Élan Institute for Plastic Surgery 2010 East First Street, Suite 270 Santa Ana, CA 92705
March 2nd, 2010 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
As an Orange County breast augmentation surgeon with over ten years of experience, I have performed hundreds of breast augmentation procedures. Many surgeons use the term “specialist”, so I won’t use that term. However, I can confidently consider my self a “seasoned” breast augmentation surgeon.
So, is breast augmentation worth it? Remember, you as a patient are going to pay thousands of dollars, temporarily feel bad and look bad, for the hope that your breasts will look better after surgery!
Well, the answer is “it depends”. If you have realistic expectations and are doing the surgery for yourself and yourself only, then the satisfaction rate is very high. Although I haven’t done an actual survey, the satisfaction rate for breast augmentation seems to be greater than 90% in my practice. Realself.com, a reliable web-site, lists a satisfaction rate of 78% amongst respondents who had breast augmentation. Perhaps the difference is due to patients having unrealistic expectations and/or not achieving the result hoped for. As I have mentioned previously, selection of your surgeon is critical. He/she should be board certified in plastic surgery, and have before and after photo gallery either in the office or on-line (preferably both). It is important you feel comfortable with this person operating on you and like the result of his/her work.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
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February 1st, 2010 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY ORANGE COUNTY
After breast augmentation, the breasts will be swollen for 3-6 months, although the majority of the swelling will be resolved by 3 months. Support, therefore, is critical to minimize discomfort.
It is important a sports bra be worn for the first three months, which opens in the front. It will be very difficult to reach back and close a bra with painful, swollen breasts!
At the time of consultation, I measure the patient’s chest diameter and recommend three sizes to be purchased. It is very difficult to know the exact bra size which will fit properly after surgery, since every patient will have varying degrees of swelling. It is critical for the sports bra not to be tight, as it will push the implants up (in effect acting like a push-up bra). During the first three months, it is important to make sure the implants are not pushed up as the surgical pocket created may close and the implant will stay up permanently. The only correction is additional surgery!
Many patients are impatient and want to show their new breasts as soon as possible. Usually, this is accomplished by wearing a push-up bra. Patience is rewarded if one can resist the temptation during the first three months.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
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January 25th, 2010 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
BREAST IMPLANT SPECIALIST ORANGE COUNTY
As an Orange County breast augmentation surgeon, many patients are curious about the differences between saline and silicone implants.
I want to focus on the life span of these implants. It is important to accept the fact no implant will last forever. When the implant will leak is unknown. Fortunately, with the current generation of breast implants, many patients will have intact implants for many years.
As I stated in a previous blog, although both implant manufacturing companies have a life time warranty on breast implants, the company provides financial assistance towards the procedure only up to ten years from the time of surgery. This means if your implant should fail after ten years, the company will replace the breast implant free of charge, but no assistance will be provided to cover cost of surgery.
Since silicone breast implants contain silicone gel, when the implant fails, the gel is unable to be absorbed by the body. As long as the breast shape and feel is unchanged, therefore, a patient with a leaked silicone implant will not be aware of it.
For this reason, I always recommend this group of patients to obtain a MRI, which is the gold standard currently for silicone breast implant leak, a few days before their ten year “warranty” has expired. Yes, it is a nuisance and yes, it will cost money. However, what if at 11 years post breast augmentation, you should find out one or both implants have leaked? Since there is no proof when the leak actually happened, the company is under no legal obligation to provide financial assistance towards your surgery.
Of course the safest way is to follow the current recommendation by FDA regarding silicone breast implant. The FDA recommends a MRI three years after surgery, and every other year after the initial study. This is not mandatory, and it is up to the patient to follow this suggestion.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Home | 1 Comment »
January 23rd, 2010 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
BREAST AUGMENTATION ORANGE COUNTY
As an Orange County breast augmentation surgeon, a common question is: “How long do my implants last?”
No breast implant is permanent. Eventually, with time, the shell or other parts of the implant will break down resulting in an implant leak. When this happens is not known. Rarely, the leak can occur early (I have had one patient at 18 months after surgery). For most patients, it will take many years before the implant fails.
Mentor and Allergan are the only FDA approved breast implant manufacturing companies in the United States. The good news is both companies have a life time warranty if the implant should fail or leak. This means if your breast implants should leak at any time, the company will replace the implant(s) free of charge. Both companies also have a limited payment policy towards covering some or all the cost of the surgery. Up to ten years from the time of implantation, both companies will pay a certain amount towards your surgery. More information can be obtained through each company web-site.
The ten year time period, at least in my opinion, means the risk of implant failure is low enough that the company is willing to accept the risk and pay a portion towards the surgery. This does not mean all breast implants are going to leak right after the 10 year period! With newer generation breast implants currently in the market, these implants last longer than older ones.
BREAST AUGMENTATION ORANGE COUNTY
How do you know if your implant has leaked? In case of saline breast implants, the leaked saline (salt water) will be absorbed by the body. The patient can see and feel the difference in the affected breast. With silicone breast implant, the leak may not be detectable, since silicone is not absorbed by the body. Silicone is not dangerous and no study has found a link between silicone implants and disease process. Currently, the gold standard for detecting a leak for silicone breast implant is an MRI. The FDA has recommended all patients with silicone breast implants have an MRI three years after surgery and every two years after the initial MRI. It is up to the patient to follow this protocol and is not mandatory.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Home | 1 Comment »
December 30th, 2009 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
What happens after Breast implants?
Orange County Breast Augmentation Specialist Dr. Michael Jazayeri
As an Orange County breast surgeon I am going to take you through a patient’s recovery after breast augmentation.
Orange County Breast Implants Before and after surgery
I see the patient 24-48 hours after surgery. The breast wrap is removed, which is always a relief, since it has to be somewhat tight. Many patients feel their pain is much improved after the breast wrap is removed. The patient looks at her breasts and complains why one breast is slightly fuller on top than the other. This is so typical of younger patients! I re-iterate our discussion at the consultation that it will take 3-6 months for the implants to settle. The patient tries on the various size sports bra which she has brought with her. Usually one of them will fit. It is important for the sports bra not to be too tight, as it will push the implants up. During the first three months, for most patients, the goal is to keep the implant from riding too high.
Orange County Breast Augmentation Specialist Video
Breast Augmentation Surgeon Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
I see the patient again 6-8 days after surgery. At that time, the sutures are removed. The patient again looks at the breasts and complains about the minor asymmetry. I go over our discussion again! I instruct the patient on proper implant massage, which must be performed at least five times a day.
The patient returns for follow-up one month after surgery. The implants are settling in and are beginning to form a more natural look. Although the asymmetry has improved, the patient still complains. I go over our consultation discussion again! I instruct the patient to continue the sports bra and breast massage. She may start exercising as tolerated, but no chest exercises are allowed.
The patient returns three months after surgery. In some patients, the implants are settled in and the patient does not complain. If the implant has not settled, the patient will complain about the asymmetry. I repeat our conversation from previous office visits again! The patient may now wear any type of bra she desires.
Six months after surgery, the patient returns for another office visit. By now, majority of patients have stopped complaining! The implants have settled and have developed a natural look and feel. The patient will schedule her annual follow-up in six months.
The anniversary has arrived! It has been one year since the surgery. To my trained eyes, there are subtle changes in the shape and feel of the implant. The patient is pleased with the result (thank God!). I recommend patient return for a follow-up annually.
This is a typical recovery scenario for my Orange County breast augmentation patients. Not everyone will have the same experience and, rarely, some patients will develop complications.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
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December 11th, 2009 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
Mommy Makeover Plastic Surgeon
Mommy makeover is the catch phrase for cosmetic surgery involving the breast and abdomen, the two areas most commonly affected by pregnancy.
The breasts typically “deflate” after pregnancy and breast feeding and almost always will require a breast augmentation to regain the lost volume. If there is sagging of the nipple and loose skin, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be needed as well.
Some patients (the lucky ones!) have little effect on their stomach area after pregnancy. However, most patients will develop loose skin, stretch marks and weakness of the abdominal muscles, resulting in a “beer belly” appearance. Typically a standard or extended abdominoplasty is required, although some patients can achieve an excellent result with a mini-tummy tuck.
In most cases, both breast and abdominal surgery can be performed together, if the anesthesia time can be kept under six hours (this is the recommended time limit for outpatient elective surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery). Performing both surgeries together has the benefit of one recovery term (this is especially critical for patients who work) and lower cost.
Mommy makeover surgery is amongst the most expensive cosmetic surgery procedures performed. This is due to the prolonged surgery and anesthesia/operating room time required to adequately address and correct the changes discussed previously. Whether the time and cost is worth it is a personal question only the patient can answer. However, if you have realistic expectations and are doing the procedure for YOU and YOU ONLY, it is one of the most rewarding surgeries I perform. Imagine reversing the effects of pregnancy, what a wonderful concept! Many patients have told me their sex life has improved since the surgery because they feel more confident about themselves. The smile on the partner’s lips is always a big give-away!
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Lift, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Tummy tuck | No Comments »
November 30th, 2009 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
BREAST AUGMENTATION ORANGE COUNTY:
MASSAGING AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast Augmentation is the most common procedure requested by my Orange County patients. Some patients are curious as to why I recommend massaging the breast after augmentation.
A breast implant is a foreign material. The body, initially, will try to absorb the implant. Since it cannot, the body forms a thin layer (capsule) around the implant, essentially ignoring it. This process occurs with any foreign material. The shell of all breast implants is made of silicone polymer, which is well-tolerated by the body.
In addition to the implant, a “false” space has also been created to accommodate the implant. Since the body is not used to this space, it will initially try to close it. The massage, therefore, is critical to maintain the space open. Usually, by the third month, the body has formed a capsule around the implant, and the need for massage is not as critical.
I always recommend breast massage at least 5 times a day. The massage is started 7-9 days after surgery. After three months, massaging occasionally (once a day) is recommended.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Home, Mommy Makeover | No Comments »
October 8th, 2009 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
BREAST FEEDING AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION
“Can I breast feed after having breast surgery?” This is a question asked by many of my Orange County patients seeking breast augmentation.
This is a difficult question to answer. If you have never had children, there is no way to determine if you are able to breast feed in the first place.
If you have had children and produced a lot of milk, then there is a chance you will be able to breast feed after surgery, although the amount may be significantly less. If you had little or no milk, breast surgery will NOT increase the amount of milk production.
In patients who have not had children and do not require a breast lift, I prefer to make my incision under the breast fold (inframmamary fold). First, the incision is hidden from frontal view, and can only be seen if one looks underneath the breast. Second, by approaching the pectoralis muscle through this incision, I am avoiding the majority of breast tissue. Theoretically, since I am not cutting through breast tissue, the chance of damaging any milk ducts is minimized.
If you are considering breast augmentation and plan to have a child in the near future, and breast feeding is very important to you, my recommendation is to delay your surgery until your breast feeding is completed and your breast shape has stabilized.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Jazayeri is a member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons. His office is located in Santa Ana. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
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July 31st, 2009 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
NIPPLE SENSATION AFTER BREAST SURGERY IN ORANGE COUNTY
“Will my nipple sensation change after surgery?” This is a common question asked by my Orange County patients seeking breast augmentation.
Unfortunately, there is no way to know how your nipple sensitivity will change after augmentation. I tell my patients you have an equal chance of becoming more sensitive than less sensitive.
Contrary to popular belief, the addition of a breast lift does not increase the risk of nipple sensory change. In other words, the risk for nipple sensory change is the same for breast augmentation with or without a lift.
The chance of decreased or absent nipple sensation, however, will increase with a larger implant. The main nerve which gives sensation to the nipple comes from the lateral (outer) side of the chest muscle and travels under the breast until it reaches the nipple. A large implant will, therefore, have a higher chance of putting pressure and stretching this nerve. A larger than recommended breast implant may cause stretching and sagging of the skin, lead to enlargement of the areola, and increase the chance of nipple numbness.
It is important to be patient. Many of the unusual sensations in the nipple and breast will improve with time. It may take up to one year for the breast to settle and for the nerves to reach equilibrium.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in Santa Ana, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Lift | No Comments »
June 17th, 2009 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
Capsular contracture means tightening of the capsule. Any non-absorbable foreign body which stays inside us will eventually form a capsule around it. In effect, since the body can’t expel the foreign body, our bodies ignore it by hiding it inside a “cocoon”.
The same principal applies to breast implants as well, no matter what style of implant or manufacturer is used.
In my Orange County practice, on a yearly basis, I see a handful of patients who develop capsular contracture after breast augmentation. When I say a handful, I am describing the patient which has visible and non-visible effects from the contracture. The percentage, therefore, is low. However, the incident of contracture increases with the age of the implant.
The most common system used for describing capsular contracture is the Baker-Gordon Classification:
Grade I-the implant and the breast feel soft, and look natural
Grade II-the implant feels slightly firm (not-objectionable), and the breast looks natural
Grade III-the implant feels hard and the breast looks abnormal
Grade IV-the implant feels hard, is painful to touch, and the breast looks abnormal
Once grade III and IV contracture has occurred, the only solution is surgical correction.
There are two surgical options to correct the deformity: capsulotomy and capsulectomy. Capsulotomy means cutting the capsule. Radial cuts are made in the capsule, resulting in expansion of the capsule. Capsulectomy involves removing the capsule. As can be expected, capsulectomy is a more involved process, and as careful as a surgeon is, a small amount of breast tissue is attached and thus removed in the process. This can result in a higher chance of skin thinning, compared to capsulotomy. I, therefore, reserve capsulectomy for a very thick capsule which does not “yield” easily, or in someone who develops recurrent capsular contracture after capsulotomy.
In my experience, most early capsular contracture is usually due to two factors: post-operative bleed inside the breast 1-7 days after surgery, and patient non-compliance.
It is critical the patient refrain from any rapid upper body activity or heavy lifting the first month, and especially the first week. I have had patients who picked up their child the next day after surgery, or vacuumed the house within the first week (talk about being tough!) and developed a hematoma (collection of blood) inside the breast. If the hematoma is small, it will absorb with time. If the hematoma is large, then surgery is required to remove it. Regardless, patients who develop post-op bleeding are at much higher risk of developing capsular contracture. This may be due to the inflammatory, “attacking” response of the body to clear the blood clot.
Patients who are non-compliant with their implant massage also are at higher chance of developing contracture. My theory is that the body is not used to the new pocket created for the implant, and the massage is critical to keep the pocket from closing. It typically takes 2-3 months for the body to form the capsule. That is why it is critical to massage the implants often during the first three months.
Capsular contracture with aging of the implant is out of our control. Neither the patient nor I can predict when the contracture will occur and how to prevent it. Having said that, majority of patients enjoy their “new” breasts for many years to come!
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in central Orange County. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants | 3 Comments »
