Breast Lifts Outpacing Implants

April 23, 2014April 23, 2014 ~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment

Dr. Kassabian is an expert in all plastic surgery but one of his signature procedures is the Invisible Bra Lift. The Invisible Bra Lift is a procedure that repositions the nipple and tightens the skin as one would with a traditional breast lift but what makes the Invisible Lift different is that already existing breast tissue is used to contour and lift. According to recent research by the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) the popularity of breast lifts has increased by 70% since 2000. This means that “breast lifts are outpacing breast implants two-to-one” and a majority of the women opting for the procedure are between 30-54 years old.

Ask Dr. K: How Do I Know if I Need My Implants Replaced?

March 3, 2011 ~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment

Lisa asks, “Dr. K, I have been hearing about ‘explants’ lately? What are explants? How do I know if I need to get my implants removed or replaced?”

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Lisa is right, there has been a lot of mention of removing implants lately. Many other of my patients have asked me the same thing so I felt this would be a great question for Ask Dr. K.

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An explant is essentially the opposite of implant, in other words, it is the removal of implants. This had been a hot topic lately as reports are being produced stating that implants must be removed for various reason. Let’s set the record straight. I am going to tell you why and when you would need your implants removed or replaced of at all.

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There are 3 main reasons why breast implants would need to be removed.

1) Change of size and shape.

2) Implant leakage or rupture.

3) Capsular contracture.

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What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular Contracture is essentially the hardening of implants which occurs in about 5% of women. Most women experience symptoms about 3 months after the surgery. Several factors may put you at risk.

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– Autoimmune disorders

– Smoking

– Radiation Therapy

– Severe trauma to the breast

– Seroma (a collection of fluid under the breast)

– Hematoma

– Bacterial infections

– Silicon modules leaking into the pocket of the surrounding implant.

– Breast implant placement. You may be more likely to develop Capsular Contracture when the implant is placed over your chest muscle (sub-glandular).

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Detecting Capsular Contracture.

Warning signs include deformed, misshaped, and painful breasts or breasts that have become harder than when they were put in. There are four levels of Capsular Contracture.

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Grade 1: The breast is soft and looks natural.

Grade 2: The breast is slightly firm but looks natural.

Grade 3: The breast is firm and looks abnormal.

Grade 4: The breast is hard, painful and looks abnormal.

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Removal or revision of implants, however is not the only treatment for Capsular Contracture. New technologies are being utilized to treat this. See your doctor for remedies and procedures they offer to correct this.

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Here are a a few ways to decrease your risk if Capsular Contracture of you feel you may be at risk, however there is no way to predict so be sure to consult your doctor.

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– Take a prescription corticosterois drug called Prednisone for two weeks.

– Massage your implants the day after surgery.

– Perform compression exercises in which you squeeze the implant with medium pressure to keep the capsule flexible and loose.

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In Summary, there is low chance that you will need your implants removed or replaced. However, if you are experiencing any of the above characteristics or would like to consult a professional to be sure, do so immediately.

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436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 301 Beverly Hills, Ca 90210

310-285-0400

http://www.liftmd.com

Ask Dr. K: What is ALCL?

January 31, 2011February 1, 2011 ~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment

I have been flooded this week with questions from patients and friends concerning the warning to women at risk of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) from breast implants. On January 26, 2011 the FDA released a safety signal on ALCL in women with breast implants. Although the number of patients who have developed the disease is extremely small, only 34 identified cases out of an estimated 5 to 10 million women with breast implants, I feel it is necessary to to review the recommendations presented by the FDA.

But first, what is ALCL?

1) ALCL is a late onset seroma or fluid collection around the implant, and is very rare and noticeable.

2) The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Food and Drug Administration are working together to study those rare cases.

3) Breast implants are the most studied implant in the body and it remains to be seen if there is a connection between the two.

Click HERE for a full report.

If you have breast implants, the FDA urges that there is no need to change your routine medical care and follow up. ALCL is very rare and has only occurred in a very small amount of the millions of women with breast implants. However, the following standard medical recommendations include:

– Monitor your breast implants. If you notice any changes, contact your health care provider immediately to schedule an appointment.

– Get your routine mammography screening.

– If you have silicone-gel filled implants, see a specialist for periodic MRI’s to detect ruptures as recommended by your health care provider. The FDA-approved product labeling for these said implants states that the first MRI should occur three years after implant surgery, and every two years after that.

– Patients with persistent fluid around their breast implants will have to be tested for ALCL in the future.

If you have more questions or concerns about your breast implants, or feel that you may be at risk, contact your doctor immediately.

436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 301 Beverly Hills, Ca 90210

310-285-0400

http://www.liftmd.com

The NEW Wonder ‘Bra’

October 6, 2010October 6, 2010 ~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment

Dr. Kassabian is a pioneer in the field of cosmetic surgery. His techniques surpass others in that his dual-board certification, subspecialty training and artful eye result in flawless surgeries. These specialized techniques result in patients looking and feeling younger.

His breast lift techniques are no different. Not only does he reposition the nipple and tighten the skin, both standard in breast lifting procedures, but his technique re-structures and re-distributes your own breast tissue to create the perfect contour and shape. In other words, the traditional procedure lifts only the skin whereas Dr. Kassabian’s technique actually lifts the breast tissue providing support and contour and has a long-lasting effect. “It’s like an invisible bra” says Dr. Kassabian “the shape and volume of the breast is modified to give a perky and youthful silhouette.” These results are achieved without the use of breast implants (if you have enough breast volume to start with) since the contouring effect gives the necessary upper pole fullness.

If you think you may be a candidate or would like more information about this revolutionary technique, contact Dr. Kassabian and Lift MD Aesthetics®. Call us at 310-285-0400 or visit us at Lift Md Aesthetics®, 436 North Bedford Drive, Suite 301, Beverly Hills, California.