Many women seek changes to the shape, size, or position of their breasts for aesthetic reasons. Whether the concern is volume loss, asymmetry, or sagging, there are multiple surgical options that can address these issues. At our practice, we offer breast procedures that focus on achieving proportional, balanced results, and our services are available to everyone in the greater Chicago area and beyond.
Larger, shapelier breasts are achieved through breast augmentation surgery which enhances natural breasts by adding silicone or saline implants.
A breast lift transforms breasts that sag due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging by removing and tightening excess skin to produce a lifted bosom.
For breasts that are excessively large, breast reduction surgery minimizes the size of breasts by removing extraneous breast fat, tissue and skin.
Breast revision surgery fixes unsatisfactory breast implants such as ruptures, loss in volume, etc., after a previous breast augmentation surgery.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.