Breast Augmentation/Implants in Chicago (Augmentation mammoplasty)

After reading the information below you can find comments from some of Dr. Springer's past breast augmentation surgery patients on his profile here, where you can also learn more about implants and surgical breast augmentation.

What is breast augmentation? Is it safe?

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammaplasty, is an elective procedure in which breast size is increased through the insertion of implants. Although this procedure was developed many years ago, the popularity of breast augmentation has increased greatly over the past few years, making it one of the most performed cosmetic procedures today. This may be partially attributed to the publication of many scientific studies in the past few years that declare breast augmentation surgery to be safe, despite scattered media reports to the contrary in earlier years. In 1995, the FDA approved the use of saline breast implants in augmentation mammaplasty, alleviating any remaining fears regarding their safety. Saline implants are used in almost all augmentation cases in our office, and we feel that they are safe and capable of providing excellent results.

Why consider breast augmentation?

There are a few reasons why a woman might want to undergo augmentation surgery. Some women never develop breasts that are proportional to the rest of their body and have wanted to change their breast size for years. Others may lose breast volume following pregnancy or weight loss and wish to restore their breasts to their original size. Still others may have one breast that is significantly smaller than the other, and therefore seek better symmetry.

Regardless of the physical reason for dissatisfaction with breast size, it is important to have the appropriate emotional reasons for wanting to undergo this procedure. Dr. Springer spends quite a bit of time talking with each patient in order to ensure that she is seeking cosmetic surgery for herself, and not to satisfy or impress others. Many women who have this surgery state that their self-image is improved following this procedure, and that they feel more comfortable with their own body.

It is important to note that keeping your expectations realistic is a key ingredient to a successful result. Although some patients may come in with an ideal figure in mind, it is important to realize that each person obtains a unique outcome. Dr. Springer works closely with every patient, making sure that each woman's result is the best it can possibly be given her desires and body type. Our greatest goal is to create a more proportional look for each of our patients. Whether the objective is to increase volume, or restore volume and contour, Dr. Springer creates a result that closely resembles the softness, sensitivity, and appearance of a natural breast.

How do I select a competent surgeon?

Perhaps your most important decision regarding breast augmentation is the choice of your plastic surgeon. One way to ensure that your physician can offer you the care you deserve is to make sure he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association in Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), two prestigious national associations, require that all of their members pass the plastic surgery board exams. Choosing a surgeon who is a member of one or both of these associations ensures that he or she is well educated and has years of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery.

An equally important factor is your comfort level with the surgeon that you choose. Make sure that you feel he or she has spent enough time speaking with you during your initial consultation, and that the physician understands your needs and desires. You are having surgery, therefore you should feel like your needs are being heard and met. Ask to see before and after photos of prior breast augmentation patients. The physician should be willing to show some to you – make sure to verify that they are his or her own patients.

How do you determine what type and size of implant to use?

Saline implants are used by Dr. Springer in most of his augmentation cases. Occasionally, when indicated in secondary cases, gel implants may be used. The size of the implants is decided upon after careful discussion with each patient. In the initial consultation Dr. Springer talks at length with each patient about her hopes and expectations for her result. Then, the patient is asked to estimate what size she would like her breasts to be, creating a starting point for both to consider. In addition, Dr. Springer considers the width of the patient's chest, shoulders, and hips, their height, and other factors in order to determine what size implant would provide the most proportional look. All of these aspects are taken into consideration when making the final decision, allowing the patient and the physician to work together to develop the most appropriate look for each individual.

Where is the implant placed in relation to the breast tissue and chest muscle?

This procedure is performed behind the breast – the implant is inserted behind the existing breast tissue that is already there. There is very little alteration to the breast tissue itself, therefore, in most cases, the sensitivity of the breast isn't altered. In addition, the ability to breast-feed is usually maintained following this procedure.

However, there is an option to place the implant partially beneath the chest (pectoralis) muscle, or entirely above the muscle. The appearance of the breast is different depending on which placement is chosen. Dr. Springer discusses these options with each of his patients during their consultation, and together they make a decision on the position based on what final “look” is desired.

How large will the scars be? Where will they be located?

Although the final result depends on the scarring tendencies of each individual, the techniques used to close the incision ensure the best possible scar. In most cases each incision is a little less than and inch and a quarter long – just long enough so that the implant can slip through. How the scar looks a few months following surgery depends largely on your body's scarring tendencies. However, dissolvable sutures are placed under the skin, helping to create a finer scar than with traditional methods of closure. This also means that there is no need to remove sutures following surgery.

Dr. Springer uses incisions located in one of three places. The implants can be inserted through incisions made in a crease hidden in the armpit, hidden on the breast just above the crease under the breast, or partially around the nipple and areola. All of these options leave the scar fairly well hidden and allow the greatest control over the placement of the implant, and therefore, the final result.

Do you perform your procedures in a hospital or clinic setting?

Our breast augmentation cases are performed in a hospital setting or in a secure outpatient facility. Our staff is very knowledgeable and compassionate, and the hospital or facility fees have been negotiated so that you don't have to pay a premium for the hospital care that you receive. Breast augmentation surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you may go home a few hours after surgery.

How painful is this procedure? How long will it take to recover?

The level of discomfort after surgery varies from patient to patient, but in most cases patients complain of soreness for only a couple of days following surgery. Pain medication is prescribed for each patient to help alleviate some of your discomfort.

We suggest that patients who undergo augmentation surgery take at least a week off in order to recover. Those patients with jobs that involve more physical labor, especially those that include much use of the arms, may wish to take a little more than a week off before they return. Strenuous exercise or any activities that involve lifting heavy weight should be discontinued until four to six weeks following surgery in order to ensure that complete healing has occurred.

What are my payment options?

As is the case with all elective surgery, full payment is required prior to your surgery date. However, Dr. Springer does offer another payment option in addition to cash or credit card. For many years he has offered financing to his cosmetic patients in order to allow more flexibility in payment. When you come into the office for your free consultation, we will be happy to discuss all of the pricing and payment options with you. At that time we can give you the names of the financing firms with whom we work.

What can I expect from the final result?

After the swelling has subsided completely and the breasts have settled into their final shape, they will look very similar to the way your breasts looked before surgery, only larger. Patience is necessary – it normally takes anywhere from several weeks to a few months in order to reach the final result. However, after the shape and size has stabilized, and the swelling has completely receded, our patients state that their augmented breasts quickly become a natural part of them. Many women assert that their new body is incorporated into their self-image as their “old self” is quickly forgotten. We also frequently hear that this procedure helps our patients to feel more confident about their appearance, and therefore, themselves.