Breast Procedures

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast enlargement involves increasing the size of the breasts using implants or fat transfer. This option is often chosen by patients who have naturally small breasts or have lost volume. We offer different implant types and placement techniques based on your anatomy and goals. Every surgical plan is developed to match your unique proportions.

Types of Implants

• Saline: Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and inserted empty, then filled once in place. They can be adjusted slightly during surgery to fine-tune symmetry and size.
• Silicone: Silicone implants come pre-filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural tissue. Patients seeking natural-looking breast implants appreciate the soft texture and realistic movement of these implants. They are available in a wide range of shapes and profiles to match different body types.

Other Implant Options

Breast implants can be placed either above or below the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and the look you want to achieve. We offer different incision locations, including around the areola, within the breast fold, or in the armpit, each with its own advantages for scar concealment. Implant size, shape, and profile are all selected based on careful measurements and surgical planning. We also consider your skin elasticity, breast width, and natural symmetry to guide these decisions.

Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation

Rapid recovery breast augmentation uses specific surgical techniques to reduce trauma to the tissue and make healing easier. By minimizing muscle disruption and controlling bleeding during surgery, we can help you return to light activity much sooner than with traditional methods. The approach also reduces swelling and bruising, which can make the early recovery period more comfortable. We review all post-op care instructions with you in advance to help you prepare and recover smoothly.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own fat, typically taken from areas like the abdomen or thighs, to add volume to the breasts without implants. It’s a good option for patients who want a modest size increase and prefer a more natural approach. This method can also improve breast shape and correct mild asymmetry. Candidates should have enough excess fat and realistic expectations about how much volume can be added.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breast tissue to correct drooping or loss of firmness. The surgery removes excess skin and lifts the nipple to a higher, more supported location. It’s a solution for women who have noticed changes after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. If you are searching for how to fix sagging breasts, our breast lift can be a reliable way to restore a more youthful shape. We may combine the lift with augmentation or reduction for more comprehensive results.

Types of Breast Lift

Different techniques are available depending on how much lift is needed and the amount of excess skin present. A periareolar breast lift involves a circular incision around the areola and is used for mild sagging. A vertical lift, or lollipop lift, adds an incision down to the breast fold for more reshaping. For more significant sagging, we may recommend an anchor lift, which also includes a horizontal incision in the crease. We choose the approach based on your skin quality, nipple position, and desired results.

What a Lift Can and Can’t Do

A lift can raise the breasts, reshape the tissue, and reposition the nipples for a more elevated appearance. It can also reduce stretched areolas if needed. However, it doesn’t add volume or make the breasts fuller in the upper pole unless combined with implants. We’ll explain the limitations during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a smaller, more proportional breast size. The procedure also lifts the breasts and repositions the nipples if they sit too low. We use different incision patterns based on how much tissue needs to be removed and how much reshaping is required. We seek to improve balance while keeping a natural contour that fits the rest of your body.

Common Reasons for a Breast Reduction

Large breasts can cause neck and back pain, deep shoulder grooves from bra straps, and chronic skin irritation beneath the folds. Many patients also struggle with physical activity restrictions or difficulty finding clothes that fit properly. Some request a reduction to correct asymmetry or unwanted changes after pregnancy. Others simply want to reduce volume to feel more comfortable and supported. We evaluate each case individually to make sure the surgical plan meets both functional and aesthetic concerns.

Breast Reduction Techniques

• Anchor: The anchor technique uses three incisions: one around the areola, one running vertically to the breast fold, and one along the crease. This method allows for the most tissue removal and reshaping, especially when there is a large amount of excess skin and sagging. It also gives us more control over nipple placement and final shape.
• Vertical: The vertical technique involves a cut around the areola and one line down to the breast fold. It’s a good choice for moderate reductions where extensive skin removal isn’t necessary. This approach allows for visible reshaping while limiting the number of incisions. The vertical lift can improve breast position and firmness with less scarring than the anchor method.
• Liposuction Only: Liposuction can be used in certain cases to remove excess fat without traditional incisions. It is usually appropriate when the breasts are heavy due to fatty tissue rather than glandular tissue or excess skin. There’s no skin removal or nipple repositioning involved, so the overall shape changes less dramatically. Recovery is quicker, and scarring is minimal due to the small cannula entry points.

What Is Breast Revision Surgery? 

Breast revision surgery corrects or improves the results of a previous breast procedure, most often augmentation. Patients may request revision for many reasons, from implant complications to personal preference. Some also choose revision to switch from saline to silicone implants or to remove implants altogether. The surgical approach depends on your anatomy, the type of implants used, and the specific issues being addressed.

Common Reasons for Revision Surgery

• Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue can tighten around the implant, creating a firm or distorted appearance and sometimes causing discomfort. Revision surgery may involve removing or releasing the capsule and replacing the implant if desired.
• Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants deflate visibly when they rupture, while silicone ruptures are often silent and detected by routine imaging. We replace the damaged implant and address any surrounding tissue changes.
• Implant Malposition: Implants that shift out of place can cause asymmetry, double bubble, or bottoming out. Correction may involve adjusting the implant pocket or reinforcing the tissue with internal sutures.
• Changing Implant Size or Type: Some patients want larger or smaller implants, or prefer to switch from saline to silicone. Others want to change out older implants for newer prosthetics that better suit their aesthetics and preferences. We review your current results and discuss what changes would better match your goals.

What to Expect From Consultation to Recovery

Your Consultation

We start by reviewing your goals, medical history, and previous procedures, if any. A physical exam helps us evaluate your skin quality, breast tissue, and anatomy. We’ll go over your options, show you before-and-after photos, and recommend a surgical plan that aligns with your situation.

Preparing for Surgery

Pre-surgical instructions may include lab work, medication adjustments, and avoiding smoking in the weeks leading up to your procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours. We also provide detailed guidance on what to wear, when to stop eating, and what to bring on the day of surgery.

The Procedure Day

You’ll arrive at our surgical center and meet with our team before going to the operating room. Once anesthesia is administered, we follow the planned incisions and techniques to perform your procedure. Most breast surgeries are outpatient, so you’ll go home the same day with instructions for care and follow-up.

Recovery and Aftercare

Initial swelling, tightness, and bruising are expected after breast procedures and will gradually subside within the first few weeks. We’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and remove sutures if needed. You can expect to be able to walk short distances in your house right away and to return to light activity within a few days. Plan for several weeks of rest before returning to more strenuous activities or regular exercise routines. We provide written instructions for sleep positioning, support garments, what to avoid during recovery, and any other information you will need to know.

Combining Breast Procedures

Common Breast Procedure Combinations

Patients often combine breast augmentation with a lift to improve both volume and position at the same time. A reduction is almost always paired with a lift to remove excess tissue and correct noticeable sagging. Some patients undergo implant removal followed by a lift or fat transfer for a more natural contour. Breast enhancement procedures are planned carefully to ensure each step complements the other.

Benefits of a Combined Approach

Combining procedures can reduce overall downtime compared to having separate surgeries. It also allows us to create a more balanced result by addressing size, shape, and position together. Fewer surgeries mean fewer anesthesia events and often lower total costs. Planning procedures together gives us greater control over the final outcome and helps minimize the need for future adjustments.

FAQs About Breast Procedures

How Long Do Breast Procedures Last?

The results from breast surgery can last for many years, but aging, weight changes, and gravity may affect your outcome over time. Implants do not have an expiration date, though they may need to be replaced or adjusted at some point. Results from lifts and reductions can change with a loss of skin elasticity or weight gain/loss. 

How Soon Can I Return to Exercise?

We typically advise waiting about six weeks before resuming exercise involving the chest or upper body. Every recovery is different, so we’ll give you activity guidelines based on your progress and the type of surgery you have.

How Long Will My Surgery Take?

Surgery times vary depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. A straightforward augmentation may take about one hour, while lifts, reductions, or combined procedures may take two to four hours. We’ll give you a more specific estimate once we finalize your surgical plan.

About Your Surgeon

Dr. Karol Gutowski is a board-certified plastic surgeon who serves the Chicago area and has decades of experience in cosmetic breast, body, and facial surgery. He is nationally recognized for his work and has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, CBS News, USA Today, and Fox News. His surgical techniques are backed by published research in leading medical journals. Patients throughout the greater Chicagoland area trust Dr. Gutowski for procedures ranging from breast enhancement to full facial rejuvenation. He leads a skilled team focused on safe, thoughtful care using both surgical and nonsurgical approaches.

Explore Your Options for Breast Procedures in Chicago, IL

Breast procedures can address volume loss, reduce heaviness, or reshape sagging tissue using proven surgical methods. Dr. Karol A. Gutowski offers a full range of options and works hard to find the options that fit each patient best. To learn more or request a consultation, schedule a consultation online or call (847) 906-1527.