Breast Augmentation Revision Archives | La Jolla, San Diego | Tim Sayed, MD, FACS
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What Breast Surgery is Right for You?

Breast surgery is by far the most commonly performed category of plastic surgery. Breast surgeries generally include breast implant removal, breast augmentation, revision breast surgery after prior augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lifts. The most popular of these is breast augmentation with implants, with over 320,000 procedures performed each year in the U.S.

Increasingly, there are more women seeking nipple surgery as well. But with so many breast surgery options to choose from, which one is right for you?

Here, Dr. Tim Sayed of Tim Sayed Plastic Surgery in La Jolla and Newport Beach, CA, looks at the differences between each breast surgery and how you can choose the appropriate procedure for your goals and desires.

Breast Implant Removal and Revision

First time breast augmentation (see below) remains incredibly popular, but a new trend has been growing in the last few years, with more and more patients looking to revise their prior breast augmentation. Sometimes this means the patient will consider new implants, but in others, patients have decided that breast implants are no longer for them. This may occur if the patient develops a capsular contracture (a phenomenon where scar tissue encasing the implant begins to distort the shape or feel of the device), or if an implant has leaked, or if the patient has a recalled device (Allergan textured implants, which are no longer on the market), or increasingly, if the patient is concerned about health issues and wishes to explore if her body will feel better without implants. There are various tradeoffs when exploring whether implants are for you, or whether you would prefer to go “implant free.” These tradeoffs include concerns about health, cosmetic appearance of the breasts, and recovery processes. Dr. Sayed is known for providing very detailed and informative consultations to help you navigate some of these challenging decisions.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation was the poster procedure of plastic surgery during the ‘80s and ‘90s. With celebrities and pop icons going for the procedure, the public quickly followed.

Breast augmentation increases the size of the breast by introducing implants, or in some cases, the patient’s own fat, obtained through liposuction. There is a broad spectrum for how large or small implants can be, whereas fat grafting may have more limited availability in thinner patients.

If your goal is simply larger breasts, then breast augmentation is likely the procedure for you.

Breast Reduction 

For some women, overly large breasts cause health problems and aesthetic concerns. Breasts that are too large can cause severe back pain, shoulder and neck problems, issues with posture, and discomfort during exercise and daily life.

If naturally large breasts are a concern for you, then breast reduction surgery is the procedure. Expert plastic surgeons such as Dr Sayed can remove tissue from the breasts that make the breasts smaller but enhance the shape and position of the breast to be very aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

Of note is if your breasts feel too large due to breast augmentation in the past, plastic surgeons can successfully remove implants with implant removal surgery. In most cases following implant removal, however, women require a breast lift.

Breast lift

Breast lift surgery is rapidly growing in popularity. Over 110,000 breast lifts are performed yearly and for a good reason.

Often, mothers of women experiencing aging desire a more youthful appearance to their breasts but don’t necessarily want larger breasts. A breast lift is perfect in this instance. A staple procedure in a mommy makeover, a breast lift removes excess skin above and around the breasts, which pulls the breasts higher on the chest, creating a younger, firmer, more pleasing appearance.

If you want to enhance how your breasts look and feel, but don’t want to make them any bigger or have implants used, then a breast lift is the way to go.

Breast Surgery in Newport Beach, CA

No matter what your concern is with your breasts, there is a procedure that can solve your problems.  All you need to do is consult with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Tim Sayed. Reach out to Dr. Tim Sayed in Newport Beach or La Jolla, CA by calling 858 247 2933 or via this online form to arrange a consultation to discover how we can help you look and feel your best.

 

Breast Implant Removal: San Diego Women’s Top 5 Reasons

Last year, nearly 24,000 women—most between the ages of 30 and 54—decided to remove their breast implants. In San Diego, as in the rest of the US, tastes and lifestyles are changing. Women are fitter than ever, and large breast implants can interfere with some types of exercise or may begin to look unproportional after weight loss.

Each woman chooses to undergo explant surgery for her own unique reasons. Whether you are inspired by celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Sharon Osbourne (both who have been open about their implant removal) or are among the small number of patients who experience breast implant complications—Dr. Sayed can help.

Read on to learn more about the top 5 reasons women are choosing to change their breast contour. If you have any further questions, please give us a call at 1-858-247-2933 today.

1. “My Implants No Longer Fit My Lifestyle”

Many of our patients who choose to remove their breast implants do so to better fit their lifestyles. Over the years, your body, routine, and activities change.

At the gym or on the track, large implants can cause discomfort during cardiovascular workouts or upper body toning. Often, women who have had their implants for several years may be due for a replacement surgery anyway and choose to remove them.

In some cases, older women feel their implants have “done their job” and no longer wish to have them as they enter a different phase of life. Whatever the case may be, we are here to help you feel at home and in love with your body.

2. Ease Neck and Back Pain

Large fake breasts may also cause shoulder, neck, and back troubles (just as in women with naturally large breasts who can face persistent pain). The larger your implants, the more your center of gravity is affected. In some cases, this can lead to an undue force exerted on your spine. After menopause, these symptoms can become even more pronounced as your weight fluctuates due to hormonal changes.

3. Avoid Future Corrections, Deflation or Rupture

Implants are not designed to last a lifetime. The longer you have them, the likelihood of needing additional surgeries to replace or remove implants increases. Some San Diego women choose to remove their implants rather than take on additional surgeries (and their associated costs and recovery times) down the line.

A small number of patients (10 to 20 percent) may experience rupture or deflation and choose to remove their implants. Though rare, another concern some women face is capsular contracture

Though industry changes and modern techniques have considerably lowered the risk, some patients will still develop this condition, even as long as several years after the surgery. Capsular contracture is characterized by stiffening of scar tissue, which can lead to pain or in extreme cases, hard, misshapen breasts.

Implant removal is a solution to any of these complications and a guaranteed means of avoiding them in the future.

4. Ensure Mammogram Accuracy

Some patients choose explant surgery due to the small but very real chance of implants complicating the accuracy of future mammograms. Especially for women with implants placed on top of the chest muscle, technicians can face slightly more difficulty in ensuring a simple mammography process. Some patients may need additional films.

For some of our patients, this slight chance of experiencing mammogram complications is a health risk they don’t want to take. This can be especially true for patients with a family history of breast cancer.

5. “It’s Time to Do Something For Me”

Finally, women may just decide they want a change of breast shape or size. Over time, as our bodies change, so do our opinions and preferences.  Patients may want to “do something for themselves,” and may feel encouraged by the wave of body positivity we’ve seen as a country over the last few years. Some say returning to their natural breast size increases their confidence and comfort in their skin.

Schedule a Consultation
What’s most important is to do what makes you content and comfortable. If you think implant removal may be right for you or want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sayed, please call our San Diego, CA, office at 1-858-247-2933, or contact us here.

Breast Implant Removal: Why Thousands of Women are Doing It

Since it was first introduced, breast augmentation has become one of the most popular and best-known plastic surgeries available. For countless patients, the procedure has provided the opportunity to enjoy renewed self-confidence and comfort in their appearance. In recent years, however, the number of women seeking implant removal has increased dramatically.  While the reasons may be personal, they can often be sorted into three distinct categories:

Changing Ideals

As with every generation, the features that are considered beautiful change over time. Today’s trends of creating more natural enhancements to a woman’s body is a complete 180 from the old mantra “bigger is better”. As a result, some women are seeking breast implant removal as a means of updating their appearance to match this newer emphasis on natural curves. Unnaturally large breasts can also impede a woman’s ability to participate in certain physical activities like jogging and weight training. For women committed to getting fit and staying that way, breast implant removal can eliminate discomfort when running and alleviate undue pressure on the spine and back caused by disproportionately large breasts. 

Ongoing Maintenance

Like any other medical device, breast implants are not meant to last forever. Rupture is a constant risk with implants and deflation usually occur about 10 years following placement, requiring that patients either replace surviving implants in order to retain their shape. In order to replace worn implants, patients must undergo surgery – meaning time off from work and several weeks of recovery. While some patients may not mind undergoing routine replacement, others may find the upkeep to become physically taxing and choose to have their implants removed instead of replaced. 

Secondary Illness

While neither implant types have been directly correlated to increased risk of cancer, recent years have also seen the rise of secondary health issues related to breast implants. For patients experiencing breast implant illness, symptoms like headaches, chronic fatigue, fever, and joint pain can be especially debilitating and provide enough reason for women to seek explant. Furthermore, the FDA has identified over 450 cases of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma – a rare form of cancer that can develop in the scar tissue around the implant. In the face of these very real medical concerns, many patients have chosen to implant removal as a means of protecting their overall health.

Get the Scoop from Dr. Sayed

When it comes to the impacts of surgery, having a thorough understanding of all available options and risks can make a tremendous difference in the long-term results. At Dr. Sayed’s offices in Newport Beach and La Jolla San Diego, our experienced plastic surgeon is committed to patient education. Starting with your first consultation, Dr. Sayed focuses on the facts of each procedure, ensuring you know both the pros and cons and can make an informed decision about your treatments. To learn more about breast implant placement, risk, and removal, we encourage you to schedule your consultation today.

The Problems that Can be Solved Using Revision Breast Augmentation

Cosmetic procedures have become increasingly popular over the years due to its increased safety and efficiency for providing exceptional results. It is also because more and more people are becoming concerned about the way they look.

While most people are happy with the results of these cosmetic procedures, there are some cases where the results can be less than satisfactory. Some procedures may even give rise to side effects and complications.

The best way to correct these issues is by undergoing a revision procedure. One of the most common correction procedures is revision breast augmentation. This procedure is conducted to correct issues that arise following a breast implant procedure. There are various complications that can occur after the implants have been inserted. The easiest way to correct them is through revision breast augmentation.

Breast Implant Surgery

This is a cosmetic procedure which involves inserting silicone gel or saline implants into the breasts to improve their shape and size. This procedure is also known as breast augmentation. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, with thousands of women undergoing it every year.

A breast augmentation can help women achieve a better, more proportionate figure. It also makes them appear more youthful and attractive. The patient can choose what implant they would prefer and its size. During the procedure, the skin of the breast can be tightened and the nipple can be repositioned as well.

Complications From Breast Implants

Following breast augmentation, there have been occasions where women have expressed unhappiness with their results. Either the implant size is too big or too small, or there are some complications that need medical attention. Whatever problems may arise, they can be easily treated through revision breast augmentation surgery.

Here are some common issues that can be resolved through this procedure:

Poor Positioning of the Implants: Although this complication is not dangerous, it can leave you feeling dissatisfied and self-conscious. When implants are poorly placed, they can affect the proportion of your breasts. Your chest will begin to look unnatural and your breasts may start to sag or droop.

Implant Rupture: This is quite hazardous as it can cause soreness, pain, swelling, as well as changes in feel, size, appearance, and shape of your breasts. It can be dangerous to have silicone gel floating around inside your body. There are various reasons that can cause implants to rupture, such as poor quality, trauma, etc.

Double-Bubble Deformities: A “double bubble” is formed when the natural tissue in your breasts begin to sag while the implants remain in their original position. Significant weight loss, pregnancy, or gravity are often responsible for this complication.

Capsular Contracture: After you undergo breast augmentation, a layer of fibrous tissue forms around the implants. This is known as a capsule and it is large enough to allow the implants to move. Over time, this capsule may become thicker and constrict the implant’s movement. It also causes abnormal rounding, raising of the breasts, and hardening.

Change in Implant Size: This is the most common reason for revision breast augmentation. Some women may change their mind and want smaller or larger implants. A revision procedure can help them achieve this.

Contact Our Office

For more details on revision breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tim Sayed. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, he will help deliver the results you desire so that you can achieve your aesthetic goals.