Should I Remove or Replace Breast Implants?

As a woman, your breasts are an integral part of your overall appearance. And whether they are small or large, perky or not, their appearance can cause a feeling that impacts all areas of your life. 

Plus, the psychological fallout that follows when you’re dissatisfied with the way your breasts look can be devastating for some women, including a nose dive in confidence, loss of self-esteem and feeling unattractive.

Fortunately, through breast augmentation using breast implants you can:

  1. Make your breasts larger, fuller, perkier, and higher on your chest, achieving an enhanced, more youthful appearance.
  2. Correct asymmetry and eliminate embarrassing difference in size between your breasts.
  3. Enjoy psychological and lifestyle benefits, including a renewed freedom in shopping for clothes, enhanced capacity to embrace new opportunities and engage in relationships, and an overall feeling of being more attractive, more confident, sexier and happier overall.

How long do breast implants last?

While breast implants can help restore feminine curves and boost self-image, they don’t last a lifetime. 

Generally, the lifespan of breast implants—whether saline or silicone—is 10-20 years after initial augmentation surgery.  But since every patient heals and responds differently to surgery, the actual life of your implants would depend on your body and how well you take care of them.

Before surgery, your plastic surgeon will explain to you how to care for the implants and the necessary check ups you should undergo to ensure they last longer. Nonetheless, no matter how well you care for them, you should still understand that the implants will need to be removed or replaced at some point.

What are the common reasons for implant removal or replacement?

  1. Capsular contracture

Sometimes, no matter how skilled and experienced your plastic surgeon is, complications still arise after surgery due to the unique healing process that every patient undergoes. Capsular contracture—the development of a thick and hard scar tissue around one or both implants—is one such potential complication.

When you have unusually hard capsules of scar tissue around the implants after surgery, you will have aesthetic problems and, in extreme cases, pain in the breasts. So in rare instances you may need to undergo revision surgery to remove or replace the implants, particularly if the scar tissue causes tightness, pain, tenderness and changes in breast size and shape.

  1. Implant rippling

Breast implant rippling refers to formation of wrinkles and folds around an implant. When the folds and wrinkles are extreme, they become noticeable on the skin and may require revision surgery to correct. Causes of rippling include poor tissue coverage of the implants, scar capsules that are too loose, under-filled or overfilled saline implants, or round-shaped implants.

Rippling may arise after breast reconstruction with saline or silicone implants and tends to develop on the outer perimeter (side, bottom, near cleavage) of the reconstructed breasts. It is also associated more with saline-filled implants than with silicone implants.

When the rippling is visible on the skin, your surgeon may recommend revision surgery. The revision options your surgeon may consider include an operation to replace an undersized implant, tighten the scar capsule, replace saline implant with silicone implant, reposition the implant, change shape of the implant, or remove under-filled or over-filled implants.

  1. Saline or silicone implant rupture

New saline and silicone implants rarely rupture. 

But in older models it can sometimes happen so in those instances saline implants may deflate quickly like balloons. The saline solution then leaks out through the tear and is absorbed harmlessly into the body. In turn, breasts lose size and shape, and look different. Though the risk of saline rapture is rare, it increases by 1-percent every year after the surgery.

Silicone gel-filled implants have a thick silicone gel inside that stays either inside the implant or surrounding tissue even after implant rupture. So it is difficult to notice when a silicone implant ruptures; except that the breasts show uneven appearance and have changes in breast sensation, such as swelling, tingling, numbness, or burning.

When a saline or silicone gel-filled implant has ruptured, your plastic surgeon may recommend surgical removal or replacement. In some cases, your surgeon will also remove the capsule of scar tissue surrounding the implant or just remove the capsule by making small incisions. Typically, implants in both breasts are removed even if only one has ruptured, then replaced during the same surgery.

  1. Positional change

Implant malposition is one of the common reasons for revisionary breast surgery. Generally, breast implant malposition is caused by the implant pocket being too large for a given implant, resulting in the implant not being centered inside the breast. 

To correct implant malposition, your surgeon can opt to perform revision surgery to replace the implant, and then follow that with a precise suturing of the pockets from the inside of the breasts to have the implants properly fitted. Plus, the doctor may switch the implant pocket location or add a lifting procedure to create the desired breast appearance.

  1. Personal desire to change breast appearance

Tastes and preferences are never constant and tend to change with time. So some years after your breast augmentation, you may feel that you need to change the appearance of your breasts or to remove them entirely.

Your plastic surgeon will listen to you, carefully assess your goals and expectations, and guide you on making an informed decision. Then, the surgeon may recommend that you undergo revision surgery to replace the implants with larger or smaller implants, or to remove them entirely based on your lifestyle and aesthetic priorities.

What should you expect during breast implant removal?

Since your implant can be removed or replaced by any qualified plastic surgeon, you won’t necessarily have to go to the surgeon who did the first surgery.  During your consultation session with the surgeon, the implant will be evaluated and your surgical options explored. 

Depending on the problem with the implant and on your preferences, the surgeon will:

  1. Do implant removal alone.
  2. Remove the implant and perform a breast lift.
  3. Remove lumpy or hardened tissue

Since implant removal can lead to cosmetic abnormalities, such as sagging, dimpling, deflation, or asymmetry, your surgeon may recommend replacing the removed implants with those of a different shape or size.

What should you expect from breast implant replacement?

Implant replacement is the procedure in which your doctor replaces your problematic implants for newer implants. You may stick to the same type, size, and shape or go with different implants altogether.  

The replacement can be combined with a breast lift or with scar tissue removal. But usually, the cost of implant replacement is higher than that of implant removal as you will need to pay for the initial removal, replacement implants, and any other related procedures.

How do you care for your implants to make them last longer?

One of the best steps to take to ensure your implants last longer is to consider carefully and choose the right size and shape the first time. That’s because most cases of implant removal or replacement arise from unhappiness with implant size and shape.  

So pick breast implants of the size and shape you feel you can live with for 10-20 years—remember your tastes will change over the course of your lifetime. 

Speak with your plastic surgeon about your cosmetic goals and implant preferences, and request broad advice and recommendations. By being open with your plastic surgeon and following recommendations, you will make a better choice. 

Because implant removal or replacement may be necessary due to local complications, such as ruptures, deflations, wear and tear, or surgical error, you need to choose a skilled, experienced surgeon who performs the procedures regularly. A surgeon with experience in the removal or replacement is ideal.  

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we make sure that you are aware of the lifespan of implants and that they aren’t guaranteed to last a lifetime. In fact, during your consultation, our board-certified surgeon will explain to you what to expect from different types of implants and help you to choose the right implant. 

For more information on breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

What is circumferential body contouring?

Circumferential body contouring is a surgical procedure to remove excess loose skin, tissue, and subcutaneous fat in the abdomen, waist, and buttock area. During the procedure, a circumferential incision is made around the abdomen, extended to the sides, then into the lower back.


Through the incision, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat and repositions and tightens tissues. The result is a smoother, more youthful body contour, enhanced body shape and image, and a renewed sense of self-confidence.

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

Circumferential body contouring helps in reshaping a specific area of the body. It is often recommended after massive weight loss surgery, diet, or exercise to correct areas of loose skin on the arms, belly, flanks, neck, chin, thighs, or buttocks.

You are an ideal candidate for the procedure if

1. You have undergone bariatric surgery and have excess, loose skin.
2. You want to improve loose, saggy, or wrinkled skin due to natural aging.
3. You have experienced massive weight loss due to diet or exercise and want to remove surplus loose skin, fat, and tissues.
4. You have failed to reshape your body via diet and exercise.
5. You want to look and feel leaner or attain a certain body shape.
6. You want to achieve a smoother, younger skin appearance.

What happens before circumferential body contouring?

Before the procedure, your plastic surgeon will schedule a consultation session to listen to your specific concerns, your desired goals, and expectations. The doctor will also use the session to note your medical history, do a physical exam, run specific tests, answer your questions, and ascertain whether the procedure is right for you. Your surgeon will equally confirm that you are a healthy non-smoker with a stable weight, positive outlook, and realistic expectations.

More specifically, the plastic surgeon will:

1. Examine and measure the areas to be treated or reshaped.
2. Use a marker or pen to mark out the areas
3. Take pictures
4. Discuss with you options and recommendations
5. Develop a tailored surgery plan
6. Review surgical risks, discuss anesthesia, and explain post-operative pain control
7. Have you sign a consent form giving permission for the procedure, including consent for risks involved.
8. Explain post-operative instructions, the routine healing process, and follow-up care.

What happens during the procedure?

Circumferential body contouring is usually done inpatient, with the patient admitted for at least one night in the hospital. Only very minor contouring may be done on an outpatient basis but with a nurse going home with you to assist with post-operative care.

Typically, the surgery takes 4-6 hours to perform and goes on under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make a circumferential incision around your abdomen, stretch it around the sides, and then into your lower back. Through the incision, the surgeon repositions and tightens tissues, and removes excess skin and fat.
Sometimes, there is a need for extensive incisions and to combine the procedure with liposuction, particularly if you have so much excess fat. Your surgeon will explain this to you before the procedure.
To complete the procedure, your surgeon will use deep sutures within the underlying tissue to help create the newly shaped contours. After that, the doctor places multiple drains to remove any small amounts of fluid that may build in the treated area. The drains are then left in place for 7-10 days after surgery.

What happens after circumferential body contouring?

After the surgery, you’ll have to wear an abdominal binder for 12 hours a day to reduce swelling and support the new contours. You should avoid standing fully or upright so that internal sutures do not bend and stress as they heal—sleeping on pillows to elevate your knees is advisable during the first few days after the procedure.

Returning to light walking as soon as possible is recommended as a way to minimize potential blood clots and other complications. Numbness and a feeling of firmness over the skin surface will resolve over time, but you’ll have to wait for 2 weeks before returning to work and 6-8 weeks to resume vigorous exercise.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions on caring for the treated area. If you experience any pain or swelling, contact your doctor immediately for help. It will take up to a year for incision lines to refine and fade, but they will not be a problem as they’ll be hidden by your clothing and swimsuit.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer circumferential body contouring procedure that produces results that are visible almost immediately. However, we encourage patience as it may take several months for the final results to fully develop. These results are long-lasting, provided a stable weight and general fitness is maintained.

For more information on circumferential body contouring and other plastic surgery procedures, book for a consultation with us today.

7 Benefits of PRF Treatment

Aging can cause a variety of cosmetic problems. Your skin can become tougher, slacker, and more fragile. You may also lose fat below the skin, nose, cheeks, temples, and eyes, resulting in a sunken look and a ‘skeletal’ appearance.

There are many ways you can restore your natural, youthful appearance. While surgery and other invasive procedures are effective in correcting cosmetic problems related to aging, they are often associated with pain, bruising, and a longer downtime.

So what is the alternative?

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Treatment is one of the safest and most effective natural alternatives to surgery and other invasive procedures. It uses components of your blood to trigger protein growth, which in turn enhances skin appearance.

With PRF, blood is drawn from your body and is spun in a centrifuge at a low speed to enable platelets to be trapped in a fibrin matrix. The platelet-rich plasma is separated, collected in a vial, and used without additives and anticoagulants.

When injected into targeted areas during treatment, the PRF causes increased production of growth factors, collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As a result, the treatment promotes wound healing, enhances skin texture, and resolves various cosmetic problems, such as acne scars, hair loss, and aging skin.

What are the benefits of PRF treatment?

1. Enhances collagen production

With advancing age, the production of collagen slows down in your body. This could result in dry, sagging skin. Injection of PRF can stimulate collagen production and help to revitalize your skin.

2. Eliminates wrinkles and facial folds

PRF delivers a high concentration of platelets and fibrin to affected areas. This causes natural tissue regeneration and healing, which helps to eliminate wrinkles, fine lines, and facial folds.

3. Treats under-eye loose skin and dark circles

Since the area around your eyes has the thinnest and most sensitive skin, it is usually the most commonly affected by wrinkles, dark circles, and slackness. When PRF is injected, it fills up under-eye hollows and reduces visibility of wrinkles and fine lines.

4. Boosts skin texture and treats acne scars

PRF treatment increases skin moisture level, enhances elastin production, promotes blood flow, and protects the skin against sun damage. Hence, it helps to revive skin complexion, refine skin tone, and reduce scar appearance. Plus, it helps to achieve a younger, smoother skin.

5. Promotes hair growth and vitality

Alopecia and other hair loss or hair thinning conditions tend to be more common with advancing age. But with injection of PRF into the scalp, hair growth is enhanced while hair loss slows down.
No matter the cause of your hair problems, whether iron deficiency, metabolic issues or other conditions, PRF treatment can enhance your hair color, radiance, and vitality.

6. Improves overall facial appearance

PRF treatment stimulates production of proteins and growth factors that ensure an enhanced facial texture, volume and pigmentation of the face. So you can undergo the treatment to correct facial volume concerns and to achieve a fuller, healthier, and more vibrant face. The results of PRF treatment will last up to a year, depending on how your body responds to treatment.

7. Minimal risk of adverse effects

PRF is prepared from blood obtained from your body and injected into targeted areas. And so your body will not recognize it as a foreign material. When prepared and injected by skilled professionals, it will work marvelously without adverse effects.

Also, it consists majorly of platelets and fibrin and lacks anticoagulants and additives. This minimizes the possibility of adverse reactions. The only side effects it may produce include pain, soreness, swelling, and minor bruising. But these can be managed effectively using topical anesthetic and ice.

Reliable, effective cosmetic solutions

Do you have cosmetic issues that require prompt, safe and effective treatment? Would you like to speak with a plastic surgeon about various natural options for your cosmetic problems?

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments for a full spectrum of common cosmetic issues. We don’t merely offer the latest, most effective options, but also provide open, friendly consultation to help you make the right choices about your specific issues.

For more information on plastic surgery procedures and various cosmetic solutions, contact us today.

How To Fix A Gummy Smile Without Surgery

A gummy smile means an excessive display of gum tissues at the top of your teeth when you smile. More specifically, a gummy smile is defined as having your gums exposed by 3 millimeters or more when you smile.

So generally, for the condition to qualify as “gummy tissue”, the gums must be prominently visible. Alternatively, an exposure of the gums by 2 millimeters or less when you smile is not categorized as a gummy smile.

What are the causes of a gummy smile?

  1. Short teeth covered by gum tissues
  2. Genetic issues resulting in teeth shorter than gums
  3. Shortness of the upper lip
  4. Hyperactivity of the upper lip
  5. Overgrowth of gum tissue or gingival hypertrophy
  6. Jaw development problems
  7. Abnormal tooth eruptions

Why should you have your gummy smile fixed?

A gummy smile is aesthetically undesirable. It can adversely affect how you present yourself publicly, making many people anxious and self-conscious about their smile and leading to a loss of confidence.

But overgrown gums can also be red and inflamed, especially when gum disease is the reason for the extra tissue. The swelling and redness can cause discomfort, which can result in bleeding when you brush and floss.

Plus, the extra gum tissue can trap food particles and bacteria, resulting in persistent bad breath, inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. Overgrown gums can equally accelerate tooth decay as they make it difficult to clean your teeth.

How can a gummy smile be fixed without surgery?

Speak with your plastic surgeon about the problem in order to find out the treatment option that is right for you.

Some gummy smiles can only be fixed through surgery but many can be treated without surgery. Your doctor will help determine whether or not you’re an appropriate candidate. When surgery isn’t necessary, your doctor may recommend any of the following options.

  1. Using Botox injections to fix your gummy smile

Botox injection is a safe, effective non-surgical method of fixing a gummy smile. When injected, Botox helps to relax facial muscles and to treat hyperactive lips. Plus, it prevents your lips from being pulled up excessively when you smile.

Before the injection, your doctor will identify the correct muscles to target. And depending on the specific muscles, the surgeon will use a few pricks on each side of your face to administer Botox.  There is no downtime after treatment and you can get back to work thereafter.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we generally begin Botox treatment with what we believe is the minimally effective dose. Then we review the effects after two weeks and add additional doses as required. The treatment produces high patient satisfaction and gives excellent results within 48 hours to 2 weeks.

  1. Using gum fillers to fix your gummy smile

An alternative way to fix a gummy smile without surgery is using dermal fillers or lip fillers.  The fillers are injected into the lips to plump them up and minimize the extent by which your gum can show. 

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we use dermal fillers to increase lip volume, thicken lips, and boost symmetry.  The treatment takes around 10 minutes and is a safe, effective way of eliminating a gummy smile. 

Working with a highly-trained, experienced licensed surgeon

Do you show too much gum when you smile and would like to discuss treatment options ? Are you struggling with self-consciousness and lack of confidence because of an embarrassing gummy smile?

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer surgical and no-surgical treatments for gummy smiles. Dr. Effie Politis is a skilled, licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon who can treat a gummy smile with various surgical and non-surgical options. 

Book your consultation today to have your questions answered and to see how we can help you regain beautiful, confident smiles. For more information on surgical and non-surgical plastic surgery techniques, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

Surgical Vs. Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

Undergoing a facial rejuvenation treatment is a critical cosmetic decision you may elect to make at some point in your life. The treatments are effective in changing, refreshing, and revitalizing the face, eliminating adverse effects of aging, and restoring a glowing, youthful appearance.

There are a variety of facial rejuvenation procedures. And so the right procedure depends on the cosmetic issue you want to resolve, whether you want a short-term or long-term solution, and on whether you want an invasive or non-invasive option.

 

What are the most common surgical facial rejuvenation procedures?

 

1. Facelift

A facelift is a surgical procedure to create a younger look in the face, often by removing unwanted wrinkles by tightening the skin of the face. The procedure can reduce sagging skin. It can also help smooth folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline

A facelift can help you to:

  1. Remove fat and sagging skin, especially in a less defined chin
  2. Eliminate jowls that appear clearly distinct
  3. Remove deep skin folds that cause thick lines to appear around your nose and mouth

Pros and cons of a facelift

Pros:

  1. Tightens facial muscles
  2. Repairs loose skin
  3. Improves facial contours
  4. Produces long-lasting results

Cons:

  1. Like every other surgery, there are risks
  2. Out of pocket costs
  3. Aftercare needed
  4. Requires prolonged recovery time

2. Endoscopic brow lift

Endoscopic brow lift is a surgical procedure to correct loss of soft tissue elasticity in the upper third of the face.  During the procedure, your doctor inserts a flexible tube through a surgical incision. Then, the tube is used for various reconstructive and cosmetic surgical techniques.

Brow lift surgery removes excess sagging skin from around the forehead. And since sagging of forehead skin is a major cause of drooping (ptosis) of the brows and wrinkling of the forehead, the procedure helps to create a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

Pros and cons of endoscopic brow lift

Pros:

  1. Treats drooping eyebrows, which when untreated can obstruct vision
  2. Corrects sagging eyelid skin, which can makes many appear grumpy and fatigued
  3. Eliminates frown lines and forehead creases between eyebrows
  4. Makes you look younger, friendlier, and more pleasant

Cons:

  1. May cause scarring, fluid accumulation, bleeding, and eye irritation
  2. May cause hair loss around the incision sites

3. Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin or fat from the eyelids. It improves drooping or hooded eyelids.  There are two types of eyelid surgery:  upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery.

Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin in order to achieve a refreshed eye appearance. On the other hand, lower eyelid surgery corrects eyelid bags and hollowing.

Pros and cons of eyelid surgery

Pros:

  1. Corrects eye puffiness
  2. Eliminates fine lines around the edges of the eyes
  3. Removes hooded skin around eyelids
  4. Reduces eye bags around the lower eyelids
  5. Makes eyes to appear younger, healthier, and refreshed
  6. Improves peripheral vision

Cons:

  1. Results take time to appear after the procedure
  2. Can cause itching and dryness
  3. Can cause scarring, bruising, and swelling
  4. In rare cases, may cause temporary blindness and double vision—which tends to last a few hours after the procedure; sight usually regained in a day

4. Facial implants

For reconstructing, augmenting or rejuvenating facial contours, facial implants are a great option. Your doctor makes an incision and inserts an implant at the treated area. Upon healing, the area acquires enhanced contours. 

There are a wide range of sizes and styles of facial contours and your doctor will give the right recommendation depending on the nature of your facial contours.

Pros and cons of facial implants

Pros:

  1. Quick procedure that produces permanent results
  2. Eliminates facial deficiencies and asymmetry, particularly at the chin, jaw, or cheek
  3. Does not require procedures elsewhere in the body, such as abdominal fat grafting

Cons:

  1. Comes with the risk of infection, which may require implant removal
  2. May cause abnormalities if the implants shift
  3. May damage facial muscles and nerves

 

What are the most common non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures?

When you want to get rid of wrinkles and restore a youthful appearance but can’t afford a prolonged recovery time, non-surgical rejuvenation may be ideal.  The non-surgical methods take just a few minutes to perform, require no downtime, and produce results that can last 3 months to 5 years.

Common non-surgical procedures include:

  1. Dermal fillers
  2. Botox injections
  3. Fat transfer
  4. Ultrasound
  5. Laser lifts
  6. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
  7. Kybella

1. Dermal fillers

If your skin has become wrinkled, saggy and lax, due to your age, you can rejuvenate the affected areas through dermal fillers. Tissue fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are effective in sculpting, firming, and restoring affected areas by stimulating collagen production.

Dermal fillers can help to treat:

  1. Jowls
  2. An aging neck
  3. A lax jawline
  4. Chin wrinkles
  5. Volume loss
  6. Marionette lines
  7. Nasolabial folds (smile lines)

The pros and cons of dermal fillers are:

Pros:

  1. Quick, non-invasive treatments
  2. Help to achieve cosmetic goals
  3. There are a variety of filler options

Cons:

  1. Results last for varying times—some a few months, others up to a year
  2. May require repeat treatment to maintain results
  3. The costs of treatments and touch-ups may be high

2. Laser treatments

The two major laser options are laser skin tightening and laser skin resurfacing. Both are quick, easy techniques of addressing subtle signs of aging.

Pros and cons of laser treatments

Pros: 

  1. Smooth out wrinkles
  2. Long lasting results
  3. Even out skin tone
  4. Tighten the skin
  5. Eliminate age and brown spots
  6. Stimulate collagen production
  7. Treat acne scars
  8. Treat sun damage
  9. Provide skin with a beautiful glow

Cons:

  1. Longer recovery period
  2. Can have adverse effects, such as scarring, cold sores, and skin darkening or lightening, depending on how powerful the laser used is.
  3. Skin redness after treatment, which gets worse before it can get better

3. Botox injections

Botox treatment involves the injection of the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin. When administered, Botox reduces or eliminates facial lines, including forehead creases, Crow’s feet, and frown lines.

Botox works by removing tension from muscles, which in turn reduces wrinkles and produces a younger, smoother, more refreshed appearance. It also relieves migraine headaches, helps with excessive sweating, and minimizes muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.

Pros and cons of Botox treatment

Pros:

  1. Softens wrinkles, producing a refreshed appearance
  2. Relaxes muscles of the forehead and eyes, giving outstanding results.

Cons:

  1. Accompanied by flu-like symptoms (rare) and headache
  2. May cause a little pain and bruising

 

Which facial rejuvenation treatment is best for you?

Since there are a variety of facial rejuvenation treatments, it can be difficult to make the right choice. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon, and don’t hesitate to talk about your desired outcomes. They will assess you, consider your goals and expectations, explain to you the available options, and guide you in making the fitting choice.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Dr. Effie Politis is a board-certified plastic surgeon, who has extensive experience in facial rejuvenation procedures. She will gladly assist in examining which options are suitable for you, to get the best possible outcome. 

For more information on facial rejuvenation treatments and options, contact us today! 

Breast Augmentation Featuring Dr. Effie Pappas Politis

 

Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is surgery to increase breast size. The ultimate goal of the procedure is to help you look and feel your best. 

Many women feel that their breasts are too small or have concerns that one breast is smaller than the other which can lead to less confidence. Also, you may struggle with how to dress or with the type of bra to help you with the asymmetry.  

But through augmentation, you can adjust for uneven breasts, whether after pregnancy or following significant weight loss. Most women feel good about their breasts after surgery and regain confidence and self-esteem.

Making the decision

Breast augmentation involves placing breast implants under your breast tissue or chest muscles to enlarge your breasts.  But it is not something your doctor or someone else can decide for you.  It is a personal decision made by you and for you.  

Nevertheless, if you’re considering the procedure, you should speak with a plastic surgeon to help you understand what the surgery involves, including the benefits, possible risks, complications, and follow-up care. Your surgeon will also help you find out if the procedure is the right decision for you in terms of your overall health.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we make sure our patients have thoroughly considered the procedure before they schedule their operation. So when you book your consultation with us, we use the session to review your goals, expectations, and what we can achieve together. 

During the consult, we also review your medical history and educate you on the FDA approved breast implants available in the market today. At the end of the session, we’ll make the decision whether the procedure is appropriate for you, discuss the techniques we will use, and give your instructions on how to prepare for the surgery.

Types of implants used

In today’s market there are a variety of breast implants available for breast augmentation. We encourage you to use your initial consultation to discuss your implant options with your plastic surgeon. 

Generally, the implants differ in terms of surface, filler material, shape, and how they are inserted.

  1. Filler material

Generally you have the choice of implants filled with cohesive silicone gel or with saline (salt water solution) both of which have an outer silicone shell. 

If you are 22 years or younger, your surgeon is likely to recommend saline implants. These implants are inserted empty, and then filled with sterile salt water once they are in place.

  1. Implant surface

You also have a choice between smooth and textured implants. Textured breasts implants have bumps on their surfaces, which are aimed at reducing the risk of contracture—a complication that may develop after augmentation. 

But if you want a softer, more natural feel, then implants with smooth rather than bumpy surfaces are ideal. Speak with your plastic surgeon about contracture and other complications as you make your implant choice.

  1. Shape

There are two shape options for breast implants: round and tear drop. Round implants are very popular as they conform best to the natural shape of the breast and provide a bustier and fuller look or what’s is called a responsive look.

Tear drop implants, also called anatomic or contoured implants, are a great option for women with parts of their breasts removed during prior surgery, such as reconstruction or mastectomy. 

Also, if you have a significant amount of your breast tissue descended, then a tear drop implant can provide the volume to elevate and mount your breast back to the chest wall. 

Likewise, your surgeon may recommend tear drop implants if you’re undergoing revision surgery due to rippling or malposition or to give shape to your breasts if you have so little breast tissue.

  1. Placement

Breast implants can be placed either behind your breast tissue (sub-glandular) or behind the chest muscles (sub-muscular). 

Roughly 75-percent of augmentation is usually done in the sub-muscular plane as it reduces the chance of scar tissue contracture and allows for easier mammography after the surgery. 

Plus, sub-muscular placement usually offers better results if you are thin or are hoping to drastically enlarge your breasts. 

Alternatively, sub-glandular placement gives great results for breasts that are sagging.

Quick, outpatient procedure

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we perform breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure. So in virtually every case you can expect to go home the same day. And to ensure the procedure is safe and successful, we have assembled a team of experienced nurses as well as board-certified anesthesiologists to provide you the best experience possible.

While there are lots of myths about recovery from breast augmentation, at Politis Plastic Surgery, we provide you with specific post-operation pain relief.  As well, there are blocks performed by board-certified anesthesiologists, which ensure less anesthetic drugs during the procedure and better pain relief after the procedure.

Our patients typically go home satisfied the same afternoon and resume showers and activities the next day. For more information on breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

Dr. Effie Politis Named to Tampa Magazines’ 2022 Top Doctors List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

July 5, 2022

Contact: Dr. Effie Politis

(813) 542-2587

Dr. Effie Politis Named to Tampa Magazines’ 2022 Top Doctors List

July 18, 2022 — Dr. Effie Politis was voted by her peers to Tampa Magazines’ 2022 Top Doctors list in the specialty of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

In May, Tampa Magazines sent surveys to 11,260 physicians practicing in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties asking them to nominate the peers they believe stand out from the rest. Tampa Bay physicians chose nearly 300 of their peers from 68 practice areas as this year’s Top Doctors.

“Our annual Top Doctors edition has become one of our most popular issues,” says Shawna Wiggs, group publisher of Tampa Magazines. “The winners list is a valuable resource that readers consult all year long when they find themselves in need of medical guidance and treatment.”

The 2022 Top Doctors list will be available in the August 2022 edition of TAMPA Magazine, South Tampa Magazine, Tampa Downtown Magazine and TAMPA Digest Magazine, as well as online at tampamagazines.com.

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What is breast lift surgery?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure performed to raise and firm the breasts. Also called mastopexy, the procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening surrounding tissue, and creating and reshaping new breast contours.

Breasts tend to lose their shape and firmness, reduce in size, or sag over the years due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the effect of gravity on them. As a result, the breasts become unattractive and may cause a dip in a woman’s self-confidence.

Through mastopexy, such breasts can be raised, reshaped, and contoured to look more attractive. And if the breasts have lost their volume, implants may be inserted alongside a breast lift to increase both size and firmness.

In women with breast ptosis — nipples that sit below the inframammary fold or point downwards—the procedure restores the nipples to a position higher on the breasts. And for women with enlarged areola, the darker skin around the nipple, the surgery can reduce the size of the areola.

Who needs a breast lift?

Generally, women go for a breast lift surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding, which usually leave them with stretched skin and reduced breast volume.  But it is also effective in getting rid of the adverse effects of aging on the breasts.

The procedure helps to change the alignment of the breast and nipple, eliminate breast sagging, and correct breast ptosis. Plus, it reshapes the breasts, changes the size or shape of the areola, and raises the nipple position relative to the rest of the breast.

Mastopexy is ideal for you if you have:

  1. Sagging, soft, out-of-shape breasts
  2. Flatter, elongated or pendulous breasts
  3. Nipples and areolas that point downwards
  4. Stretched breast skin and enlarged areolas
  5. One breast that is lower than the other
  6. Breasts that when unsupported have their nipples fall below the breast crease

But to undergo the procedure, you should also have:

  1. Fully developed breasts
  2. Good overall health
  3. Realistic expectations
  4. No future plans of pregnancy, which can reverse the results of the procedure

Besides, you should know that:

  1. A breast lift surgery will not radically change your breast size or perfectly round out the upper part of your breasts.  So if you desire much fuller or smaller breasts, then you should instead go for breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery.
  2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding after mastopexy will stretch the skin and reverse the results of the procedure. Hence, you should wait until breast development, child birth, and breastfeeding have stopped before you undergo the surgery.
  3. The size and shape of your breasts before mastopexy with influence both the procedure and the outcome. In fact, while breasts of any size can be lifted, you may not achieve long-lasting results if you have heavier breasts.

How is a breast lift surgery done?

The procedure begins with anesthesia. A specialist anesthetist administers a general anesthetic to keep you completely asleep as the surgery is performed. This helps to make the breast lift surgery painless.

Your plastic surgery will then make the appropriate incisions into your breasts to allow for resizing and reshaping. Incisions can be made around the areola, then vertically down to the breast crease, and further vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast.

Through the incisions, your plastic surgeon outlines the areas from which to remove excess breast skin and defines a new location for the nipple. The surgeon then uses the incisions to remove excess skin and to move the areola and nipple to a higher position.

Also, the skin around the areola is brought down. Then the breasts are reshaped. Usually, stitches are located around the areola, vertically extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the breast’s lower crease.

When a breast implant is to be inserted, together with the breast lift, it is placed in a pocket directly below the breast tissue, or much deeper under the chest wall muscle.

Finally, your surgeon closes the incisions. Some incision lines are buried in the natural breast contours while others are visible on the breast surface. Though incision lines are permanent, they fade and significantly improve with time. 

Your surgeon will layer out sutures deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly contoured breasts. The skin is closed using skin adhesives, surgical tape, or sutures.

Remarkable, delightful results

Though the results of a mastopexy are not immediately visible due to bruising and swelling, the size, shape, position, and firmness of the breasts will change right away. Then, the overall results will improve as healing occurs, with lasting, pleasant results taking up to 6 months to be realized.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer a breast lift surgery to women, who are unhappy with their drooping, soft breasts. Our procedure is preceded with an open, candid consultation session that helps to explain the benefits, risks and alternatives to the procedure, define the goals of the treatment, and outline how to prepare for the surgery.

If you are looking for breast lift surgery in Tampa, FL, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Effie Politis. For more information on breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

What is breast augmentation with fat grafting or fat transfer?

Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure to increase breast size. It is a great option for women who don’t like their breast size and would like to improve the shape of their bust line. While increased breast size can be achieved through implants, some women don’t like foreign substances being placed in their bodies.

If you are such a woman with concerns about the use of implants, then breast augmentation with fat grafting or fat transfer is a viable option for you. Plus, it is a safe procedure that achieves great results.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we provide a combination of high quality implants and safe fat transfer surgery to help women achieve their desired breast shape and volume. And we proudly offer the fat transfer approach as an effective alternative to implants in enhancing breast appearance.

What is fat grafting?

Also called autologous breast augmentation, fat grafting is the removal of fat through liposuction from one area of the body and transferring it to another part where it helps to enhance volume. 

The fat is usually harvested from the stomach, flanks or thighs and then separated from blood and other liposuction fluids. It is also cleaned with antibiotic solution to ensure that only healthy, non-infectious tissue is used for breast augmentation. 

Processed fat is then slowly injected into the breasts to the desired shape and volume, completing the augmentation procedure. Once injected, the fat fills in the hollowing that has occurred due to weight loss, trauma, surgery or ageing, and immediately helps to increase volume and enhance shape. 

After the injection of fat, the plastic surgeon gently massages the breasts to make sure the fat deposits are distributed evenly for a smooth, uniform appearance. Since the fat comes from the body, there are typically no adverse reactions to it.

Is the procedure ideal for you?

Breast augmentation by fat transfer is a perfect option for you if your breasts are naturally smaller in size or asymmetrically shaped. The procedure may equally help if you have loss of shape or volume after pregnancy, dramatic weight loss or aging.

More specifically, fat grafting is a great option if you desire a more natural alternative to breast implants.  Of course, you’ll need to have an adequate amount of fat on your body so that your plastic surgeon can harvest enough of it for the grafting. If you are a very thin woman or lack excess fat in your body, then you’re unfit for the procedure.

Increasing breast size by fat transfer is also perfect for you if you don’t like the dramatic results produced by breast implants. Fat grafting typically results in a more subtle enhancement. Plus, you won’t need to remove or replace the fat like is done with breast implants.

Besides, fat transfer is great if you want to fix minor issues. You can undergo breast augmentation by fat grafting to achieve a smaller increase in breast size, fix minor breast asymmetry, enhance breasts without scarring, or fine-tune the results of a breast implant procedure. 

During your initial consultation, Dr. Effie Politis will assess your body to determine if you have enough fat for liposuction. The surgeon will also establish whether you are in good health for the procedure. Likewise, you will be instructed to refrain from tobacco products or to quit smoking before the surgery as smoking directly affects the healing of cells and tissues.

What results should you expect?

You should expect your breast to increase by one full cup size after fat grafting. The breasts will feel soft and natural, and you will see the full effects of the procedure within a few months.

Dr. Effie Politis uses safe, cutting-edge liposuction technology to efficiently harvest fat without damaging the surrounding tissue. So by following your post-operative care instructions carefully, you should expect quick recovery and should be back on your feet within a few days.

It is normal for the body areas that underwent liposuction to feel sore. Also, you’ll have some bruising and swelling in the treated areas. But you’ll have prescribed pain relief medication to help minimize the discomfort as you recover.

Unmatched breast augmentation results

Would you like to enhance your breasts naturally? Through breast augmentation by fat transfer, you can achieve your desired breast size without the risks associated with breast implants.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer a safe, effective fat grafting procedure that produces remarkable results. When you contact us for the procedure, Dr. Effie Politis will schedule your consultation session immediately. 

Then, during your visit, she will review your medical history, do a physical examination, and discuss your aesthetic goals and options. She will not only answer your questions and make valuable suggestions, but will also design for you a personalized fat grafting procedure to achieve your desired results.

For more information on how to enhance your breasts through breast augmentation, visit us at Politis Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL for your plastic surgery.

Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Right for You?

In recent years, the tummy tuck has been on the lips of many people. The procedure works to remove excess fat and skin from your abdomen, hence tightening the stomach muscles. Because of this, this impressive and result oriented procedure has gained massive popularity, becoming a wish item for most women, especially after childbirth, and huge weight loss.
 
However, since abdominoplasty is a minor surgery, most people might not be ready for it. Both cost-wise and psychologically. So, if this sounds like you, you might want to consider a mini tummy tuck. But what exactly is it? Below is everything you need to know about a mini tummy tuck to help you make a perfect choice.
 

What Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Mean?

 
Unlike the tummy tuck which is a major invasive surgery, a mini tummy tuck is so much less invasive and works to remove only a small amount of fat from your lower abdomen. Due to its nature, a mini tummy tuck can therefore not help you deal with other issues such as muscle separation. Also, only a small amount of skin is removed in this procedure, making it favorable to combine with liposuction to outline your entire abdomen.
 

Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Right for You?

 
Most patients are not suitable for a mini tummy tuck for one reason or the other. But if you have no muscle separation, and have been leading an active lifestyle, meaning you’re physically fit, then you’re a good candidate.
 
Also, it’s even better if you have tight upper abdomen abs. Because, the procedure will only help you lose a little amount of loose or excess skin, so you ought to have done the most part yourself through physical training and fitness.
 
That said, it’s always better to listen to your plastic surgeon’s advice because they know what’s best for you. Remember, they possess all the necessary skills and expertise, which you don’t, and this is the major reason why you consult them in the first place. For instance, if your doctor suggests that you get abdominoplasty, it might not be a good idea to insist on the mini tummy tuck. Yes, it is less invasive, but the results will also be less, and might not entirely solve your issue or meet your expectations.
 

What Should I Expect When Healing from the Mini Tummy Tuck?

 
Although the mini tummy tuck is less invasive compared to the full tummy tuck, the healing process is pretty the same. You will need compression garments and drains to speed recovery and help you heal well. Also, you will not be allowed to carry any heavy weights for around 6 weeks. Plus, you can get back to your other regular daily activities in 4-7 days.
 
The major difference in the recovery of the full and mini tummy tuck is that the former takes longer to resume their day-to-day schedule. For instance, someone who underwent a full tummy tuck can resume their daily activities in a week or two.
Note: Always let your doctor guide you as to when you can resume your workout sessions.
 

What will my Mini Tummy Tuck Scar Look Like?

 
You don’t have to worry about getting large scars when it comes to a mini tummy tuck. Since there is minimal invasion, the scar is also smaller than the standard full tummy tuck incision. You will only have to deal with a 10-12 centimeters scar in the mid-section of your lower abdomen and just above your bikini line.
 

How much will I Have to Pay for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

 
Although there is no standard price for this procedure since it depends on the type of facility you visit, and the doctor who attends to you, it costs less than the full tummy tuck. In fact, in most facilities such as Politis Plastic Surgery the price is almost half of what you would pay for the traditional procedure.
 
Reason? You will spend less time in the procedure room, which is usually around 90 minutes so it’s only fair if you pay less. So, if you’re physically fit, with less skin and fat to deal with, and are operating on a tight budget, you might want to go for it.
 

In Summary,

 
Although the mini tummy tuck is popular due to its less invasive nature, there are still other procedures that can give you a perfect abdomen. For example, there is an umbilical float. Let Dr Effie Politis take you through all the available options, and settle on that which meets your needs.