Tag Archives: breast implant exchange

Breast augmentation is primarily a cosmetic procedure. Most patients choose to have the procedure performed in order to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing overall figure. For many patients this is a procedure that will boost both their self-esteem as well as self-confidence. But, patients are informed when choosing to have breast augmentation surgery that there is a chance that they may need to replace their implants over time. Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime however it is not solely due to the fact that they are a manufactured product. The reality is that as patients age, many facets of their body change as well. Patients breast tissue over time is likely to sag as they lose natural breast tissue and the skin has less elasticity. So, it is not realistic to expect breast implants that are 10 years or older to look the same as they did when the patient originally had breast augmentation. Dr. Seify explains to patients that if they have breast implants that are older, or have saline implants because silicone implants were not available at the time of their original breast augmentation, they should seriously consider having their breast implants examined. Dr. Seify will check for hardening of scar tissue, contour irregularities, as well as other indicators that may cause concern. Breast implant exchange is typically the recommendation if the breast implants are compromised or the breast augmentation result is less than desirable. Some patients may also be a candidate for a breast lift and breast augmentation combination. For most patients the recovery for breast implant exchange is considerably less painful than the original breast augmentation surgery. Patients are able to select either silicone or saline in most cases and Dr. Seify explains to patients that with their new breast implants they will be entitled to the new warranties which have better cash assistance should a rupture or deflation take place. Patients who are considering breast implant exchange are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
Southern California is well-known globally for the number of plastic surgeries performed here. The most popular procedure performed is breast augmentation. Breast augmentation can be performed using either saline or silicone implants. For some patients, over time the breast can begin to feel hard or take on a somewhat firm appearance. In some cases this can happen gradually over time, but in other cases this can happen relatively soon following surgery. Patients who have hardening of the breast should never consider this a normal part of breast augmentation. The procedure to correct this is commonly referred to as a capsulectomy. This stems from the fact that a capsule of scar tissue has formed around the implant in an excessive amount. All implants have a capsule of scar tissue; however, when it is excessive it can cause the implants to feel hard and look distorted. For some patients, this can be most noticeable following a rupture or deflation. For other patients their body may be forming excessive scar tissue for other reasons. Dr. Seify explains to patients who are concerned about the feel and look of their older implants that breast implant exchange is recommended to remove the capsule and allow a new capsule of to form around a new implant. Breast implant exchange is a common procedure in Dr. Seify’s practice and patients will most likely need a capsulectomy in conjunction with a breast implant change. Patients who are considering breast implant exchange or would like to have their breast implants checked for changes and concerns are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify’s office and schedule a consultation.
plastic surgeryPlastic surgery has become a global experience thanks to the Internet. Airfares are well within the reach of most people and getting from place to place (especially domestically) is easier than ever before. Newport Beach has a reputation for beautiful beaches, luxurious accommodations, and of course plastic surgery. Dr. Seify host many patients who travel to Newport Beach from other destinations both domestically and internationally. Newport Beach is an excellent location for plastic surgery patients for many reasons. As a tourist destination the beauty of the scenery, abundance of activities, and wide range of lodging accommodations make Dr. Seify’s Newport Beach location hard to beat for patients who are considering plastic surgery.

Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach

But, location is only one part of the decision when deciding to travel for plastic surgery. Dr. Seify encourages patients who are considering plastic surgery and traveling from out of town to prepare as much information prior to the initial consultation as possible. For most patients considering procedures like breast augmentation or liposuction Dr. Seify will request photos prior to the patient consultation to use as a guideline in helping the patient determine what they can expect.

Plastic Surgery Preparation for Out of Town Patients

A preliminary health history will be conducted and if the patient falls within the guidelines for outside medical clearance it is recommended that the patient has the medical clearance performed prior to coming into town for their initial consultation. The amount of time Dr. Seify will require the patient stay in the Newport Beach area will vary based on the procedure, patient health, and other factors. It is important that patients have a caregiver with them on the trip at least for the first 24 to 48 hours. Patients will be required to have their initial consultation, and a separate preoperative appointment, prior to surgery. Patients are encouraged to view Dr. Seify’s before-and-after photo gallery and are given a thorough overview which will include what they can expect from the surgery, recommendations for accommodations, and if necessary referrals for caregivers that can assist following surgery. Dr. Seify’s out-of-town patients are thrilled with not only the results of their procedure but the entire plastic surgery experience. Patients are encouraged to contact the office if they are considering plastic surgery in Newport Beach.  
breastBreast implants have been around for quite some time. There are a multitude of women who still have older first-generation silicone gel breast implants. These are the breast implants that were the source of lawsuits and ultimately the motivation for the FDA to pull the silicone breast implants from the market. At that point many women had been implanted with the breast implants and were not having problems so therefore they kept the breast implants. There are women who now have concerns as to whether or not they should consider breast implant exchange, especially since there are better more improved cohesive silicone gel implants available today.

Breast Implant Exchange When Is It Time?

Patients who have older silicone gel implants should consider breast implant exchange a priority in certain circumstances. For example, patients who have excessive firmness to the breast due to excessive scar tissue that has formed around the breast implant should definitely consider exchanging the breast implants for the newer cohesive silicone gel implants. The breast implant exchange surgery will also give Dr. Seify the opportunity to perform a capsulectomy which will remove the excessive scar tissue, create an improved pocket for the new implant, and help the patient to achieve a much more natural aesthetically pleasing appearance. Another instance where patient should consider breast implant exchange would be if there is a rupture. Although this may be difficult to detect with the older silicone gel implants, patients are often aware of a rupture after it is pointed out by a radiologist or other medical professional following a mammogram.

Breast Implant Exchange After A Rupture

When there is a rupture of the older silicone gel implants patient should be prepared for the possibility that the silicone has spread throughout the breast pocket. This could make the surgery more complex and mean that Dr. Seify will carefully have to remove the older silicone gel completely from the breast pocket. This could add additional time, and possibly cost, to the surgery. Patients should be aware that this is the possibility; however, choosing a surgeon who will skip this step could have unintended consequences which could include, but are not limited to. the acceleration of excessive scar tissue around the new implant, and/or added difficulty for the new implant to settle into the pocket and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Breast implant exchange for older implants should be considered a delicate procedure and patient should choose their plastic surgeon carefully. Dr. Seify is well experienced in this area as both a breast reconstructive surgeon as well as a cosmetic breast surgeon. Patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Seify to determine if breast implant exchange is the best recommendation for them.  
Breast augmentation is a big decision.With the excitement of a new breast augmentation few women consider how they will feel if they have a deflation. A deflation is what happens when a saline implant is compromised and loses the saline fluid that is inside the implant. For most women it is noticeable especially if the deflation happens immediately. For other women there may be a slow leak and they may notice only a loss in size which over time will also show wrinkles and ripples. Needless to say, for most women this is not only embarrassing it causes anxiety about what to do next.

Breast Augmentation May Require Additional Surgery

Dr. Seify explains that patients with a deflated implant should schedule an immediate consultation to discuss the recommended steps for correcting the issue. While there is no danger concerning the fluid (which is saline) leaking into the body there is a window of time that allows the implant to be removed rather easily without the concern of new scar tissue growth. The longer a patient waits the more likely it is that the scar tissue has grown over the deflated implant and in some cases created new scar tissue which has closed off the breast pocket. This can cause the breast implant exchange to be a bit more involved and take more time which could increase patient cost. Dr. Seify will explain the differences between saline and silicone implants. Some breast implant manufacturers offer a promotional incentive for patients who choose to upgrade from saline to silicone implants.

Breast Implant Exchange and Options Available

Dr. Seify will including  in his recommendation the benefits and limitations of silicone and saline implants as they directly relate to the patient. For example, thinner patients with less of their own breast tissue, Dr. Seify may strongly recommend silicone gel implants as they would be less likely to display wrinkling and rippling in the patient. After a deflation, breast implant exchange is rather straightforward. It is not like the first breast augmentation surgery, and for most patients it is merely an inconvenience as opposed to the pain and discomfort that may have occurred with the initial surgery. Dr. Seify encourages patients to schedule their consultation immediately if they have a deflation and to be prepared to provide for staff serial numbers and the manufacturer, so that the staff can begin the warranty redemption process if the patient is eligible.    
 Breast augmentation is no longer a taboo subject.It is no secret, especially in Newport Beach and surrounding Southern California areas that breast augmentation is a popular procedure. Due to the popularity of the procedure some patients have begun to take many aspects of the surgical procedure for granted. Some patients assume that because the procedure is performed so often that all doctors performing the procedure are of equal surgical skill and talent. This is untrue.

Breast Augmentation a Specialized Procedure

Every doctor who performs breast augmentation or other breast surgeries including breast lift and breast reduction is unique in their approach, surgical skill, education, and talent. So, patients who are considering breast augmentation need to ask very specific questions of their plastic surgery. One of the questions that are foremost on the mind of most patients considering breast augmentation concerns the size of breast implant the doctor will recommend.  Dr. Seify explains that while every patient is unique there are general guidelines that will help patients to determine the right size for them. Most patients according to general surveys will increase their cup size by an average of 1 1/2 size. Patients who have a significant amount of their own breast tissue and are having a breast lift combined with breast augmentation may choose a smaller implant in order to compensate for the existing breast tissue. Patients who have a desire for excessively large implants are educated concerning the increased risk for complications due to the size of the implant.

Breast Augmentation Complications

Extremely large implants are more prone to capsular contracture which is an excessive growth of scar tissue surrounding the implant and infection. The larger the implant chosen for breast augmentation, the greater the risk of complications. Contrary to what the news media would have the public believe very few patients request excessively large breast implants. Most patients tell Dr. Seify that they just want to look and feel better in their clothes. Most do not want to draw unnecessary attention to themselves and tell Dr. Seify that they want a very natural unassuming bust line. Dr. Seify is careful to help patients choose the right size not only for their body frame but also for their lifestyle. The goal is for patients to have a comfortable experience that exceeds their expectations.
Breast caner risk may be increased by night shift work. A story circulated in the media this week suggested  that women who work the night shift are more likely to develop breast cancer. According to one of the articles a new study suggests that Danish women who were employed on the night shift were 40% more likely to develop breast cancer compared with women who always worked during day shift hours. This risk was elevated among women who worked more recurrent night shifts for longer periods of time. In particular, women who were employed on the night shift at least three times a week for six years or more were in excess of twice as likely to develop breast cancer than women who had not been employed on the night shift as often.

Breast Cancer Risk Could Be Occupational

Estimates are that as many as 20% of people in Europe and the U.S. are employed on the night shift. The details of how night shift work could elevate breast cancer risk are not definitive. In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer came to the conclusion that night shift work negatively interrupting the body clock or circadian rhythms may increase the risk of breast cancer. The night work hinders the production of the hormone melatonin. Working as few as two night shifts per week did not affect breast cancer risk. This may not be enough time to negatively impact the body clock, study authors conclude. Interestingly enough, breast cancer risk were elevated among self-described “morning” people, or “larks,” who were working the night shift. Larks may be more likely to experience body-clock disruption than owls. The night workers that participated in the new study were more likely to indulge in sunbathing more often than their counterparts who worked during the day. This observation is in contradiction to the theory that the increased breast cancer risk among night shifters was because of less sun exposure.

Breast Cancer Risk ca be Minimized by Lifestyle Choices

What can women do with this breast cancer information since most women are not financially equipped to quit their job based on the information from the study?  Repeatedly science and medicine has shown us that lifestyle choices are one of the best ways to prevent breast cancer. This includes a healthy diet as well as a consistent effective exercise program. Dr. Seify explains to his new breast surgery patients that the best breast  surgery results are maintained through healthy lifestyle choices that include diet and exercise. While this helps maintain good breast health for the eary detection of breast cancer and also helps to maintain the aesthetic results of breast surgery. Breast cancer prevention is critical fro all women. Patients who have had breast augmentation with breast implants who were not good about diet and exercise and gain or lose a significant amount of weight are likely to see changes in the aesthetic appearance of their breast. If significant weight is gained the bust size could become larger as well as develop a sagging component to the breast tissue. In this case, in order to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result a breast lift and a possible breast implant exchange may be needed. If significant weight is lost after breast augmentation with implants (especially saline implants) some patients may experience visible rippling on the sides of the implant or along the cleavage line. Patients should maintain healthy stable weight for the best long-term results.
breast implantsBreast implants are the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the US. Most patients who have breast augmentation rarely remember the name of the type of breast implants that they have. This is especially true if they have had their breast implants for quite some time. Recently, within our blog post we have covered the international PIP breast implant scandal. The now bankrupt company; PIP manufactured an implant that was filled with industrial grade silicone instead of medical grade silicone. The outer shells were made of substandard material as well, and in a very short time the breast implants leaked the dangerous industrial grade silicone into the breast pocket after the breast implants ruptured. This caused alarm in many patients and medical professionals globally advised women to have the implants removed.

Breast Implants That Are Faulty

The faulty silicone breast implants were never approved by the FDA and therefore were not believed to have been sold within the United States. Although, plenty of patients left the United States to have breast augmentation surgery without the knowledge that a PIP breast implant would be used. There are also patients within the United States who have PIP saline implants.  These breast implants are considered by plastic surgeons to be incredibly inferior to the FDA approved breast implants on the market. Although the saline solution is not suspected to be an issue, the outer casing is extremely volatile and it is reported that even the slightest movement can cause the breast implant to deflate.

Breast Implants  Replaced

  Dr. Seify explains to his patients that breast implant exchange is a relatively simple procedure for the patient. Most patients do not experience much pain and discomfort and are pleasantly surprised how quickly they recover in comparison to their initial surgery. A breast augmentation and breast lift can be combined if the patient has developed a sagging component to the breast after her initial breast augmentation. For patients who have PIP implants there is an incentive provided by Mentor Corporation to assist women in replacing their PIP implants. The Mentor Compassionate Care Program offers a $250 American Express®* Gift Card to patients who replace PIPSaline or Gel Breast Implants with MENTOR® Saline or Gel Breast Implants. This program is valid from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012, and may be subject to program limits. Patients are encouraged to call Dr. Seify’s office to determine if they qualify for the special incentive.    
breastBreast feeding is in the news again.The benefits of breast milk have been extolled by medical professionals for decades. A new scientific study shows even further beneficial links to breast feeding and the prevention of breast cancer. According to the onlinearticle once patients have why breastfeeding protects against multiple forms of cancer is still largely unknown. A new study in the Journal of Human Lactation (published by SAGE) found high levels of cancer-fighting TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in human milk, which could be one source of breast milk’s anticancer ingredient.

Breast Milk has Health Benefits

Researchers extracted samples of colostrum, the first milk available to newborns, and of aged breast milk from new mothers. Researchers then collected samples of blood from healthy women, and a sampling of ready-to-feed infant formulas. The colostrum, mature b milk, blood and formula were then all evaluated to measure their level of TRAIL. The researchers found that colostrum and milk contained 400- and 100-fold, respectively, higher levels of TRAIL than blood. No TRAIL was detected in the formula. “The important role of breastfeeding in the prevention of certain childhood cancers, such as lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and neuroblastoma, has been previously demonstrated,” wrote the authors. “However, endogenous soluble TRAIL represents a strong candidate to explain the overall biological effect of breastfeeding against cancer.”  Breast feeding undoubtedly is the best for both the baby and the mother’s health.

Breast Augmentation After Breast Feeding

Some women complain of toll breast-feeding can take on the appearance shape and contour of their breast. Dr. Seify assures his patientsthat mothers who have breast-fed have found breastaugmentation with or without implants to be extremely beneficial in restoring their breast to their original pre-pregnancy shape. Many patients have lost significant volume in the upper portion of their breast and a breastimplant allows them to regain the fullness. Dr. Seify may recommend a breastliftfor patients who have a significant sagging component to their breast. For these patients he may utilize a small implant to achieve better symmetry and shape. Most patients tell Dr. Seify that their breast augmentation procedure gives them more self-confidence and a higher self-esteem after giving birth.  
breastBreast augmentation is the number one performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. Some women would like larger breast but do not want breast implants. According to a study released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons expansion of the breast tissue prior to surgery followed by injection of the patient’s own fat provides a safe and effective alternative to breast implant surgery for breast augmentation, reports a study in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The method which requires using a special suction pump bra device for a few weeks prior to surgery to “pre- expand” breasts—provides greater augmentation than fat transfer performed by itself, according to the new report.

Breast Augmentation Alternatives

The lead author was ASPS Member Surgeon Roger K. Khouri, MD of Florida International University and Miami Breast Center, Key Biscayne, Fla.  The technique is a modification of the increasingly popular injection of the patient’s own fat. In this technique, fat obtained by liposuction from one part of the body—for example, the thighs—is transferred for use in breast augmentation and reshaping. Traditionally much of the fat was absorbed into the body and patients did not see a measurable difference. This new method combines the tissue expansion device and then the introduction of the patient’s fat. It is reported to have worked better, and the average increase was 230 cc after a year with the combination procedure compared with only  130 cc using fat alone. Patient should note that the average implant size is considerably larger (375 cc).

Breast Augmentation Options

While the idea of using a patient’s own fat and distributing it to a desirable area instead of in undesirable area is extremely appealing patients must do their research and be cautious before investing in that transfer procedures. Dr. Seify explains to his patientsthat patients choosing breastaugmentation are typically seeking not just larger breast but better proportion, tone, and aesthetic appearance. Many patients, especially those who have had children desire a breastlift as well as fullness along the cleavage line. Before patients consider that injections for breast augmentation they must first be realistic about their expectations for breast augmentation procedures. Fat injections as well as breastimplantshave limitations and patients should do extensive research prior to deciding which option is best for them. As an ASPS board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Seify remains involved in state-of-the-art methods at they become available for both reconstructive as well as cosmetic plastic surgery. Dr Seify’s practice is one of the centers nationwide used in the clinical study that Dr. Khouri initiated many years ago. This allows Dr. Seify to make the best individualized recommendations based on the patient’s desires, expectations, and overall health.  
NewportPlastic