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Breast Augmentation

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which implants are inserted into the breast to change their shape or size. Considered one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the US, many women undergo breast augmentation to enhance their breasts, fix asymmetry, and to increase their self esteem. ⁽¹⁾

Dr. Michael Howard is a breast surgery expert, his specialties ranging from breast reconstruction to breast enhancement. As one of the leading board certified surgeons in Illinois, and a leading clinician at Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Howard’s surgical breadth is vast. Performing hundreds of procedures a year for residents in the Chicago metropolitan area, he is the perfect choice for patients looking for comprehensive and quality breast surgery.

To schedule your private consultation with Dr. Howard at one of our facilities in Lake Forest, Glenview, or Chicago, call (224) 271-4250 today. You may also fill out our contact form at your earliest convenience.

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About Breast Augmentation

From 2000 to 2021, the prevalence of breast augmentation procedure increased by 41%, making it the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. Since their inception in the early 60s, there have been two main options for breast implants; saline-filled and silicone-filled. ⁽²⁾

When considering breast augmentation, patients have the option of choosing an implant type with the help and guidance of their surgeon.

Silicone-filled Implants

This type of breast implant consists of a silicone gel surrounded by a silicone shell that can be textured or smooth depending on patient circumstance and preference. Silicone implants are versatile, more natural-looking, and more popular than saline-filled implants.

Saline-filled Implant

Studies have shown that saline-filled implants are less likely to cause a condition called capsular contracture, in which uncomfortable scar tissue develops around the breast implants. One of the main advantages of a saline-filled implant is that the outer shell can be inserted unfilled, and then can be filled during the surgery to reduce scar length.

How Do I Choose the Right Implant?

In order to choose the best implant option for the patient and their needs, an implant’s shape, height, width, and level of projection can be modified. Depending on your specific situation, existing breast tissue, and your reasons for undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Howard will help you determine the right implant type for you.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can provide patients with:

Increased breast projection and fullness
Enhanced self confidence
Improved total body contour ratio
Improved symmetry and shape
A customizable procedure with a multitude of implant options

Dr. Howard offers customizable augmentation procedures for all of his patients. With a variety of implant sizes and projections to choose from, each patient can personalize their procedure plan to achieve their ideal aesthetic breast contour.

Breast Augmentation Candidates

Patients inquiring about breast augmentation should be in good health, non-smokers, and have reasonable expectations for their procedure. If you have any of the following qualities, this surgery may be a great option for you if you:

Are unhappy with the size of your breasts
Have asymmetrical breasts
Have lost breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss
Feel the top of your breasts appear “empty” or “deflated”
Are not breastfeeding

Personal Consultation

The private consultation for a breast augmentation is an important step in the process. Dr. Howard will inquire about your cosmetic goals and ask you to provide some details about your medical history. He performs a physical examination of your breasts to determine your ideal size, shape, and type of implant.

This appointment gives you the opportunity to ask questions, explain your expectations, and reveal any concerns you may have before the date of your surgery. Dr. Howard spends time during your personal consultation getting to know you and helping you determine your ideal procedure plan.

Preparation

To prepare you for your breast augmentation, Dr. Howard performs all the necessary tests to determine your candidacy is sound. You must not take NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen for at least two weeks before your procedure. Medications like these and other anti-inflammatories thin your blood, and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. We will give you instructions on how to prepare, including medication, supplement, and herbal remedy alterations, where necessary. It is imperative that you also find someone to drive you to and from our facilities on the day of your procedure. They should stay with you for at least your first postoperative night.

Dr. Howard will explain the procedure plan in great detail, including recovery expectations. If you have any questions for us during this part of the process, please don’t hesitate to call us at (224) 271-4250.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

To map out his procedure plan, Dr. Howard marks your chest to indicate where his incisions will be. This is often done while the patient is standing up. Breast augmentation requires the use of general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Dr. Howard and his surgical team will prepare you for the procedure, taking all necessary precautions to make sure the process goes smoothly.

There are three primary incision patterns used for breast augmentation:

Periareolar – Around the nipple
Inframammary – Along the crease where the breast meets the abdomen
Transaxillary – Within the armpit

The chosen incision depends on the type and size of the implant, as well as your anatomy.

Dr. Howard will then start the procedure by making his incision. In order to place the implant, he first makes a decision about where to place the implant pocket. There are two placement options:

Submuscular – Underneath the pectoral muscle
Subglandular – Above the muscle, but below the breast tissue

He then creates the chosen pocket, places the implants, and sutures the incisions in layers starting deep within the breast, all the way to the outermost layer of skin. Dr. Howard places surgical tape over the sutures and places a compression garment to help with swelling and to keep the breast secured. The procedure usually takes between 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Recovery

Once you are out of surgery, you are taken to a recovery room until you wake up from the anesthesia. Once at home, you will have some swelling and moderate discomfort that can be controlled with prescriptions from Dr. Howard. Make sure to go on short indoor walks every couple of hours to reduce the risk of blood clots, and drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.

Expect to take around 1 week off from work to initially recover. If your job requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you will have to take at least 3 weeks off until you are cleared by Dr. Howard.

After the first week, you should be feeling much better and able to go about your daily routine. Most patients are cleared to go about their regular activities after two months of recovery.

Results

With breast augmentation procedures, patients do not see their final results for at least 6 months, sometimes up to a year. After the first month, you should see a significant decrease in swelling and bruising, and your breasts will start to settle more as they heal. Don’t be alarmed if your breasts look too high or are hard for the first few months, this is normal. When fully healed, your new breasts will be perkier and more full. You will be able to enjoy your new chest for many years to come.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Patients who have gone through significant weight loss or pregnancy can undergo a procedure called a mommy makeover. This can include a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, and/or a breast lift surgery. The combination of procedures provides comprehensive contouring for those who have large amounts of excess skin and fat. When any blend of these are performed during one procedure, the patient can both remedy unsightly imperfections as well as add volume and shape to their breasts.

Dr. Howard can perform liposuction on the abdomen, a tummy tuck procedure, and breast augmentation without the patient having to go through different stages of surgery and recovery. You receive anesthesia once and you recover only once as opposed to multiple times. If you are interested to see if you are a good candidate for these complementary procedures, Dr. Howard would love to answer any questions you have during your first appointment with us.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Chicago?

The total cost of breast augmentation varies from patient to patient. It is dependent on the type of implant, your anatomy, and the procedure details. To determine your personal cost, Dr. Howard will provide a price estimate during your personal consultation.

To schedule your first appointment, please reach us directly by calling (224) 271-4250. We also provide a convenient contact form to complete at your leisure.

FAQ

What happens during a breast augmentation consultation?

Your surgeon willconduct a detailed examination of your breasts, carefully assessing their size, shape, symmetry, and overall aesthetic appearance. This evaluation not only includes the assessment of breast tissue but also takes into consideration other factors such as skin elasticity and nipple position. By examining these aspects, your surgeon can determine the most suitable surgical approach and the type of breast implants that will best achieve your desired results.

What if I have significant breast sagging?

If you have concerns about asymmetry or sagging breasts, your surgeon may recommend combining breast augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift or breast reduction to achieve optimal results and enhance the overall harmony of your figure.

Will I need follow-up appointments after breast augmentation?

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have. During these visits, your surgeon will assess your healing and guide you through scar management techniques to minimize their visibility.

How do I know if breast augmentation is right for me?

Suitable candidates for breast augmentation are women who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and desire an enhancement in breast size or shape. It is important to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified surgeon to ensure that this procedure is right for you.

References

Ri C, Jiang Y, Mao J, Zhao M. Trends in Breast Augmentation Research: A Bibliometric Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2022;46(6):2691-2711. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-022-02904-9
Pelc Z, Skórzewska M, Kurylcio A, et al. Current Challenges in Breast Implantation. Medicina. 2021;57(11):1214. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57111214

Before and After Photos