Northwestern Associates
in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Victor L. Lewis, MD
150 E. Huron Suite 825
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 335-9155
Fax: (312) 506-1300
MAP
If you're interested in a breast lift, implants or augmentation and reside in the Chicago area, see us for a consultation.
Breast Augmentation with Implants, Breast Lift, and More from Our Chicago Surgeon
Just as every woman has a different reason for seeking breast enhancement, each breast augmentation and breast lift is unique to our experienced surgeon. All of the patients at our Chicago practice receive individualized care and treatment focused on helping them achieve the optimal results for their figures. Below is a summary of the breast procedures performed by Dr. Lewis at Northwestern Associates in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Breast Lift
Nearly every woman will notice, over time, that her breasts have lost their perkiness of youth. In addition to the natural sag that comes with age and gravity, many of the women who request a breast lift at our Chicago plastic surgery practice are experiencing the unfortunate effects of pregnancy, nursing, and weight loss – all conditions that negatively impact the elasticity and shape of a woman's breasts.
Dr. Lewis has been performing breast lift surgery (also known as mastopexy) for years and is happy to apply his expertise in a way that will make patients feel better about their bodies. By removing any sagging skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples higher on the chest, we can surgically elevate and reshape sagging breasts.
Breast lift scars will fade over time but will likely never disappear completely. However, one type of breast lift that we offer our Chicago patients, the periareolar lift, only leaves a scar around the areola, making it much less conspicuous. Breast implants can also be inserted during the breast lift procedure to increase fullness. If you would like to find out which type of breast lift is best for you, Dr. Lewis would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Breast Augmentation with Implants
Advanced surgical techniques used in breast augmentation, as well as new types of breast implants, have made breast augmentation more popular than ever at our Chicago practice. Perhaps a patient is interested in breast augmentation because her breasts never developed to her desired fullness. Or maybe her breasts lost a significant amount of girth as the result of pregnancy, breast feeding, weight loss, or some other physical factor. Breast augmentation is also performed to correct asymmetry of the breasts, a condition that is completely normal, though not necessarily desirable for women who prefer that both their breasts be the same size.
Whatever the reason our patients might have for pursuing breast implants or augmentation, Dr. Lewis takes time to stress the importance of fully understanding what to expect from this procedure. Knowing the benefits and risks – and setting realistic goals for your breast implants – will result in a healthy attitude before, during, and after the breast augmentation process.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is our country's third most commonly performed cosmetic surgery, with 291,000 cases in the United States in 2005. The breast implants that Dr. Lewis offers to our Chicago patients vary by shape, volume, filler, shell surface, and thickness. During the consultation phase of your breast augmentation process, we will further explain to you the details of the following options.
Round or Contoured Breast Implants
As the name implies, round breast implants are circular in shape; the contoured breast implants take on more of a teardrop shape. Contoured implants are more expensive than the round ones, but they tend to look more like natural breasts when they are slipped into position (either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle).
Smooth or Textured Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants have the frictionless surface of a balloon and are generally thinner than textured implants, which feel slightly bumpy to the touch before we insert them in the body. Factors such as the thickness of a woman's skin and the amount of existing breast tissue are taken into consideration when breast implants are placed.
Silicone or Saline Breast Implants
Patients also have the option of selecting implants filled with either a saline solution or silicone gel. Saline implants contain a special saltwater mixture, and are an excellent choice for women who might be concerned about their implants rupturing: saline implants deflate rapidly and the liquid is safely absorbed by the body. Silicone implants were re-approved by the FDA in 2006 after more than a decade of studies, and are once again a popular choice for breast augmentation patients. Silicone gel is often regarded as having a more natural look and feel than saline as it better resembles the consistency of breast tissue.
Each breast augmentation option comes with its own set of benefits and risks that are unique to each patient's circumstances. For specific medical advice regarding breast augmentation with implants, contact our Chicago plastic surgery office today to schedule a consultation with our experienced surgeon.
Breast Reduction
If a woman is troubled, inconvenienced, or physically impaired by very large breasts, then our surgeon can perform breast reduction surgery. Often, we are able to remove breast tissue without compromising sensation in the nipple area or the woman's ability to breast feed in the future. Patients should expect some scarring from this outpatient surgery, but the scars will fade with time. In some cases, breast reduction surgery can be covered by insurance. Please get in touch with our practice to discuss insurance options with a member of our experienced office staff.
Breast Reconstruction
For a woman who has lost a breast to cancer, breast reconstruction can be a positive step toward regaining a healthy body image and getting her life back on track. Dr. Lewis has extensive experience in the techniques used to reconstruct the breast, including the use of breast implants and various procedures that incorporate the body's own tissues. In some cases, insurance coverage is available for breast reconstruction surgery. Please speak with a member of our staff for more information.
If you are a candidate for breast lift or breast augmentation with implants, contact our Chicago cosmetic surgeon at Northwestern Associates in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.