TLKM Plastic Surgery
737 North Michigan Avenue #1500
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 788-2560
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno understand that selecting breast implants is a highly personal part of your breast augmentation journey. They compassionately and expertly guide you through your breast implant options in Chicago, Illinois, to ensure beautiful and natural-looking results.
Breast Augmentation by Dr. Sinno
Before & After Photos
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Your Personalized Breast Implant Consultation
At our practice, choosing breast implants begins at your private consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno. Our surgeons take the time to get to know you, discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and explore your aesthetic goals.
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno draw from their extensive training and experience to create individualized surgical plans that fulfill each patient’s specific vision and needs. This may include combining procedures to create a more contoured, balanced silhouette. They frequently recommend pairing a breast lift with implants to restore a more youthful and lifted breast appearance. Breast augmentation with implants is also a popular component of mommy makeover surgery.
Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants
One of the first questions breast enhancement patients ask is, “Should I choose silicone or saline breast implants?” Both options offer unique advantages, and the right choice for you depends on your desired look and feel and your personal preferences and goals.
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use FDA-approved implants from major manufacturers that have been thoroughly tested for safety and durability. Our surgeons have extensive expertise working with both types of implants, ensuring your results look natural, beautiful, and aligned with your aesthetic vision.
Review the table below to explore some of the differences between saline and silicone implants.
| Saline Implants |
|---|
| Filled with sterile saltwater solution |
| The body harmlessly absorbs saline in the rare event of a leak or rupture (lower incidence of capsular contracture) |
| FDA-approved for patients age 18 and older |
| Require very small incisions, because they are filled after insertion |
| Firmer feel initially, with gradual softening over several months |
| Appropriate for patients who have more existing breast tissue |
| Least expensive implant option |
| Silicone Implants |
|---|
| Filled with cohesive silicone gel |
| Silicone stays within the capsule in rare cases of a leak or rupture. However, all silicone gel implants experience some degree of “gel bleed,” which may cause low-grade local inflammation |
| FDA-approved for patients age 22 and older |
| Require slightly longer incisions, because they come pre-filled |
| Soft, natural feel |
| Appropriate for patients with varying degrees of breast tissue |
| Higher priced implant option |
Although silicone implants have grown in popularity in recent years, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno believe that saline implants are an effective option for many patients. Learn more about their approach and why they recommend different breast implant options.
TLKM Plastic SurgerySilicone Implants
The latest generation of silicone gel-filled implants represents a true innovation in breast implant technology; they do not leak or bleed if the implant is punctured, torn, or even cut. Since these implants are pre-filled, they may require slightly longer incisions. Unlike saline implants, all silicone implants experience some degree of “gel bleed,” where microscopic silicone oil particles pass through the shell over time. This may contribute to low-grade inflammation and is associated with a higher risk of capsular contracture.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled after insertion, which allows for more incision options. Your surgeon can also adjust the fill volume after the implants are placed, which affects the size, shape and feel of the implants. The major advantage of saline implants is that there is a much lower incidence of capsular contracture (approximately 1%). If a saline implant ruptures, it loses volume immediately, making it easy to detect and address. While saline implants may feel slightly firmer at first, they soften significantly within several months. In many women—especially those with moderate breast tissue and moderate-sized implants—the implants cannot be felt at all.
Implant Profile
The profile of the implant determines how much the breast will project outward from its base. High-profile implants are usually thicker at the bottom than moderate- or low-profile implants. Typically, women with a wider chest frame opt for lower-profile implants, but Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will assist you in determining which option is best for you.
Implant Shape
Implants come in different shapes. Round implants create more fullness at the top of the breast, while teardrop-shaped (anatomical) implants create a more subtle, natural-looking breast profile.
Implant Shape Options
We do not use shaped (anatomical) implants, as they are textured by definition. Our surgeons use smooth, round implants exclusively. When properly placed, round implants settle naturally into a tear-drop shape when you are upright, giving the breasts a natural look without the added risks associated with textured implants (more on this below).
Implant Texture
Breast implants come with either a smooth outer shell or a slightly textured surface. Due to concerns about textured implants being associated with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), an extremely rare but usually treatable condition, our surgeons only use textured implants in highly specific cases (less than 1% of patients). It’s important to note that Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno do not offer implants manufactured using the two major processes associated with ALCL. For additional details, review the BIA-ALCL FAQ from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size
Both silicone and saline implants come in a wide range of sizes, making it possible to achieve the cosmetic goals of virtually every patient. Having performed countless breast surgeries, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno expertly evaluate how increasing breast volume affects your overall body contours.
They work closely with you to select breast implants that align with your body type and chest proportions and that complement your body frame. To make breast implant selection even more personalized and accurate, we use the advanced VECTRA® 3D imaging system to help you visualize your options and potential results.
Glimpse Your Potential With VECTRA® 3D
Preview the results of your breast augmentation with our leading-edge VECTRA 3D imaging system. VECTRA lets you virtually “try on” implants of different sizes and shapes during your consultation so that you can envision your potential with accuracy.
How Much Are Breast Implants in Chicago?
The cost of breast implants varies depending on factors like your surgeon’s experience level, the type of implants you select, and the complexity of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will provide a personalized treatment plan and detailed price quote. Many patients take advantage of our flexible financing options. Learn more about the cost of breast augmentation in Chicago.
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Breast Implant Options FAQ
Can you breastfeed after getting implants?
For most patients, breast implants do not interfere with breastfeeding. However, factors such as incision location, implant placement, and your breast anatomy can play a role. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use techniques that preserve the milk ducts and nerves to support your ability to breastfeed after surgery. We encourage you to discuss your breastfeeding goals during your breast implant consultation.
How often do you need to replace breast implants?
Breast implants are long-lasting, and there’s no specific timeline for swapping them out unless you experience a complication or have a change in your aesthetic preference.
Are breast implants safe?
Yes, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno offer high-quality, FDA-approved breast implants to ensure your safety and results. Today’s implants are engineered with your safety and comfort in mind, and our surgeons recommend them without hesitation to their friends, family, and patients!
Schedule Your Breast Implant Consultation
If you’re in or near Chicago and considering breast implants, we invite you to request a consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno. Contact us online or call our office at (312) 788-2560, and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment.
