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.

Improving Your Skin Health by Going on a Skin Care Diet

No matter your skin type—dry, oily or sensitive—a daily skin care routine can help you maintain overall skin health and improve specific concerns like scarring, acne, and dark spots.

A typical skin care routine includes cleansing, using serum, moisturizing, and applying a sunscreen.

While a skin care routine can produce a clear and healthy skin, it can also result in an overload of ingredients. Unfortunately, when there is excess application of ingredients, your skin’s protective barrier can break down and you may experience extreme inflammation, redness, rashes, sensitivities, and breakouts.

What is a skin care diet?

A skin diet is a tailored application of skin care products to rebuild and regenerate the skin. A carefully customized skin diet recreates stratum corneum layer of your skin, minimizes irritation and inflammation, and produces a clearer, healthier, glowing skin.
You may not need a skin diet if your skin is already clear and healthy. But when you’re experiencing problems or are not responding to various products you’re using, then you need to consider a skin care diet.

A skin diet is made of four basic products—a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. However, as with choosing the ingredients for any menu, you’ll need to be careful and deliberate as you pick all the products to include in your skin diet. For instance, you’ll need to avoid harsh actives, fillers, synthetics, and artificial fragrances.

1. Cleanser

A good cleanser is the cornerstone of a great skin diet. Ideally, you should go for a gentle cleanser that is known to work well for all skin types. Avoid cleansers with free alpha or beta-hydroxy acids and other exfoliating agents. Also, avoid a cleanser that will leave your skin tight after washing.

2. Serum

A serum with vitamin C or growth factors or peptides is great in the morning, under sunscreen. Then at night, retinol or prescription retinoids tend to work best.

3. Moisturizer

A moisturizer pairs well with a cleanser to ensure your skin has enough moisture to perform cellular functions. In fact, even an oily skin needs a moisturizer, though you’ll need one that is lightweight, gel-based, and non-comedogenic (doesn’t block your pores).

Additionally, an ideal moisturizer is one that contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, but you should avoid a super-thick cream. A dry skin may benefit a lot from a cream-based moisturizer—most brands label their products as gel or cream on their packaging.

4. Sunscreen

You need to apply sunscreen on a daily basis to protect your skin from the sun. Most preferably, you should go for a mineral-based sunscreen with at least 30 SPF 15 minutes before you head outdoors—sunscreen takes time to activate.

Even with a darker skin, you still need sunscreen. That’s because hyper-pigmentation is harder to correct. Try a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product, making sure to avoid anything that may irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Why should you go on a skin care diet

1. A skin care diet goes back to the basics, enabling you to use only products that are beneficial to your skin. A tailored diet rebuilds the protective skin barrier and boosts skin balance and pH levels, preventing redness, rashes, blemishes, and sensitivities.

2. A skin diet gets rid of the many unnecessary ingredients that when used for too long can cause skin sensitivity and damage the skin. In a carefully planned and tested skin diet, the regimen includes a few effective products.

3. A skin diet enables you to eliminate harsh products from your skin care routine. Remember, harsh products can remove natural oils from your skin, damage the skin barrier, and make your skin more susceptible to harmful aggressors, pollutants, and premature aging.

4. A skin diet prevents adverse product interactions by allowing you to gradually and carefully combine various products and achieve synergy—enabling you to get better results from less.

5. A skin diet prevents aggressive skin exfoliation that may cause red, irritated skin and increase the risk of wrinkles and fine lines. While physical and chemical exfoliation is excellent in removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, over-exfoliation can trigger cosmetic problems.

How does skin care diet work?

Basically, you opt for a skin diet when you have a skin-related problem. But the dieting process depends on the principle that it takes time to identify products that are best for the skin.

To start off, you give your skin a break from all the products you have been using to allow the skin to rebuild and revitalize. So you stop using everything, including cleansers, moisturizers, serum, sunscreen, acids, sulfates, fragrances, and exfoliating agents.


Next, you note down everything you’ve been using. A list of what you’ve eliminated will help you identify the ingredient that is behind your skin problem.

You’ll also need to clean your makeup brushes and consider every possible cause of skin irritation. Remember, a skin problem may be due to diet, age, genetics, or even menopause.

At the core of the skin diet is the minimalist approach. You begin with a basic and simple routine—cleanser, moisturizer, serum, and sunscreen—then observe how your skin reacts. Once you’re comfortable, you can add extra products, such as masks, exfoliating agents, and spot treatments to enhance your skin’s health.

Every time you add a new product, make sure to conduct a patch test, particularly if you suspect that you have sensitive skin. Patch testing will also help you identify potential allergic reactions.

To patch test a new product:
1. Apply a small amount of the product on your skin in a discreet area, such as on your inner arm or inside your wrist.
2. Allow 48 hours to see if your skin reacts to it.
3. Check the area at 96 hours of the application to see if you have a delayed reaction.

An allergic reaction may include itchiness, small bumps, irritation, or redness. If you notice any of these reactions, wash the area with water and a gentle cleanser. Then, you can return to the product and try another that better suits your skin type.

How do you care for your skin with a skin diet?

1. Choose products—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and serum—that fit your skin type and sensitivity. Make sure to read the product labels. Some products, such as retinol or prescription retinoids, should only be applied at night.

2. Get your skin prepared through healthy dietary changes and increased water intake. Staying hydrated will help your skin absorb and use the ingredients you’re applying.

3. Use a cleanser, serum and moisturizer. Also, wear sunscreen every day and apply 15 minutes before going out. Of course, the products you use should have easy-to-pronounce ingredients and with no harsh actives, fillers, synthetics, or artificial fragrances.

4. Use a particular product for at least 2 weeks before you add something new. As you use a product, observe how your skin responds to it. If you notice irritation, eliminate the product from your skin diet.

5. It will take 4-8 weeks to achieve desired results. So be patient and stick to the minimalist, one-product-at-a-time approach.


Honest, trustworthy plastic surgeon

Are you struggling with a skin-related cosmetic issue? Or are you considering a plastic surgery procedure and would like to get sound advice before you take the step?

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide-range of natural, medical, and surgical solutions to aesthetic problems. Our open, compassionate approach ensures that we listen to you, appreciate your goals and expectations, guide you through all the options, and help you make an informed choice.

You can rely on us to turnaround your appearance and help you gain and regain your self-esteem and confidence.

For more information on facial treatments, light-based therapies, and plastic surgery procedures, contact us today!

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.”

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.”

Top 3 Recovery Tips for Successful Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) results

The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is one of the quickest, safest and most efficient ways of achieving a curvier and fuller butt. And because the procedure involves liposuction, where your body fat is extracted, purified and re-inserted into your buttocks, the procedure provides a dramatic full-body transformation that looks and feels natural.

With the more natural BBL, you’ll avoid the risk of out-of-proportion implants should your body change with time. And if you maintain a proper diet and regular exercise, the procedure gives you a more contoured, appealing and youthful appearance that can last a lifetime.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, the Brazilian butt lift is a popular procedure. And we’re happy to meet and discuss your options. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Effie Politis is available to discuss patient’s goals and concerns weighing the benefits, risks and potential complications of the surgery. Also, the preparations for the procedure and the recovery process will be explained and explored as well.

What are the top 3 recovery tips for successful Brazilian butt lift (BBL) results?

  1. Avoid putting pressure on your butt?

This may appear obvious but it is often a very challenging part of the Brazilian butt lift recovery. Of course, sitting is not only an instinctive response whenever you feel tired but also something that’s natural and almost inevitable when traveling, eating a meal, working at your desk or watching a movie.

Nevertheless, after a butt lift surgery you’ll need to avoid sitting, particularly during the initial healing period, to reduce the pressure on your butt. The procedure uses your own cells by transplanting a precise amount of your purified fat into your buttocks. These newly transplanted cells require special care to settle, heal and get accepted by your body. 

Sitting down on the newly relocated cells adds pressure and restricts blood flow. In turn, a greater portion of the fat cells may die. Also, the fat cells may shift in position which adversely affects the final results and the eventual shape of the butt.

After the BBL procedure, you must avoid sitting on your butts by standing more often or resting on your side or front when you can’t stand. And when sleeping, you’ll need to avoid pressure on your back by lying on your front or side. Placing a pillow between your legs will help to keep you in position.

Still, if you have to sit, then you’ll need to minimize the pressure on your butt by:

    • Keeping your sitting time to less than 5 minutes, especially for the first 14 days.
    • Not driving or flying during the first 2-3 weeks after your procedure.
    • Using a doughnut-shaped cushion for up to 6 weeks after your operation to help relieve pressure on your butt.
    • Opting for sitting techniques that will reduce pressure on your butt, such as sitting backward on a chair or sitting on your thighs while using pillows for extra support.
    • Avoiding prolonged soaking, baths, hot tubs, pools, and the beach. Regular showers are better.
  1. Wear a compression garment

After the procedure, you will be discharged with a compression garment to diminish swelling and enhance comfort. Typically, you should wear the compression garment as instructed for 3-6 weeks and in some cases up to 8 weeks after the surgery.

During the first 2-3 weeks after BBL, you will wear the garment during the day and night and only take it off when bathing. Then from week 4-6, you will wear the garment for about 12 hours per day, either during the daytime or nighttime, depending on your routine.

The compression garment should fit comfortably. It should not be too tight to cause excess pressure to your buttocks. So speak with us if you have any concerns about your garment—how it fits or any discomfort it causes. We will inspect the treated area and make the necessary garment adjustments.

  1. Be patient and listen to your body

The final results after Brazilian butt lift takes time. And so please be patient with your body as it heals. During the first 3 weeks, there will be a significant but temporary increase in the size of your butt due to expected postoperative swelling.  

Don’t be anxious or alarmed if your butt appears slightly out of proportion or asymmetrical to the rest of your body as this is a normal part of the healing process. Plus, even after the swelling subsides, it may take up to 6 months before the final results are permanent.

To enhance your recovery, you should also:

    1. Maintain a nutrient-rich, healthy diet

A balanced diet made of healthy fats (like avocado and fish), lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and lots of fruits and vegetables will give your body the ingredients it needs for faster recovery. 

It is essential not to gain significant weight that can distort the results. Also, you should avoid any weight-loss exercises or diets during your recovery.

    1. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

Being hydrated will support your body to heal faster and will help you achieve desired results.

    1. Stay active

Generally, you should avoid strenuous exercises and rigorous activities for at least one month.

    1. Use the prescribed painkillers

Pain and soreness is part of the Brazilian butt lift recovery period. So you’ll need to manage the pain and discomfort during the first few days after the procedure using the prescribed pain medications. As the pain subsides, you can use over-the-counter medicine as directed by your physician to make your recovery as easy as possible.

    1. Get help from a friend or loved one

Seek the assistance of your friend or loved one with various tasks around the house during the first few days. This will minimize the risk of injuring yourself or causing complications.

that her post-operation instructions will help you recover fast and get back to work quickly.

For more information on the Brazilian butt lift 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.

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