Breast Augmentation before & after photos
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Breast Augmentation Cost $6,600 average cost

Recent Breast Augmentation with Very Lopsided Implants

23 posts
Comments (74)
Updated 16 Apr 2011
Posted 3 Nov 2009
Worth It
Spent: $4,975 in Beaumont, TX

My experience thus far has not been great. I feel like I have gotten the run around on my situation and the doctor is avoiding correcting the issue.

I am at a loss. I am now 4 months post op and went to see my PS 3 weeks ago. He told me my implants have dropped into their pockets and they look pretty close/fine to him. I told him I don't understand why they look so different. The one on the right is totally fine to me but the one on the left is so high and tight. I massage it EVERY night, without fail, for at least 30 min. He told me I should leave it alone or I would end up with a ripple at the bottom of the left one because I do not have enough fat to cover the implant at the bottom. I don't care if there is a ripple at this point. I want them in the same general location. He said I should not have unrealistic expectations. If I really wanted to "move the implant down a little" he said I could squeeze the top fairly hard and push down at the same time and it would stretch the pocket. I've been doing this for 3 weeks and no change at all! As a matter of fact, the implant feels harder. At least before the implants I could go without a shirt and they'd be in the same place. The one on the left is hard and there is pain underneath the muscle on the left side of the left implant.

I am ok with rippling, I'm ok with the fact that I have stretch marks. I just want them to be together so I can go without a bra and not have it so very obvious that they are not together. I also do not have the funds available for a corrective surgery...


Updated on Dec 6, 2009:
I just wanted another opinion before I go back to him complaining again that I'm really dissatisfied with the end result.



Updated on 16 Apr 2011:
My PS has been extremely cooperative with me in efforts to correct my issues with the left implant. In reference to my original post, I feel I was frustrated with the situation at hand but he is a very good surgeon and I just had anatomical issues we had to work around. The first issue was capsular contracture and when he removed the scar tissue, there was nothing to stitch the implant cavity down so it drifted and a 3rd surgery was done after the scar tissue developed. The muscle tore beneath the stitches after that, probably due to me picking up my nephew and a 4th surgery was done. I have been very careful with weight and so far things look great, 5 weeks post op.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Benjamin Beckert, MD

My Doctor: Benjamin Beckert, MD

My rating:
Vote: 4 members found this review helpful

Comments (74)

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never satisfied (32 posts) 5 Nov 2009
Its angers me to the point of tears when people don't own up to their mistakes.You shouldn't have to walk around and feel like that.Go to that doctor and get him to own up and help you with this.Im going in for a corrective surgery on the 23rd of this month and Im only being charged for the implant, and Im going larger.If finances are bad for you now, apply for care credit.Its not going to hurt this doctor to repair that implant for you.You would think that they would value their reputation.Try for care credit.you can even let a spouse or parent apply for you as long as the payment is made. Payment will not be due until 45 days or more after surgery.Think about going to another doctor as well.Either way you won't be paying for a full surgery because only one breast needs to be fixed.Trust me on this.This is my fourth breast surgery.You don't even want to know what I've been through with breast implants.Deflation,infection,hospitalization, etc.Things will work out for you.Just find the right doctor.
ConfusedandUpset (23 posts) 6 Nov 2009
My implants are submuscular. I was told by my PS that I had exactly the same amount of tissue in both breasts pre-surgery at 75cc each. I had decided on 300cc implants (for a total of 375cc) and after surgery, when I was in recovery, the PS came to my husband and told him he took it upon himself to put in 350cc implants (for a total of 425cc) because he said he didn't think I would be happy with the 300cc size implant. I am beginning to wonder if my body structure just can't hold them properly in place. I am 5'2" and weigh 96 lbs. I am so frustrated...
never satisfied (32 posts) 6 Nov 2009
I felt like you did at first.I didn't want to complain to the doc, and I felt like I was a bother to them.But you figure those surgeons average 5000 to 8000 dollars a pop to put breast implants in us.Its your body and your money that you worked so hard for and saved up for, just as I did.My husband nearly had a break down watching me suffer through this whole ordeal.You have the right to walk away happy from this whole situation.Its ok to get mad,cry, and bug the pure T h__ll out the doctor until you get satisfaction.Your body could hold a 700 cc implant if you wanted,so he cant use that as an excuse.Im getting a 650 high profile and I would actually go bigger if I wasn't so active.Take your husband with you to the doctor.My husband went with me for each visit.I felt so much better having him there.As soon as you talk to the doctor again you will feel better.GOOD LUCK
maxers (1 post) 21 Aug 2010
Hi, I am planning on having implants done in Nov. in Beaumont, TX. Can you please let me know which doctor you used? Thank you and I am very sorry to hear your story and hope that they fix their errors.
Simpatiko (1 post) 6 Nov 2009
I'm really sorry to hear that you're having to go through this :( Looks and sounds like capsular contracture. Did your doctor mention that this could be a possibility as to why your left breast feels hard, painful, high and tight? If your dr. is being evasive and dodges your concerns - seek out a second opinion. Someone that will be frank with you re: your situation and your options, and most importantly, a dr. that will take the time to listen and really hear you! Good luck to you! I hope that everything works out for you.
HAPPYLV (36 posts) 7 Nov 2009
You should go back to your PS and show him the above pictures...how can he say that they look fine to him???
HAPPYLV (36 posts) 8 Nov 2009
I am 5'1" I weigh 117lbs & I have 700cc high profile...
ConfusedandUpset (23 posts) 8 Nov 2009
I am going back this Friday. I spoke with someone in the office over the weekend and I had sent her my pics. She tried to show them to him but he said he didn't want to look at them because he knew my implants were fine. Well, he's going to get a mouthful next week if he says that to my face again. There is obviously something wrong. I don't think anyone could look at those pictures and disagree with me.
tibberjam (16 posts) 8 Nov 2009
I would definitely talk to a lawyer. Find one that works first and then charges if he wins. This Dr. needs and should fix the damage he has done. I also would report him to the BBB. It doesn't matter if he is a member or not this will definitely go against him. You fight and don't give up. This cost a lot of money I know because I had one done recently too that I am not completely satisfied. DON'T GIVE UP until you win.
kerber (1 post) 8 Nov 2009
Do not let this surgeon get away with what he did to you. Call the medical board in your state and see what actions you can take. If he is a member of the ASPS or ASAPS call them too. If that doesn't get you any where get an attorney. Document everything. Personally, I wouldn't let him touch me again. Your BA does not look normal. Look for a PS who is an expert in revisions. It may be worth your time to go to some free consults to see what other PS have to say. I am so sorry this happened to you. Keep your chin up, many women have had amazing revisions.
tibberjam (16 posts) 9 Nov 2009
I would also put his name out there so people will know what kind of work he does. You don't have him listed. I would definitely post it. There may be others who have used the same Dr. and have had problems. People come together great things can happen. Good Luck and I hope the very best for you.
ConfusedandUpset (23 posts) 9 Nov 2009
I moved my appointment up to this Wednesday so I will definitely be posting his name if he doesn't give me good enough answers on Wednesday. I had heard that when he does revisions (which in the past years has only been a handful of time, as I'm told from an inside source) he may or may not wave his cost but I still have to pay the hospital/anesthesia costs.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (5,072 posts) 9 Nov 2009
We don't have preop pictures to see your starting point, but your result really isn't acceptable by anybody's standards. You need a revision done and if not by the original surgeon, then by another perhaps more experienced.
ConfusedandUpset (23 posts) 9 Nov 2009
I will post pre-op pictures if you will give me somewhat of an opinion as to what you may think. Please. I just need to know what it is that I need to ask him to fix. I went in three weeks ago and apparently did not get my point across correctly.
kathy1955 (1 post) 15 Nov 2009
I just had BA on October 13, and I am not happy. I don't know what to expect. I wanted larger breasts. He said that 360cc would be to much. At my follow up I found out that he only put 300cc. He didn't want me to be to big. I can't tell much difference. My right breast is nice and soft the left is hard as if a rock is placed in there. He said that I looked fine, but I don't think so. He told me to see how I feel after 5 months. Does anyone have any advice. I have cried, and have felt very depressed. I thought I would wake up and feel so happy. Not the case. Thanks, Kathy1955
ConfusedandUpset (23 posts) 20 Nov 2009
When I spoke with my PS about capsular contracture, I told him I noticed most of the pictures I had found showed the left implant under contracture. Mine is a grade 3 out of 4 so he put me on the medication immediately upon seeing me. He told me the left implant is 62% more likely to form CC than the right. They don't know why it happens or how to stop it. I am only the 2nd patient this PS has had that has ever had CC in the 7 years he's practiced. Don't be discouraged like I was. Go back to you PS. He will get it right. Just tell him you are a walking advertisement of his work and if he wants the world to know he does fair/good work, he will fix you or you will let the world know he doesn't do great work.
HAPPYLV (36 posts) 17 Nov 2009
I think you should go back to your dr & tell him (nicely)that you didn't want to put a small implants & that he is the one who picked the size for you & didn't listen to what you wanted so, he should change them for you & use the size you wanted. You need to wait until you heal first before a revision. I had BA on October 13th 700cc under the muscle, I am 5'1" 117 lb & they look Awesome. You should get what you wanted and not what he wanted you to get. Good luck!
ConfusedandUpset (23 posts) 20 Nov 2009
I went back for a followup. Turns out I will need the revision surgery since my left implant has capsular contracture going on. He put me on Accolate for 6 weeks and then I do the revision surgery Dec 28th and then 6 more weeks of the Accolate. He is covering his costs but I still have to pay the hospital and anesthesia bills which will total around $500. Not to mention one 6 weeks' supply of the Accolate is $186. At least it will be corrected. I didn't really want to invest another $850 so soon after the original surgery though. Since being on the Accolate, the scar tissue around the left implant is softening up some so it isn't quite so hard. Supposedly by the end of the 6 weeks it will be much, much softer.
HAPPYLV (36 posts) 20 Nov 2009
It's good to hear that he will do a revision to correct them for you. It's about right you have to cover the hospital and the anestheisa's costs, he should of explained to you before the surgery that, if you have to do a revision then you will cover the cost of the hospital and anesthesia. Hope that after is all done you will be happy with the results. If you don't mind, post some pictures after the revision.Good luck!:)
ConfusedandUpset (23 posts) 20 Nov 2009
Thanks! I will definitely post new pics. Thanks for keeping up with my situation!
toooooobig (3 posts) 24 Nov 2009
Im so sorry. Your surgeon is not fit too hold a scalpel if he does not help you. It is so disheartening when boob op doesnt go to plan after so much anticipation and excitement. I know Im about to undergo my third in two years. I hope you work it out.x
Memphis gal (5 posts) 26 Nov 2009
From my personal experience, your left breast looks to be encapsulated. That it feels harder is an indication of this too. Like you, I experienced this shortly into my procedure even though I did everything I was supposed to do and nothing I was not. After six months, I had corrective surgery, during which the implant was replaced to rule out re-encapsulation due to bacteria present. This was done with NO ADDITIONAL COST from my surgeon. Your surgeon should be ashamed of himself for denying the obvious and pointing the finger at you and your expectations, which are not unrealistic at all. He sounds unprofessional--you need to report him and post his name. Good luck.
Samir Shureih, MD (2,999 posts) 27 Nov 2009
Hello YOU HAVE UNACCEPTABLE RESULTS. You have many problems 1: you have symmastia 2: right breast the implant is too large and the infra mammary line has been lowered. resulting in displaced implant inferiorly and will continue to drop down with time. 3:The left implant is dislpaced superiorly has a higher infra mammary line.There is a stepoff in the lower portiion of the breast due to overdissection of the inframammary line You need a very experienced surgeon to repair and may need more than one surgery. To correct the displaced inframamary line you will need alloderm for support and to prevent recurrence, alloderm is expensive. You need to correct the symmastia , very difficult in the best of hands, will also need alloderm, or change of the pocket. another optio you have is to remove the implants wait six months to a year then re do the augmentation
ConfusedandUpset (23 posts) 1 Dec 2009
Thank you for offering your opinion. It is very much appreciated. I will be going in for a revision on January 4. I am currently taking Accolate 2x a day and I wonder if that will make the right implant worse by releasing some of the scar tissue holding that implant up. My surgeon is board certified and has been practicing for 7 years but I'm not sure if that is enough experience. I don't know if he is avoiding correcting the entire range of issues or if he is not aware of what else may be wrong. He did say the left implant was encapsulated to a Baker's grade 3. He said he would take the implant out, clean out the scar tissue and put the implant back in. He did not specify if it would be a new implant. I will need to go back to his office one more time to pick up paperwork for the surgery. Maybe I should address some of the concerns you've mentioned... Would I need to ask him if he believes symmastia is occurring and should I tell him there is reason to believe the right implant is "bottoming out"? I'm not quite sure what I should be asking. I am afraid if I don't mention it then my problems will be overlooked with a temporary fix and I still won't be happy. Would he be liable for putting in implants (silicone) that were 350cc when I requested 300cc? It's not as if the size can be changed later without ordering a new set as you could do with saline. Thanks in advance for any information you may be able to help me with. I was very unprepared to experience any issues that may have gone wrong with the first surgery so I would definitely prefer to be a little more knowledgeable on the second surgery and what to expect. Thank you, again, for the answers you have already provided.
mdizzle (4 posts) 8 Dec 2009
Ya what Dr. Shureih said. If I were you I would not go back to that surgeon. I would demand my money back and find a better doctor. After seeing those results I just can't imagine he is a good surgeon at all. He should have stepped up and helped you immediately instead of you having to fish for answers. Best of luck!

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