Breast Augmentation
in Chicago and Oak Brook

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 (sub glandular), or below the breast tissue and the overlying pectoralis major muscle (sub muscular). 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.