Breast Augmentation in Chicago
Breast augmentation increases the size and fullness of the breasts with the placement of saline or silicone implants. If you have always had breasts that were smaller than you would like, or you noticed a change in your breast size or fullness due to age, pregnancy, nursing or weight loss, breast augmentation might be a great solution to help you achieve a more voluptuous bust.
Dr. Robert Galiano’s goal is not just to create larger breasts – it is to create breasts that look beautiful and proportional to your body. He understands that your physique and anatomy are unlike anyone else’s, and that you need a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Dr. Galiano prides himself on being able to utilize different techniques in order to help you get the breasts you have always dreamed of.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are at least 18 years old, in good health and do not smoke. If you are interested in having breast implants placed, Dr. Galiano welcomes you to schedule a consultation at his practice to discuss your options.
Making Decisions about Your Breast Implants
Implant Type: Breast implants are filled with either a saline or a silicone material. Both types are approved by the FDA and considered very safe. They each have their pros and cons, which Dr. Galiano will discuss with you in person.
Implant Shape: Breast implants come in round and teardrop shapes. Round implants have equal projection on top and bottom, whereas teardrop implants are slightly sloped to mimic a more anatomically correct breast shape.
Implant Size: Implants are measured by cubic centimeters rather than cup size. They range from about 100 cc to 800 cc.
After learning more about your treatment goals and examining your body type/frame, Dr. Galiano can recommend a suitable surgical plan (including breast implant type and sizing).
Breast Augmentation Procedural Details
Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis under anesthesia.
Dr. Galiano can place implants through one of several incision locations: underneath the breast in the crease where the breast meets the torso (i.e., inframammary fold), around the areola or in the armpit. By placing the incisions in the natural creases and transitions of the skin, any scarring is inconspicuous.
After creating the breast augmentation incisions, Dr. Galiano can place implants either in front of or behind the chest muscle. Each approach has its own set of pros and cons. Dr. Galiano will help you decide on the right fit for your needs during your preoperative consultation.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Your breasts will be swollen, bruised and somewhat firm immediately after surgery. These side effects should subside within a few weeks. You can take medication prescribed by Dr. Galiano for any discomfort.
Thanks to Dr. Galiano’s advanced surgical techniques, most patients are able to resume work and socializing within a few days of surgery. He will monitor your recovery progress closely and advise when you can resume your workout routine and other activities.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
What are my options for increasing size and adding proportion to my breasts?
Saline and silicone implants are the two main choices for women who seek to increase the size and fullness of breasts. Each of these filler types is contained within a silicone shell that provides a barrier to any leakage and helps maintain consistency. Product innovations have resulted in some newer choices in silicone implants. For example, the “gummy bear” implant is a silicone variety that is softer and more flexible, somewhat like the candy of the same name.
Beyond the material used in the implant, patients also have a choice of shapes and sizes. For greater fullness, women often prefer the teardrop shape, which features a wider base. Other patients choose round implants. Dr. Galiano will help guide you through these choices, based on the preferences, goals and expectations you share during your personal consultation.
Computer models, practice bras and Dr. Galiano’s thick album of before-and-after case studies can also help you decide on the volume, shape and projection you want to achieve with breast augmentation surgery.
Can I avoid or minimize scarring?
There are a few breast enhancement techniques that result in very limited scarring, but these are not appropriate for all women. For example, implants are sometimes inserted via an incision under the armpit, and it is also possible to perform a similar procedure via the belly button.
In almost all cases, however, some scarring is unavoidable. This is where your surgeon’s skill and your own preferences play key roles is ensuring scarring is kept to a minimum. Typically the main incision will be made at the base of the breast, the crease where the lower breast meets the chest. Incisions around the circumference of the areola are also common. Proper management of the incisions during the recovery process will ensure complication-free healing and less-noticeable scars.
What should I expect with recovery?
In addition to minimizing the appearance of scars, proper attention to healing during the recovery period is an important way to increase the likelihood your procedure will be successful and satisfying. Allow your body time to apply its natural healing powers to your upper body, ensuring you attain the shape, proportion and profile that you are your surgeon envisioned.
Swelling and some bruising are typical phases of recovery from breast augmentation. Swelling will last for months, and this is one reason why you will not have a very good indication of your ultimate results in the first few weeks after surgery. Swelling will gradually subside, but until that happens the breasts will not reveal their final shape and symmetry.
During the early days of recovery, you will wear a surgical bra to support the breasts; and in many cases, thin tubes that will drain fluids from the site of incisions. Once the tubes are no longer necessary, you will be able to wear a bra that will provide more freedom of movement. At that point, you will be able to return to work or school, but must also take care to avoid any activity that will strain upper body muscles and tissues.
To learn more about breast augmentation options and schedule your personal consultation with Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Galiano, please call (312) 926-4382, or request an appointment online today.