There are many options for breast augmentation and breast volumization that are FDA-Approved. Our experts are here to guide you through the process so that you can achieve your desired goals.
BREAST AUGMENTATION
Our office specializes in breast augmentation, breast implant revision, and breast implant removal in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. The decision to undergo breast enhancement surgery is based on an individualized consultation with Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian and his team to determine the desired goals with breast volume, breast shape, breast implant visibility, and nipple position.
BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL
A small percentage of patients who have had breast implants may request their removal at some point in their lives. The reasons for implant removal vary by individual, but the desire to remove a saline or silicone breast implant should always be approached with a protocol-based surgical treatment plan. Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian removes breast implants with or without capsulectomy using an inframammary or peri-areolar incision. Usually, breast implant removal is an outpatient surgical procedure without the need for prolonged recovery.
There are two variables that dictate the extent of surgical breast implant removal, the presence of a capsule and the amount of breast droopiness before implant removal. If there is significant breast implant capsular contracture, it may be a good idea to remove the breast implant capsule at the time of implant removal. If the breasts are droopy before surgery, there is a strong chance that a combined breast lift or staged breast lift is needed.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a specialist in breast implant removal and replacement for textured breast implants that were recalled by the FDA in 2019. Textured breast implants have been linked to a rare breast cancer that may be attributed to the microfibrils contained on the surface of a textured implants. Our office offers evaluation and can contact Allergan to financially cover some, if not all of the costs of removal and replacement of your implant.
CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE
The treatment of unilateral capsular contracture begins with an assessment of breast symmetry, volume, size, nipple position, and biometrics. Capsular contracture on one side can cause significant asymmetry, discomfort, and hardening of the breast which may distort the overall harmony of the breasts. The cause of unilateral capsular contracture or his largely unknown but may be attributed to tissue trauma, hematoma formation, subclinical infection, or acute and/or chronic inflammation.
Capsular contracture should be managed in the early onset stage in order to minimize the complexity of the surgical repair. Although many patients wish to preserve there intact saline or silicone implants in favor of a new one, it is more prudent to replace the implant entirely. The most common procedures to improve capsular contracture include capsulotomy or capsulectomy which remove parts of the tissue capsule or the entire circumferential capsule altogether.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a specialist in capsular contracture repair and revision and can help you determine if you are a candidate for capsulotomy or capsulectomy. It is usually important to obtain old medical records including the size and type of breast implant that was previously placed into your breasts. Patients who have textured implants may wish to have them removed as per the FDA recall that was instituted for specific models of textured implants by the United States FDA.
Recovery after a capsular contracture surgery depends on the severity of the problem and the scope of repair. Patients usually note a 3 to 5 day recovery with limited range of motion of the upper arms for approximately one week. Some patients may continue on anti-inflammatory medications based on the progression rate of their capsular contracture