Beauty and Sensuality
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 augmentations 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.
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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. Dr. Shifrin offers his expertise in implant selection to ensure your breasts look beautiful, proportional, and natural after the procedure. During your consultation, 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.
Confidence Enhancements
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.
The 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.
Round breast implants have an equal volume distribution at the top, bottom, and sides. They offer more fullness in the upper breast pole, making them a good option for patients desiring cleavage and women with empty or deflated breasts. However, round implants can start looking “fake” if you choose too large a size. Anatomical breast implants tend to have a more subtle appearance. They resemble the shape of natural breasts, with more fullness at the bottom.
‘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.
Your chest width also factors into the equation. Low-profile implants have the widest base, making them a good fit for patients with wider-than-average chest measurements. High-profile implants may be a better option for patients with a narrow chest wall. Patients with an average chest wall width are generally suitable for moderate-profile implants.
Dr. Shifrin will take measurements of your chest and ask about your preferences regarding how far you want your breasts to project forward after augmentation. With this information, he will draw on his clinical expertise to help you make the right selections.
Set Realistic Expectations
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.
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Your Breast Augmentation Procedure
The incision (cut) might be put at various places such as: under the bust at the breast fold; periareolar, which is at the edge of the areola (brown location including nipple and areola); within the areola; in the underarm (axillary); or in the umbilical area. The thinnest scar is normally in the areola. The umbilical laceration strategy is used with an endoscope (tube with a light for visualization and positioning of 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.
Chosen with care
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.
When you choose breast augmentation, you will have many important decisions to make. Dr. Shifrin and staff will help guide you in deciding what the best option is for your goals.
We currently serve the Chicago, Munster, and Milwaukee areas, striving to help you achieve beautiful results that match your body and your lifestyle. If you’re in Chicago, Breast Augmentation may be something to consider. If you would like to learn more about the Breast Augmentation procedure, click here to request a consultation with Dr. Shifrin today. Alternatively, you can call our office at (312) 502-6200 to schedule your appointment.
The smooth surface area implant requires a big pocket and is related to a 10% incidence of capsule contracture (tightening up of the scar around the implant, causing firmness or solidity). The smooth implant has just a periodic occurrence of splashing or wrinkling, which provides the overlying skin a wavy appearance. A textured (roughened surface) implant is related to a 3% occurrence of capsule contracture however has a 7-9% incident of rippling.
What are the choices of implant positions? The simplest surgical placement of the implant is under the breast tissue (submammary).
A slightly more difficult surgical placement is under the chest muscle (submuscular or subpectoral), but this position is connected with a lower occurrence of pill contracture and somewhat less event of splashing. There is more pain postoperatively than with a submammary positioning during your breast augmentation procedure.
To avoid noticeable scars, incisions for breast augmentations are made in inconspicuous regions. Most patients have a one-two inch scar in the crease on the bottom of their breast; however, scarring can be disguised by the natural shift in pigmentation surrounding the areola.
While rare, breast implant risks are possible no matter who performs your surgery. That is why Dr. Shifrin pre-screens every patient to ensure they do not have risk factors that increase their odds of a complication. Infection, seroma, numbness, hematoma, blood clots, and wound healing issues are a few of the risks that are possible.
Most patients get back to work and driving within the first week. A full recovery takes approximately six weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities until cleared by your surgeon.
Breast implants are long-lasting, but they don’t last forever. You may eventually need to replace your implants.
Changes in nipple sensitivity can occur, although most patients do not have any permanent changes.
Breast-implant-related illness is exceedingly rare, but may occur in a small number of patients. For this reason, Dr. Shifrin only offers FDA-cleared breast implants which present the lowest risk.
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.
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From the Midwest to across the globe, the compassionate and caring reputation of Shifrin Plastic Surgery being able to produce the best results is renowned. Get to know Dr. Shifrin yourself by scheduling an in-person or virtual consultation today.
2335 South Michigan Avenue Floor 2, Chicago, IL 60616
