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Procedures > Cosmetic Breast Procedures > Breast Augmenation

Breast Augmentation

The breast and femininity are integrally tied. Breast augmentation can create a more proportionate feminine profile, help you fill "fill out" your clothing better, and promote self-confidence.

Breast augmentation is often combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) and the correction of asymmetrical or uneven breasts and nipples. Mastopexy can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Dr. Weinzweig, your Chicago cosmetic surgeon, will assist you in making this decision.

What can a breast augmentation treat?

Breast augmentation can address such issues as:

  • Small Breasts
  • Breasts that are not the size desired
  • Breasts that vary in size or shape
  • Loss of breast volume lost after weight loss or pregnancy, or with aging
  • Loss of breast tissue due to trauma or disease
  • Failure of one or both breasts to develop normally

Is breast augmentation right for me?

Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:

  • Your breasts are fully developed
  • You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
  • You are physically healthy
  • You do not smoke

What happens during a breast augmentation?
  • Step 1 - Anesthesia

    Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago plastic surgeon, and your anesthesiologist, will recommend the best choice for you.

  • Step 2 - The Incision

    Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference. Dr. Weinzweig, your Chicago cosmetic surgeon, will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include:

         
    Inframammary Incision       Periareola Incision

         
    Transaxillary Incision      

  • Step 3 - Implant Choice

    Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking with Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Illinois plastic surgeon. Implant type and size will be determined by your aesthetic goals, breast anatomy, skin elasticity, and body type.

  • Options for Breast Implants
  • Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water – saline – a natural component of your body. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be harmlessly absorbed by your body.

    Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse. If you choose these implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of these breast implants.

    Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, so there may be additional options available. Currently, Saline implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older. Currently, Silicone implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 22 years of age and older. Saline or silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstructive purposes.

  • Step 4 - Insert and Place the Implants

    After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket made in one of the following locations:

    • Under the pectoralis muscle (a submuscular placement)
    • Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoralis muscle (a submammary/ subglandular placement).

    The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig's recommendations after examining you.

    If saline implants are used, they are filled with saline after the implants are placed in the correct location.

  • Step 5 - Close the Incision

    Once the breast implants are in the desired location and filled to the appropriate size (if saline), the incision is stitched closed.

  • Step 6 - See the Results

    The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. In general, it typically takes six months for the implants to settle into their final position once swelling has subsided. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts.

    What should I expect during the recovery period?

    After a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago plastic surgeon. Over time, post-surgical swelling will decrease and incision lines will fade.

    You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago cosmetic surgeon.

    What else should I know?

    It's important to know that your breast implants are not permanent and may require replacement during your lifetime. You should expect to have future visits with your plastic surgeon to discuss changes in your breasts.

    Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour.

    What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?

    All plastic surgery carries risks along with the many rewards as no surgery is risk free. Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago plastic surgeon, will explain the risks in your consultation so you can make an informed decision based on your unique situation.