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Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS profile

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

VERIFIED
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
10400 W. Higgins Rd., , Ste. 100, Rosemont, Illinois
(832) 669-5771
Website
4.9 | 38 Reviews
10 Questions Answered
AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Breast Surgery

30 Photos•27 Reviews•10 Q&A•0 Offers
BEFORE
AFTER
MEET PHILIP J. STRAKA, MD, FACS
🩺27 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Board-Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Philip Straka is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons in the country, being one of only a small number of surgeons who have been performing en bloc breast implant removal surgery for over 25 years.

Before and After Photos

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How long do I have to wait for a breast lift after explant surgery?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
This is a great question as many people find that they do not need a lift after removal of implants. After implant removal, typically, the breast tissue will decompress, commonly referred to as fluffing, and the skin tightens to some degree for many patients, resulting in much a perkier breast shape and position than they anticipated. There can often be significant improvement in the appearance of the breasts for 6 months to even 1 year postoperatively, therefore, I would recommend waiting for a year to allow for any fluffing and skin retraction to occur before considering breast lift surgery. If you do choose breast lift surgery as a later, staged procedure, the final results are often better than having the lift performed at the same time as the implant removal surgery. This is due to the fact that the breast lift is done after the postoperative swelling has resolved and the fluffing and skin retraction has already ocurred. Wishing you a great recovery and outcome!
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

Textured Breast Implant Removal - Should I consider a capsulectomy?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
I would recommend a complete capsulectomy (en bloc) along with your breast implant removal for several reasons. Having a risk of breast implant associated lymphoma with textured breast implants, I feel it best to not only remove the implants, but remove of the entire capsules as well. Furthermore, leaving the capsules in place could potentially lead to pain or discomfort if the capsules are hard and calcified. Subglandular textured implants have an increased risk of capsular contracture with subsequent development of hard, calcified capsules. Although more invasive than simple removal of breast implants alone, simultaneous capsulectomy has a low rate of complications in my practice, and even fewer, when the implants are subglandular/placed above the muscle. Best of luck!
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

Am I eligible to have my breast implants removed?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
These are very good questions, however, it is difficult for any plastic surgeon to answer this without photos or an examination of your breasts. The breast skin typically tightens/retracts over a period of months to even a year after removal of breast implants. Skin retraction is highly variable from patient to patient due to several factors such as patient age, the thickness of one's breast tissue, the length of time that the breast implants have been in place, and the patient's natural skin elasticity. Some things that may be more favorable in your case are that you do not have excessively large breast implants currently in place. One of the things that a breast implant removal surgeon could determine on a physical examination is the quality of your breast skin tone. This determination would help considerably in helping guide you with the need for any further procedures, if necessary, such as a breast lift. To answer your second question, with breast implant removal surgery, typically no significant amount of existing breast tissue is removed. I wish you great success with your surgery if you chose this.
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

21 year old saline implants deflated - will I look the same? (photo)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
My expectation is that your breasts would look very much like this following removal of the implant shells depending on how long your implants have been deflated. Following deflation of saline breast implants, the skin of the breasts tend to spontaneously tighten/retract to some degree and can often continue to tighten for months to even one year in some patients. The amount of skin retraction varies from patient to patient depending on certain factors such as skin thickness and elasticity as well as the weight of one's natural breast tissue. Breast lift surgery can also be performed at the time of implant removal if desired. I wish you the best of luck!
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

Process of removal - do I have options?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Good question! Typically, the breast tissue will decompress, commonly referred to as fluffing postoperatively, and the skin tightens to some degree for many patients. This can occur for months to even one year after breast implant removal surgery. The degree of fluffing and skin retraction is highly variable from patient to patient due to several factors such as patient age, the thickness of one's subcutaneous breast tissue, and skin elasticity. Procedures considered for improving the appearance of the breasts after breast explant surgery include the addition of volume with fat transfer and/or skin tightening by a breast lift, referred to as a mastopexy. You mentioned that you have had some weight fluctuation. If you have gained some weight since undergoing breast augmentation, you may have additional fatty tissue of your breasts causing your natural breasts to be larger than before your implants were put in and you may not need any fat grafting. The best way to estimate what your breasts would look like after breast implant removal, and to see if fat grafting is even necessary, I recommend an in-office examination by a plastic surgeon who is very experienced in breast implant removal surgery. I have been performing this surgery for over 25 years. You can also refer to my website at drstraka.com. I wish you the very best of luck with your surgery and outcome! I wish you the best of luck!
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

Is it better to remove implants sooner or later?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Good question! Typically, the breast tissue the skin tightens to some degree for many patients. following breast implant removal. This can occur for months to even one year after breast implant removal surgery. The degree of skin retraction is highly variable from patient to patient due to several factors such as patient age, the thickness of one's deeper layer of the skin called the dermis, and skin elasticity. The fact that you are only 41 years old likely increases your chance of having better skin elasticity than when you become older, as with age, the dermis typically thins and one's skin elasticity typically decreases. Another reason to consider removal of your implants soon is the fact that you stated that you have had textured silicone implants in place for 20 years. The older the implants, the greater the risk of rupture and leak of the silicone into tissues surrounding your implants. In addition, you may choose implant removal due to the risk of Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma with older, textured breast implants. You can refer to my website (drstraka.com) to see examples of breast implant removal patients of various ages who have undergone their breast implant removal. These are procedures which I personally have performed for over 25 years. I wish you the best of luck!
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

I want to get my implants removed but have some concerns

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Very good question! The degree of fluffing and skin retraction is highly variable from patient to patient due to several factors such as patient age, the thickness of one's subcutaneous breast tissue, and skin elasticity, however, due to the fact that you are only 25 years old likely increases your chance of having better skin elasticity than an older patient. Also, since your implants have not been in place for very long and due to the fact that they are smaller implants, I feel it is more likely that your tissues will "bounce back to what they were before." You can likely minimize "the drop," referred to breast ptosis, by undergoing breast implant removal surgery sooner than later to minimize the time that the added weight of your breasts from the implants stretch your breast skin. To answer your question about anesthesia, most breast implant removal surgeries that I perform are under general anesthesia, in part, to keep patients most comfortable during the procedure. I would have you undergo evaluation by the anesthesia provider preoperatively to review those risks with you. You can refer to my website (drstraka.com) to see examples of breast implant removal patients of various ages who have undergone breast implant removal. The best way to estimate what your breasts would look like after breast implant removal would be to undergo an in-office examination by a plastic surgeon who is very experienced at performing breast implant removal surgery. These are procedures which I personally have performed for over 25 years. I wish you the best of luck!
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

Got mentor gel implants under the muscle 11 years ago, does the breast shrink back to normal over time?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Good question! Typically, the breast tissue will decompress, commonly referred to as fluffing postoperatively, and the skin tightens to some degree for many patients. This can occur for months to even one year after breast implant removal surgery. The degree of fluffing and skin retraction is highly variable from patient to patient due to several factors such as patient age, the thickness of one's subcutaneous breast tissue, and skin elasticity. The fact that you are only 31 years old likely increases your chance of having better skin elasticity than an older patient. You can refer to my website (drstraka.com) to see examples of breast implant removal patients who had simultaneous breast lifts and others who chose not to undergo or did not require breast lift surgery after their implant removal. The best way to estimate what your breasts would look like after breast implant removal would be to undergo an in-office examination by a plastic surgeon who is very experienced at performing breast implant removal surgery. That doctor could also determine if you would benefit from a simultaneous breast lift procedure. These are procedures which I personally have performed for over 25 years. I wish you the best of luck!
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

Explant for bottom out after breastfeeding?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
This is an excellent question as many patients with breast implants are in your same situation. As a breast implant removal surgeon for over 25 years, I often recommend that patients hold off on doing a simultaneous breast lift (mastopexy) at the time of breast implant removal if they are planning future pregnancies and breast feeding. Breast changes during pregnancy and breast feeding may negatively affect the cosmetic outcome of a breast lift. Also, with such large, heavy breast implants, it is often beneficial to allow several months to even one year to allow for fluffing of the breast tissues and retraction of the breast skin BEFORE doing a breast lift.
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

42, 32A, are there procedures to recover breast tissue firmness after explant over the muscle?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Good question! Typically, the breast tissue will decompress, commonly referred to as fluffing postoperatively, and the skin tightens to some degree for many patients. This can occur for months to even one year after breast implant removal surgery. The degree of fluffing and skin retraction is highly variable from patient to patient due to several factors such as patient age, the thickness of one's subcutaneous breast tissue, and skin elasticity. Procedures considered for improving the appearance of the breasts after breast explant surgery include the addition of volume with fat transfer and/or skin tightening by a breast lift, referred to as a mastopexy. I wish you the best of luck!
provider-Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS-photo

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 38 reviews

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS reviews

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS

RATING DETAILS

4.9
38 reviews

All reviews are evaluated by the RealSelf team to ensure they're written by patients like you and meet our guidelines. Your results may vary. Doctors can never pay to have reviews removed or hidden.

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10 Results
14 days post-opBreast Implant Removal

theresa_chi

I Wish I Had Known Dr Straka Earlier

I have been wanting to remove my breast implants for some time, and am SO happy I chose Dr. Straka as my surgeon for this procedure. I wasn't experiencing a ton of BII related symptoms, but I know that my implants had been taking a mental toll. I had a lot of anxiety over their age, whether or not they were leaking, and they also just didn't look good after 17 years with after gaining some weight following the original procedure. I was ready to get back to my more natural body and no longer wanted to worry about the implants ever again. I had one previous consultation with a surgeon in Chicago who did not specialize in explant surgery (mistake on my part). I felt uncomfortable afterward and avoided seeking further help for some time. I was given a hard time for not having the original medical records and there was no way for me to obtain them since it had been so long ago. Eventually, I came to a point where I felt like I could no longer push the surgery off and I happened to come across Dr. Straka's website after researching Chicago area doctors online. From the moment Dr. Straka's office called me and I spoke with Vickie, I felt at ease. She was amazing, kind, prompt, and assured me that I didn't need to worry about not having medical records from the original surgery. I met Dr. Straka at his Rosemont office and immediately knew he was the doctor I wanted to perform the surgery. He spent a lot of time with me in the initial consultation reviewing exactly what would happen during this particular procedure. But what I appreciated most about this was that there was also transparency up front on cost and downtime and that there was also no pressure to choose him. I didn't feel as though I was being 'sold' to, but given valuable medical advice from an expert. I realized that my main mistake originally had been picking a plastic surgeon who did not specialize in explants and likely didn't even believe in it anyway, but rather wanted to continue to push implants and implant replacements. Many other reviews mention what incredible bed side manner Dr. Straka has and it is true! He is a genuinely kind person and really helped me not be nervous throughout the entire process.This also extends to his staff. Every single person in his office is just as kind, patient, and good at what they do! Before the night of the surgery, I received a call from the Anesthesiologist. She also was wonderful at calming my anxiety about the surgery (and considering how easy the whole thing was, I also can say she is incredible at her job too). I didn't have any issue with the surgery or recovery. I had a LOT of detailed instructions on how to handle the drains post-op and Dr. Straka also called me several times afterward to check in and see how I was progressing. I had an en bloc capsulectomy with a breast lift performed with very minimal pain afterward (mostly some soreness). Finally, the results are just fantastic. I could not be happier with how my breasts look after the surgery. This was a cherry on top of the cake as my main concern was just getting the implants out. Dr. Straka far exceeded my expectations with the aesthetics of how I looked afterward. I feel like I have my life back and I also look great. I hope Dr. Straka knows just how much of a positive impact he has had on my life and many, many other women's lives. I could not recommend him more to anyone considering removing their breast implants.

6 days post-opBreast Implant Removal

Bright603284

After a full year of research on explant surgery I felt very confident

I had three different consults with top explant doctors in the Chicago area. After meeting with Dr. Straka in person I immediately knew he would be the doctor I would move forward with. He recently moved from Houston to Chicago and after a full year of research on explant surgery I felt very confident in his expertise and experience. I had my saline implants for 15 years and they were extremely heavy. I breastfed four children as well with them. Both were almost bottoming out and had creases. My left breast had a crease since 2010 when they were initially put in. I was worried that with explant the crease would be more noticeable and it would be something I would have to get used to and live with. From my initial consultation to pre op, surgery and post op my experience with Dr Straka and his team has been incredible. I initially spoke with Vicky and she was so helpful and wonderful. Joanne is Dr. Strakas nurse, she was so great through it all as well. I was very scared on surgery day to have the surgery and go under anesthesia. The team really helped soothe my nerves. The anesthesiologist was also very experienced. I am two days post op and I’m very please surprised with how they look. I did not want a lift because I did not want extra trauma or scarring. Dr Straka is definitely a perfectionist, I don’t know how he did it but my creases are not even showing this early post op. They look beautiful and I know with time they will look even better. I could breathe better initially out of surgery and feel so much lighter overall. Best decision I could have made for myself. I am so impressed by my experience with Dr Straka and his team. I’m so incredibly thankful for the fantastic care they have shown me. Chicago is extremely lucky to have Dr Straka here, he really is the best of the best.

$9,0001 month post-opBreast Implant Removal

Magical673815

My experience was outstanding

I had an explant with Dr. Straka the end of June. From the time of the first consult to post recovery my experience was outstanding. Dr. Straka's team is professional, caring and thorough. Everything was explained to me and made me feel very comfortable with the procedure. Following my surgery the post operative care went above and beyond. Dr. Straka did follow up calls to check in on me even during the 4th of July holiday weekend. Dr. Straka is a perfectionist in the best way. He sees to every detail and wants your outcome to be the best possible. I would recommend him to anyone!

$9,0007 days post-opBreast Implant Removal

Nonnegotiablejoy

I flew to Illinois and have not regretted it once

My experience with Dr. Straka has been exceptional! I researched breast implant removal and surgeons who specialize in them for three years. I chose Dr. Straka because of his knowledge, skill, experience, compassion, and kind demeanor. I also had conversations with many women who recommended him. I could have saved the cost of airfare and hotel if I had settled for a surgeon in Texas but I wasn't willing to settle. My instinct told me that Dr. Straka was the best so I flew to Illinois and have not regretted it once. I am six days post-op. There will be many changes in my breasts over the next year. It's wonderful to know that my surgeon is along for the ride. I highly recommend Dr. Straka.As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway.

7 days post-opBreast Implant Removal

stephanierae17

My breasts looks even better now than they did before or with implant

After searching for and meeting with many Doctors about getting my implants removed, I immediately knew the moment I met Dr Straka he was the one. His team and him were so responsive and thorough for any and all questions that I had, even if it was the weekends. The surgery was fantastic, I opted for no lift at his recommendation and I will say, my breasts looks even better now than they did before or with implants. Dr Straka has called me personally 3 times to check in. He believes women when they come to him with breast implant illness symptoms. Him and his team in Chicago are the best of the best. As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway

2 months post-opBreast Implant Removal

chicago0525

My results look great as do my scars

Dr Straka recently removed my breast implants and I could not be happier with both the care that I received and the results of my surgery. I interviewed several different surgeons in the Chicago area and Dr. Straka was, hands down, the best choice. He took the time to answer all of my questions, did not rush me during my consultation, and made me feel very comfortable in my decision to remove my implants. Through my research, I discovered that Dr. Straka's entire practice is dedicated to removing implants, which really meant a lot to me. Following surgery, Dr. Straka personally called me to check on me several times. My results look great as do my scars. I had no bruising following surgery and very little pain. Best decision I ever made!

24 months post-opBreast Implant Removal

ShoshanaT

Was able to remove everything with almost no downtime

I can honestly attest to the fact that this is the BEST Surgeon in the World. I, unfortunately have had numerous surgeries as I was a competitive athlete and had both shoulders repaired as well as a knee. I also had previous cosmetic procedures. Dr. Straka is not only a top surgeon in his field, but an educator and a life saver. He becomes your friend making personal calls and checking up on you- long after the procedure was completed. I had suffered for years from a ruptured implant and he was able to remove everything with almost no down time and removed all the deadly toxins from my body. I have since referred 3 patients and will continue to do so, as long as he continues to bless us with his skills. The scheduling of my appointment was seamless even though we were in another State. In all my years on this earth have I ever met a Doctor with equal parts both 5 stars in their practice techniques and 5 stars in their bedside manner. I would give 10 if I could! Dr. Straka also focuses on helping women overcome the Psychological toll Breast Implant illness has on us, making sure we know he can bring us back to our natural selves living a fulfilling life filled with self love and self acceptance. As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway.

20 days post-opTummy Tuck

wannaelle2

Dr Straka and staff are amazing people

Dr Straka and staff are amazing people. When you place your self into their care you become family. Dr Straka has a amazing personality to match his mastery of life altering surgery. My Tummy tuck is a few days lacking being 3 weeks ago an I look and feel amazing. Bonus when Dr Straka states his creates cute bellybuttons , he really does.

$10,20020 days post-opBreast Implant Removal

Optimistic641298

Dr. Straka is an amazingly skilled surgeon

Dr. Straka is an amazingly skilled surgeon. I had explant and lift in June, 2021 and had the best experience from the minute I talked to the office for a consult to the post op visit after surgery. His team is amazing and have been with him for a very long time. I highly recommend him!

7 days post-opTummy Tuck

robins7

Absolute Perfection!

If I had to do it all over, I’d 100% choose Dr. Straka for my abdominoplasty and breast augmentation again! He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, kind, and professional! After having 6 kids, I waited 20 years to do this surgery for myself. A good friend recommended me to Dr. Straka, and I was very blessed to have found him. He did an exceptional job on my tummy and breasts. Absolute perfection! I’m still in the recovery process, but I can already tell that I’m more than pleased with the results! I’m so very happy and excited! If you are considering making yourself beautiful on the outside again, Dr. Straka’s talent and skills are unsurpassed. You are worth the very best, so definitely go see him! His staff is absolutely amazing as well. They are very welcoming, knowledgeable and professional! I’m so happy!!