Breast Implant Exchange And Removal | Beverly Hills | Los AngelesBreast implant exchange or removal cosmetic surgery is performed on women who are unhappy with the outcomes of their original breast augmentation or those who have suffered implant damage due to some reason. However, a growing number of younger women are also now choosing this procedure for cosmetic reasons to downsize or upgrade their breast implants. 

Whatever be the reason, a breast implant exchange or removal surgery can restore and enhance natural breast appearance and patient comfort, as long as it is performed by a skilled surgeon. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant exchange and removal to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Candidacy

For women who experience implant related complications, such as implant rupture, shifting, asymmetry, leakage, or capsular contracture, a breast implant exchange or removal may be necessary. Other candidates may choose these procedures for cosmetic reasons. 

Women who feel their existing breast implants are either over- or under-sized, or who wish to change the type, shape or texture of their implants may also make dependable candidates for breast implant exchange. 

In all cases, the patient should be in reasonably good general health in order to sustain the surgery and general anesthesia. She should have realistic expectations and be committed to follow the surgeon’s instructions for pre- and post-operative care. 

Surgical Procedure

In case of breast implant exchange or removal plastic surgery, the surgeon will try to utilize the same incisions that were placed at the time of original breast implant surgery. This will minimize new scarring. After the incisions are created, the surgeon will remove the old implants from the breast pocket. 

The surrounding scar tissue or the damaged part of the implant may also be removed when a breast implant removal or exchange has been necessitated by complications such as implant rupture or capsular contracture. The breast pocket may have to be revised to accommodate the new implant, which could be of a different size or shape. 

After the new implants have been placed and adjusted into position, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. If the patient only wants implant removal and not exchange, she may have to undergo another procedure called breast lift at the same time. Breast lift will involve tightening of the sagging breast tissue and repositioning or resizing of areolas to restore more youthful and natural looking breasts. 

Recovery

After the surgery is completely, the surgeon will wrap the incision areas of the breasts in bandages and provide a compression garment or surgical bra to the patient. The surgical bra will allow the new breast shape to be formed with support. Some bruising, swelling and discomfort is expected in the first few days after the breast implant exchange or removal surgery.

Prescription pain medications will help to keep the patient comfortable in the first 4 or 5 days. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities or go back to work in about one to two weeks. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for breast implant exchange and removal surgery. 

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

What is a mini-facelift? | Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | Orange CountyMini facelift or partial facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is ideally suited for people who are bothered about the onset of aging lines and sagging skin in the lower third of the face. The surgeon will using small incisions placed discreetly around the ears to restore a tighter and firmer lower face and more defined chin.  

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides mini facelift to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Candidacy

If excess fat deposits or sagging skin is causing a poorly defined jaw appearance, you could benefit from a mini facelift surgery. The procedure is designed to remove excess tissue from the lower face area and firm up the remaining tissue. You can achieve a younger looking and more refreshed facial appearance that adds to your natural aesthetics and boosts self-confidence. 

Less Invasive Procedure

You can expect to achieve a number of physical as well as emotional benefits with a mini facelift plastic surgery. The best part is that you can meet your goals with minimal risk, discomfort, and downtime involved. 

Minimal Side Effects – Reduced bruising, swelling and tenderness compared to a full traditional facelift

Minimal Scarring – Incisions are small and can be concealed well within your hairline, behind the ears and in the natural facial contours.

Conservative Surgery and Anesthesia – A mini facelift can be performed much faster than a full facelift, and the surgeon may only use local anesthesia to perform this procedure.

Minimal Risk, Discomfort and Downtime – Unlike a full traditional facelift, a mini facelift poses minimal risk of lasting adverse effects, and the post-surgical recovery is faster and involves minimal discomfort.

Significant Results with SMAS Lifting

Although the procedure is considered “mini,” it can yield substantial results in most cases. The procedure not only involves tightening of skin in the lower face area, it also involves correction of the SMAS (the underlying muscular system) and reduction or redistribution of fatty tissue. 

When these tissues are lifted and refined along with the skin, you can achieve improved facial contours. SMAS mini lift produces significantly more natural looking results compared to a cutaneous (skin only) facelift. 

Procedure

The surgeon will begin the procedure by placing incisions in front the ears, which extend from the bottom of the earlobes to your hairline, behind your ear. The pattern and length of the incisions can vary according to the surgical technique used to perform your mini facelift. 

Through the incisions, your surgeon will pull the targeted tissue upward and outward toward your ears. This will enable reduction in sagging skin and jowls, and mitigate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Once the skin and SMAS reach a position that enhances your facial contours and natural facial bone structure, your surgeon will suture them into place, and trim away excess skin. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for mini facelift surgery. 

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Breast Implant Removal | Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | West HollywoodSaline or silicone breast implant removal cosmetic surgery may be an appropriate solution for women who are unhappy with the results of their primary breast augmentation

If the original breast implant procedure was done improperly, it may be necessary for the patient to undergo breast implant removal. Breast implants may become hardened or displaced due to incorrect placement or pressure from scar tissue.

Correlating with this, the procedure may also be necessary if the implants rupture or deflate due to a defective implant or an injury. In case an infection develops, breast implants may also need to be removed. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant removal to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities. 

 

What does Breast Implant Removal Surgery involve?

Before proceeding with the breast implant removal process, the surgeon will evaluate the causes of the implant complications and recommend a course of treatment to the patient. If the patient chooses to have her silicone or saline implants replaced with a different type or size of breast implant, the replacement can be performed as an independent procedure.

If the patient, however, decides to have her implants removed, the surgeon will advise her about options such as breast lift plastic surgery, which can be performed simultaneously with the removal procedure. 

The surgeon will likely undertake the procedure using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. To attain access to the implant, the surgeon will place an incision in one of the following areas:

The incisions involved in breast implant removal are usually the same as the ones made during the original breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will typically also remove scar tissue as well as the breast implant during this procedure.

 

Saline Breast Implant Removal

The surgeon may deflate the implant before removing it during saline revision surgery to allow easier removal. Once the implant has been removed, the surgeon will remove scar tissue from the previous breast enlargement procedure. 

As soon as the original implant is removed, the placement of new implants or breast lift surgery will take place. It takes between 30 to 45 minutes to complete the surgery. Following the procedure, the patient will remain in the hospital for a few hours under observation.

 

Silicone Breast Implant Removal

A silicone implant that ruptures may go undetected. Therefore, the surgeon will perform a manual exam to check the implant for any signs of distress or rupture before removing it during silicone revision surgery. This minimizes any risks related to the breast implant procedure.

Implant removal may be more complicated than the primary enhancement procedure, especially when the outer shell is textured or foam covered. Sometimes the adjacent tissue and muscle may also need to be removed in addition to the implant.

During the removal, the patient may also receive a breast implant replacement, breast lift, or scar revision. The time taken to complete the implant removal procedure depends on whether other procedures are being undertaken simultaneously. It usually takes less than one hour to remove silicone breast implants. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Getting older takes a toll on a person’s appearance. Diminished collagen and the damage caused by environmental factors and gravity can all cause skin to sag across the face. Beyond the characteristic fine lines and wrinkles that come with age, sagging skin around the eyelids can be an especially noticeable sign that you’re getting older. Luckily, many patients are now opting for blepharoplasty – eyelid surgery – and enjoying natural looking results.

As with any potential surgery, the treatment doesn’t quite end with the actual completion of your surgery. For many patients, there are just as many questions about recovery from eyelid surgery as there are about the procedure itself. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, our goal is to help patients understand all aspects of their procedure from start to finish.  To help patients better understand the recovery side of eyelid surgery, we’ve pulled together some of the top questions we get about the procedure and its recovery:

Does eyelid surgery require an overnight hospital stay?

Barring any complications, most eyelid surgeries are conducted as an outpatient procedure from our office in Beverly Hills. As patients are given a mild sedative for the procedure, we require that patients have a family member or friend help them get home after treatment. 

When can I get back to work after blepharoplasty?

While blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery, it is a form of surgery nonetheless. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, we recommend patients stay home for the first three to four days following surgery and avoid highly physical activities like lifting or exercise for the first few weeks following their procedure. We also recommend that you sleep with your head raised on multiple pillows for the first two weeks following your procedure to avoid excess swelling.

Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery?

As the treatment involved removing excess skin from eyelids, there are incisions required with eyelid surgery. During recovery, the surgical sites may look swollen and bruised and can (quite honestly) a bit scary to see immediately after surgery. However, our plastic surgeons are experts in their field. By using the latest techniques and tools, our doctors minimize scarring along so that any incisions are virtually invisible. Any sutures that are placed are usually removed about a week following your procedure. 

When can I wear contacts and make-up?

To protect the surgical site and reduce the risk of post-op infection, our surgeons ask that patients avoid wearing contacts for at least two weeks after surgery. While you’re welcome to use facial creams or lotions elsewhere on your face, avoid applying anything to your eyes for at least two weeks following treatment. 

How long will my results last?

One of the best benefits of eyelid surgery is how long the treatment lasts. With proper care, patients can enjoy natural looking results permanently without requiring retreatment. 

Schedule your consultation at BHPS

For countless patients, eyelid surgery can be a game-changer for reversing the signs of aging. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, our experienced team is committed to ensuring all patients can enjoy the full benefits of this advanced cosmetic treatment. To learn more about this procedure, call our office and schedule your consultation with our plastic surgeons today!

We’ve got 5 interesting facts about Rhinoplasty that you may not be aware of.

  1. Rhinoplasty can be a cosmetic or medical procedure.
  2. It is the most popular facial plastic procedure in the U.S.
  3. Almost 18% of all Rhinoplasty procedures were performed on men.
  4. Technique can vary by age, gender, and ethnicity.
  5. Winter is the best time to undergo surgery for faster, easier recovery.

Schedule your consultation with Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery today by calling (310) 746 – 5439 or by visiting the contact page.

 

A breast revision cosmetic surgery procedure is usually more complicated than the original breast augmentation procedure.

However, the steps involved in preparing for a breast revision surgery will be quite similar to the previous breast enhancement procedure. The surgeon will elaborate on these steps in detail during the initial consultation.

Patients who prepare adequately for the surgery usually experience lesser pre-operative anxiety and have a better chance of attaining safe and predictable outcomes. Devoted plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant revision to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations in The Golden State.

Preparation Instructions

The below mentioned guidelines will enable a patient to prepare sufficiently for breast revision plastic surgery:

The patient should follow the surgeon’s guidelines dedicatedly to prepare for the surgery to ensure her own safety.

Do’s and Don’ts

The surgeon’s staff may provide a copy of common surgery guidelines or do’s and don’ts to help the patient prepare for the breast revision procedure. These guidelines may include:

Some patients may experience pre-operative stress and anxiety a day before the procedure. The surgeon may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for the patient to take the night before the surgery in such cases.

Astute cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other towns and cities in this part of the country for breast implant revision surgery.

A woman may need a breast revision cosmetic surgery if she wants to have her breast implants replaced or removed because of damage or a change in her personal preferences.

Similar to any other surgical procedure, breast revision surgery also carries some risks of complications.

It is essential for patients to understand that breast revision is usually a more complicated procedure than the original breast implant surgery. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant revision to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Potential Surgical Complications

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient about the possible risks and complications of a breast revision surgery. The patient should diligently follow the surgeon’s pre and post-operative guidelines to minimize these risks. The main complications associated with this surgery are:

 

 

Breast Implant Removal Risks

Although breast implant removal is typically a more straightforward plastic surgery, it may have to be performed in combination with a breast lift for desirable outcomes. Some rare but significant complications that a patient may face following an implant removal surgery are as follows:

The breasts will possibly not look the same as they did prior to the breast implant procedure. There may be some breast deformity and sagginess, especially in case of more substantial implants. If a breast lift is performed along with the breast removal procedure, it can address the undesirable cosmetic outcomes in such cases.

In certain cases, the patient may find that her natural breasts seem smaller following the implant removal than what she recalls.

This may happen due to weight loss or hormonal fluctuations that occurred when the patient underwent the breast augmentation surgery previously. Patients should develop reasonable expectations from the breast removal procedure to attain desirable outcomes.

Breast Implant Replacement Risks

The risks involved in a breast implant replacement surgery are the same as those that are present during the original breast augmentation process. Some rare complications in a breast implant replacement surgery include:

If a woman chooses more significant sized implants for her breast revision surgery, she may undergo more discomfort as her body takes time to acclimatize itself to the new, larger implants. The procedure for the placement of the larger implants will also involve a more intricate and invasive surgical procedure.

The surgeon will have to develop new breast pockets to hold the bigger implants. They may also have to change the placement position of the implants. This can lead to a slight increase in the risk of complications.

A patient should understand that any breast revision surgical procedure involves some level of risk. Therefore, she should seek a replacement procedure only when she experiences a complication or wants to change her breast size.

Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for breast implant revision surgery.

Patients who are displeased with the appearance of their breasts after a breast augmentation cosmetic surgery procedure or experience complications should consult a cosmetic surgeon for a breast implant revision surgery.

A focused, cordial, and well-qualified breast revision surgeon can create a customized surgical plan to suit the patient’s specific needs.

During the pre-operative consultation process, the surgeon will try to assess the patient’s objectives and evaluate the state of the existing implants to establish the most appropriate technique for the breast implant revision procedure.

The patient should take this chance to understand in-depth about the surgeon and choose an approach that is most suitable for her.

The consultation process is an essential opportunity for the patient to learn more about the surgical procedure. Patients should enlist their questions and concerns beforehand to derive the most value from their consultation with the plastic surgeon.

Prudent plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant revision surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations in The Golden State.

Implant Replacement or Removal

The main decision taken during the consultation is about the patient’s wishes regarding implant removal or replacement. Women with capsular contracture which causes the implants to lose their shape, position, or become tight, damaged or rippled will necessarily require implant replacement or removal.

In case the patient chooses only implant removal and not a replacement, she may have to undergo a breast lift as a component of the breast revision plastic surgery. The surgeon will assess the breast skin laxity and consider the patient’s aesthetic desires to determine whether a breast lift should be included in the breast implant revision surgery.

Implant Choice, Incision Preferences, and Anesthesia

The surgeon will commonly use the incision lines from the prior surgery to remove the older implants and place new ones. This will negate the possibility of additional scarring in other areas.

However, if the patient chooses implants that are different in shape, size, or type from the original ones, the surgeon may need to make alterations to the implant pockets by placing new incisions.

In case of a replacement procedure, the surgeon will have a detailed discussion with the patient during to consultation process and help them arrive at the correct decision regarding the new implants.

Surgeons usually advise patients to choose a breast implant replacement surgery instead of an implant removal because this makes the surgery less complicated and reduces the chances of infection and bleeding.

Patients are usually placed under general anesthesia or IV sedation for an implant revision procedure. They can often return home on the day of the procedure itself. The decision regarding anesthesia will depend on the patient’s overall health condition, the extent of the procedure and clearance from the anesthesiologist.

Forming Realistic Expectations

A dedicated surgeon will cautiously assess the innate aesthetic desires and goals of the patient regarding her breasts. They may present her with before and after pictures of previous breast revision surgeries to help her form realistic expectations about the surgery results.

Judicious cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other towns and cities in this part of the country for breast implant revision surgery.

A woman may need a breast implant revision procedure at some stage following a breast augmentation cosmetic surgery.

Breast revision surgery may be necessary due to cosmetic, medical or emotional reasons. The candidate should be in good overall health and not pregnant or breastfeeding when considering a breast implant revision surgery.

At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will determine the patient’s candidacy for breast implant revision. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant revision surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Factors to Determine Candidacy

The cosmetic surgeon will evaluate various factors to establish the woman’s candidacy for a breast implant revision procedure. These factors are as follows:

Ineffective Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is sought-after and effective plastic surgery. However, it may not always generate desirable aesthetic outcomes. Various reasons could lead to unwanted surgical results such as incorrect shape, size, or type of implants.

At times, a woman may feel that she was more satisfied with her natural body shape before the implant procedure or that the more significant breast size is leading to challenges in performing routine activities.

In other cases, women may feel that the implants are excessively small or larger than what they expected, or they may feel unhappy with the new breast shape and profile. Such women are ideal candidates for a breast implant revision plastic surgery.

If a patient wants to switch to silicone implants which were earlier unapproved by the FDA, they may seek a breast revision procedure. These women are also good candidates for a revision implant procedure.

Surgical Complications

Certain women may experience complications with the breast implant following the breast enhancement procedure. Such problems can present themselves at any stage after the surgery.

The risks of complication are reduced when a highly-qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon performs the procedure. However, complications may still arise in rare cases.

Furthermore, capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implants starts squeezing or tightening the implant. In such cases, the patient will need to implant or scar tissue removal or the placement of a new implant. Some patients may experience implant leakage or rupture due to normal wear and tear or faulty implants.

The thinning of skin across the breast because of hormonal changes or other reasons may lead to implant rippling. At times, the breast implant may shift from its original position leading to a lopsided appearance. It may not be possible to correct such conditions externally, and the patient may have to undergo a breast revision procedure.

Other Considerations for Breast Implant Revision

There are other considerations as well that may establish a woman’s candidacy for an implant revision procedure. A woman diagnosed with breast cancer after a breast augmentation surgery may require implant removal.

This may be a necessity for her cancer treatment plan. A woman may seek a revision procedure due to changes in lifestyle preferences as well. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for breast implant revision surgery.

Is a mommy makeover right for you? The mommy makeover is an entirely customizable procedure that can help you achieve whatever you desire post-pregnancy and nursing. Read our infographic below to find out how each of the plastic surgery procedures you can choose from was rated by patients on RealSelf.com.

If you’re interested in a mommy makeover, contact us today.