Tag Archives: breast reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction Before and After Photos

breast augmentation reconstruction orange county newport beach Plastic surgeries involving the breasts are some of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries are in very high demand these days by women who want to improve their appearance by getting breasts that are enhanced and look more youthful and perky. However, there are some plastic surgery procedures that are not done purely for cosmetic purposes such as breast reconstruction. One fact remains is that no matter what kind of cosmetic surgery the patient has decided to undergo, breast reconstruction before and after photos are extremely important. One sign of an excellent plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Hisham Seify is that he will definitely show you before and after pictures from breast reconstruction procedures to show you exactly what to expect. If you live in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, you can consult cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify. You also need to make sure you get breast reconstruction before and after photos that document every step of the process so that you can see all the post op reactions and injuries that you should expect.

Why women need breast reconstruction procedures

The most common reason why women opt for breast reconstruction surgery is after they have suffered from breast cancer that has lead to mastectomies. Even if the breast tissue has been partially or completely removed, some amount of breast reconstruction is required to bring back the normal appearance of the breasts. It is especially important for women who have had mastectomies to see breast reconstruction before and after photos so that their expectation are realistic and so that they are aware of the types of scars they will be experiencing. Breast reconstruction often involves many plastic surgery procedures such as nipple reconstruction, breast augmentation, etc. where tissue expanders, flaps, etc can be used and these procedures are often completed in separate surgeries. So breast reconstruction before and after photos allow women to understand what their breasts would look like after each surgical procedure. As there are many cosmetic surgery procedures involved, the risks with breast reconstruction surgery is also much higher. Scar tissue is greater with breast reconstruction and the chances of infections and tenderness is much higher. If plastic surgeons have images of every step of the recovery process and images of what the breasts looked like before the surgery, women who have decided to undergo the procedure will understand what their scars will look like after surgeries and will be prepared for the worst. Breast reconstruction is not an easy procedure to perform or undergo. This is why you need excellent surgeons like Dr. Hisham Seify to do your procedure for you – especially if you live in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. There is a lot of time and money involved in such procedures and there are tremendous risks involved and patients should figure out if the results are truly are worth all the effort and pain. They must research thoroughly with before and after pictures and understand that even with breast reconstruction surgery, the breasts will not have the same feel and sensation. See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach | Orange County
Breast reconstruction, though a cosmetic surgery, is undertaken more for restoration purpose when a woman undergoes mastectomy. She could have had one or both breasts removed surgically due to a disease like breast cancer or any other reason. This plastic surgery can help a woman achieve normal physical appearance and overcome any self-esteem issues which she might have because of her breasts. It is important to get it done from a reliable and skilled plastic surgeon.

Suitability

You are a suitable candidate for breast reconstruction surgery if you have undergone or are about to undergo mastectomy soon. You may find it a better option to have your reconstruction surgery done along with mastectomy or may decide to first concentrate on getting treated for breast cancer and then think about reconstruction in the future. There are many women who go for breast reconstruction a few years after mastectomy, while some prefer getting it done soon after mastectomy. There are also some women who avoid breast reconstruction all together. Whatever you decide, it should be for your own happiness. Don’t opt for the surgery just to impress others or make others happy. If you feel that you don’t look very womanly without your breasts and a reconstruction surgery would make you feel better about your body, only then you should think about the surgery. If you reside in places like Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, then you can consult Newport Plastic Dr. Hisham Seify, who is an expert cosmetic surgeon and will give you appropriate advice.

Cost of the plastic surgery

The cost of this cosmetic surgery depends on the place where you get it done and the surgeon’s experience and skill. You might also need to account for costs like hospital room charges, doctor’s consultation fees, medication, anesthesia and post-operation garments. If you require other procedures also, the cost of the surgery would go up accordingly. However, what matters most is how you feel about your body once the surgery is done. If you feel happy with the results, then the money is sure well spent. So make sure that you find yourself a skilled and experienced surgeon who will make you feel comfortable and confident during the entire process.

After-care

You can start showering regularly as soon as the wound heals. Avoid scratching the area though it might feel itchy. You may need some medication for post-surgery pain and discomfort. Driving or lifting heavy objects is better avoided for a few weeks. You can also join work after a couple of weeks if it involves only simple desk work. Breast reconstruction surgery can make a lot of difference to your appearance and your self-esteem if you have had one or both breasts surgically removed in the past. You only need to do some ground work and find yourself a reputed and skilled cosmetic surgeon who has the experience of handling such a sensitive matter with care and dexterity. When it comes to your satisfaction, it is advisable to overlook the cost and focus more on the result instead.
breast augmentation reconstruction - implant costIf a woman has to undergo mastectomy because of breast cancer or any other health issue, she may need to have the entire breast or both breasts removed surgically. Having a breast or both breasts removed does not only affect your appearance, but brings emotional complications as well as self-esteem issues. Breast reconstruction involves cosmetic surgery to create a new breast or breasts for women who have had mastectomy and want to regain their original physical appearance.  

What does the plastic surgery involve?

Women who reside in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA and have undergone or are about to undergo mastectomy and are thinking about breast reconstruction surgery can consult Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Hisham Seify. This kind of plastic surgery needs to be entrusted to a skilled and reliable plastic surgeon, so make you decision carefully. For breast reconstruction surgery, the cosmetic surgeon may either use breast implants or your own tissue or a combination of both. In the former scenario, a breast implant is placed under the skin and muscle of your chest area to create the shape of a breast. When reconstruction is done with your own tissue, fat, muscles and skin from another part of your body are utilized to create a new breast. Alternatively, the breast may be created with the help of an implant as well as fat, skin and muscle from another part of your body. Which reconstruction is the most suitable for you depends on how much breast tissue was removed at the time of mastectomy as well as your preference and your general health. The procedure may cost you around $7,000 to $12,000.

Care after the surgery

Your plastic surgeon will guide you about things to take care of after the surgery. Right after the surgery, you may find your reconstructed breast covered in sterile dressings, which will be removed in a few days. After that you can begin showering normally once the wound heals. Your new breast might appear larger than your other breast but will become smaller gradually. There might be some pain and discomfort, which is normal after any surgery, and your cosmetic surgeon will prescribe some medication for the same. Avoid scratching if you feel any itching, which is quite likely as the wound heals. After the area heals completely, you should massage the skin of your reconstructed breast, as well as the scars, at least once every day with a cream or body oil. You will need to take some rest and get back to your normal activities only after a few weeks. Don’t start with strenuous physical tasks right away. You might also need some time before you get back to driving or your job. Before you opt for this cosmetic surgery, it is very important that you consult more than one plastic surgeon and have every doubt cleared. Discuss all aspects of the surgery in detail and make an informed decision after careful observation. After all, your satisfaction and your self-esteem are extremely important and if having a breast reconstruction surgery can help you gain both, there is no reason why you should shy away from it. See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach | Orange County

Breast Augmentation Review – Newport Beach | Orange County

breast augmentation newport beach orange countyNewport Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Newport Beach, California, is a state of the art practice for a wide range of plastic surgery procedures. The practice is headed by Dr. H.M. Seify, who is a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA and surrounding communities may receive advanced treatments for procedures such as breast implants, tummy tuck and mommy makeover at the practice.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is one of the more popular procedures performed by cosmetic surgeons in the United States. It involves enhancing the size, volume, and fullness of breasts with the help of saline or silicone based implants. Women who are dissatisfied with the natural small size of their breasts, those who perceive their breasts to be smaller and are unhappy with it, or those who have experienced loss of breast volume following a pregnancy, aging, or other factors such as mastectomy or injury, may choose breast augmentation to restore the breast size. The procedure may also be used for women who suffer from asymmetrical breasts up to a moderate extent. If the breasts are sagging due to aging, major weight loss or other factors, this condition may improve slightly with breast augmentation, but the procedure is not designed for this purpose. Breast lift may have to be performed in such cases to improve skin tightness and elasticity. In some cases, breast augmentation may be combined with breast lift to achieve more complete outcome. Patients in and around Newport Beach and Orange County, CA have an opportunity to receive treatments such as breast implants, tummy tuck and mommy makeover from Dr. Seify.

Preparation for Breast Augmentation Surgery

During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will evaluate the patient’s general health condition, past medical history, any previous surgeries, medications being currently taken, and the size, shape, and elasticity of breasts. He may require the patient to undergo certain medical tests as necessary. A baseline mammogram prior to surgery may be required. If the patient is a smoker, the surgeon will ask her to quit smoking several weeks prior to surgery. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs will have to be avoided for a few days before surgery. The surgeon will also give special instructions on post-op care and follow-up visits.

Procedure

Breast augmentation plastic surgery procedure begins with the administering of anesthesia. The surgeon will choose between the options of general anesthesia and IV sedation, depending on the patient’s needs. Certain medications may be given to add to the patient’s comfort during the procedure. The surgeon will make incisions in the areas already identified as a part of the treatment plan. The goal will always be to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible. The incision may be inframammary, transaxillary, or periolar incision. The choice of incision will depend on various factors such as the type of breast implants, the degree of breast enhancement needed, patient’s unique anatomy and preferences of the patient and surgeon. A choice of implants will be made in advance in consultation between the patient and the surgeon. Both saline as well as silicone implants are approved by the FDA for cosmetic breast augmentation for women in the age group of 18 and older and 22 and older respectively. Breast augmentation cosmetic surgery involves placement of the breast implants inside the breasts. This placement may be submuscular or subglandular, depending on the patient’s needs. Submuscular refers to placement under the pectoral muscle, and subglandular refer to placement of the implant behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle. Once the implants have been placed securely into position, the cosmetic surgeon will close the incisions. The scars will fade with the passage of time.

Recovery and Results

Breast augmentation results are visible almost immediately. Swelling with reduce over time, incision lines will fade, and fuller results will be visible at that stage. The post-op recovery period in this treatment is usually between 24 and 48 hours. Patient will have to do with reduced physical activity for a few days. Swelling and soreness will be eliminated after a few weeks. The surgeon will give specific instructions on issues such as how to care for the breasts following the procedure, what kind of medications to use in order to expedite healing and minimize the risk of infection, and dates for recommended follow-up visits to the cosmetic surgeon. Final results of breast augmentation procedure can last for several years. However, it is important to understand that results of augmentation are not permanent. Most patients may need a replacement for breast implants during their lifetime.   See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach | Orange County
PR Web did a feature on surgical garment manufacturer, Nouvelle Compression Wear. Since breast augmentation is one of the most popular among plastic surgery procedures, they introduced their top bras for optimal healing following breast augmentation surgery. The main factor in these bras is comfort and quality construction in order to achieve optimal surgical results and fast healing. These bras are designed to “protect and stabilize breasts following surgical procedures such as breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty), breast lift (mastopexy), breast implants (augmentation mammoplasty), mastectomy, and breast reconstruction following mastectomy.”
The bras can be worn 24 hours a day and seven days a week to “ensure surgical sites, stitches, and drains are comfortably protected and secure.”

Different Styles of Bras

The article also listed the types of bras and their functions.
“Bra Bands – Bra Bands are durable, flexible cotton bands that provide support and stability after having breast surgery. They can also be worn underneath your regular bra, but not an underwired bra. Ideal for the patient recovering from a breast lift (mastopexy).
Bras with Cups – Compression bras with cups are designed to provide support and stability after having breast surgery. These bras have no underwiring and will enhance the results of a breast augmentation or mastectomy.
Bras with Sleeves – Bras with Sleeves are designed to provide compression in the upper torso and arms. They enhance the recovery of an armlift, liposuction, breast surgery or lymphederma.
Bras without Cups – Bras without Cups provide maximum compression and stability with flat fronts. These bras are designed to offer complete support (vertically and laterally), protection, and enhance the patient’s ability to return to an active lifestyle.
Cotton Bras – Cotton Bras are also made with flexible nylon to produce the optimal compression necessary for recovering from breast surgeries such as: breast implants, breast reconstructions, mastectomies, and mastopexies.”

We Believe in Looking Out for Our Patients’ Comfort After Plastic Surgery

Products like the ones mentioned in the above article are a great way to make the plastic surgery experience more comfortable. Experiences like a breast augmentation can be difficult to endure post-surgery and it is important to have a speedy and stress free recovery. All of us at Dr. Seify’s practice advocate taking great care of yourself post-surgery and looking into products that help you have a comfortable recovery. If you are ready to make that plastic surgery commitment, give Dr. Seify’s office a call to schedule a consultation. Dr H.S. Seify
plastic surgery newport beachIn 2010, a woman from Staten Island, New York sued her plastic surgeon for claiming the breast implant plastic surgery he did gave her “four breasts.” The surgery took place in 2003 which she paid $7000 and, instead of “two symmetrical C cups,” she ended up with “four round lumps.” The article from ABC News further elaborates that she “came out of that operation with essentially four breasts,” the Staten Island Advance reports her attorney, Michael J. Kuharski, told jurors during the March 1 opening arguments.”

Causes for Breast Implants Risk and How to Avoid It

What occurred is not uncommon and is nicknamed by plastic surgeons as the “double bubble” effect and most women don’t know about the risk. The risk is low, but it can be caused by “negligence or just bad luck.” To minimize risk, it all has to do with positioning and size. The implant has to sit at the base of the breast and the breast is positioned over on top of the implant correctly. The size of the implant is important also, because “if the implant is too wide, a patient might get a double bubble right after surgery. But if the implant is too heavy, a double bubble can develop over time as the heavy implant sinks below the crease where the natural breast meets the chest.” The shape of the patient’s breast is also a factor such as “some women have what we call a constricted breast – the base maybe too narrow, or the distance from the nipple and the crease is very short.” And, it also depends on the patient’s age and how many children she has had as “surgery becomes more complicated if breast tissue has sagged below the inframammary fold, where the lower breast meets the chest.” Also an implant and lift technique can reduce risk as well as proper screening and careful placement of the implant.

How Dr. Seify Can Help with Breast Augmentation drseify-whitecoat

The above story is very unfortunate and the risk is there, but at Dr. Seify’s practice, we have the expertise to achieve beautiful, natural looking breasts. Even with all the careful planning and a successful surgery, changes can still occur. At our practice, if a patient should experience the “double bubble,” a next step she should consider is a Breast Revision surgery or a Breast Implant Exchange surgery. If you feel your existing breast implants are going through changes, give Dr. Seify’s office a call to schedule a consultation for a breast augmentation.
shutterstock_20944378According to a poll reported by News Medical, 70 percent of plastic surgeons use fat grafting techniques for breast reconstruction. Over four hundred fifty-six plastic surgeons answered the survey that was taken in July 2013 for the issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  The technique used to be uncommon and “once discouraged,” but “fat grafting to the breast is an increasingly common plastic surgery technique, according to a new report.” Of the 70 percent who use the fat grafting technique for breast surgery: “Eighty percent of plastic surgeons who currently perform fat grafting to the breast said they use fat grafting for breast reconstruction techniques, and often apply fat grafting along with implants or flap procedures. The surgeons found fat grafting particularly useful for improving the shape of the breast, including reconstruction after “lumpectomy” for early-stage breast cancer.” Also, three-fourths of the plastic surgeons surveyed preferred to use the fat from the abdomen while others obtain fat from the thighs. Despite some acceptance about the positivity of the fat grafting technique, there are some drawbacks to reconsider. Like the potential difficulty of early diagnosis of breast cancer. On the other hand, “more recent studies have reported that fat grafting on the breast provides very good results. Those studies also reported that changes seen on mammograms are easily distinguished from abnormalities related to breast cancer.”

Room for Improvement for Breast Surgery

The other main concern with fat grafting is the patient’s ability with retention of the transplanted fat cells. But, the percentage show that fat grafting is gaining popularity and some plastic surgeons say there is room for improvement. Some plastic surgeons say that there is a “need for further studies to establish optimal techniques for maximizing fat graft retention and patient satisfaction with the results.”

Want another alternative to fat grafting?

At Dr. Seify’s practice, although there are merits to the fat grafting technique, he uses his own technique that does not require any additional invasive procedures such as obtaining fat from other body parts. His tissue expander and implant technique is a great option for those who do not have enough fat on other body parts. Also, this technique can be used by patients going under chemotherapy (the permanent implant goes in after the expansion phase and is cleared for another operation, after a month of chemotherapy). If you feel this is right for you, contact Dr. Seify’s office to make an appointment for a consultation for a breast surgery or another type of surgery.
Breast cancer undoubtedly has one of the best awareness programs of all the cancers. The branding of the pink ribbon has allowed the majority of adults globally to associate the pink ribbon with breast cancer awareness. Less has been done to help women to become knowledgeable concerning breast reconstruction and the options available to them once they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In New York, a law has been enacted that requires breast cancer patients to be provided a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss breast reconstruction options prior to their breast cancer surgery and treatment. Unfortunately, this law does not exist in California… Yet. Dr. Seify is passionate concerning research and development of new techniques and methods for creating better options for breast reconstruction. Dr. Seify is involved in multiple clinical trials that are designed to improve patient satisfaction and results following breast reconstruction. The clinical trials include everything from stem cell and fat transfer to different options and methods for reducing the negative effects of radiation following breast reconstruction. Dr. Seify encourages patients to seek breast reconstruction options early in their cancer diagnosis. In the best situations Dr. Seify is involved at the beginning when the breast cancer diagnosis is made. Dr. Seify works closely with other participating physicians including the oncologist, radiologist, and general surgeon. Patients at this point are given multiple options to consider including whether or not to proceed with breast reconstruction at all. In general, the earlier patients seek breast reconstruction options the more choices they will have. Patients can also choose their breast reconstructive surgeon, provided their insurance allows them to choose outside of their network. For some patients, this may seem awkward; however, it is important that patients remember that it is ultimately their decision and their body. Dr. Seify is sensitive to the overwhelming nature of a breast cancer diagnosis and deciding which direction to take as it relates to breast reconstruction. His staff is experienced and trained in working with not only a wide range of insurance companies, but also helping patients to navigate the process. Breast cancer is not a choice for any woman; however, it is important to remember that there are choices that can be made once she is given the diagnosis. Patients who are considering breast reconstruction are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
Watching too much TV following a breast cancer diagnosis recently came under fire. According to a recent online article spending too much time watching television after breast cancer diagnosis is not associated two death in breast cancer survivors. It seems as though after accounting for reports of physical inactivity after breast cancer diagnosis, sedentary behavior was not a standalone risk factor for death. The discovery by Stephanie George, from the National Cancer Institute, and her colleagues are published in the Springer Journal of Cancer Survivorship. Conversely, researchers show over time that participating in regular, moderate to vigorous physical activity following breast cancer diagnosis could reduce the risk of death. This is led some to believe that sedentary time could have negative health consequences. George’s team study is one of the first to actually study the association between sedentary time and death as it relates to breast cancer survivors in an effort to create lifestyle recommendations for the expanding and aging population. 18 months after diagnosis 687 women diagnosed with breast cancer dissipated in a health, eating, and lifestyle study. Women were questioned about their amount of time spent watching TV, as well as the type, duration, and frequency of activities that they performed in the past year. Then they were followed for additional seven years. During this time researchers noted 89 deaths. Generally, women who watched the most television were older, more overweight, and therefore less active than those who watched the least amount of television. Once self-reported physical activity levels were analyzed authors concluded the relationship between television watching and death was weakened and not significant at all. Dr. Seify reiterates the importance to patients to consider breast reconstruction immediately following a breast cancer diagnosis. Undoubtedly patients are afraid and overwhelmed with their new breast cancer diagnosis. Breast reconstruction should be considered as part of the treatment plan until patients have definitively ruled out as an option. Dr. Seify works with not only the treating physician, but also the general surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, and any other medical professionals involved in the treatment when for his patients. For many patients there are more options for breast cancer reconstruction when the decision to pursue breast reconstruction options is made in conjunction with breast cancer treatment decisions.
Increasingly patients are being encouraged to have a conversation with a plastic reconstructive surgeon concerning breast reconstruction options prior to having of mastectomy. According to recent article a CBS affiliate KVAL reported that some experts believe that patients should consult a plastic surgeon before the initial operation. The importance of a pre-mastectomy consultation is rooted in the fact that it can provide options for plastic surgeons to reshape the breast as closely as possible to its original shape throughout the entire reconstruction process. The ability to preserve the existing skin of the breast so that the plastic surgeon can utilize it directly after the mastectomy during reconstruction will almost always yield the best cosmetic results. Also, by having a consultation prior to the mastectomy it may lead to an increase in postmastectomy reconstructions. This is an area medical experts agree needs to be addressed since only about 20% of mastectomies are reconstructed. Multiple studies proved that having breast reconstruction positively affects body image, as well as self-esteem for women who must undergo a mastectomy. Dr. Seify explains to patients who consult with him prior to having a mastectomy that it is his intention to work with the entire team of medical professionals treating the patient. Ultimately the decision to have breast reconstruction surgery is solely decision of the patient. Dr. Seify will help the patient understand the pros and cons of breast reconstruction as well as cover in detail the different types of reconstruction procedures. Patients who are considering breast reconstruction following mastectomy are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
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