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CLAIM YOUR PROFILEThe surgeon you consulted may be correct. Your description and photos suggest that you are quite petite. The size of implant is determined by a combination of factors. Your wishes and anatomic factors (available space, symmetry, etc.) should be used to formulate a plan that is right for you.
It is a good idea to go on a few consultations like you have planned. Bringing pictures of your goal look will help. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Relax. Your early results are excellent. It will take months for all of the swelling to resolve and for the scar tissue to soften. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon but try to be patient. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Generally speaking, a retained foreign body, like a JP drain, should be removed relatively soon. The JP drain is considered contaminated because it was in communication with the outside world. Because it is contaminated, it has the possibility of giving rise to infection.
This is not an emergency, but most surgeons would remove the retained drain sooner than 2 to 3 months. There may be a specific reason in your circumstance that it is appropriate to wait that long, so it is probably worth discussing this with your surgeon. I hope this helps. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
I am sorry to hear about your concerns. At three months after surgery, pain is not a very common problem. This seems true because of the late onset. Although it could just be the "nerves waking up" and normal healing, it is worth your while to be seen by your plastic surgeon for evaluation and reassurance. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
It takes time for the implants to settle into their final position. It's a matter of the muscle and the breast stretching to accommodate the implant. More often than not, one side drops faster than the other. It will be several months before you can see your final results. Try to be patient and enjoy the "new you". Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
The situation you describe needs to be evaluated in person to make sure there is not an ongoing infection. Redness and warmth are the concerning symptoms. Your surgeon is in the best position to evaluate you and determine the need for any other treatment. Please give them a call. I'm sure they will want to see you. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question. The issue seems to be the safety of performing elective surgery on someone with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Other than breast augmentation being a relatively short and uncomplicated surgery, the type of procedure has less impact on the decision making. Your cardiologist needs to be involved from the beginning to help guide you through this process.
One thing to consider is if your heart is healthy enough to undergo elective surgery. The next important issue is where the surgery is to be performed. In general, your heart condition would limit you to having surgery performed in a hospital setting only and not in a freestanding surgery center. These are some of the decisions that you, your cardiologist and your surgeon will need to make.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for submitting your question and your pre-and post operative photographs. Asymmetry is almost always present, both before and after surgery. Different sized implants can magnify this appearance of asymmetry, at least for a while. You will not be able to make a fair assessment of your result for several months.
I know that it is difficult, but my best advice is to be patient and try to enjoy "the new you". Things are going to change over the next several months. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
My observation is that when there are no answers on this forum, it is because no one has any good suggestions. I am very sorry to hear about your situation. I, too, have no good answers but I might offer some direction of how to proceed.
First, leaking silicone is not a rare situation since it has occurred in many different forms over the last 40 years. This type of rash and symptom does not seem to occur as a result.
I have seen a similar rash to yours once about ten years ago. No one could figure out the cause and, as a last resort, we removed the implants and took cultures of the implants and the implant pockets. It turned out to be an extremely rare infection. Removing the implants cured the patient and she was able to have new implants placed at a later date.
I have no idea if this would help you, but it is something to keep in mind if all else fails. I hope this helps. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Bottoming out is commonly what we call this situation. Your implants are positioned lower than ideal which causes the nipple to sit on the top of you breast ad opposed to in the middle. Surgical repair is needed to elevate the implant to a more natural position. Sometimes a smaller implant will be needed as well. I recommend discussing this with your surgeon to come up with an appropriate plan. Best wishes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
That’s how Ultherapy was explained to me, Spanx for your face. Haha. I couldn’t agree more. I lost a lot of weight last year and needed some skin tightening. I went to a few plastic surgeons that said I was a perfect candidate for a facelift. Then I went to Dr. Hopkins (retired plastic surgeon) and he said that’s everything wrong with the wrong doctor. I’m in my late 30’s and he said it was way too early and recommended Ultherapy. A plastic surgeon recommending this first, I’m in. I did some research and googled “most productive tightening procedure” and found Ultherapy. I liked that there was no downtime and that it was FDA cleared for my areas of concern. I had my brows done first and went back for my chin strap, necks and cheeks. It’s made a huge difference in the small lines that had started on my cheeks when I smile, and my brow wow is exactly that, I need less toxin now too. I’m going back at 9 months for my before and afters and I’ll repost! It was a little painful in certain areas but it only lasted a second, it was kind of like a little heat and it goes away as soon as you feel it. They had pronox so that really helped me to relax too. I used it only at the end but was happy to have it. I also had zero downtime and put makeup on the next day. When I had a laser treatment last year, I couldn’t go out for a week and looked like a cabbage patch kid for 4 days. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound and heat to stimulate collagen and elastin. So that’s why you have to wait for your results. I’m assuming that’s why people rate it so differently. If the proper expectations are set in the beginning and you know it takes time for collagen to build (results are seen as early as 3 months but can be expected to continue for 6-9 months). I can’t wait to post my before and afters. I’m already thrilled with the lift I’ve seen.
Dr Hopkins and his nurse Brooke are amazing! I had a breast lift with implants done and I could not have asked for better care. From start to finish they were so comforting and professional. I love how Dr Hopkins listens to his patients! He has worked a miracle on me and I am truly thankful. Thank you Dr Hopkins and Brooke you both are amazing!!!!!!
I had a complicated breast augmentation done in 2011 and just had Dr Hopkins repair a torn earlobe that another surgeon attempted to repair but was unable to close the lobe. I will never have another surgeon touch my body again. I trust Dr Hopkins 100%. His bed side manner is impeccable and he is warm, compassionate, genuine and brilliant . I can't wait to have him do more work !! The staff there is unbelievable and the customer care and service is like no other . Don't waste your time going anywhere for your plastic surgery needs. Plastic Surgeey Center is the place to go! 5 starts plus another 5 stars! Thank you guys for everything!!!
I would 100% recommend Dr. Hopkins to anyone who wants plastic surgery done but more importantly to any male who has gynecomastia. I had what they call is "true gynecomastia" where the tissue in the breast was enlarged causing them to look like female breasts, and going to Michael Hopkins was the best decision I could have made for this condition. I started to notice the size of my chest 2 years before getting the surgery, over the course of the first year it slowly grew on both sides then in a 4 month time period they grew to sizes where my friends and coworkers were noticing. Needless to say, I have never felt so self conscious of myself and truly was unhappy, depressed, and lethargic because of this condition. I stopped working out, running, and resorted to always wearing a button up over my tshirt so people would notice. I stopped dating because I was so self conscious and never took my shirt off around anyone. It was impeding my life, and I new I had to make a change. Decided to meet with 5 different plastic surgeons and Dr. hopkins was the last consultation I had, out of all the consultations he was the only one to provide me with before and after photos of former gynecomastia surgeries he has done, he had four. He was also the only doctor to treat me like a person that wanted to fix something, never did he once make me feel worse about my condition or even push a sale to get me to put my deposit down. Gale & Brenda, his front desk/receptionist staff are two of the friendliest ladies I have ever met, they were always on the ball with appointment reminders and billing that nothing was left in the dark. They both would talk to me on the phone and answer question after question I had about anything surrounding the surgery even though they prepared a VERY informative information packet which they mailed to my house so I can prepare for the surgery in the best way possible. They greet you with a smile and share your excitement that you are finally getting a procedure you've been wanting for a long time. Brooke, the nurse gave the lowdown for pre & post surgical obligations/duties, she was also very kind and treated you like a person by asking how I was feeling and working with me to make sure I understood everything about how to take care of myself after the surgery. She physically walked me through the entire surgical process and literally held my hand when I needed help getting up and around after the procedure. I first had a consultation with Dr. Hopkins, where he sat me down in his office and goes over the whole procedure and what he typically does, all while showing me his former before & afters (he also let me play with the silicone implants because I am a 23 year old immature boy) . He then takes you into a different room to look at the condition where he explains in depth how he would do the surgery for you personally- he gets really excited about his work and calls it fun, I liked that. When I was ready to book the date for the surgery I came in for my pre op where Brooke sits you down and go over everything you need to know for the surgery. This is also when you pay. During the pre op you meet again with Dr. Hopkins just to chat about the surgery and have him answer any questions. Day of the surgery I came in with my dad (you need to have someone who will drive you and watch you for 24 hours post surgery) and waited in the waiting room till everything was prepped. While I waited, Brooke the nurse, the anesthesiologist, AND Dr. Hopkins all came into the lobby separately to sit me down and talk just to make sure I was feeling okay and prepared. They introduced themselves to my dad and answered any question he had as well as making sure he was prepared to pick me up post surgery. Dr. Hopkins would make funny jokes to ease any nervousness and Brooke was on top of everything the whole process making sure I was totally prepared and ready. I go downstairs- they have an in house operating table which is awesome, and they put me in the hospital gown. I lay down and as soon as the breathing mask was over my mouth it felt like 4 seconds and I woke up in a different room with bandages, a chest binder, and no more gynecomastia! I say in the healing room for maybe 30 minutes and then they shipped me on out to go to my hotel to eat and sleep and heal. I came in the next day for post opp where I met with Brooke and Dr. Hopkins again to make sure everything went well and it did! They look at your bruising and make sure the drainage tubes are working. The first day was kinda painful, the pain killers help but doing simple things like getting out of bed and raising my arms was very painful. By day three i didn't need the painkillers but it still hurt to lift or stretch my arms. You have to have drainage tubes in your chest for a week after the surgery, this allows any fluid to come out, it was kinda irritating and make it hard to sleep but after they take them out it feels 100% better. I loved how every time I was down there, Dr. Hopkins made efforts to speak with me, shows how personable and professional he was and really made me feel comfortable. The entire staff is kind and caring to where never did I once doubt my decision to have the surgery and to have it with them. If I had to recommend a surgeon, Dr. Hopkins and his office would be my first three choices.
WOW! I am very happy with my results and so glad I made this decision. I have always had little to nothing, but after breastfeeding my daughter for over a year what I thought was not even possible occurred. I lost even more breast tissue. I went to my consult and we discussed a lot about the importance of wanting them to look natural but still have enough to make it all worth it. I ended up going with 375cc textured 410s. I really cant say enough how happy I am with my decision. Every day they feel more soft and they look great!
Dr Hopkins and his staff were more than wonderful. I'd never had surgery before so I was nervous; dr Hopkins explained the process thoroughly. He was honest about what to expect. Surgery day they made me more comfortable than I could've expectedly! I am beyond happy with my results! Best decision I've made!
Dr. Hopkins and his staff are absolutely wonderful! Everyone was extremely helpful every time I called with a question and he made sure I got exactly what I wanted! The consultations are so informative and Dr. Hopkins truly listens to and addresses your needs. What was once my least favorite thing about my body is now my favorite! I went from an A cup with constricted breast to a C cup, and they look perfect! I couldn't be happier!
Everything about my experience with Dr. Hopkins and his team was wonderful. I was extremely nervous about going to the consultation, but within minutes of arriving they had made me feel at home. They answered any and all questions I had and took the time to make sure I was comfortable with the decisions I was making. They had prepared me for what to expect during and after my procedure so when the day came I already knew what was going to be happening. After my procedure they called to check in on me and to remind of appointments. The whole experience was well-worth the time, the money, and effort to travel to Albuquerque.
Dr. Hopkins is a great surgeon. He is caring and trustworthy. He explains things throughly and is very honest. He does great work. I felt very comfortable in his office. The staff is wonderful and they are very sweet. I am very happy that I finally went ahead a had the surgery. It is nice to have boobs and I am very happy about the procedure. Updated on 11 May 2016: 28 yr old, 122 pounds and 5'1. I was barley a 32 AA. I chose 425 cc . I decided to get breast implants because I was getting tired of having no boobs. Dr. Hopkins is a great surgeon. He is caring and trustworthy. He explains things throughly and is very honest. I felt very comfortable in his office. The staff is wonderful and they are very sweet. I am very happy that I finally went ahead a had the surgery. It is nice to finally have boobs and I am very happy about the procedure. Updated on 11 May 2016: Updated review to unclude more details about me
I am a very active mother of 3 and have always been very athletic I did not care for the way my skin sagged so bad on my lower belly after losing all my baby weight. I no longer wanted my partner to see me naked and would cringe if he wanted to have sex with me on top because I felt horrible about the way my tummy looked. Additionally, I needed a repair for an umbilical hernia and found a surgeon who would not only fix my hernia but also the muscles in my abdomen, tightened my saggy skin and didn't leave me with "dog ears" at my hips. The best part about my surgery is that I have been living with chronic back pain until now. The lordosis in my lower back has been fixed because my abdominal wall is stronger and I no longer have back pain!! The recovery from this surgery was long and I did suffer from a little depression after but now a year later I love the way my body looks, feel great naked and even have new motivation to go to the gym! I feel so much stronger and more capable. It was so worth it!! Updated on 12 May 2016: Updated on 12 May 2016: Here are a few photos of before and after surgery
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