Breast Surgery Archives | La Jolla, San Diego

5 Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help enhance the appearance of the breasts and boost self-confidence. However, over time, many women may choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons. Whether it’s due to changes in personal preferences, health concerns, or complications related to the implants, breast implant removal can be a valuable option for many women.

In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of breast implant removal and why it’s a valuable option for many women. 5 common benefits of breast implant removal are improved breast health, reduced risk of BIA-ALCL, natural-looking results, increased self-confidence, and alleviation of breast implant illness symptoms. We will also introduce you to one of the leading breast explant surgeons in Southern California, Dr. Tim Sayed, and the specialized “en bloc” breast implant removal technique he performs. This advanced surgical method is performed by plastic surgeons for a number of potential reasons.

Why Should I Have my Breast Implants Removed?

Some reasons why a woman may choose to have her breast implants removed include:

No longer wanting the implants
Experience of complications from the implants, such as infection, rupture, or capsular contracture
A desire for a more natural and symmetrical appearance of the breasts
Address stretched or distorted breast tissue caused by the implants
Relief from pain or discomfort caused by the implant
Enhanced self-esteem and body image
Improved ability to monitor breast health
To avoid future complications that may arise with the implant
Change in personal preference or lifestyle that can affect the desirability of the implants
Hormonal imbalances or changes in the body

What are 5 Top Benefits of Breast Implant Removal?

1. Improved Breast Health:

Breast implant removal can improve overall breast health. Over time, implants can lead to complications such as breast pain, infection, and hardening of the breast tissue (capsular contracture). Capsular contracture is a condition in which the tissue around the implant tightens and hardens, leading to discomfort, changes in the shape and feel of the breast, and in severe cases, even deformation. Breast pain can also be a symptom of capsular contracture or other implant-related complications.

Removing the implants can potentially alleviate these symptoms and improve the overall health of the breast. Additionally, by removing the implants, you may be able to monitor and detect any potential changes in your breast tissue, which can be early indicators of other breast health issues, more easily. As explained in the following points, breast implant removal can also help reduce the risk of BIA-ALCL and breast implant illness (BII).

2. Reduced Risk of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL):

BIA-ALCL is a rare type of lymphoma that is associated with certain breast implants, specifically with textured Biocell (Allergan brand) breast implants. It is a malignancy that develops in the fluid and tissue surrounding the implant. While it is important to note that the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is very low, removal of implants can essentially eliminate the risk. Many women with Allergan textured implants seek prophylactic removal of the implants and capsules, since ALCL may not present with symptoms until full-blown malignancy is present.

It is also recommended that in case of any breast implant-related symptoms such as lumps, swelling, pain or redness, it is essential to seek medical attention and your surgeon for evaluation. In such cases, if it is determined that the implant has to be removed, your explant surgeon can help you with the en bloc breast implant removal technique, which completely removes the capsular tissue around the implant along with the device, or may recommend a different approach depending on your presentation.

3. Natural Looking Results:

Breast implant removal can restore the breasts to their natural shape and size. This can be especially beneficial for patients who are no longer happy with the look of their implants, whether it be the size, shape, or feel, or who have experienced complications such as rippling, asymmetry, or capsular contracture. For some patients, the natural volume may be enough to make for a pleasing breast mound. Other patients may have very limited natural breast tissue volume, which means expectations for cosmetic outcome must be set properly.

Additionally, with the en bloc technique, a leading explant surgeon like Dr. Sayed can ensure that the integrity of the normal breast tissue is preserved, minimizing the chances of complications. In some cases, if desired, and based on the patient’s anatomy, the patient may opt for a breast lift or other breast reshaping procedure in order to achieve a more perky, rounder and more youthful look.

4. Increased Self-Confidence:

Breast implant removal can have emotional and psychological benefits. Some patients may experience depression or anxiety related to their breast implants, and the removal of the implants can help alleviate those feelings. Removing breast implants can also lead to increased self-confidence. This can be especially true for patients who are no longer happy with the look of their implants or who have experienced complications with them.

Many women who have had breast implant surgery may have had them for various reasons, whether it be for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons, and over time, their preferences or circumstances may change. A more natural look and feel can help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin. There is empowerment in not defining one’s beauty or femininity by the size of one’s breasts.

5. Alleviation of Breast Implant Illness Symptoms

Some patients report experiencing symptoms of “Breast Implant Illness,” a condition that can include a wide range of symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, vision changes, anxiety, and gastrointestinal issues. While there is currently limited scientific evidence linking these symptoms to breast implants, a small percentage of patients report experiencing debilitating symptoms, and many experience improvement when their implants are removed. The reasons for this are being actively studied but there is some controversy about this subject in the plastic surgery industry.

In March 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met to discuss concerns regarding breast implant illness, textured implants, and other considerations. The FDA advised the continued monitoring of approved implant devices. However, it is understood that breast implants are foreign bodies, and it is possible that a small percentage of patients do not react well to them. En bloc capsulectomy with explantation of the implants is an option to help patients with these concerns move forward in their lives.

What Happens After Breast Implant Removal?

After breast implant removal, it’s common for the breasts to undergo changes in shape and volume. Without the implants, the breast tissue may shrink, and the breast may appear smaller. It’s also possible that changes in the breasts due to aging and stretch marks caused by the previous implants may cause the breasts to sag more. Recovery after breast implant removal typically takes longer than recovery after a regular breast augmentation.

How Long Does It Take to Recover after Removing Breast Implants?

You can expect to take an additional week of rest before returning to light fitness activities, and it is recommended that you avoid social activities and refrain from driving for at least 10 days or until you no longer need to take prescription medication. You will also be asked to wear a surgical bra for several weeks to help support and protect the breasts during the healing process. This all will help to improve the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.

Choosing Dr. Tim Sayed for En Bloc Breast Implant Removal

When considering breast implant removal, it’s crucial to find a plastic surgeon who specializes in the safest techniques available. The en bloc breast implant removal method is one such technique that’s known for its high margin of safety and effectiveness. This method not only removes the implant but also the surrounding capsule of scar tissue, creating a new, healthier pocket for a future implant.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sayed is a specialist in breast surgery and has extensive experience in performing en bloc breast implant removal. If you’re considering breast implant removal and want the safest technique possible, consider scheduling a consultation at Tim Sayed MD Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sayed can help you determine whether the en bloc breast implant removal method is the right choice for you and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Misconceptions About Breast Augmentation and Lift

Most women dream about having the full and perfectly rounded breasts we all see in movies and magazines. This concept of beauty and feminine body figures has been around for decades, which is why thousands of women decide to undergo plastic surgery every year to get the curvy figure of their dreams.

Though most patients are familiar with the concept of breast surgery, you might not know there is more than one way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Breasts come in different sizes and shapes, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula that works for all patients.

Today, two of the most sought-after breast procedures are augmentations and lifts. Both surgeries achieve extraordinary results, but they serve different purposes. If you are considering breast surgery, understanding your options is crucial to help you make the right decision.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic procedure in the U.S. This surgery is one of the safest, quickest, and most effective alternatives to improve breast symmetry, volume, and shape. During surgery, breast specialist Dr. Tim Sayed inserts saline or silicone implants to achieve the appearance you discussed during your consultation. Breast implants also come in different sizes and shapes, so Dr. Sayed will help you select the best choice for you.

Augmentation surgery is the ideal choice for healthy patients who want to address their breasts’ size or shape, but it has little effect on their position. If you are happy about your breast volume but think they look a bit droopy, you might want to consider a breast lift.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is the leading solution for sagging breasts, medically known as ptosis. Flattened, deflated breasts can result from multiple factors, including aging, weight loss, breastfeeding, and even genetics. Breast ptosis can make you look significantly older, with issues like excess fat and downward-pointing nipples. These can be impossible to hide, even when you are fully dressed.

With a breast lift, Dr. Sayed removes excess skin, improves contours, and addresses nipple position to enhance your breasts’ appearance. This treatment is an excellent alternative for healthy women who struggle with sagging breasts, especially after having children.

Can I Combine Breast Surgeries?

Absolutely. Dr. Sayed can perform a lift and augmentation concurrently to simultaneously resolve multiple concerns. Pairing surgeries is an excellent way to save time and money because it only requires one recovery period, making it ideal for your busy lifestyle.

Your Breast Specialist in San Diego and Newport Beach, CA

If you think any of these treatments will help you improve your figure and boost your confidence, why not schedule a consultation to clear up all your doubts? Our team at Tim Sayed MD Plastic Surgery will be happy to see you in either of our two convenient locations. Contact us when you are ready to learn more.

Do You Need a Breast Lift and/or Fat Grafting with Explant Surgery?

Q & A with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Tim Sayed

A common question posed by plastic surgery patients is if they need a breast lift and/or fat grafting with their explant surgery. Here, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Tim Sayed, a renowned expert in cosmetic breast surgery, answers this and other questions in detail to help you better understand your breast explant options and which surgical strategies may work best for you.

Q: How Do We Decide if a Breast Lift is Beneficial with Explant Surgery?

A: The amount of skin removal advised depends on 3 basic factors:

How big is your natural breast (knowing what cup size you were before implants is helpful, and it is also affected by whether you have had pregnancies or breastfed after implants)
How big are the implants? Larger implants “smush” the natural breast tissue more and stretch the skin envelope more, so when you remove larger implants, there is more redundant skin to remove. Think about someone losing massive weight: the clothes they wear when heavier have more cloth than the clothes they wear when they lose the weight. The skin of the breast will have too much area for the size of the breast volume if some skin removal is not done, and this is especially true the larger the implants.
Where do the nipples and natural breast tissue sit? If they are sitting at or below the peak of the fold under the breast (inframammary fold), then it is likely that with deflation of the breast from removing the implant, the breast will look saggier with folds of extra skin and a lower nipple position. This often gives the appearance of a “rock in a sock” or “Christmas stocking” shape. A lift will help correct the imbalance of skin redundancy and sagginess but comes at the tradeoff of having more incisions and a slightly longer recovery.

Q: What is the Typical Scar Pattern with an Explant Breast Lift?

A: In most cases, we end up recommending the full Wise-pattern “anchor” incision because it allows us to remove extra skin in both north-south (top-bottom) and east-west (side-side) directions on the breast. In some cases, a lift can be done with just a circle around the nipple and an incision in the fold (which we call the “no vertical-scar lift”), but not all patients are candidates for that. To be a candidate, it helps to have relatively small implants, a B or larger natural breast, and very little overhand of the natural breast over the fold.

Q: What Option Exists for Skin Removal without Cutting Around the Nipple/Areola?

A: Patients who do not want the lift incisions may be candidates for explant/capsulectomy just through the incision in the breast fold, followed by a “tuck” at the bottom of the breast. In this procedure, the extra skin between where the fold is WITH THE IMPLANT IN and the fold position AFTER THE IMPLANT COMES OUT is removed, but the soft tissue of the breast beneath that skin is preserved and tucked under to give a little boost of projection to the lower pole of the breast. In this technique, the tissue is not moved into a rounder upper pole, and the nipple position is not moved at all. This results in a much flatter upper breast and teardrop shape but is a compromise solution for some patients who don’t want the lift scars. Some patients elect this procedure and are happy with the outcome, and others may come back later for breast lifting and/or fat grafting depending on how the fold settles, how much flattening there is of the breast, and whether there are indentations or concavity of the breast shape.

Q: Who are the Best Candidates for Fat Grafting?

A: Fat grafting (or “fat transfer,” same thing) is a procedure where fat is taken from other parts of the body through liposuction and injected into the breast tissue to add volume and help with shaping. If you are considering liposuction of other body areas or a tummy tuck at the time of your explant, it may make sense to “recycle” the fat that would otherwise be thrown away and inject it into the breast to help with volume and shape. Some patients have so little breast tissue that they are likely to have concave, indented breasts after explant surgery (especially if the implants are very large). These patients may benefit from some fat transfer to add shape to the breast, although they are likely to only have a small amount of fat to obtain from donor sites, since most very thin patients also have fairly small breasts, and vice versa. However, the effect of a little boost and changing the breast from concave (indented) to slightly convex (small teardrop) may make a big psychological difference for a lot of these smaller-breasted patients. Larger-breasted patients and those who would be wanting a tummy tuck or lipo anyway are good candidates to add a little boost with fat grafting, even though they likely would be happy with their natural breasts after explant. Sometimes a patient has adequate fat elsewhere and is concerned that after explant, the tummy will look too large compared to their smaller breast. These are good candidates to consider lipo and/or tummy tuck at the time of the explant, along with fat grafting. In this way, the abdomen can be made to look smaller and leaner, and the breast will have more projection than it would naturally, so together, this creates the visual effect of rebalancing the breast and tummy and avoiding the patient feeling like her stomach is now too large.

Q: What are Some of the Risks of Fat Grafting?

A: The main risk is that not all of the fat “takes” or survives the grafting process long-term. A ballpark is about 60% of the fat injected will live permanently. What happens to the fat that does not survive? Mostly it just dissolves, and the breast loses some of the volume enhancement, but whatever does survive behaves as living tissue in the breast thereafter. Occasionally, however, lumpiness may occur and, in some cases, it can be tender or uncomfortable. There may be options to remove lumpy fat (fat necrosis or “oil cysts”) if they occur. Liposuction itself has some risks, and it is essential to take note of the skin quality of the donor site to see that we take fat from areas where the skin re-draping can be predictably good. This is often from the love handles (flanks) and lower back, and sometimes from the mid and lower abdomen, bra rolls, upper arms, and thighs. With the aid of the Renuvion device, we can get better skin tightening in patients with somewhat loose skin in combination with liposuction at the time of fat transfer.

Interested in Learning More?

If you would like more information about breast lift and fat grafting with explant surgery, your next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sayed. In this consultation, he will evaluate you, listen to your goals and reasons for considering the procedure, and ultimately create the surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

To get started, simply contact us online or call (858) 247-2933 today. Our offices are located in Newport Beach and La Jolla, California. Dr. Sayed and our team look forward to meeting you soon!

What Is the Connection Between Large Breasts and Back Pain?

Many people experience back pain at some point in their life. For some, it can stem from tension, poor posture, overexertion, excess weight, and many other factors. One factor that largely contributes to back pain for many women is large breasts.

How Large Breasts Cause Back Pain

D-cup breasts can weigh between 16 and 24 pounds. Breasts that size can exert unnecessary force on the chest, which requires a counterbalance on the neck, shoulders, and back. All of these factors can lead to muscle strain and chronic pain. The extra weight can also contribute to issues with posture, as the muscles begin to tire from fighting to stay straight and the upper back begins to curve forward.

Other contributing factors can include women who might feel self-conscious about their large breasts may adjust their posture to hide or minimize the appearance of their breasts by hunching or rolling their shoulders in. These posture adjustments can lead to severe back and shoulder pain. They may also find themselves unable to find a bra that fits, leading to discomfort from the straps digging into the shoulders and shifting the body’s balance in an unhelpful way.

Lastly, large breasts can also lead to women being incapable of performing physical activities that could possibly strengthen their backs and torsos and improve their overall flexibility. Large breasts can make many activities awkward, difficult, or nearly impossible, and also incredibly uncomfortable. This is due to the pressure the breasts place on the chest cavity, which can make it challenging to take a deep breath.

How To Address Breast-Related Back Pain

Back pain related to large breasts can be remedied in a few different ways. Here are a few methods you can try to address back pain if you have large breasts.

Find A Bra That Fits: Shop around for bras that aren’t too tight and have wide shoulder straps to help support and distribute the weight. Customized bras and sports bras can support the weight of your breasts and make movements more comfortable. This might seem like an obvious piece of advice, but two-thirds to three-quarters of all women wear bras with the wrong cup, band, and shoulder strap size.
Keep A Healthy Weight: When women gain weight, the breasts are often affected. The extra fat can also add weight to the abdomen, forcing the back to work harder to keep the body in balance. If you’re carrying around some excess weight, losing it with a healthy diet and exercise plan may help resolve back issues.

Consider A Breast Reduction

If you’ve done everything to try to support or reduce your large breasts, but the issues with back pain continue to persist, you might consider breast reduction surgery. This procedure can have cosmetic and medical benefits and may be the only method to permanently resolve chronic pain. Breast reduction surgery can give you the look you want and allow you more opportunities for a more active lifestyle. If large breasts contribute to your back, neck, or shoulder pain, reducing their size could help resolve the chronic pain you’ve been experiencing.

Learn More About Breast Reduction Surgery in Newport Beach, CA

Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tim Sayed has been practicing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for over 13 years. His impeccable skill, attention to detail, and commitment to patient happiness and well-being are second to none.

If you are interested to see how Dr. Sayed can help you through cosmetic breast surgery, your next step is to schedule a friendly and informative consultation with Dr. Sayed. Contact our practice today at (858) 247-2933 or through our website to reserve your spot today.

The Top Reasons for Breast Explant Surgery

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S., with over 310,000 surgeries performed yearly. However, another statistic is on the rise, which is the number of women seeking to remove their breast explants through breast explant surgery.

Reasons compelling women to seek breast explant surgery vary between individuals. The most common reasons double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tim Sayed encounters are:

Scar tissue (capsular contracture) that has changed the breasts’ appearance
Changes in breast shape due to age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
Complications with the implants, such as rupturing
Breast implant illness

Some women’s self-image and lifestyle may have shifted to a point that it is more practical for them to have non-augmented breasts. Others might be dissatisfied with the changes that have happened to their breasts over time. One factor that is often a concern is the possibility of complications from an implant that has broken or ruptured and leaked toxic material into the body. In extreme cases, this tissue damage can lead to permanent deformities of surrounding tissues.

At Tim Sayed Plastic Surgery in La Jolla and Newport Beach, CA, we want to enlighten our patients as much as possible. Understanding why women might seek breast explant surgery can help you better understand your desires and needs and the comfort of knowing you’re not alone.

No Longer Content With Your Breasts’ Appearance

After several years with implants, the natural aging process will inevitably affect your breasts. As a result, your skin will stretch, breasts will shift lower on your chest, and your nipples and areolas will begin to point downward. Removing the implants will significantly reverse these concerns, and you may also wish to consider adding a breast lift as part of the solution.

Lifestyle Changes

The most frequently cited reason for breast explant surgery is a lifestyle change. Younger women often concentrate on their appearance above all else, but your priorities might change as you get older.

Breast implants, particularly larger ones, can hinder active lifestyles by being uncomfortable or getting in the way.

Many women who take up pursuits such as running, swimming, or CrossFit in their mid-20s or 30s might find their implants prevent them from thoroughly enjoying their activities and encourage them to seek breast explant surgery.

Complications With the Implants

A less typical reason for breast explant surgery is complications with implants. As implants get older and remain in your body longer, a painful condition called capsular contraction may occur. One or both implants could also become damaged, necessitating their removal.

Breast Implant Illness

Breast implant illness is the most prevalent reason Dr. Tim Sayed removes breast implants. Still, it’s critical to note that this condition remains infrequent, with statistics indicating that between one in 2,000 and one in 86,000 breast implant patients will experience the condition.

While health professionals have yet to fully understand its causes, breast implant illness is a set of nonspecific physical symptoms some patients with breast implants experience.

Some reported BII symptoms include:

Constant fatigue and drowsiness
Chronic joint inflammation and pain
Unexplained respiratory complications
Skin blotching and hair loss
Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety

As medical experts strive to better understand and quantify BII, doctors encourage any patient with breast implants experiencing these unexplained symptoms to consult a professional. Often, having the breast implants removed provides noticeable relief of many symptoms, and Dr. Sayed has personally noticed improvements in some of his breast removal patients.

Breast Explant Surgery in Newport Beach, CA

If your beauty standards have changed or your enhanced breasts have become a hindrance, breast explant surgery can significantly improve your quality of life. Reach out to Dr. Tim Sayed in Newport Beach or La Jolla, CA, by calling (858) 247-2933 or contacting us via this online form to arrange a quick virtual consultation to discover how we can help you look and feel your best.

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.