedure. Avoid rigorous activity until your plastic surgeon clears you to return to your normal level of activity, typically between one to two months after chest implant surgery.

Chest implants are long-lasting and the full results will be apparent after swelling and bruising subside, typically around six weeks after the procedure is performed. The incision sites are hidden in the underarm to conceal any scarring.

Since the incisions are small and the implants are usually made of solid silicone, complications from chest implant surgery are infrequent. There are, however, potential risks associated with any surgical procedure. The risks associated with pectoral implants may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Hematoma (blood clot)
• Changes in skin sensation
• Nerve damage

The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago takes every precaution to mitigate these risks whenever possible by employing the safest and most innovative techniques. You can further minimize risk by following all instructions given by your plastic surgeon.

Costs for chest implant surgery will vary according to a variety of factors, including the type, size, and shape of the implants, as well as your specific location, the surgeon performing the procedure, and the surgical center at which the procedure is performed.

Be sure to discuss all associated costs with your plastic surgeon during your consultation and ask about payment options. Health insurance providers rarely cover the cost of chest implant surgery because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.

If you are unhappy with the size, shape, or contour of your chest and regular exercise has not yielded results, chest implants may be a solution for you. When you call the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago to schedule a consultation, you will speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon that will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process and your aesthetic goals.

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.