The procedure
Everything you need to know.
We believe informed patients make confident decisions. Here is a complete guide to breast augmentation — from implant selection to your first post-op visit.
Implant types
Choosing the right implant.
Every patient is different. We offer the full spectrum of FDA-approved implant options and guide you through the decision based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Silicone Gel
The most popular choice. Silicone gel implants feel soft and natural, closely mimicking the texture of breast tissue. Available in a range of profiles and sizes.
Requires a slightly longer incision than saline. Routine MRI screening is recommended every few years to monitor implant integrity.
Saline
Filled with sterile salt water after placement, saline implants allow for a smaller incision and easy size adjustment during surgery.
If a saline implant ruptures, the body safely absorbs the solution. Slightly firmer feel than silicone.
Motiva® Implants
The newest generation of silicone gel implants available in Chicago. Motiva implants are offered in multiple profiles and cohesivities, delivering a natural feel and exceptional shape retention tailored to your anatomy.
Dr. Lemelman is one of the few board certified Chicago-area surgeons offering Motiva implants. Ideal for patients who want the latest implant technology with a proven safety profile.
Form-Stable (Gummy Bear)
Highly cohesive silicone gel that holds its shape even if the shell is broken.
Requires precise placement. Excellent long-term shape retention.
Surgical techniques
Precision in every approach.
Inframammary Incision
The most common approach. A small incision is made in the natural fold beneath the breast, keeping scarring well-hidden and allowing precise implant placement.
Periareolar Incision
An incision along the lower edge of the areola. The scar blends naturally with the color transition of the areola and is virtually invisible when healed.
Subglandular Placement
The implant is placed between the breast tissue and the chest muscle. Recovery is typically faster and there is less distortion during exercise.
Submuscular Placement
The implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle, providing additional coverage and a more natural upper-pole slope. Preferred for patients with less natural tissue.
Your journey
From consultation to recovery.
01
Private Consultation
We begin with a thorough one-on-one consultation. We review your goals, assess your anatomy, and walk through every option — with no pressure and no rush.
02
Personalized Planning
Every detail — implant type, size, profile, and placement — is decided together. We will bring a few different options to the operating room in order to ensure precise sizing on the day of surgery.
03
Surgery Day
Performed under general anesthesia at a fully accredited surgical facility. Some patients prefer twilight anesthesia or light sedation. Most procedures take 1–2 hours. You go home the same day.
04
Recovery & Results
Most patients return to light activity within a week and resume full exercise by 6 weeks. We monitor your progress at every follow-up until you're fully healed.
Recovery timeline
What to expect after surgery.
Days 1–3
You will go home the same day of surgery. The main thing to remember after surgery is "slow motion, not no motion." Mild to moderate soreness is normal. A surgical bra is worn continuously. Most patients manage discomfort with prescribed medication.
Days 4–7
Soreness subsides significantly. Light walking is encouraged. You will attend your first post-op appointment to check healing and remove any dressings.
Weeks 2–3
Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs. Swelling begins to resolve.
Weeks 4–6
Implants begin to settle into their final position. Light cardio may resume, if you haven't already started. Incision sites continue to fade.
3–6 Months
Final results are visible. Implants are fully settled, swelling is gone, and scars have faded significantly. Most patients are thrilled with their outcome.
Common questions
Answers to what patients ask most.
Do you offer Motiva implants in Chicago?
Yes. Dr. Lemelman offers Motiva implants at his Lincoln Park practice at 3000 N Halsted, Suite 707. Motiva implants are the newest generation of silicone gel implants available in the U.S., offered in multiple profiles and cohesivities for a natural, customized result.
Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Most healthy women over 18 (22 for silicone implants) who are not pregnant or breastfeeding are candidates. A consultation is the best way to determine if augmentation is right for you.
How do I choose the right size?
Size is determined by your existing anatomy, chest width, skin elasticity, and your personal goals. We use 3D imaging and physical sizers during your consultation so you can see and feel different options before deciding.
Will my results look natural?
Natural-looking results are our standard. We select implant size, profile, and placement based on your proportions — not a one-size-fits-all approach. The goal is enhancement that looks like it was always there.
Can I breastfeed after augmentation?
Most women can breastfeed after augmentation. Implant placement and incision type are chosen to minimize any impact on milk ducts and nipple sensation.
How long do implants last?
Modern implants are not lifetime devices, but many last 15–20 years or longer without issue. We discuss long-term maintenance and what to watch for at every follow-up.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, changes in sensation, capsular contracture, and implant rupture. We discuss all risks in detail during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a private consultation and get every question answered — at your pace, with no pressure.