Breast & Body Procedures

We provide plastic surgery in Lake County, Libertyville IL.

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Dr. Tijunelis in Lake County, Libertyville IL.

Meet Dr. Tijunelis

We provide plastic surgery services to the Libertyville, IL area. If you would like more information on tummy tucks, liposuction, face lifts, breast enlargements, or any other plastic surgery services, please contact us.

Breast Enlargement(Breast Augmentation)

At a Glance:

Description:	Augment the size and shape of the breasts using implants filled with saline or silicone.
Length:	1 to 2 hours.
Anesthetic:	Mostly general; may have deep sedation with local anesthesia.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient:	Mostly outpatient, rarely inpatient.
Side Effects:	Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Sensitive breasts for several weeks.
Risks:	Shifting of implant -- surgical removal or replacement of the implants may be required to treat problems, including: the formation capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around the implant which may cause the breast to feel tight or hard; bleeding or infection. Increased or decreased sensitivity of nipples or breast skin, occasionally permanent. No problems with mammopgraphy; however, mammography technicians must be informed.
Recovery:	Back to work: less than one week. Exercise: 3 to 4 weeks.
Duration of Results:	Varies, depending on placement of implants, type of implant, and individual response to implant. Cost: starting at $6220, or as low as $129/month with Care Credit or Capital One Finance....prequalify now at www.carecredit.com or www.capitalonehealthcarefinance.com

Breast enlargement, or augmentation mammoplasty, enhances the body contour of a woman who is unhappy with her small breast size. Other purposes of this procedure include:

To correct reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
To balance a difference in breast size.
As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.

Augmentation mammoplasty is done on an outpatient basis in our surgical facility, usually under general anesthesia. An implant (prosthesis) is placed through an incision, under the breast tissue or under the muscle. The incision can be made under the breast, around the nipple or under the arm. A breast implant is composed of an outer silicone shell filled with saline (the FDA has restricted the use of silicone gel implants). The outer surface may be smooth or textured, and implants come in various shapes to meet the individual woman’s needs. Please contact us for a consultation if you are considering getting breast enlargement in Libertyville, Illinois.

When the implant is placed sub muscularly under the breast, there is a lower chance of contracture (contraction of the tissue capsule surrounding the implant), and mammography is more reliable. There is also less risk of visible or palpable implant edges. However, some believe the implant has a more natural appearance when placed above the muscle, under the breast tissue.

Your plastic surgeon can help you decide which placement and type of implant will work best.

Types of Implants

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline.

Because of concerns that there is insufficient information demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that new gel-filled implants, at the present time, should be available only to women participating in approved studies. Some women requiring replacement of the implants may also be eligible to participate in the study.

Saline-filled implants continue to be available to breast augmentation patients on an unrestricted basis, pending further FDA review. You should ask Dr. Tijunelis more about the specifics of the FDA decisions.

Determining Implant Size

The shape of your augmented breasts depends on the implant. Implants may be round or teardrop-shaped (anatomical). The choice depends on the look you want to achieve: Anatomical implants produce a gentle slope, resulting in a fuller upper area, whereas round implants create a round curve in the upper part of the breast. Another factor to consider prior to surgery is breast width, which determines the amount of “cleavage” between your breasts and the outer curves, which you may want to balance with your hips.

Realistic expectations of this procedure are important. The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

Women often think of breast size in terms of bra cup size. If you are currently a size “A” and wish to be a size “C”, there must be adequate existing breast tissue coverage; otherwise you will be warned of visible or palpable implant edges and other possible risks.

Post Operative Care

You must have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. You will experience some pain the first day or two that is easily tempered with pain pills. Some tightness in the breast area is also normal as your body adjusts to the implants.

You can move about freely after surgery. Wear a bra at all times (except when showering) during the first 2 weeks following surgery. Avoid heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after the first week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed at 3-4 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.

During recovery, the breasts will be somewhat swollen. Within a few weeks, the actual shape and size will be evident. You may notice some asymmetry; however most breasts are naturally somewhat asymmetrical.

Possible Complications

Delayed wound healing may occur in persons with diabetes, history of radiation, autoimmune disease or smokers. Other complications include capsular contracture, bleeding, infection, or irregularity of the skin. It is important to have a thorough medical evaluation beforehand to address these potential risks. You also need to know that even a small hole in an implant can cause the saline to leak out, resulting in a "flat” implant and necessitating surgical replacement. This is completely avoidable, however, by taking proper precautions.

About silicone gel implants: The FDA placed a hold on silicone implants in 1992 to further investigate their safety and effectiveness. They have since been replaced by saline (salt water) implants. Dr. Tijunelis is one of the board certified plastic surgeons chosen to participate in a nationwide silicone implant study. You may be eligible for silicone; please feel free to discuss this with Dr. Tijunelis during your consultation.

Conclusion

Augmentation mammoplasty is a safe procedure that has produced pleasing and satisfying results for many women. Those who are psychologically stable and have realistic expectations benefit the most. A preliminary consultation can help you determine whether breast augmentation is right for you.