Breast Revision Surgery
Posted November 15, 2010 5:45 PM in Breast Augmentation
One of the main operations that I perform in Beverly Hills at the Lasky Clinic is revision breast surgery. As we all know, breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular surgeries that we perform. It is not without its inherent risks however.
Dr. Cohen….why are my breasts hard?
A capsular contracture is scar tissue that builds around an implant and can happen early in the healing process, (3 months), or happen years later. Many patients come to my practice seeking information about a possible revision. Capsular contracture is the condition that causes constriction of the breast and can at times be very painful. If it is what we call a Grade 4 capsular contracture, ( one that is the most extreme) , the plan is to reoperate and remove the scar tissue and replace the implant with a new implant. I can never guarantee however that the scar tissue will not just reform. We try and give patients advice on massaging the implant which I do feel helps keep a pocket open and may help prevent a re-encapsulation. Medications such as Vitamin E orally, 1000mg per day have been suggested to help prevent re-encapsulation. Also, an anti allergy medication Singular has been helpful per some plastic surgeons experience.
Will insurance cover my surgery?
There are times that insurance will reimburse for a capsulectomy, (removal of hard scar tissue), if the patient has pain. Anything that is deemed reconstructive would be billable to insurance. There is no guarantee they will pay anything for the surgery so we send documentation to your insurance company to see if it is covered. Anything cosmetic.. such as replacing the implant and the implants themselves is the responsibility of the patient, as the insurance companies do not pay for cosmetic procedures.
Why should I go to you Dr. Cohen rather than any other surgeon?
You should always go to a surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I have been in practice 10 years in the Beverly Hills area and strive to take very good care of all of my patients. Yours safety is our greatest concern. I have been fortunate to have been elected Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Cedars Sinai. Breast surgery is my passion and I do many breast reductions, lifts and many revisions of other breast surgeries that have not been performed well.
Isn’t a breast augmentation an “easy surgery” that anyone can do?
No. Every surgery is unique. It frustrates me to see young woman who go to doctors who charge less and are trying to get a deal. Remember you get what you pay for. Once the incision is made in the wrong place I can’t make it go away. I have seen woman here in town that have had the nipple incision placed in the incorrect location!
What other breast revision surgeries have you been doing lately?
I fix breasts that have rippling, breasts that are hard with scar tissue. Breast that are made too big that need to be smaller and also lots of patients just want them out!
If I get them out what will I look like?
Hard to say how they will look. Some patients will have extra skin and extra breast tissue. Most patients when I remove them they will replace with a smaller implant. Some will need a lift and some will not. It all depends on the tissues and the quality of the skin and breast tissue.
Andrew Cohen, M.D.
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Beverly Hills, California Breast Augmentation Surgeon Andrew Cohen, MD
Posted November 15, 2010 5:45 PM in Breast Augmentation
After more than a decade of controversy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave approval for silicone breast implants to be used in breast reconstruction and breast augmentation procedures. Two years after the landmark decision, Dr. Andrew T. Cohen offers his views on silicone implants and how patients are responding to them.
(Vocus) February 18, 2009 -- In 2006, 14 years after pulling silicone breast implants from the market for further study, the FDA issued formal approval for their use in breast reconstruction surgeries for patients of any age and breast enlargement procedures for patients age 22 and older. During the absence of silicone breast implants, saline implants became the norm for breast augmentation surgery. However, since they have returned to the market, one prominent plastic cosmetic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, says the ratio between patients choosing silicone breast implants to saline is now about 50-50.
“Silicone is softer and more natural… I advise to do a more natural implant. Although I do feel that saline is still a good product for someone looking for an augmentation.” Dr. Andrew T. Cohen says he generally tells patients that silicone breast implants are lighter and feel more natural than saline implants. Although saline implants typically require a smaller incision, and problems such as leaks from the implant are easier to detect than with silicone, the silicone implants typically have lower instances of leaking. Dr. Cohen believes silicone implants are “very safe. I have done hundreds with great success.”
In addition to providing first-time patients with silicone breast implants, Dr. Cohen also performs revision breast augmentation surgery for women who have saline implants and would like to switch to silicone. Dr. Cohen says these patients generally tell him they are more satisfied with the silicone implants.
Since the resurgence of silicone breast implants two years ago, many doctors say that it has given patients more plastic surgery options, and allows them to choose for themselves whether silicone or saline implants will be better for their ultimate goals. Practicing at the Lasky Clinic, Dr. Cohen says his Beverly Hills breast augmentation patients are given detailed information on both options at their initial consultation, and he addresses all of their concerns beforehand to make sure they are making the most informed decision possible. Dr. Cohen says he puts a high premium on giving quality care in a safe, confidential environment, and that safety is his highest priority.
Andrew T. Cohen, MD is board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery and a Diplomate with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Individuals who would like more information on breast implants in Beverly Hills, California can contact Dr. Cohen at 201 South Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 – (310) 659-8771, or through his website at www.drandrewcohen.com.
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