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Chicago Breast Augmentation Specialist
Dr. W. John Bull, Jr.
Dr. Bull helps many Chicago plastic surgery patients achieve a more pleasing shape and contour through breast augmentation. Dr. Bull describes this popular procedure in the paragraphs below. Also, visit the Before and After section of this website to see the results of Chicago breast augmentation patients.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a procedure to enhance a woman's breasts for a number of reasons including to increase the size or shape, to correct a volume change after pregnancy or to correct differences in breast size. Advances in breast implants and the surgical technique are making breast augmentation more popular among women of all ages.
The decision to have breast augmentation may result in a more flattering, better-proportioned figure, more clothing options and may enhance your confidence and self-esteem. The best candidates for breast augmentation are women looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way her breast and chest looks as well as the way clothing fits.
The goal is to achieve a soft breast in proportion to the hips and waist, with individual patient preferences as a guide for final size decisions made together with Dr. Bull. The procedure uses implants placed through one of three different incisions, around the areola, in the crease under the breast or in the armpit. Dr. Bull will select the location based on your specific anatomy and preferences. These scars are all inconspicuous and heal very well.
On November 17, 2006, the U.S. FDA approved Allergan’s (INAMED) silicone-filled breast implants for use in breast augmentation and reconstruction. This approval now affords women in the U.S. the same options that women in more than 60 other countries have had for the last 25 years.
Silicone-filled implants are among the most studied medical devices in existence. The safety of these implants is supported by Allergan’s extensive pre-clinical testing, their use in approximately 1,000,000 women worldwide and nearly a decade of U.S. clinical experience involving more than 80,000 women. Furthermore, silicone is used safely in the body in many other medical devices.
We are pleased to offer both saline-filled and silicone-filled implants as a choice to our patients. Dr. Bull will work with you to help you make the best personal choice for your goals and needs.
Breast Implant Placement
The implant can be placed under the chest muscle (subpectoral) or under the breast (subglandular); again this depends on your individual anatomy. Many surgeons believe that putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for a few days after surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue.
After surgery you may feel tired and sore for a few days, but you should be much better after 48 to 72 hours. The discomfort can be controlled by prescribed medication. Breast swelling that occurs can take three to five weeks to resolve. You should be able to return to work within a week, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact but it is fine once your breasts are no longer sore.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. The most common is capsular contraction occurring in 7% to 10% of women. This is when the normally soft fibrous tissue that forms around the implant becomes firm and shrinks around the implant making it firm. This is not a health risk but can detract from the aesthetic result and cause some discomfort. If this becomes bothersome correction, usually a surgical release can be performed. Visible rippling can occur, but is less common if implants are placed under the muscle. Loss of nipple sensation is rare but can happen no matter how carefully the surgery is done. If sensory loss occurs, the nerves slowly recover in about 85% of cases. Implant leak or deflation causes no medical harm, but requires replacement of the implant. The rate of saline-implant leakage is about 5% at 10 years. There can be other complications that Dr. Bull will discuss with you prior to having the procedure so that you are well informed.
Breast augmentation can give very satisfying results to patients as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. Regular examination by Dr. Bull and routine mammograms for those in the appropriate age groups at prescribed intervals will help assure that any complications, if they occur, can be detected early and treated. Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that you should feel good about.
In addition to breast augmentation with breast implants, Dr. Bull also performs other breast procedures in his Chicago plastic surgery practice. Visit these other pages in the website to learn about how Dr. Bull treats the Chicago breast lift, breast reconstruction and breast reduction patients.
Dr. Bull is a Chicago plastic surgery specialist. From his offices in Naperville, he helps Chicago breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty and facelift patients obtain beautiful and natural cosmetic surgery results.
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