Also a Very Bad Experience with Breast Implants / Replacement. Marina Del Rey, CA

I was not going to write up a poor review of my former surgeon, but as I see him recommended as a top surgeon on the right side of my real self page, I decided to click on his reviews for others' experiences.

I went to Dr. Stevens in 2007 for replacement of saline unders that I had done in 1997. I specifically said to him that I wanted smaller implants and I mentioned over the muscle gummies. He quickly dismissed over the muscle implants and sternly told me I would see the implant, I would have rippling, and that it would be palpable. I remember these words exactly, as does my mother (also a physician) who was there too. I took his advice on everything because "he was the best", and underwent surgery. Not only was his demeanor very dismissive but his bedside manner was inappropriate.

Due to ptosis (drooping), I had to have my pocket stitched up along the bottom and sides to create a tighter pocket, which I was agreeable with. That sounded correct. However, the implants that were put in were larger than the salines I had come in with. I received 385s, high profile gel. I had upper pole fullness but I was told it would fall. Up until my surgery to remove the implants, the upper pole fullness remained and I spent the last 7 years covering up and dodging questions about my noticeable implants which were very hard. Like two melons sitting on your chest wall. If the hardness is due to a pocket being made smaller, then please know to not shove into it an overly large implant. I am a size 0 with a very narrow frame, and Dr. Stevens proceeded to say that I needed to go to that size for cleavage or it would not be aesthetically pleasing.

Let's skip ahead. I researched for years and saved up so I could have this awful job reversed and either the right implants put in, or no implants at all. I finally found Dr. Svehlak in L.A. who I noticed had many overs in his photo gallery. I decided to give it a shot and get another opinion on overs. He did take a lot of time checking my skin and making sure I truly was a good candidate. I thought I would not be due to the fact I was not even a full A naturally. It turns out I was a good candidate, and we decided to go with the least cohesive "gummy" by Mentor (meaning the softest gel) with a smooth round shell that would move more freely in the pocket. AND, 255 ccs. From 385s.

When I say I expected very good results (anything was better than what I had previously) I NEVER expected to get breasts that look and feel like real breast tissue. They move in every direction and can be pushed together like natural breasts to create bigger cleavage than I ever had. Now 11 months later I am still amazed that I can't feel the implant even if I try. I can bend over in any which way and the rippling is non-existent. Zero. I have not gained any weight since I had the procedure with Dr. Stevens 7 years ago, so my body type is the same. I never knew you could get a result with implants like this on a body that had little to no breast tissue to start with. They now fall perfectly to the side when laying down as they should, and I had a boyfriend in shock that I even had implants. Some women may want the more unnatural look, but for those of you seeking natural and proportionate, it CAN be achieved.

All I ask is that women get a second opinion. I agree with other 1 star reviews, that being labeled a top doctor is not necessarily a reason to choose your surgeon. Please don't make the same mistake that I and others did, and if not with Dr. Svehlak who I highly recommend, go have that 2nd opinion with any other board certified plastic surgeon in your area who has extensive experience in the look you're trying to achieve. Dr. Svehlak will never fully understand what he has given back to me.