Breast Augmentation in Chicago

Breast augmentation is a highly sought-after procedure that boosts breast size and shape. If you are unsatisfied with breasts that don’t balance the rest of your body’s proportions, or if you have lost breast volume as a result of having kids and breast-feeding, breast augmentation may be a great solution for you.

Tailored to your individual needs and goals, breast augmentation involves placing saline or silicone implants to add shape and roundness to your breasts. You can enjoy the curves you have always wanted or recapture the full breasts you had before kids.

Chicago breast augmentation patients turn to Dr. Marco Ellis for beautiful, natural-looking results. He will work with you to design a surgical plan that takes into account your unique needs and preferences.

Breast Implant Options

When facing breast augmentation, you have many decisions to make. Dr. Ellis will guide you through your options and help you make the right choices for your goals.

Implant Size:

Depending on your body type, amount of natural breast tissue and cosmetic goals, you may opt for a smaller implant that provides a small boost in breast size or a larger implant that provides greater fullness and cleavage.

Implant Type:

Silicone implants are made with a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Saline implants have a silicone shell filled with a sterile saline solution.

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, and you will be able to return home shortly after your procedure. Anesthesia medication is administered for your comfort and you will be closely monitored throughout the surgery.

To begin, Dr. Ellis creates the surgical incisions in the pre-determined location, in the natural creases or transitions of the skin so that any scarring is inconspicuous. Through the incisions, he creates pockets within the natural breast tissue which will hold the implants. This will be in front of or beneath the chest muscles, as determined during your consultation. Once Dr. Ellis has positioned the implants, he closes the incisions with sutures and bandages the breasts.

You will be asked to wear an elastic compression garment over your breasts for the first few weeks after surgery; this helps support the healing breast tissues.

When you leave the surgery center, you will receive detailed instructions for your recovery. This includes instructions for managing any discomfort, caring for your incision sites and avoiding infections.

You can plan to take one to two weeks off from work to recover. You will need to avoid exercise for three to six weeks after surgery. Dr. Ellis will see you throughout your recovery to monitor your healing progress.

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Which type of implant is better: saline or silicone?

Saline and silicone implants have their benefits and drawbacks. Silicone implants look and feel more natural, but tend to hold their shape if the shell breaks, so it’s difficult to detect a problem. Saline implants do not look and feel as similar to natural breast tissue as silicone implants, but it is immediately apparent if a saline implant develops a complication. Dr. Ellis can help you select the implant type that best suits your needs during a consultation.

How should I prepare for breast augmentation?

Dr. Ellis will review all of the medications you take prior to your surgery and advise whether any of them increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. You may need to stop taking certain medications or switch to a different version of the medication for a few weeks before surgery. Also, Dr. Ellis will ask that you avoid smoking for two to three weeks prior to your surgery.

Other than that, you should prepare for surgery by making sure you are in the best health possible: eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and minimize sources of stress.

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). Breast lift repositions the natural breast tissue higher on the chest, removes excess skin and tightens the remaining skin. Breast lift can also elevate your nipples higher on your breasts.

Will I be in pain after breast augmentation?

Post-operative pain is usually mild to moderate and can be controlled 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 stop taking prescription pain medications and can comfortably operate your car (i.e., lift your arms to hold the steering wheel, turn your head and shoulders).

When can I resume work after breast augmentation?

If you work a sedentary desk job, you can go back to work approximately one to two weeks after your surgery. If your job is more strenuous or physically demanding, you might need to take additional time off before returning.

When can I resume exercise after breast augmentation?

You are encouraged to start walking as soon as you can after surgery, as it helps promote good blood flow. You should wait to resume other strenuous forms of exercise, such as jogging, riding a stationary bike or lifting weights, for several weeks after surgery. Pushing your body too soon after your operation could cause wound healing problems or cause your implants to become displaced.

Will I have noticeable scarring after breast augmentation?

The scars from breast augmentation incisions are usually short and easily concealed under a bra or bathing suit top. If you combine breast augmentation with breast lift, you may have longer vertical scars, but they will also be hidden under a bra or bathing suit top.