Breast Augmenation

Many breast augmentation patients in Chicago have questions regarding the safety or efficacy of breast implant procedures. Dr. Mahklouf believes that patient education is a vital part of any surgical procedure, and he strives to provide each patient with as much information as possible throughout your entire treatment journey. Women interested in breast augmentation often feel overwhelmed by the many different decisions they must make regarding the size, shape, style and placement of their breast implants. To help patients who are considering this procedure, we have compiled a selection of frequently asked questions and answers from our talented, board-certified plastic surgeon.

What is a breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure done to enlarge and restore the size, as well as modify the shape of the breast. It is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, or breast implant surgery or breast enhancement. A Breast augmentation procedure is performed by placing an implant either behind the existing breast muscle or in front. This pushes the breast outward to give a larger, fuller, firmer, and shapelier breast contour. The procedure can also be performed without an implant, utilizing the individual’s own fat as a fat transfer procedure. This type of augmentation is currently considered experimental. It has shown good results in specific types of situations where volume requirements are small.

Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?

The ideal candidate for breast augmentation is someone looking to increase volume in their breasts, either for aesthetic reasons, to correct breast atrophy after pregnancy, to balance symmetry, or to rejuvenate volume following significant weight loss.

What can breast augmentation achieve?

There is a dramatic improvement when the upper body is augmented with breast implants and the body regains balance and symmetry. Whatever the reason for small breasts- gradual depletion over time, or longstanding undeveloped breasts- breast implant surgery makes women feel more attractive and gets them closer to their personal sense of beauty.

This self-perception initiates a surge in comfort and confidence which has a far-reaching impact on all areas of the patient’s life: family, social, and work. Patients commonly report they have improved self-worth, self-esteem, and energy, following breast implant surgery.

Breast enhancement can have a very positive impact on the achievement of personal goals; The renewed energy and life-affirming mindset can be dramatic.

What is the difference between silicone and saline breast implants?

During your consultation at Enhanced Form, Dr. Makhlouf will thoroughly educate you on the benefits and risks associated with each style of the implant so that you may make an informed decision regarding your body. Saline and silicone breast implants tend to differ in their aesthetic results, how they respond to complications, and in how the body may react to the implant after insertion.

Saline Implants: Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. The implants are inserted into the breast pocket empty so that they may be carefully filled to your unique size specifications—which often means smaller incisions than those needed for pre-filled silicone implants. Saline implants tend to be firmer to the touch and a more cost-effective option for breast augmentation.

Silicone Implants: Safe and FDA approved for breast augmentation for over 22 years, silicone implants are composed of varying consistencies of soft, silicone gel that many women believe to best mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue. Silicone gel implants are pre-filled and may require larger incisions than those required for saline implants. However, they are by far the most-requested implant type for women due to their natural-feeling results.

How to select the best breast implant size?

Breast implants offer a varying level of projection which is the amount the implant extends outwards from the chest. During your consultation will be guided through the different sizes and firmness of implants which provide for different projections or profiles.

With the use of external sizers, implants of various sizes and firmness, placed under a sports bra we’re able to give a very good idea of what each implant will do for the overall contour of the chest.

What are the different types of breast implant incisions?

For a breast augmentation procedure using implants, each incision becomes the entry point for the breast implant.

There are three incision locations: inframammary or breast fold; periareolar; trans axillary.

Each approach carries advantages and disadvantages in terms of approach, scar visibility, and optimal implant positioning.

Inframammary: Underneath the curve of the breast, barely above the crease or fold of the breast – the inframammary fold – provides for a less conspicuous scar and is the most commonly used. This approach provides the best method for optimal surgical control over the positioning of the implants and is associated with fewer breastfeeding problems.

Peri-areolar: Around the lower edge of the areola –- tends to result in a less conspicuous scar hidden in the darkened areola area. A sufficient sized areola is important for this option. This approach is associated with increased firmness and a slightly higher chance of partial or total loss in nipple sensation.

Trans axillary: The incision is located in the lower armpit and provides for no scar in the breast region. This approach is less optimal for cleavage definition. There are also limitations in placement when larger breasts implant sizes are required.

Different breast implant locations?

Your customized plan will outline the ideal breast implant pocket location. You will be educated on the advantages and disadvantages of having the breast implant placed in the different pocket locations. An evaluation of the unique characteristics of your breast skin and tissue will be among the factors to help determine the pocket location.

Sub Glandular Location: The implant is placed above the breast muscle and below the breast gland. It tends to be a less invasive approach with potentially a speedier recovery. This approach with the implant placed nearer to the skin’s surface, will require sufficient breast tissue to camouflage the implant so it is not as visible. Advantages: With the implant location intimate with the breast gland, as gravity takes effect over time, the implant will follow the breast tissue. This is an important consideration for women who have a B cup or larger breasts.

Sub Muscular Location: When the implant is placed underneath the chest muscle, this is a more invasive approach with a slightly longer recovery timeline. Advantages: This submuscular or subpectoral approach, creates natural-looking results and reduces risks of visible wrinkling and rippling. This location can also provide for fuller volume to the upper slope of the breast, called the upper pole.

What can I expect during a breast augmentation consultation?

During your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Vincent Makhlouf, you may expect to spend considerable time discussing in-depth what is your ideal breast appearance. You will learn the various options available to you, in terms of techniques and approaches and select the one that will best address your particular wishes.

You may expect to discuss your health history and Dr. Makhlouf will take a physical evaluation of your overall body structure including the chest wall cavity. He will pay detailed attention to the unique characteristics of your breast skin and surrounding tissue and he will take measurements to help customize his surgical approach.

Dr. Makhlouf will guide you carefully through understanding and identifying the proper implant size, base width and style, implant type, and incision location. You will have the opportunity to get a full sense of feel for each implant option and visualize the results afforded by each. You will be able to try out different sizes to preview the best implant to match the unique space and give you excellent and durable results. It is important to spend time considering your selection. You will have the opportunity to re-evaluate the implant size you selected with Dr. Makhlouf during a subsequent pre-operative visit.

This two-way discussion is fundamental to your decision-making and for formulating your personal surgical plan for volume change that will be unique for you. With this in-depth custom approach, you can be assured of arriving confidently at the best possible results.

You may expect to receive individualized written step-by-step guidelines to prepare you for planning ahead for your surgery. Once you have your surgery date, you will prepare your body for the day of your procedure to ensure the healing process is as smooth as possible. Your guidelines will direct you through the recovery phase which begins the evening following your surgery, through the weeks and months ahead. Though breast augmentation is a routine and safe surgery, it is vital to the final results that you take time to heal and rest.

How much does a breast augmentation cost?

The average price of breast augmentation surgery in Chicago will range between $2,990 to $10,995, possibly more.

This cost does not include the type of implants you choose, the anesthesia, the operating room facility fee, and post-operative specialized garments.

Enhanced Form Plastic Surgery offers financing options for those who qualify and you will be guided through all pricing and financing options.

Can I expect scars following breast augmentation?

Incisions will be made to serve as entry points for your selected implant and are typically done in one of three locations: around the areola, in the inframammary crease below the breast, or in the armpit. These locations are relatively inconspicuous. Any visible scars will diminish over time, becoming barely visible. Incision recovery will depend upon the body’s natural healing response and close adherence to your individualized post-op recovery guidelines.

How long after a breast augmentation can I expect results?

Immediately following surgery, you will be able to observe a change in your body contour. This is due to the increased projection in the breast area. Although initially, the breasts may look higher in placement, the implants will take time to settle into a more optimal position as swelling subsides. You can expect final results between 3 and 5 months.

Does breast augmentation surgery involve anesthesia?

Yes, breast augmentation surgery involves general anesthesia or localized anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis – meaning you are able to go home following your surgery.

How long will my breast implants last?

While breast implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they are not lifetime medical devices.

The final result of your breast augmentation will be long-lasting; however, your breasts will be affected by gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and time in general. These factors can lead to a desire to revise, replace or remove in the future. Over time, implants may also deflate or rupture leading to complications or a need for replacement. Ultimately different implant types, lifestyles, and times are all factors in determining the longevity of an implant.

Will breastfeeding be affected by breast augmentation surgery?

No, breastfeeding remains largely unaffected by breast augmentation. The surgical approach does not interfere with any of the milk production aspects, and the milk ducts connecting the gland and the nipples are not damaged.

Will I lose any or all sensation in my nipple following breast augmentation?

85% of patients in the U.S. who undergo breast augmentation surgery do not experience any change in nipple sensation. Only 15% of patients may experience a temporary decrease in nipple sensitivity, numbness in the nipple area, or even a heightened nipple sensitivity. Only in extremely rare cases is total nipple sensation loss experienced. This will largely depend upon whether the areolar incision approach was selected and the size of the pocket area created. The larger the breast pocket needed to accommodate the implant, the more dissection is needed. This carries an increased risk of affecting the nerves.

Should I expect bruising following a breast augmentation surgery?

Just like with most surgical procedures, you can expect bruising and swelling as you heal. The extent of swelling and bruising will vary from person to person.