Breast
Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. It is designed to increase the size, shape, and fullness of a woman’s breasts. Whether due to genetics, changes after pregnancy, or weight loss, many women choose breast augmentation to enhance their body contours, boost self-confidence, and achieve a more balanced and proportionate appearance. Determining Size
Determining Size
What size is right for me? Definitely one of the top questions we get, and we use two methods to help women determine the size that is right for them:
- Sizers
- Vectra 3D Image Modeling
A sizer can be inserted into any bra to give the wearer an approximation of what it will be like to have bigger breasts. The wearer can get a sense for the weight and how the shape changes the body contour.
During your consultation, you’ll also be able to create a 3D computer model of your breasts with our VECTRA 3D imaging system. With the computer model, you can change the cup size of your breasts as well as their shape to “preview” your look. In the interim, you can try out our breast augmentation simulator.
The size of the implant is only part of the story, the anatomy of the patient tells the rest. A 350cc implant will not look the same on smaller woman as it does on a larger women. That is why it is so crucial to use tools like sizers and 3D imaging to find that “ideal for you” size. While preparing for your consultation, read on to consider the type of implant you’d like.
Placement
Implant Placement
The location of the incision and the placement of the implant are critical decisions that affect both the aesthetic outcome and recovery. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice will depend on your body, lifestyle, and goals. Dr. Geldner will guide you through these choices during your consultation.
Incision Locations
- Inframammary (under the breast): The most common and versatile incision, placed in the crease beneath the breast.
- Periareolar (around the areola): Incisions are made along the edge of the areola for a more discreet scar.
- Transaxillary (in the armpit): Incisions are hidden in the natural crease of the underarm. View an example before and after transaxillary breast augmentation in our gallery.
- Transumbilical (through the belly button): A less common option, this method avoids breast scars altogether by placing the implant through the belly button.
Implant Placement Options
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed above the chest muscle and below the breast tissue. This option provides a quicker recovery but may not be suitable for women with thinner skin or less natural breast tissue.
- Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed below both the breast tissue and the pectoralis major muscle. This is the most commonly recommended placement, as it reduces the risk of visible implant edges and provides a more natural slope to the breast. See this breast augmentation before and after submusclular placement example from our gallery.
Procedure
What to expect on Procedure Day
Below is a typical day for our breast augmentation patients:
Arrival at Our Private Surgical Facility
You’ll enter the discrete surgical facility and be taken through the check-in procedures and check-ups
Meet the Team
You’ll meet with Dr. Geldner and your team of nurses and anesthestists. You’ll review the plan a final time, and then you’ll go with the nurses to begin prep.
Preparation
Once in the operating room, you will be given general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery. You will be monitored closely by the anesthesiologist. The surgical area (chest and breast area) will be thoroughly sterilized, and sterile drapes will be placed to maintain a clean environment.
Surgery (1-2 Hours)
Dr. Geldner will follow the surgical plan he created with you: where the incisions will be made, how the implant will be placed, the type of implant and size. Once the implants have been placed, the incisions will be sutured closed and you will be taken to a recovery area.
Post-Surgery Recovery
You may feel groggy, disoriented, or slightly nauseous from anesthesia. There will be some soreness, pressure, and swelling in the chest area, but pain medications are provided to manage discomfort.
Discharge Instructions
Once you are stable and awake, usually after about 1-2 hours in recovery, we’ll begin the process to get you home. You may be fitted with a surgical bra, which provides support and helps reduce swelling. Post-operative instructions and medications will be reviewed. At discharge, you can go home and begin resting and recovering.
Recovery time varies depending on the individual, the type of implants used, and the placement of the implants. Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous activities within a week, but full recovery may take several weeks.
Recovery
What to Expect During Recovery
First 24-48 Hours After Surgery
- Care at Home: The patient should arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least the first 24 hours, as they may still feel groggy and sore.
- Rest and Hydration: The first day should be spent resting, drinking fluids, and keeping the upper body elevated (to reduce swelling).
- Follow-Up Appointment: A follow-up visit with the surgeon is typically scheduled a few days post-surgery to assess the healing progress and remove or check dressings.
First Week
Most patients will experience moderate soreness, swelling, and bruising, but pain is usually manageable with medication. They should wear the surgical bra around the clock.
Weeks 2-4
Activity levels can increase gradually, though heavy exercise and lifting should be avoided. By the end of the first month, many patients feel more comfortable returning to normal daily activities.
Long-Term
Full recovery can take up to several months, with swelling subsiding and the implants settling into their final position. Scars will fade over time, though they may remain slightly visible.
Gallery
Breast Augmentation Results
In Chicago and Oak Brook
Dr. Geldner has performed over 10,000 breast procedures. Take a look at the results for yourself in our Before and After Gallery. You can even use our MyFavorites tool to create a collection of the results you’d like to achieve and the cases you wish to discuss during your consultation.
This woman from Chicago wanted to improve the appearance of her breasts. We used implant sizers to help her determine the volume she desired. We then...
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This 45 year old woman wanted to improve the appearance of her breasts following childbirth. She wanted to look better but not too big. We used...
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This 37 year old woman came to me with the desire for larger but very natural looking breasts. She has asymmetry and very little native breast tissue....
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This 60 year old woman came to me with a few concerns. She had prior subglandular breast augmentation many years before and the left...
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This 31 year old from Chicago wanted a breast augmentation. She wanted the most discrete incision possible so we chose transaxillary. We used several...
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Ten years previously this patient had a breast augmentation with saline implants. She wanted to change to silicone. She also felt that her breasts...
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This 70 year old woman always wanted larger breasts. She was in excellent health and desired breast augmentation. She had pre-existing...
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This 31 year old woman came to me wanting to correct the physical changes which occured from her pregnancy and childbirth. We performed a breast...
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This 32 year old had a history of prior submuscular placement of saline implants performed by another doctor. She was dissatisfied. Her implants...
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This 31 year old had a prior subglandular augmentation with 390 cc saline implants. Her breasts felt firm, but she wanted to look better. The implants...
View More FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that enhances the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts through the placement of implants or fat transfer. Good candidates are women in good overall health, have fully developed breasts, and are looking to:
- Enhance naturally small breasts.
- Restore breast volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Improve breast asymmetry.
- Boost self-confidence. It’s important that candidates have realistic expectations and seek augmentation for personal reasons, not external pressures.
There are three main types of implants used in breast augmentation:
- Saline Implants: Filled with sterile saltwater, these implants can be adjusted in size during surgery and provide a firmer feel.
- Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, these offer a more natural look and feel similar to real breast tissue.
- Gummy Bear (Highly Cohesive Silicone Gel) Implants: These implants retain their shape even if the outer shell is damaged. They offer a firmer feel and are often teardrop-shaped to provide a more natural breast contour. Your surgeon will help you select the implant type that best suits your body and aesthetic goals.
Choosing the right implant size is a personal decision based on your aesthetic goals, body frame, and natural breast tissue. Surgeons typically measure implant size in cubic centimeters (cc), ranging from 150cc to 600cc or more. During your consultation, the surgeon will guide you through a sizing process, sometimes using 3D imaging technology, to help you visualize how different sizes would look on your body. It’s important to balance the desired volume with your body’s proportions and breast tissue.
Implant placement can be made through one of several incisions (links go to before and after cases): under the breast (inframammary), at the edge of the areola (periareolar), through the armpit (transaxillary) and even through the navel (trans-umbilical). Each incision has advantages and disadvantages. Implants can be placed below the breast tissue (subglandular), or below the breast tissue and the overlying pectoralis major muscle (submuscular). The decision is made based on the patient’s anatomy and the patient’s activities. How a breast augmentation is performed for any individual patient is based on the patient’s desires, expectations, and anatomy. No two patients are exactly alike, so no two operations are exactly alike. With Dr. Geldner’s superior skill, 25 years of experience, and his experienced and compassionate staff, we exceed our patients’ expectations.
- Above the muscle (Subglandular placement): The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue but above the chest muscle. This results in a shorter recovery time, but may be less suitable for women with thin skin or limited breast tissue.
- Below the muscle (Submuscular placement): The implant is placed under the pectoralis major muscle. This option typically results in a more natural slope and a reduced risk of visible rippling, but the recovery may be longer. The choice depends on your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
In most cases, breast augmentation does not interfere with breastfeeding, especially if the implants are placed under the muscle and the incisions are made under the breast or in the armpit. However, certain incision locations (such as around the areola) may increase the risk of affecting milk ducts and nerve sensitivity, potentially impacting breastfeeding. If you plan to have children and breastfeed in the future, it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon before the procedure.
Recovery varies, but most patients can return to work and non-strenuous activities within 5-7 days. During the first few days post-surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects, strenuous exercise, and upper body activities for several weeks. Typically, full recovery takes about 4-6 weeks, after which you can resume normal activities, including exercise. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative care instructions, including how to care for your incisions and when to schedule follow-up visits.
Breast implants are long-lasting but not lifetime devices. On average, implants last between 10 to 20 years, but they may need to be replaced sooner if complications occur, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant). Routine follow-up appointments with your surgeon and self-monitoring are crucial for ensuring your implants remain in good condition. If problems arise or if you want to change size or type, revision surgery may be needed.
Breast augmentation is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks, including:
- Capsular contracture: Hardening of scar tissue around the implant
- Implant rupture or leakage: More common with saline implants (the body absorbs the saline safely)
- Infection: Usually occurs within days or weeks of surgery
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Temporary or permanent loss of sensation
- Scarring: Incisions leave scars, though they typically fade over time
- Implant displacement: Movement of the implant, requiring revision surgery Your surgeon will explain these risks and take steps to minimize complications.
Breast implants can make mammograms slightly more challenging, but they do not prevent the detection of breast cancer. When scheduling a mammogram, inform the technician that you have breast implants so that they can use special techniques to ensure clear images. Additional imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, may be recommended in some cases to monitor the integrity of the implants and ensure accurate breast cancer screening.
The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the type of implants, the location of the practice, and whether additional procedures (like a breast lift) are combined. On average, breast augmentation costs range from $6,000 to $10,000, which typically includes surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility fees, and the cost of implants. Keep in mind that cosmetic procedures are not usually covered by insurance, but many practices offer financing options to make the procedure more affordable.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons released procedure data that showed more than 193,000 patients had breast augmentation surgery in 2020. This operation has remained one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures in America for many years, however there are risks in any operation. Capsular contracture (hardness) can occur, but can be treated and most often resolves. Infection and bleeding are uncommon, and we take great precautions to lessen their incidence. Sensory loss (numbness) is rare and usually resolves. Breast implant breakage is uncommon but requires a surgical correction.
Breast augmentation involves adding something to the breast to create the volume and shape. Usually, that means breast implants. Breast implants have been available since the 1960s and have undergone tremendous changes and improvements since their introduction. All breast implants have a silicone shell that comes in contact with the body. Despite concerns in the media, silicone is one of the least reactive materials you can place in the body. After that, there are two type of breast implants:
