Breasts Archives | La Jolla, San Diego

Breasts are a significant aspect of a woman’s physique and can substantially impact her self-esteem and confidence. Sagging or drooping breasts are a common concern among women, and they may be caused by various factors. This article will discuss the common causes of sagging breasts and how Tim Sayed, MD can help address this issue.

Causes of Sagging Breasts

Breast Sagging Due to Aging

Breast sagging due to aging is a common concern for many women. Our skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen as we age, making it less able to support the breast tissue. Additionally, hormonal changes that occur during menopause can further exacerbate the loss of breast firmness and shape.

Breast Sagging Due to Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are common causes of breast sagging. During pregnancy, the breasts undergo significant changes to prepare for lactation. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy cause the milk ducts to enlarge, resulting in an increase in breast size and weight. This can cause the skin and breast tissue to stretch.

After pregnancy, breastfeeding can also contribute to breast sagging. The act of nursing can cause the breast tissue to stretch and the ligaments that support the breasts to weaken. Additionally, the process of milk production and engorgement can cause the breasts to become heavier and more pendulous, leading to further sagging.

Not all women will experience breast sagging as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Factors such as age, skin elasticity, and the amount of weight gained during pregnancy can all affect the extent of breast changes that occur. Additionally, some women may be more genetically predisposed to developing breast sagging than others.

Breast Sagging Due to Weight Fluctuations

Weight fluctuations can be a significant factor in the development of sagging breasts.

When a woman gains weight, the breasts will also increase in size due to the accumulation of fat cells, which can cause breast ptosis. The amount of weight gain and how quickly it occurs can also affect the extent of breast sagging.

Conversely, when a woman loses a significant amount of weight, the breasts may become deflated as the fat cells within them shrink. This can lead to sagging as the skin and breast tissue can no longer maintain their former shape and position. The degree of sagging that occurs after weight loss can vary depending on factors such as age, skin elasticity, and the amount of weight lost.

It’s worth noting that weight fluctuations don’t just affect women who are overweight or obese. Even women at a healthy weight can experience fluctuations due to changes in their diet or exercise habits, or simply as a result of regular hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle.

Breast Sagging Due to Genetics

When it comes to genetics and breast sagging, a few key factors are at play. The first is breast size. Women with larger breasts tend to experience more sagging over time due to the weight and strain placed on the breast tissue and skin. Additionally, the ratio of glandular tissue to fat in the breasts can affect their overall firmness and shape.

Another genetic factor that can contribute to sagging breasts is skin elasticity. As we age, our skin naturally loses some of its elasticity and collagen, making it more prone to sagging. However, some people may be genetically predisposed to having less elastic skin, which can contribute to sagging breasts at an earlier age.

Finally, certain medical conditions can contribute to breast sagging and may have a genetic component. For example, connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can affect the strength and elasticity of the skin, making it more prone to sagging. Women with a family history of these conditions may be more likely to experience sagging breasts.

How Breast Lift Surgery Can Help

The primary goals of breast lift surgery are to raise and reposition the nipple, restore breast tissue to a higher, less descended location on the chest wall, and remove sagging, loose breast skin. This may involve placing incisions around the nipple, as well as vertical and horizontal incisions depending on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. In some cases, patients may also choose to combine breast lift surgery with breast augmentation (breast lift with implants) using implants to enhance breast volume and projection.

It’s important to note that breast lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure that requires careful planning and attention to detail. An expert plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Tim Sayed, will work closely with you to ensure that you understand the procedure’s potential risks and benefits and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Want to Correct Sagging Breasts? Partner with an Expert!

Whether caused by aging, pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or genetics, solutions are available to help restore the shape and position of the breasts. At your consultation with Dr. Sayed, he will work with you to determine the best approach to achieve your desired results. Dr. Sayed uses Crisalix^® software to simulate various breast lift techniques with and without implants, allowing you to visualize your potential results before undergoing surgery. If you are considering a breast procedure, contact Tim Sayed, MD in La Jolla and Newport Beach for a consultation to discuss your options.

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.

Tag: Breasts

Common Causes of Sagging Breasts