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Breast Augmentation Surgery in Chicago, IL

Dr. Otto Placik is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and is considered one of the best Surgeons for Breast Augmentation Surgery in Chicago Illinois. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and is known to provide some of the best breast augmentation results. Having helped thousands of women accomplish their aesthetic goals through cosmetic surgery, he has become a known leader in the field of breast enlargement surgery and offers a wide array of surgical options to increase the size of your breasts via implants or fat transfer breast augmentation. Interested in taking the next step? You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Placik at one of his Chicago-based offices to start your breast augmentation journey today!

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure where breast implants are placed in the breasts to increase the size and improve the shape and symmetry of your breasts. A breast augmentation procedure is often sought after by women who experience substantial weight loss or desire larger breasts than their current shape and size. Often referred to as a “boob job” or “breast enlargement.” Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries among women.

Types of Breast Implants

The type of implant a patient chooses truly determines the overall satisfaction depending on your goals. The most popular types of implants to choose from are Saline or Silicone breast implants. A new option called the IDEAL™ breast implant is also available to patients who desire a saline breast implant that looks also looks more natural.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with saltwater. They come from the manufacturer unfilled and will be filled during the breast augmentation procedure, making them more flexible during the surgical procedure. Saline-filled implants also facilitate some more discrete incision styles. Since they come unfilled, they can be adjusted to meet your individual aesthetic goals and even to change for asymmetrical amounts of natural breast tissue. Furthermore, saline implants are extremely safe because the body quickly absorbs the saline if there’s a breast implant rupture.

However, there are some disadvantages of silicone breast implants. The body doesn’t readily absorb silicone, thus becoming one of the greater risks of silicone implants. Additionally, the implants don’t deflate when a silicone implant rupture occurs. While you might feel some chest pains, this is often referred to as a “silent rupture” and only an MRI can detect the rupture. It’s worth noting that the risk of silicone implants is minimal—most patients with breast implants have no trouble with silicone implants.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are considered aesthetically superior, visually and in their feel, to saline breast implants. They are unlikely to show rippling, and silicone gel is more like natural breast tissue than saline solution. Because the implants come pre-filled to an optimum level, silicone gel implants never have fill-related aesthetic defects. Medical-grade silicone gel-filled implants are completely safe. The FDA has determined that the lawsuits surrounding them were primarily a product of fear and had little basis in medical evidence. Therefore, it re-approved them for use in November 2006.

However, there are some disadvantages of silicone breast implants. The body doesn’t readily absorb silicone, thus making becoming one of the greater risks of silicone implants. Additionally, the implants don’t deflate when a silicone implant rupture occurs. While you might feel some chest pains, this is often referred to as a “silent rupture” and only an MRI can detect the rupture. It’s worth noting that the risk of silicone implants is minimal—most patients with breast implants have no trouble with silicone implants.

Who are ideal breast augmentation candidates?

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation surgery should have generally good physical and mental health. Dr. Placik does not perform breast augmentation surgery on patients suffering from poor mental health and will offer recommendations and assess whether or not a breast augmentation is a good fit for you.

Aside from having good health, the following factors make for the best breast augmentation candidates:

  • You are unhappy with your breasts’ size, shape, and symmetry.
  • Potential patients should have realistic expectations from a breast augmentation procedure.
  • If you smoke, patients must be willing to stop smoking before and after breast augmentation surgery.
  • Patients should not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s important to note that while you can breastfeed with implants, there are specific safety measures to consider.
  • Candidates should not have any underlying health issues, such as untreated cancers, infections, or serious illnesses.
  • You have just had breast cancer surgery and want to have reconstructive breast surgery to get an increase in breast volume.

If candidates meet the above recommendations, then patients can expect the best results.

Average Breast Augmentation Cost in Chicago, Illinois

The average Breast Augmentation Cost in Chicago ranges between $6,000 and $9,000. However, many variables go into the cost of breast augmentation in Chicago. The choice of which breast implant and the type of breast augmentation procedure performed will determine the cost of your breast augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

A breast augmentation procedure is performed as an in-office and outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The specific surgical technique depends on several factors, including the breast augmentation type (breast implants or fat grafting), implant material, size, and other factors. Dr. Otto Placik will make the Incision under the breast for breast implants, on the lower border of the nipple/ areola, or the armpit. The patient’s implant is based behind the mammary gland and over, between, or behind the muscles.

After the surgery, the incisions are sutured closed and allowed to heal, and you’re taken to the recovery room.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so most patients can go home on the day of their surgery. The method of enlargement largely determines the specifics of the recovery process. Dr. Placik will discuss post-operative care instructions with you in detail before your surgery day, so you know exactly what to expect. After your surgery, a light compression sports bra as well as surgical tape will be wrapped around your body to support the breasts in the earliest stages of healing.

Although you can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the first few days, you should be able to return to work after about a week. Generally speaking, you should plan on resting and taking it easy for several days after surgery to allow your body to heal correctly. You can resume standard, low-intensity work within weeks after surgery. Although each patient is unique, Dr. Placik will likely advise breast augmentation patients to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercising for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. The total recovery time is roughly 6 weeks and after reaching the 6-week mark, patients will start to see their results from the procedure.

Surgical Incision Areas to Insert Breast Implants

There are four different incision areas on the breast for a plastic surgeon to insert breast implants. Each incision technique has its pros and cons, as explained below.

Inframammary Incision (under the breasts)

An incision, one inch (for saline implants) to two inches (for silicone implants) long, is made in the fold in the shadow under the breast (the underwire location). For several reasons, under-the-breast (inframammary) incision is the most popular style; it is used in 80 percent of surgeries. A pocket is made behind the breast or the pectoral muscle for subglandular or submuscular placement of the breast implant.

The implant is inserted into the pocket. The implant is placed under the breast rather than through the breast. The breast implant is less likely to interfere with the potential for lactation and nursing.

Plastic surgeons and scientists believe the inframammary incision results in the lowest incidence of contamination. The only disadvantage is that there may be noticeable scar tissue under the breast. The scar is far more prominent, especially if there is no defined fold in the breast before the operation or there is no hanging of the breasts overlying the fold. In general, ninety percent of these incisions heal with excellent scars.

Periareolar Incision (around the nipple)

The periareolar incision is made between the areola, where the pigmented portion of the nipple meets the breast. A pocket for the implant is created either behind the breast or behind the pectoral muscle once the incision is made. The implants are inserted and adjusted for symmetry. This incision produces almost universally excellent scars, meaning healing is quick, and scars are minimal. The periareolar approach allows for implant placement either above or below the pectoralis muscle.

The periareolar incision is another potential incision in patients with an average areola (3.5cm or more) because the incision is large enough to allow the insertion of the entire implant. However, some physicians believe it may cause a higher risk of biofilm formation and subsequent capsular contraction. It’s preferred in individuals with a higher risk of hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Axillary (under the armpit)

The axillary incision is made through a crease in the armpit. Occasionally, it requires the insertion of an endoscope, a long tube with a camera that allows Dr. Placik to perform the procedure with a tiny incision when using saline implants. The pocket for the breast implant is made in front of or behind the pectoral muscle.

The primary advantage of this approach is that there are no scars on the breasts. This approach is slightly more uncomfortable in the immediate postoperative period, and this approach is challenging to perform for silicone implants. A hairless scar may be visible in bathing suits or tank tops.

Umbilical (through the belly button)

The umbilical incision is also known as the TUBA or Trans-Umbilical-Breast-Augmentation approach. A small incision is made in the belly button, and a tunnel is made from the incision to behind each breast. The deflated saline implants are rolled up like cigars and passed up these tunnels. They are inflated, checked for symmetry, and the incision is closed.

The umbilical incision doesn’t lead to scarring of the breast because the tiny umbilical scar is practically unnoticeable. Although there was an initial burst of enthusiasm for this procedure, it has subsided because of the difficulty with achieving symmetry. Dr. Placik suggests that this method has a high risk of unwanted or asymmetrical results.

Placement of Breast Implantss

Subglandular

Subglandular placement involves placing the implant behind the mammary gland and in front of the pectoralis muscles. This is the least complicated and fastest surgery, especially suitable for athletic women because it doesn’t interfere with the chest muscles. However, this style also has a higher risk of capsular contracture, visibility, and implant failures. This is because the implant is separated from the outside world by just the flesh. The implant is often seen rippling on the surface.

Subpectoral

Subpectoral placement involves placing the implant between the pectoralis major and minor muscles. This implant is only partially covered by the muscles, and it has a lower chance of visible rippling. However, this is a slightly more complex surgery with a more extended recovery period because it involves manipulating the muscles. This implant also takes longer to fall into a natural position, and it’s not suitable for women with sagging breasts because that might lead to a visible bulge.

Submuscular

Submuscular placement involves placing the implant behind the pectoralis major and minor muscles, i.e., behind the chest wall. This implant is behind all the connective tissues and muscles, reducing the chance of visibility. This setting is even better for mammograms. However, this style has a high recovery period because it involves manipulating the muscles. Furthermore, like the subpectoral placement, it’s not suitable for women with sagging breasts or those opting for breast lifts.

Want to learn more about implant placement? Watch this video from Dr. Placik!

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation at one of our Chicago locations

As one of Chicago’s best cosmetic surgeons, your breast augmentation journey starts with a detailed consultation with Dr. Placik. During your consultation, Dr. Placik will perform a physical exam, discuss your concerns, and ask questions about the look and breast size you hope to achieve with your breast implant procedure. Dr. Placik will discuss all your treatment options, including the implant styles, materials, sizes, etc… and may recommend some options for the best results. He ensures that you have all the information you need to make the right decision for your cosmetic procedure. Dr. Placik offers breast augmentation consultations at his office conveniently located for residents throughout Chicago. If you have any questions, you can always send an email to info@bodysculptor.com.

Dr. Placik is a double-board certified plastic surgeon. 

Breast Augmentation FAQ

Can I breastfeed with Breast Implants?

t is by no means a certainty that women with breast implants will be unable to breastfeed, but this is another question that can be best answered through a consultation with Dr. Placik. Even in the absence of any cosmetic interventions, not all women can produce the same quantities of breastmilk. The possibility that you will experience difficulty breastfeeding is also affected by your cosmetic goals and the specific procedure that will be needed to achieve them.

What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?

During your consultation, Dr. Placik will cover all the possible risks and potential complications ofbreast augmentation surgery. These may include similar risks to those associated with any surgery, such as infection, bleeding, or changes in sensation.

Other potential complications related specifically to breast surgery may include: breast implant illness, capsular contracture / capsular rupture, or breast surgery revision due to a faulty implant, but these are rare. Dr. Placik will discuss all potential side effects with you before the surgery, even if they’re very rare and unlikely to occur.

In the event a rupture occurs, a breast implant removal will need to be performed. 

Will breast implant surgery leave a scar?

Dr. Placik places extremely fine incisions in strategic locations to conceal any visible scars. Furthermore, over time, the scars will heal entirely and merge with the surrounding skin, becoming invisible to the naked eye. It takes approximately 18 months for the scars to heal completely—before that, the scars might even darken before they become better. The speed with which your scars heal and fade away depends on various factors, including your lifestyle, aftercare, genetics, etc. You must avoid smoking to ensure optimal healing.

Which Breast Implant is more natural while also providing larger breasts?

Silicone breast implants are considered to feel and look more natural than saline implants.

Does breast augmentation surgery hurt?

There is no single answer to this question. If you think about the people you have known in your life, you can probably recall some who seemed immune to pain and some who were unable to tolerate any amount of pain at all.

How you feel after your surgery can be influenced by the nature of the procedure you choose, the extent of the augmentation, or other factors. In general, it would not be expected that you would experience significant breast pain. If you have had general anesthesia in the past, you may be familiar with its after-effects. If you rest after your procedure and follow the guidelines the doctor gives you regarding physical activity and exertion, you should be able to make it through the recovery period without severe discomfort.

Can I get a Breast Mammogram if I have Breast Implants?

As is the case with other medical matters, any answer to this question can only be based on what has been generally observed among women who have had these procedures. According to the FDA, one in five women will need to replace breast their implants within ten years. This can be a reflection of natural changes in your body; for example, as you age the skin around your implant could become lax and lose elasticity.

Adhering to the doctor’s advised schedule of follow-up visits is a good way to stay on top of possible issues in the long term, and to help you achieve the understanding and prediction that you desire.

Are there alternatives to using implants?

There are! A popular augmentation procedure is when breasts are enlarged through fat transfer. A fat transfer breast augmentation is when fat is transferred through the breasts and the enhancement is done using your fat. This will improve both shape and breast volume.

Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

before and after photo of a patient receiving 590cc breast implants

    • Implant Size (L): 590cc
    • Implant Size (R): 590cc
    • Height:
      5’3
    • Weight: 125lbs
    • Before Bra Size: 34A
    • After Bra Size: 36D
before and after photo of a patient receiving 350cc silicone breast implants

    • Implant Size (L): 350cc
    • Implant Size (R): 350cc
    • Height:
      4’11
    • Weight: 106lbs
    • Before Bra Size: 32B
    • After Bra Size: 36C
before and after photo of a patient receving 550cc breast implants

    • Implant Size (L): 550cc
    • Implant Size (R): 550cc
    • Height:
      5’2
    • Weight: 106lbs
    • Before Bra Size: 34DD
    • After Bra Size: 34DD

Breast Augmentation near Chicago

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