Breasts are a very important component of our concept of beauty and sensuality. The appearance of the breasts is closely tied to self-image and body confidence. Breast augmentation by Chicago Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Shifrin can provide a dramatic improvement in the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. In addition, the silhouette and proportion of the upper body are often improved, allowing clothes to fit better and giving the whole body a more balanced look. Dr. Shifrin strives to deliver the best breast augmentation Chicago has to offer. Whether breast augmentation is performed alone or in combination with other available breast enhancement procedures such as breast lift (mastopexy) or correction of the nipple or areola, our goal is to help you feel better about the appearance of your breasts and improve the confidence you have in your body.
Breast augmentation refers to surgical procedures that aesthetically enhance the size or shape of the breasts. Most often, this involves inserting a medical-grade prosthesis into the breast pocket. Breast implants are popular among flat-chested women and those that feel their breasts are too small in general. The surgery can also restore fullness to the upper breast pole in women that have lost volume caused by aging, breastfeeding, or losing weight.
Most women think of breast size in terms of bra cup size. Breast implants, however, are measured in cc’s or cubic centimeters. The smallest implants are in the 150 to 250 cc range. A medium-sized breast implant would fall somewhere between 260 to 390 cc’s. Any breast implant larger than 400 cc’s would be considered a large implant.
Choosing an implant size that is right for you depends on your starting point and the breast size you ultimately envision. That said, realistic expectations are important. If a size “A” wanted to be a size “D,” there has to be adequate existing breast tissue to begin with. Otherwise, you run the risk of palpable implant edges or rippling.
If you have tiny breasts, a small implant can make a dramatic difference. Overly large breast implants can start to look artificial. If your breasts are on the larger side, you may need a bigger implant to create more fullness. At Shifrin Plastic Surgery, you won’t have to make this decision alone. During your consultation for a Breast Augmentation Chicago Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Shifrin offers his expertise in implant selection to ensure your breasts look beautiful, proportional, and natural after the procedure. He will listen to you to understand what you hope to accomplish with breast implants, conduct a physical examination, and provide a clinical recommendation regarding the implant size that will work best for you.
Breast implants come in a variety of shapes, styles, and textures. Here is a quick overview of some options Dr. Shifrin may discuss with you.
he first decision you will make is whether you prefer saline or silicone implants. Saline implants contain sterile salt water. They tend to cost less but may not feel as soft and natural as other types of implants. Most patients and surgeons prefer silicone implants, which come prefilled with a soft, flexible gel that mimics the weight and feel of natural breast tissue.
Breast fat transfer is a natural alternative to breast implants. It involves enhancing the breasts using the patient’s own body fat. First, the surgeon performs liposuction to harvest fat from an area such as the hips or abdomen. Next, they purify the fat in a revolving canister, then inject the fat into the breasts. While the results tend to look and feel extremely realistic, fat transfer can only increase the breasts by one or two cup sizes. If you want to go bigger or do not have enough excess body fat, breast implants are more likely to be a better option.
Textured breast implants grip onto the surrounding tissues to prevent implant malposition. Smooth implants offer more natural movement as they can move freely in the breast pocket.
The shape of augmented breasts depends on the implant. Implants can be round or teardrop-shaped (anatomical). The choice depends on the final look you want to achieve. Anatomical implants give the upper pole of the breasts a gentle slope, whereas round implants create a rounder curve in the upper part of the breast.
‘Profile’ refers to how far the implants project forward from the chest wall. Low-profile implants have the least projection, high-profile implants offer the most projection, and moderate-profile implants fall somewhere in the middle.
Candidates for Breast augmentation should ideally be nonsmokers in good overall health. They should stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine because they might help them recover faster. It is also critical to maintaining a healthy weight.
Chicago breast augmentation patients should be able to thoroughly comprehend what the operation entails, including the fees and advantages that can be obtained. This might include a slimmer body and increased self-esteem regarding their looks. They should also be able to create and keep reasonable expectations for their operation’s cosmetic and other consequences. While breast augmentation can make you seem younger by changing your breasts’ size, firmness, and symmetry, it should not be used exclusively to improve the quality of your personal relationships or other life events.
A majority of women choose to undergo breast augmentation before having children, and typically, many do not encounter issues with breastfeeding afterward. If this is a concern for you, we encourage you to discuss it with Dr. Shifrin, who can explore strategies to minimize the potential disruption of the glands connected to the nipple/areola. Rest assured, the underlying breast implant does not pose any risk to a breastfed baby. However, it’s important to consider that future childbearing could potentially affect the shape of your enhanced breasts.
The cost of breast implants in Chicago varies as it is a personalized procedure. While pricing can range up to $10,000 or more depending on what you need done, some patients may pay several thousand less.
The incision (surgical cut) can be placed in various locations, such as:
Typically, the thinnest scar results from the incision made within the areola. The umbilical incision technique involves using an endoscope (a tube with a light for visualizing and positioning the breast implant).
Inserting the implant through a small incision in the armpit may be an option if you are considering saline implants or small round silicone implants.
The TUBA technique allows the breast implant to pass through a tiny incision hidden within the natural folds of the navel. This method is rarely used since it is only suitable for saline implants, which are inserted empty and then filled once they are positioned in the breast pocket.
There are several techniques a surgeon may use to insert the implants into the breast pocket. Dr. Shifrin may suggest placing the implants under the chest muscle (submuscular placement), above the muscle (subglandular placement), or a dual-plane technique.
Placing breast implants above the muscle is an option for women with empty breasts and those that want maximum cleavage. However, thin patients and those without much natural breast tissue may require a different implant placement technique.
Patients with very small breasts are more at risk for implant rippling and palpability. Placing the implant below the muscle is done to hide the implant so it can’t be seen or felt. These issues are usually not a concern for patients with adequate breast tissue, which acts like a layer of padding to conceal the implant edges.
After the operation, you will be on prescription pain medication for about two days, and NSAIDs (Motrin, Advil) are indicated for any discomfort that persists. Our Chicago breast augmentation patients should plan on missing two-three days of work and other commitments following their operation. Dr. Shifrin will send you home with instructions on changing bandages, cleaning incision areas, and washing and doing other post-op tasks. The day after your procedure, you will be allowed to shower. You will wear a compression garment for six weeks after your breast augmentation. Your breast implants should “drop” and settle into place three months after surgery. It is normal for your implants to be “riding high” on your chest immediately after your procedure.
Breast augmentation treatments are proven to create long-lasting outcomes that will be visible for ten years or longer. All breast implants, including silicone, saline, and fat transfer implants, are safe and lasting, meaning they are intended to last as long as possible in the body. You may anticipate the benefits of your breast augmentation to endure at least a decade, with some lasting up to 20 years.
You may be considering other procedures to complement your breast augmentation results. Since you will already be under anesthesia, it’s a good opportunity to address other cosmetic issues that bother you. One of the most popular combinations is breast enhancement combined with a tummy tuck, also known as mommy makeover surgery. Dr. Shifrin can also perform a breast lift at the same time as breast augmentation to create perkier, fuller breasts. This is just the beginning of what is possible. Liposuction, facial plastic surgery, and body contouring procedures are just a few of the options you might discuss with Dr. Shifrin.
Discover the benefits of Breast Augmentation, which include the following:
When embarking on your breast augmentation journey, you will encounter several critical choices. Dr. Shifrin and the team will be there to provide valuable guidance, assisting you in determining the most suitable option for your specific goals.
Our services extend to the Chicago, Munster, and Milwaukee regions, with a strong commitment to delivering stunning outcomes that harmonize with your body and lifestyle. If you reside in Chicago, Breast Augmentation might be a compelling consideration. To explore further details about the Breast Augmentation procedure, click here to request a consultation with Dr. Shifrin today. Alternatively, you can reach our office at (312) 502-6200 to arrange your appointment
