FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About Breast Enlargement Surgery

What is Breast Augmentation?
Who is the best candidate for Breast Enlargement?
How is a Breast Enlargement surgery performed?
When can I resume regular exercise?
Will Breast Augmentation affect my ability to breast feed?
What age do you have to be to have Breast Enlargement?
What is the cost of a Breast Enlargement?
What are the risks of having Breast Enlargement?
What types of incisions are used for Breast Enlargement?
How long does the procedure take?
Do I need to take antibiotics before and after surgery?
Is Breast Enlargement surgery painful?
How long is the recovery period?
What risks are associated with breast surgery?
What type of implants do you use?
My breasts sag but are not large. What can be done?,
Do the implants have to be changed after several years?
What if the implant ruptures?
Why should I choose Dr. Placik for my Breast Enlargement procedure?

What is Breast Augmentation? Breast augmentation, or breast enlargement, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that increases the size of a woman's breasts. A saline filled implant with a silicone shell is placed under the breast, which increases the breast size. Breast augmentation is considered an aesthetic surgical procedure that most often occurs with women who have not been satisfied with her final breast development size reached after puberty, and in some cases women's breasts have developed unevenly and she would like to achieve proper symmetry. Who is the best candidate for Breast Enlargement? In many cases the woman wishing to undergo a breast augmentation procedure feels her current breast size is too small or disproportionate to her particular body size. Women who have lost a significant amount of weight or have had pregnancies may find their breast size has shrunken and they wish to restore their breast size through breast augmentation. A good candidate is a woman who is at least 18 years of age and is healthy.

View Breast Implant Augmentation Before & After Photos Here

How is a Breast Enlargement surgery performed?
Breast Enhancement surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed under a general anesthesia. The introduction of saline filled implants allowed for a smaller incision, often less than just one inch underneath the breast and above the crease where it is well hidden. Some breast augmentation incisions are made by the lower edge of the areola, and incisions made within the armpit leaves no visible scars. After the incisions are made the breast augmentation surgeon is able to create a pocket, either on top of the pectoral muscle or beneath them, and insert the implant.

When can I resume regular exercise?
The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at 1 month in most cases.

Will Breast Enlargement affect my ability to breast feed?
The ability to successfully breast feed varies for all women with or without breast implants. However, you may be at higher risk of unsuccessful breast feeding following breast implantation. In particular, a periareolar incision site may significantly reduce the ability to successfully breast feed.

What age do you have to be to have Breast Enlargement? A woman must be at least 18 years of age to have a Breast Enlargement. What is the cost of Breast Enlargement? There are several factors that determine the cost of a Breast Augmentation. Where will your surgery be performed, in the plastic surgeon's office operating suite or in an outpatient surgery center? What are the fees of your plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist? What style, type, and manufacture of implants will be used? During your initial consultation, Dr. Placik will be able to give you a thorough estimate of cost and discuss financing options with you. What are the risks of having Breast Augmentation? Any surgical procedure may involve the risk of complications such as the effects of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, swelling, and pain. Dr. Placik will discuss the risks of this procedure with you during your consultation.

View Breast Implant Augmentation Before & After Photos Here

What types of incisions are used for Breast Enhancement?
The most commonly used incision is inframammary (crease incision). Many plastic surgeons use this incision because it arguably gives good control in placement of the implants and the incision is usually not visible. The correct incision depends on each patient's own anatomy, and your plastic surgeon's feelings about each procedure.

The periareolar (around the areola), is an incision in which usually heals well. Some plastic surgeons feel that there may be more of a chance in alteration of sensation utilizing this incision. In addition, some feel that there may be a higher rate of implant exposure to the body's own bacteria from the patients milk ducts.
The axillary incision is a procedure in which an incision is made in the armpit.
The umbilical procedure uses an incision inside the umbilicus (belly button).

How long does the procedure take?
It usually takes approximately 1-2 hours for the routine breast augmentation procedure.

Do I need to take antibiotics before and after breast enlargement surgery?
Antibiotics should probably be used when a patient undergoes any procedure in which "bacteria" may be released into the blood stream.

Is Breast Enlargement surgery painful?
Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way based on many factors such as current health. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as a breast augmentation have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.

How long is the recovery period for breast enlargement surgery? The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. Breast augmentation patients can usually get around independently by the second day. May return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise. What risks are associated with breast surgery? As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with breast surgery. These include bleeding, infection, and a reaction to the anesthesia. In addition, there are risks specific to each type of breast surgery, such as capsular contracture, excessive scar tissue, permanent scars, and uneven nipple position.

View Breast Implant Augmentation Before & After Photos Here

Every surgical procedure entails some risk. Those associated with this type of surgery are infection, changes in the sensitivity of the breast, and scar contracture. These and other complications rarely occur and can usually be avoided. Thousands of women undergo breast augmentation successfully each year and are very satisfied with their outcome.

What type of implants do you use for breast enlargement surgery?
Saline implants (filled with sterile saltwater) are available in both a round and teardrop, or anatomic, shape.

Silicone-gel filled implants are available to women meeting certain criteria, and also come in round and teardrop shape.

My breasts sag but are not large. What can be done?
If the sagging is not severe, a "nipple lift" can be performed. The excess skin is removed after making an incision around the outside of the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple). The resulting scar is confined to the area where the pigmented skin meets the normal skin at the edge of the areola.

In cases of more severe sagging, a procedure called a breast lift may be performed by removing skin only - not breast tissue - to result in a more youthful shape. Breast lifting is an excellent alternative or supplement for many patients.

Do the Breast Implants have to be changed after several years? No, as long as there are no problems with the implants, they should not have to be replaced. We only use implants that have a warranty for life from the manufacturer. What if the Breast Implant ruptures? Today's saline implants are more durable than ever. Although risk of rupture is extremely small, if this should happen, the implant deflates as your body absorbs the saline. There is absolutely no health hazard should this happen. The implant can be easily replaced with minimal discomfort. Why should I choose Dr. Placik for my breast enlargement procedure? Finding a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation is extremely important and highly recommended to ensure the overall safety and satisfaction of the breast augmentation surgery. Every surgical procedure, including cosmetic surgery, carries risks and uncertainties that a board certified breast augmentation surgeon has proven knowledge and experienced in managing with the highest level of care. Dr. Placik has unparalleled experience and expertise and has demonstrated his abilities through thousands of successful Breast Enlargement procedures. Click Here to view Breast Enlargement Before & After photos.

View Breast Enlargement Before & After Photos Here

For more information about Breast Enlargement, set up your confidential consultation with Dr. Placik today. Call (847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313 or submit an online contact form. Serving Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois.

Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C. Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S. (847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313 Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois

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