Why do women undergo breast explantation?

Hi everyone it’s Dr. Effie Politis and I’d like to talk about a great article on the April edition of the PRS called

“Contemporary Strategies in Breast Explantation Surgery”. So what is explantation surgery? It is a surgery in which someone proceeds with removing their implants and not replacing them. I’m seeing quite a few patients that are interested in the surgery for various reasons. We all know that implants are man-made devices.

The first reason that women would opt to undergo the surgery is because of implant rupture.

I tell women that breast implants are not a one and done device. They are prosthetics that are placed in your body, so you need surveillance and you likely will need one or several surgeries in the future if you opt for breast implants. There is a small chance of them rupturing, we can discuss more on the differences between saline and silicone ruptures in the future. 

Is breast implant associated with ALCL

This is a rare lymphoma associated with texture implants, which I do not use, so it’s not really an issue with my practice but I do see patients with prior history of textured implants. 

Is breast implant illness?

This is a large topic that’s often discussed on social media. It’s the name given to patients for a wide range of symptoms. The current data shows there’s no cause and effect relationship between implants and the symptoms. However we certainly are proponents of what women want to do with their body, so if they want their implant removed they certainly have the right to have that done. However, the data based on long term studies does not show whether explantation surgery reliably reduces these symptoms. 

The last reason why women want their implants removed is for non-medical reasons, like the effects of aging, weight changes, pregnancy and shifting perspectives in aesthetic beauty. 

As we know there is a movement towards a smaller breast. So women seeking explantation surgery just need to be aware of the risk and benefits and any adjunct surgeries that can be done to enhance their breast. We look at each woman on an individual basis. It’s a woman’s choice to have her implants removed and we consider the patient’s risk profile, patient preference as well as safety when guiding them on whether explantation surgery is the right surgery for them. I would advise you all to always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with a specialty in breast surgery when considering these types of procedures. You can always DM me or look at my website, I’ll have more information. Thank you so much 

Lip Restoration and Shaping

On achieving lower facial optimization This patient displays typical age-appropriate changes in lips: maxillary retrusion leading to lack of bony support, elongation of upper lip unit, loss of philtral definition, architectural changes (loss of fascia/ligamentous support), deflation of the vermillion, as well as dynamic peri-oral rhytids. I typically have patients animate and evaluate them while talking. I also evaluate their lip tooth ratio while in repose and while smiling. I evaluate the chin and mentalis muscle as well as mandibular support. The correct analysis helps me make recommendations for surgical correction versus volumetric enhancement. This patient passed my criteria for volumetric enhancement with filler to restore youthful contours and ratios. This patient received only I cc Revanesse Versa lip filler. I like this filler because it is prehydrated, meaning, less swelling and a softer appearance. I also like RHA2 in lips and Restylane Kysse for my younger patients. If I need more border definition I often go to a Restylane Refyne or Defyne. Sometimes I combine fillers to optimize different rheologic properties. I massage lips and apply moisturizer. Expect bruising and swelling to subside at 5-7 days. More to come on surgical correction or lip lift

Renuva a Great Alternative to Autologous Fat Transfer

Renuva is great alternative to autologous #fattransfer and #facial-rejuvenation . Given the well documented fat loss starting in our late 30’s and accelerated in the 40’s and 50’s… this is a good volumizer that recruits your own fat cells into a honeycomb lattice that lasts! Your own fat is recruited over 3 months to replace the shelf fat in syringe. No downtime and great for those with #fillerfatigue or those wanted a more lasting, natural look. What’s better than recruiting your bodies own fat? Call or DM our office for more info!

What Is The Fat Transfer Procedure?

Autologous fat grafting, or fat transfer, is a procedure that allows your surgeon to transfer your own fat from one area of your body to another. Fat transfer is often used for aesthetic and reconstruction procedures to: • Enhance volume and fullness of body areas with soft tissue loss or deficiency • Contour or reshape body areas • Improve overall symmetry and fine-tune body proportions In fat grafting, fat tissue is removed from other parts of your body — usually your thighs, belly, and buttocks — by liposuction. The tissue is then processed into liquid and injected into the breast area to recreate the breast. REVOLVE™ System is designed to remove localized deposits of excess fat through small incision and subsequently transfer the tissue back to the patient. Use of this device is limited to those physicians who, by means of formal professional training or sanctioned continuing medical education (including supervised operative experience), have attained proficiency in suction lipoplasty and tissue transfer. (source: revolvefatgrafting.com) If you want to know more, ask a #boardcertifiedplasticsurgeon for a FULL-BODY CONSULTATION to discuss the benefits of fat transfer.

What Are The Signs You Have Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture develops in one or both breasts and can occur at any time, either in the weeks following breast implant surgery (this occurs most often) or, in some cases, years later. Its signs and symptoms often develop gradually over time, making it difficult to identify the complication early if you aren’t sure what you are looking for.

Early signs of capsular contracture may include a firm or tight sensation, pain, or asymmetry.

As the condition worsens, you may notice more obvious symptoms, including:

  • Breast pain
  • Asymmetry
  • Firmness
  • Tightness
  • Round or ball-shaped breast
  • High-riding breast
  • Misshapen breast

If you start to notice any signs that you suspect are associated with capsular contracture or another breast implant complication, call your surgeon right away to be evaluated and learn your options.

Monday Mommy Makeover

Monday Mommy Makeover!

Motherhood brings joy, but it can also take a toll on your body. In fact, pregnancy can cause unwelcomed changes that include a stubborn tummy, sagging breasts, noticeable stretch marks, or persistent pockets of fat around the thighs, arms, and waist.

While you can often reverse these changes through lifestyle modifications like better nutrition and exercise, in some cases the changes seem stubbornly resistant to improvement, and it can be quite frustrating to feel that you have to live with them for a long time.

Enter, the mommy makeover.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we see many women who simply want to look the way they did before they had children, and we are happy to recommend mommy makeover surgeries.

Here’s one of our patients who had undergone the mommy makeover procedure!

Is mommy makeover right for you?

We provided more information on our website. You can access it through the link in our bio.

How Much Botox do I Need?

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Effie Politis, MD, FACS (@dreffiepolitis)

A common question asked by most Botox patients: “𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘹 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥?” ⁣

Understandably so, since this is an important consideration before going through the treatment, as the amount of Botox you need determines the overall cost of the procedure.⁣

Every patient is unique in terms of both facial characteristics and desired result. ⁣

Individual facial muscle requires different amounts of Botox in order to fully relax & prevent wrinkle formation. ⁣

There are also other characteristics that influence how your body reacts to Botox injections: your gender, size and strength of your facial muscles, and your metabolism.⁣

It’s important to make sure that you receive the proper amount of Botox units required for your individual needs and goals. Dr. Effie will make sure you meet your needs and desired results. ⁣

The goal is always to achieve balance on the needs of what the patient wants, and what the plastic surgeon advises to give as the best result. ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Attempting to save money by undertreating an area will not create a satisfying result and could end up costing you more money if a fix is needed. An experienced Botox injector will determine the right amount of Botox needed to deliver the results you are looking for.⁣

If you want to know more, consult with @dreffiepolitis today! ⁣

Call us: (813) 542 – 2587⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Check our website: politisplasticsurgery.com⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Visit us: 5016 West Cypress Street, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33607⁣⁣

What is the 14 Point Plan?

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Effie Politis, MD, FACS (@dreffiepolitis)

During your consultation, an important question that you need to ask your surgeon is whether or not they follow the 14-Point-Plan. ⁣

What is the 14-Point Plan

The 14-Point-Plan is designed to minimize the number of bacteria that can contaminate breast implants at the time of surgery. It was first published in 2013 and has since been widely adopted all around the world. Bacterial contamination of breast implants at the time of surgery has been shown to cause capsular contracture – hardening, pain, and deformity following breast implant surgery. ⁣

The 14-Point-Plan outlines strategies that can be incorporated into breast implant surgery that reduce the number of bacteria that can contaminate the breast implant surface. ⁣

Here you can see a funnel is being used to place the breast implant into the dissected pocket.⁣

Finding the Right Surgeon for Breast Augmentation

Whether your breasts are sagging, asymmetrical or too small for your body size, breast augmentation can help you regain a feeling of attractiveness, positive self-image and confidence. But the success of the procedure depends on good communication and the expertise of your plastic surgeon. A skilled surgeon will not only enlarge your breasts to the desired size, but also apply measures and techniques that minimize the risks and complications of the procedure.

What makes someone the right surgeon for breast augmentation?

1. Board-certified

Board certification indicates that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and testing. It is also proof that the surgeon is competent and experienced enough in performing the procedure. Find a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) and check the status of his or her license before you schedule a consultation.

2. Experienced

Your breast augmentation surgery is more likely to be successful when performed by a plastic surgeon who conducts the procedure on a regular basis. Remember, the right surgeon will not only determine the type and shape of breast implants to use, but will also align the procedure to meet your goals. Plastic surgeons get better at the procedure with time and frequency.

3. Runs an accredited facility

While breast augmentation is typically an outpatient surgery, it should be done in a facility with the highest standards of safety, quality and patient care. Accreditation is proof that the facility is committed to best practices, and a qualified surgeon will work at or run an accredited and accommodating facility.

4. Candid and compassionate

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that should be tailored to the needs of the patient. To find a surgeon who can perform the surgery in a way that is in line with your goals and expectations, look for someone who takes the time to get to know you.

At the same time, a surgeon should give you correct, straightforward guidance on the best approach to achieving your aesthetic goals—and tell you the honest truth, not what you want to hear. Pick a surgeon who is open, frank and caring.

So how do you find the right surgeon?

1. Get recommendations

Recommendations by people you trust are a great way to find a competent plastic surgeon. Speak with friends, relatives or colleagues who have had the surgery to give you some references. Ask them to share their experiences with their surgeons, what they liked about the experience, and whether their procedures met their aesthetic goals and expectations.

2. Use the internet

Searching the internet is an easy way to find plastic surgeons performing breast augmentation in your local area. For instance, if you reside in Tampa, type keywords such as “plastic surgeon in Tampa,” “best breast augmentation surgeon in Tampa,” “breast implant surgery Tampa,” or “breast augmentation center in Tampa” and see what comes up in your search results. Open the links that appear in your search results and check out details like names and addresses of the surgeons.

3. Narrow down your options

From the recommendations and internet searches, you should have around 5-10 options to choose from. Further research will help you identify the top 2-3 surgeons. To narrow down your options, check out patient reviews posted on patient forums. You might also look for patient testimonials, before and after photos, gallery of patient cases, and case studies to help you get a clearer picture of the work and outcomes achieved by every surgeon in your list.

4. Book an appointment

Now that you have found 2-3 surgeons you believe can perform breast augmentation that meets your aesthetic goals, you should schedule a consultation session with each of them before choosing one. The meeting should help you determine if you are comfortable with and trust the surgeon, and to get a sense of whether or not the surgeon understands what you want from the surgery.

During consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly explain all aspects of the procedure and answer all your questions. This is when you should ask questions, raise your concerns, and find out what to expect before, during and after the procedure. You can also ask to look at before and after photos, patient testimonials, reference to previous patients, and case studies from the surgeon.

5. Make your decision

From your list of 2-3 plastic surgeons, consider choosing the one with whom you most easily communicated and established a rapport during consultation. The right surgeon is the one who made you feel more confident about your surgery through an open and honest discussion about your overall health, lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and your questions and concerns.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we believe that working with a skilled and experienced board-certified surgeon is the best way to achieve your aesthetic goals through breast augmentation. Dr. Effie Politis is a candid and compassionate surgeon who can help you on your journey to a happier, more confident you. She performs breast augmentation frequently and with remarkable outcomes for her patients. For more information about plastic surgery, visit the site Politis Plastic Surgery website.

What is Breast Augmentation?

 

Sagging breasts can be disappointing and conspicuously small breasts can feel inadequate. Clothes that fit neatly at the shoulders and waist but appear too large at the bust line can be awkward. But you don’t have to be self-conscious when you wear swimsuits or form-fitting tops. You can achieve your desired breast size through the medical procedure known as breast augmentation

Read more about Breast Augmentation