How should I prepare for breast augmentation?

Dr. Ellis will review your medications before surgery and let you know if any may increase the risk of complications. You may need to pause certain medications or switch to an alternative for a few weeks beforehand. He’ll also ask that you avoid smoking for two to three weeks before your surgery. Beyond that, prepare by feeling your best — eat well, stay active, get plenty of sleep, and minimize stress where you can.

Do I need a breast lift at the time of my augmentation?

You may benefit from a combination breast lift-breast augmentation procedure if you have breast sagging (ptosis). A breast lift repositions the natural breast tissue higher on the chest, removes excess skin, and tightens the remaining skin. It can also elevate your nipples for a more youthful contour.

Will I be in pain after breast augmentation?

Post-operative discomfort is usually mild to moderate and can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication. Severe pain is very unusual and may indicate a rare complication.

When can I resume driving after breast augmentation?

You can resume driving as soon as you’ve stopped taking prescription pain medications and can comfortably operate your car (i.e., lift your arms to hold the steering wheel and turn your head and shoulders).

When can I resume work after breast augmentation?

If you have a sedentary desk job, you can typically return to work about one to two weeks after surgery. If your job is more physically demanding, you may need a little more time off.

When can I resume exercise after breast augmentation?

Light walking is encouraged as soon as possible after surgery to promote good circulation. Hold off on more strenuous activities — like jogging, stationary biking, or weightlifting — for several weeks. Pushing your body too soon could affect healing or shift the implants.

Will I have noticeable scarring after breast augmentation?

Scars from breast augmentation incisions are usually short and easily concealed beneath a bra or bathing suit top. If you combine breast augmentation with a breast lift, the scars may be slightly longer but will remain discreetly hidden under everyday wear.

Breast Augmentation Chicago IL - Breast Implants Near North Side

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Breast augmentation is one of today’s most popular cosmetic procedures, designed to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. If you feel your breasts don’t quite balance your figure, or you’ve lost volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast augmentation can be a beautiful way to restore your confidence.

Tailored to your individual goals, breast augmentation uses saline or silicone implants to add shape, fullness, and a natural-looking roundness. Whether you’re seeking the curves you’ve always wanted or hoping to recapture the fullness you had before kids, the results can feel uniquely your own.

Chicago breast augmentation patients choose Dr. Marco Ellis for elegant, natural-looking results. He’ll work closely with you to create a personalized plan that reflects your aesthetic vision and lifestyle.

Breast Implant Options

Breast augmentation comes with several choices to make along the way. Dr. Ellis will walk you through each option and help you select what feels right for you.

Implant Size: Depending on your body type, natural breast tissue, and aesthetic goals, you may prefer a smaller implant for a subtle enhancement or a larger implant for added fullness and cleavage.
Implant Shape: Round implants are spherical and provide equal projection on the upper and lower portion of the breast. Teardrop implants have a gently sloping curve to mimic the teardrop shape of natural breasts.
Implant Projection: High profile implants project farther forward from the chest than low profile implants.
Implant Placement: Implants can be placed in front of the chest muscle under natural breast tissue, or beneath the chest muscle for added coverage.
Incision Location: Implants can be inserted through the following incision patterns:
- Periareolar incision: created around the areola, or the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple
- Inframammary incision: created underneath the breast inside the inframammary fold (where the breast meets the torso)
- Transaxillary incision: created in the armpit

Procedure Details

Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis, so you’ll be able to head home shortly after your procedure. Anesthesia is administered for your comfort, and you’ll be closely monitored throughout.

To begin, Dr. Ellis creates the surgical incisions in the pre-determined location, placing them within the natural creases or transitions of the skin so any scarring stays discreet. Through the incisions, he creates pockets within the natural breast tissue to hold the implants — either in front of or beneath the chest muscles, as decided during your consultation. Once the implants are positioned, Dr. Ellis closes the incisions with sutures and bandages the breasts.

You’ll wear an elastic compression garment over your breasts for the first few weeks after surgery to support the healing tissues.

When you leave the surgery center, you’ll receive detailed instructions for your recovery, including how to manage any discomfort, care for your incision sites, and protect against infection.

Plan to take one to two weeks off from work to recover, and avoid exercise for three to six weeks after surgery. Dr. Ellis will follow up with you throughout your recovery to monitor your healing progress.

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Saline and silicone implants each have their benefits. Silicone implants tend to look and feel more like natural breast tissue, but they also tend to hold their shape if the shell breaks, which can make a problem harder to detect. Saline implants don’t feel quite as natural, but any complication is immediately apparent. Dr. Ellis will help you choose the implant type that best fits your goals during your consultation.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Ellis

To learn more about breast augmentation, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Ellis today or call (312) 695-6022.

Breast Augmentation in Chicago