What To Do When Your Implants Are Too Large For Your Chest?

If you’ve had breast implants, it’s normal to experience some form of complication, or maybe a change of mind. 

You may have felt that your decision on opting for larger implants has caused you more discomfort and inconvenience. Not to mention, all the other issues that may come up in the long run. 

What follows when your breast implants are too large?

Issues associated with implants that are too large include:

  1. Increased difficulty performing routine activities

The resulting larger breasts will not be ideal for an active lifestyle, like daily workouts, jogging, gym visits, running marathons, or enjoying sports.

  1. Difficulty finding clothing that fit well 

The larger breasts will widen your frame and make it difficult to find tops and bras that fit. You may also find it difficult to find bras and lingerie with supportive straps.

  1. Sagging, drooping and unappealing breasts

The weight due to the larger breasts will cause the skin on and around your breasts to stretch, resulting in a saggy, droopy breast appearance. The heavy breasts may also move apart from each other and appear asymmetrical.

  1. Chronic, unbearable pain

Larger breasts tend to trigger chronic neck, back, and shoulder pains. They may also cause frequent headaches. Plus, rashes may develop underneath your breasts and shoulders, which can appear red and irritated.

  1. Poor, uncomfortable posture

With larger breast implants, the quality of your posture may be affected. With the extra weight of larger breast implants, you may find yourself slouching more often. You may also experience difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.

What can be done to fix large implants?

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with implants that are too big for your chest for the rest of your life. There are several options if you aren’t happy with your breast augmentation results. 

  1. Implant replacement

If you find your implants too big, you can undergo implant replacement surgery. You surgeon will conduct a procedure to remove them and replace them with a pair of implants that are appropriate or proportional in size.

Breast implant replacement may also be necessary due to hardened scar tissue (capsular contracture), rupture of implants, implant rippling, or change in position of the implant– all of which can happen when you have implants that are too large for your chest. 

Your surgeon will assess your breast size and help you consider whether replacement would help you achieve your goals.

  1. Implant removal

Your other option is to have the implants entirely removed and not replaced. During the removal procedure, your surgeon may also get rid of scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks.

  1. Breast lift

Your surgeon can also conduct a breast lift to change the shape of your natural breasts and to eliminate any sagging due to the implants. The procedure will help to rejuvenate your breasts, making it firmer and perkier. 

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we use the bio-resorbable GalaFLEX scaffold. It is a soft-tissue reinforcement that immediately helps tighten and lift the breast tissue. It is also known as an ‘internal bra.’

Safe, effective procedure

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

The 14-point plan includes a series of steps that meet the required standards of sterilization and infection control during surgery. When followed, the 14 steps reduce the number of bacteria attaching to the implant during the surgery and minimize the risk of breast implant complications. 

Dr. Effie Politis strictly follows the 14-step plan and achieves great results for our patients.

To avoid poor outcomes, we encourage you to discuss your goals and expectations in advance with your plastic surgeon. With proper consultation and preparation, you’ll be able to achieve a more favorable result.

Dr. Effie Politis is a board-certified plastic surgeon with expert skills and experience to help you select the right implants for you based on your height, chest width, and preferences. 

For more information on breast implant revision surgery, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

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.”

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.

About Tampa Magazines

Tampa Magazines is the parent company of TAMPA Magazine, TAMPA Downtown Magazine, South Tampa Magazine and TAMPA Digest Magazine. The Tampa Magazines team has been telling the city’s story since 2003, highlighting the best that Tampa has to offer in arts and culture, food and drink, home and garden, business, history and personalities. Keep up with the latest online at tampamagazines.com and on social media at @tampamagazine, @southtampamagazine and @tampadowntown

Can I have a combined plastic surgery consult with my mother, partner or friend?

A major tenet of plastic surgery is that you do it for yourself. Not to please your mother, spouse or friend.  You want to be certain that you’re undergoing a procedure that will change a feature you may want to improve or perhaps make you appear more youthful or just boost your overall appearance. 

Of course, you want to think it over carefully, get all the critical information and eventually make a decision that will help you look your best. 

Can you have a plastic surgery consultation that includes a friend or family member ?

If you’re comfortable with having a loved one or friend accompanying you then yes you are welcome to accompany you at your surgery consult. 

For privacy reasons, your plastic surgeon will speak with you to establish whether you would like the accompanying person to leave or stay in the room for that segment of your visit.

But before you decide to have a combined consult, make sure to first consider the pros and cons of doing so.

The pros of a combined consult include:

  1. Remembering important details

Having your mother, partner or friend with you can help you remember crucial details regarding the procedures you discuss with your plastic surgeon.  

During a typical consultation, many important medical and personal issues are discussed and a partner or friend may help you retain some details you missed or remind you of the questions you intended to ask your surgeon but have forgotten.

  1. Winning their full support

If you have an important person in your life that is helping you assess your options, meeting the surgeon together can help to address any specific concerns your friend or partner may have about your decision to undergo plastic surgery. 

  1. Making the sessions more relaxing and comfortable 

Being with a spouse or friend can make a consultation a more relaxed experience instead of an overwhelming one. The trusted confidante may give you the support you need to feel at ease if you are nervous about the consultation sessions or regarding the impending procedure.

  1. Making informed decisions

When making important and weighty decisions, you may need to hear from those who know you well and whose opinion matters the most to you. Going to a consultation session with a trusted friend or partner ensures you get timely feedback on the cosmetic changes you plan to have. In turn, you will feel more confident that you’re making the right decision.

  1. Ensuring a smoother recovery

After your procedure, you’ll need your post-op caretaker to give you the best possible support. A face-to-face meeting with your plastic surgeon is a great forum for your mother, spouse or other caretaker to learn what will be necessary during your recovery.

The cons of a combined consult include:

  1. You may find it difficult to speak openly

Your plastic surgeon expects you to speak honestly about your medical history and to share crucial personal information. If you find this difficult or embarrassing to do with another person listening, consider going alone.

  1. You may be overly influenced by another person’s opinion

A consultation session is a chance to express your personal feelings and preferences. It’s critical that you deeply consider what you really want. If you are an agreeable person by temperament, it may be difficult to tease out your desires versus your friend or family members preferences. 

  1. They may end up distracting you

If you attend a consult with someone who might dominate the conversation rather than listen, you may end up distracted. It’s important that anyone involved in your decision process considers your preference and best interests.

Are you planning to undergo plastic surgery to tackle a bothersome cosmetic issue? At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer comfortable, relaxed consultation sessions to help prepare our clients for their procedures.

For more information on plastic surgery procedures, visit Politis 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.

What is Fat Transfer

Hi my name is Dr. Effie Politis with Politis Plastic Surgery

Fat Transfer is a great technique or adjunct to many of my surgeries. It can be used on the face, breast, buttocks or any other part of the body with any contour deformities. So basically we take fat from an area that has more fat, so typically the abdomen, the flanks and we transfer to an area that’s deficient of fat. The way we do that is by harvesting the fat with small cannulas liposuction, liposuction cannulas under a certain amount of pressure, then we process and filter the fat and wash it so we clean it up from all of the oil and ingredients that we don’t want. And then it is placed through a closed system into cannulas and we can inject that again for panfacial rejuvenation or breast enhancement if they’re looking for smaller volumes. Of course you’ve heard of the buttock augmentation with fat and that’s another procedure that we can do with this excess fat.