This review is long overdue since I had my procedure in August 2018, but I had to post one because Dr. Max is wonderful but underrepresented on RealSelf! Background: I'm in my late 30's with 2 young kids, had my primary BA (saline implants, think 340 cc's) in the early 2000's when I was 22 with a doctor in Orange County. To be honest I didn't do much research at that time, I knew of a friend's friend who had her boobs done with this doctor and they turned out nice and his price was $3,500 at that time so I thought why not? Initially I thought I was happy with them because I was super skinny back then (5'6 108 pounds) and had zero breast tissue (barely fit an A cup), so I was excited to actually have boobs for the first time. An honest friend pointed out they were too far apart and there was a big gap between the boobs. I didn't have the time or money to re-do them back then so I just learned to live with them, knowing that I'll eventually get them replaced since implants are not permanent. After some time the gap no longer bothered me, but after 15 years and breastfeeding 2 kids, I thought it was the right time. I consulted with several board certified plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills and Pasadena, but ultimately decided to go with Dr. Max. His quote was fair, a couple of thousands less than his BH counterparts but more than another Pasadena surgeon. I had my revision BA (silicone 450 cc's) at Dr. Max's surgical facility (Teleos) which was clean, beautiful and attached to his Pasadena practice but private and much more convenient than going to Beverly Hills. It's been almost 2 years since my procedure and I'm still very happy with the results. From the initial consultation to every post-op visit, Dr. Max provided me with the best care, and I've never felt more comfortable with another doctor. I highly recommend him - if you're looking for an excellent plastic surgeon outside of Beverly Hills, look no further!
Dr. Max is amazing!!! If you're looking for a top-notch plastic surgeon, look no further. At my consultation for the cellulite that I've had for my entire adult life (I'm 53 years of age, 5'4", 115 pounds, physically fit, and yes, cellulite, front and back of legs), Dr. Max indicated that I would be a good candidate for the Cellfina procedure. I booked the first available appointment, and it's now been about 3 weeks post-Cellfina. The results are amazing! I'm still bruised, which is to be expected, but I can already see that for the most part, the cellulite has dissipated. It's really exciting! I'm looking forward to being able to go for a run in shorts, with my cellulite free legs! Dr. Max is such a kind, warm, and extremely talented surgeon. When I decide to do any other procedures, I will most definitely book my appointment with Dr. Max.
Two procedures were done for $18,000. Two doctors and surgery center. Also $5000. for 5 days private aftercare, not affiliated with doctors. Hello after 2 years of researching I found the most qualified surgeon, correct procedures and excellent aftercare facility to insure a successful surgery and outcome for the explant with mastopexy and neck lift surgeries I've been dreaming about. I'm 58 years old, 25 pounds overweight (with history of DVT 20 years ago). Six days ago I went to Pasadena, California to have 30 years old silicon implants removed, one was ruptured and capsulated. Having gained 30 pounds over the years both breast were heavy, saggy and misshaped, so a mastopexy was done. I also had a necklift, very excited to get rid of baggy turkey neck and jowls. These before and after photos are tough so be prepared. Checked into surgery center everything was smooth and well organized. Met with excellent anesthesiologist and surgical nurse went over existing medical conditions. Dr Lehfeldt spent another 30 minutes with me going over procedures answering questions and keeping me calm. He gave me a beautiful luxurious bathrobe from his office, the nurses were oohing and ahhing. June 16th Surgery lasted about 4 hours. Due to pre-surgery medication and excellent anesthesiologist, I had no headache or nausea. I was picked up by wonderful nurses from Trinity Aftercare in Pasadena which is located in Langham Huntington Hotel, Pasadena. They gently brought me in the 'back way' into my room. I was changed out of clothes put into bed and sat with while regaining myself. Nurse Amanda and Deanna cleaned, soothed, medicated and cared for me during those difficult first 48 hours. They and the rest of the staff took loving patient care of me for 5 days. Dr Lehfeldt believes the nurses' superior care hastened my healing and recovery. June 17 day after surgery. Neck is tight, it's difficult to open jaw and talk. Liquids only, smoothies, ginger ale and water all spoon fed with little spoon, a little by straw. Dr. Lehfeldt came to Trinity Aftercare June 17 Saturday to check on me. Very little bruising on neck and jaw, as expected a lot of bruising in breast area. Monday June 19th first post op breast photos. A lot of scar tissue had to be removed, more from left breast that had ruptured implant. That's why there's so much bruising and swelling in breast area. Looks brutal I know, but very little pain. Mostly discomfort and itching. I was taking Vicodin every 4 hours, antibiotics and stool softener. June 20th lot of breast swelling and bruising. Face, jawline and neck swollen, no pain but tight. Still sleeping in upright position lots of pillows and ice packs. June 21 - day 5. Still have ink lines on jawline and neck. A long way to go but not bad for 5 days post op. I go to doctor's on Tuesday To have facial stitches removed. Please share your comments and concerns. Thanks for your support, Andy. Updated on 29 Jun 2017: The excitement is over and I'm a little worried about the early results. Date of surgery will be two weeks tomorrow. Stitches have been removed now I need to wait for final results. What I see now is less bruising and swelling but Im also seeing a less defined jaw line than I had the day after surgery. Also bulging lines going down and across neck and jowls. The nurse assured me it was swelling and tissue resettling into new positions, that it will take weeks/months before final results. Breast are coming along fine still swollen, and bruised, they don't hurt. Behind the ear and my jaw are sore, neck is tight but I can chew food now. I still get fatigued easily and wake up looking terrible and worn out though I feel fine during the day. Here's some pictures from this morning. Thanks so much to those of you who commented, I'm grateful to have someone to talk to re this situation. As a single person there's no one home with me and I didn't really want to include friends in the journey. Another reason I was so happy with the aftercare I had for a few days. Thanks All Updated on 1 Jul 2017: Hello All, it's just been 15 days since my surgery. I'm concerned about the stitches behind by ears. The stitches were removed 4 days ago. They don't look like healing well to me, they don't hurt but they are very hard. What do you think, ok or a problem? Updated on 7 Jul 2017: Saw Dr today regarding concerns about the scaring behind my ears. He reassured me there is no infection. The redness and hardness is part of the healing process, it's been 3 weeks today since surgery. He also checked the scars in the breast area. There was a tiny T split he treated and bandaged. Most of the scars have healed nicely, different type of stitches were used under breast, those scars are healing more slowly these are the scars that require massage with scar gel. Reminded me to continue using the tape, scar gel and massage to increase healing of suture scars. He and nurse were patient, helpful and definitely put me at ease. Updated on 12 Jul 2017: Warning; gruesome T split photos, Breasts look better than the picture I'm able to take myself. Down from DD to 36 small C (perfect) nice shape and they feel great, love them in spite of the healing scars and problems. Problems: the incisions under and up breasts (T/split) have split open and rough looking scars. Today I emailed breasts' photos to Dr Lehfeldt's office, Bernice called asking me to come in tomorrow, the doctor and staff are very good. I have called a few times post surgery with questions, they respond quickly and get me into the office if I need to see the doctor. The neck and chin are definitely much better than the baggy mess before surgery. Still not the pretty jawline chin and neck I was hoping to see, jowls ruin the effect. I hope things continue to improve. I was planning to have Co2 on face and neck to complete my makeover, now I'm a little worried. Updated on 22 Jan 2018: 7 mos post op, scars have healed nicely. Shape and placement is beautiful. Very happy with the outcome of this procedure and highly recommend it to those concerning explant surgery. It feels great. Updated on 22 Jan 2018: Probably greedy and vain, but I’m sadly Disappointed with necklift results 7 mos post op. Yes, my neck and jawline definitely look better than before surgery, but not the final results I hoped for and expected (greedy). Final results include bulging with dents on saggy neck, under the chin and along baggy barely there jawline. I didn’t expect the post surgical neck, under chin and jawline to look like those of a twenty year old. But, I was hoping for pretty. No bulging, sagging, blobs or dents. Updated on 23 Jan 2018: In my last update I forgot to include my doctor’s support. He wants the outcome to be as lovely and smooth as possible and offered to fine tune the problem areas. I trust him and his skills.
I a had cellulaze almost 6 weeks ago and am pleased so far. I had the front of my legs, back of my thighs and bum treated. I also had smart lipo on the inside of my knees. The whole thing took 2 hours. Pain wasn't that bad. I was back to exercising in a week. I didn't think that this procedure was going to work but hoped it would. I am really quite pleased so far. I was worried because the cellulite above my knees was awful in my opinion. They are almost all gone now. The rest is improving also. The deep spots are continuing to improve. I think I will be able to wear shorts this summer. I haven't been to the beach or in a pair of shorts above my knees in 4 years. I'm 37, 5 foot 4 and weight about 125 to 130. I Crossfit, spin, run and do Pilates. Nothing worked until now. Everything that everyone else has said about the garment and recovery is pretty accurate. At first there was a bunch of swelling and bruising but then it went away and the cellulite was back to square one. Just within the last 2 weeks I've really seen improvement. Trying to be cautiously optimistic but hope to see continued improvement over the next couple of months. If it gets even better I will be elated if the results are as good as they are going to get then I will be happy too. I will be getting photos from my doctor next week at my 6 week appointment. Updated on 29 Dec 2013: I went to my check up and am even more pleased with the results. I will post pictures when I can get them from the doctor. The front of my legs are smooth. There is still some faint cellulite on the front of my legs but I would say there is a 90% improvement. The back shows about a 70% improvement. I don't wear the garment now, however, I do wear spanx or support hose when I know I will be on my feet all day or going to the gym. I still like the extra support. I'm exercising 3 to 5 times a week. I do Crossfit and it is pretty high impact. The cellulaze has not had a negative impact on my performance or slowed me down at the gym. I'm hopeful that continuing with exercise and healthy eating will lead to great results down the road. I'm convinced that picking a surgeon with experience in this procedure is key. It is expensive but so far worth it. I'm going to the beach this summer. First time in years.
It is very unfortunate that so many woman have suffered with the PIP industrial silicone debacle. The good news is that assuming your implant are intact (the outer shell is not disrupted) there is little need for a complete capsulectomy. Simple removal of the intact implants should completely eliminate any potential problem and should allow you to have some peace of mind. If the implants have ruptured, however, it is best to remove the capsule along with any spilled silicone. If you are considering removal and not replacing your implants, then there may also be an argument for removing a portion of the capsule to allow for the space that was created by the implants to collapse down. Best of luck with your future surgery.
There are several surgical techniques associated with breast reduction surgery and most of them involve incisions on the breast. You need to allow your body sufficient healing time following this surgery. Assuming your post-operative course is uneventful and your healing is normal, I believe you could return to swimming and submerge the breasts after six weeks (but every patient heals differently). Small areas of delayed healing may require a slightly longer period of recovery and may delay your return to swimming a bit longer. Please be sure to have a board-certified plastic surgeon discuss your options regarding breast reduction surgery.
When helping patients decide between Saline vs. Silicone implants I like to evaluate the pros and cons of each type of implant with the patient. Ultimately the choice is up to you and you should feel comfortable with your decision. You should find a board-certified plastic surgeon that can help you make an informed decision that satisfies your concerns and needs. In my practice I have also found that 3D imaging (vectra) and simulation can help patients make better decisions regarding the implant type and size. Below is a quick list of the pros and cons of Saline and Silicone gel implants that I review with my patients: SILICONE GEL IMPLANT - PROS: * More natural "feeling" -- better replicates the feeling of natural breast tissue * Less likely to show "rippling" on the surface of the skin -- particularly in patients with little breast tissue SILICONE GEL IMPLANT - CONS: * Requires a slightly larger incision for placement * More difficult to determine if the implant is ruptured -- the breast will not deflate and you may need an ultrasound or MRI to determine if the implant is intact * Silicone exposed to the breast tissue may create a local "inflammatory" reaction and therefore a ruptured silicone gel implant should be removed/replaced * Higher cost -- roughly twice the cost of saline implants SALINE IMPLANT - PROS: * Filled with saline (salt water) that is totally safe and can be absorbed by your body if the implant breaks * Can be placed with a slightly smaller incision compared to silicone gel implants * Usually half the cost of silicone gel implants * You will know if the implant is broken due to the obvious deflation of the breast -- you don't need special tests to determine if the implant is intact * Can be differentially filled -- can fill one implant slightly more than the other to compensate for breast volume differences (Helpful in your case - since you think one of your breasts is smaller than the other) SALINE IMPLANT - CONS: * Less natural feeling -- saline implants tend to feel "firmer" and more like a "water balloon" compared to silicone gel implants (especially in patients that do not have a lot of breast tissue to cover the implant) * More prone to rippling -- saline is less viscous/thick than silicone gel and therefore ripples on the skin surface are more likely with saline implants I hope that this information will help you make a decision that is right for you.
The C-section usually does not result in the rectus muscles being cut -- although the skin incision is transverse, the muscle underneath the skin is separated vertically and preserved. Although your rectus muscles are preserved, it is very likely that you have developed a "diastasis" or separation of the rectus muscles due to your previous pregnancy. This is very common and can result in a "pooch" or "bulge" of the lower abdomen. A key component to the tummy tuck procedure is tightening the diastasis with suture that runs from below the breast bone to the pubic bone. This is called "plication" and is combined with the removal of excess skin and fat via the tummy tuck incisions. Plication is a key step in achieving improved shape with additional support to the abdomen. I describe it to my patients as an "internal corset" that supports your abdomen and helps create a more pleasing contour. Plication does add a bit more discomfort to the recovery process -- many patients describe the feeling of being "tight" for several weeks following surgery. This sensation of tightness will relax with time. Good luck with your future surgery! Just make sure you have a board-certified plastic surgeon help you achieve your goals.
Thank you for your question. I have had a couple of patients in your exact same situation. The patients had very scarce, short natural eyelashes and they were applying semi-permanent lashes at the salon. I encouraged them to use Latisse at the same time as they continued on with their semi-permanent lash applications. After a couple of months (time will vary from patient to patient), the patient's natural eyelashes were of such a wonderful length that they no longer needed to apply the semi-permanent lashes. The salon person was not so happy but my patients were! Good luck and I hope that Latisse works as well for you as it has for my patients!
