I had a failed breast implant surgery from another surgeon. The breasts devolved capsular contracture and one side traveled upward resulting in one high riding breast and one regular. This made my chest look disfigured. The other surgeon did not follow up with me or care. I went several years with my breasts this way before consulting with Beautologie. I was extremely nervous but after going through a breast implant replacement and having the scar tissue scraped out with Dr. Knoetgen , the breast healed better than expected. There were several follow up appointments to monitor the healing process. Every three months for the next year. My next appointment is soon and if I’m not completely happy or need anything else then Dr. Knoetgen is willing to go back in and do anything else that can help. Overall they look much much better and I am so relieved and happy I didn’t wind up botched. Dr. Knoetgen is really good at what he does. When you go into beautologie, you can see all his awards on the hallway wall including an award for being the most caring/compassionate. The awards are impressive and grateful to have found a surgeon that was knew what to do and how to do it. Scraping scar tissue and replacing implants gone wrong is no easy task. Thank you Dr. Knoetgen! As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway.
Dr Knoetgen was a phenomenal surgeon! The whole process of my breast augmentation and tummy tuck was top notch! He listened to what I wanted, and was honest and realistic with me. He didn't try to push me to make certain decisions, but gave me the information to make my own informed decisions. He did an excellent job on my surgery and I couldn't be happier with my results! I have and would continue to refer all of my friends and family to him for anything they might want done. As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway.
Amazing experience from start to finish. All the staff made me feel comfortable. Highly recommend Dr. James Knoetgen. He did a phenomenal job. Very clean inside. Surgery recovery wasn’t bad at all!
I have been so excited to post my review for this office. I have to say #1, my coordinator Ginger was the absolutely sweetest and down to earth soul. She truly made me feel at home. Her knowledge was out of this world. Karol was my nurse towards the end for pre-labs and also my post op care. She is freaking amazing and sweet. Love her. The receptionist is by far adorable. She immediately greets you and is super quick with check in. Everyone in the office is perfect. Okay now to the amazing Dr.Knoetgen, I am just so utterly grateful. After losing over 70lbs on my own I had so much skin and no boobs. Lol. My 5 kids took not just milk but it all. From the very beginning before surgery he made me feel so comfortable and not nervous at all. He explained everything well and was superhonest.I had a Mommy Make Over with 450cc saline implants. The morning of surgery was honestly fast. His staff day of surgery was amazing and kind and his anesthesiologist was absolutely amazing and sweet. My recovery went smooth, painless and fast. My scar for tummytuck is low and straight, My belly button looks natural and amazing and boobs are freaking perky and plump. Im so obsessed with the overall experience and look. No complications. No pain. Back to being a nail tech at 3weeks post op.I'm currently 1month post op and feel and look amazing. Skinny and not boxy at all. . Dr.Knoetgen is the G.O.A.T of it all. He's an artist.Book with him you will regret it if you go elsewhere
The best in California!!! If you are far or close just choose Dr.Knoetgen. he is the best. 5 kids later and losing 70+lbs I needed his magic. He snatched me up. The best! pain free and fast recovery. . Updated on 11 Sep 2023: I have been so excited to post my review for this office. I have to say #1, my coordinator Ginger was the absolutely sweetest and down to earth soul. She truly made me feel at home. Her knowledge was out of this world. Karol was my nurse towards the end for pre-labs and also my post op care. She is freaking amazing and sweet. Love her. The receptionist is by far adorable. She immediately greets you and is super quick with check in. Everyone in the office is perfect. Okay now to the amazing Dr.Knoetgen, I am just so utterly grateful. After losing over 70lbs on my own I had so much skin and no boobs. Lol. My 5 kids took not just milk but it all. From the very beginning before surgery he made me feel so comfortable and not nervous at all. He explained everything well and was superhonest. I had a Mommy Make Over with 450cc saline implants. The morning of surgery was honestly fast. His staff day of surgery was amazing and kind and his anesthesiologist was absolutely amazing and sweet. My recovery went smooth, painless and fast. My scar for tummytuck is low and straight, My belly button looks natural and amazing and boobs are freaking perky and plump. Im so obsessed with the overall experience and look. No complications. No pain. Back to being a nail tech at 3weeks post op. I'm currently 1month post op and feel and look amazing. Skinny and not boxy at all. . Dr.Knoetgen is the G.O.A.T of it all. He's an artist. Follow my Instagram for thr pre-surgery and post at @marisachavez4. Book with him you will regret it if you go elsewhere
I had a mommy make over back in October by Dr knoetgen, he is amazing and made my experience so easy, nothing of what I thought it would be base of experiences of people I know who had plastic surgery in the past … my experience was so easy …. Ginger was my coordinator and answer all of my questions she went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, help me with all the million questions I had… Maribel was my nurse she was so helpful, I was going back and forth with my implants size she let me try the sizers over and over again and told me if I wasn’t sure yet I don’t have to make my decision right away and I can always choose later on on the road since my implants are going to be saline so that make me feel I wasn’t in a rush to choose and want to make the right choice and not to regret it later… My consultation was in the end of July 2022 and my surgery was scheduled for August 30th 2022… the day before surgery I test positive for COVID so my surgery was postpone for October 20th 2022 my dr was making sure I was in good health to proceed with my surgery and my health was good … the only thing that sucks about that it’s that I had to redo all my lab work and pay for it ($460 ) since my insurance won’t cover:/ The day of surgery I was so nervous I don’t know why I thought I was prepared for it since I had 4 previous c sections !! But all the staff at the surgery center were so professional and make me feel comfortable especially my admission nurse and the anesthesiologist he was my favorite!!!! He make sure I was calm and relax, he star a conversation with me while the nurses help me getting into the surgery bed and all I remember is him putting the mask on my face and I was out … when I open my eye again I was in the recovery room looked at my ride (my mom ) receiving instructions …. The staff ask me how I feel and I remember ask how many pounds of skin the dr Take of me ( I know weird :/) and if I could drink my coffee because that morning I didn’t have one lol … My first 2 weeks went by fast no pain at all in my tummy or my liposuction areas only on my breast they hurt until my 1 month , right now I’m 6 week post op and feel no pain at all , my boobs are healing good and getting on their place slowly but surely:) my incisions are looking good except for one of my liposuction hole that one it’s not healing fast enough.! I’m still bloated and just wasn’t for my next appointment I need to ask Dr knoetgen if this still normal? Before getting my surgery I always wonder if the tummy tuck hurts more that a c section and I guess that’s one of the main question a lot of women have and let me tell you tummy tuck it’s nothing in compares with a c section , c section hurts the most well that’s on my opinion, I think the pain pump made I so easy for me I didn’t have any pain in my tummy area … what it hurts the most are the drains and if they stay longer than 10 day ( in my case one was out in 7 days the second one at 2 weeks ) Overall my whole experience is excellent so far :)
I got my mommy makeover September 22, 2021 I have been so excited to get this done and I’m so glad I did. I’m three weeks out and I’m finally starting to feel back to normal. Every recovery is different. I’m so happy w my breast size and my new tummy. I went with high profile 400cc Mentor gummy.
Hoping to provide an honest, thorough review. I had my first consult in nov. 2020 virtually due to COVID. I decided I wanted an in person consult before making my decision. I was asked to pay $100 or put down a deposit, so put down my deposit. Attended in person and respectfully, DR recommended I lose weight prior to procedure. Fast forward a few months and 20 pounds down, ( thanks for the motivation, Dr. K) He agreed I was ready for surgery. I am now 9 days post op and I feel amazing!!!! I had the TT, lipo flanks, lipo mons. I only had one drain that was removed yesterday. THE DRAIN WAS MY ONLY COMPLAINT, BE PREPARED FOR IT! It stings and throbs like crazy. It Kept me up at night. thankfully, I only had one and it was removed fairly early as I really didn’t have a lot of fluid I guess. I think my swelling has substantially subsided as my tummy is quite flat. The side where my drain was is a little lumpy in my opinion, but I think it’s due to not wearing compression garment low enough over drain site due to pain. I’m now wearing it lower and a little tighter and have noticed an improvement. Not flawless like the other side, but I’m monitoring it. My incision is very low, pretty straight so I’m happy about that. I dress pretty modest in public, so no one will ever see my TT scar, however, my belly button is depressing. I was not prepared for the shock I am in over it. I’ve done some research and found that it’s common to look wild initially, so I will give it some time, 9-12 months before I decide if I want a revision. It looks big, stretched out, and just ugly. I try not to look at it. Time heals all things! Staff were great, nurses, scheduling coordinator, and even anesthesiologist was super cool. I REALLY liked Heather as well. Dr. Knoetgen is a very laid back kind of dr who I thought was real easy to talk to. Beautologie was the 4th place I had a consultation with, and I have no regrets at all!!! Will post pics soon and updates.
It was amazing! I was so extremely happy with my results. I have gotten my boobs done here and I tell all my friends to come here for theirs. Love it! Everyone is so nice and they always answered my questions. Thank you!
About a year ago I was asked about my pregnancy for the last time. I haven’t been pregnant for 8.5 years, but I looked it, apparently. Dr Knoetgen gave me his honest and expert recommendation (which is more than I can say of his local competitor) so I trusted him. He even worked with me on price to try to match the competitor, but in the end I was willing to pay a little extra for his care. I started 5’6” and 157 lbs. I am now about 159 pounds. I have only done spin classes for exercise, so I know know I need to focus more on strengthening my core to improve my results. That will be my next step so that I Can gain the most out of this surgery. I hope my pics and recommendation help you with your decision! Updated on 10 Aug 2019: I’ve started working out and again, doing boot camp for the past 8 weeks. Not one person has asked if I’m pregnant. Scar is not much better, but I don’t mind. Clothes fit so much better. I have not lost any weight over this year, in fact I’ve gained a couple pounds but I wear smaller shirts and my pants fit more at my natural waist where they used to sit lower below my belly. And I feel stronger! :)
Breast reduction 15 years ago with good healing, new onset of sharp, snapping or tearing pain near an old scar, no visible changes, and pain triggered by movement—there are a few possibilities that might explain what you’re feeling: 1. Scar Tissue (Adhesions or Nerve Entrapment) Over time, scar tissue can thicken, harden, or contract. This may irritate or trap surrounding nerves, especially near incision lines. The "snapping" or "tearing" sensation could be: • A stretched nerve ending that’s being pulled or compressed. • Adhesions between skin and deeper tissues moving awkwardly with your breast motion. 2. Fat Necrosis or Oil Cyst Though these are more common earlier after surgery, they can sometimes develop later or go unnoticed: • Fat necrosis can form firm, sometimes painful lumps. • Oil cysts may form and stretch surrounding tissue, especially with movement. 3. Delayed Onset Nerve Pain Occasionally, sensory nerves affected during surgery can regenerate abnormally or become hypersensitive, even years later. This may produce: • Sharp, electric, or tearing-like sensations. • No external signs but consistent pain with motion. 4. Muscle or Connective Tissue Strain Even though you say it’s not related to arm movement, underlying pectoral or fascia strain can refer pain to the breast area, especially near old surgical planes where tissues were altered. 5. Hormonal or Skin Changes Skin thinning or connective tissue changes with age or hormonal shifts could make previously quiet scars more reactive or sensitive. 6. Other Less Common Possibilities • Small herniation of glandular or fatty tissue through a weak spot in the old surgical area • Subclinical infection or inflammation rare but not impossible • Recurrent cyst or benign growth When to See a Doctor You're doing the right thing by planning to see a provider. You should definitely go sooner if: • The pain worsens or spreads • You notice swelling, warmth, or redness • A lump forms • You develop fever or feel generally unwell Your provider might recommend • A breast ultrasound or mammogram (especially to rule out deeper issues) • Possibly an MRI for better soft tissue visualization • A review by a plastic surgeon if surgical tissues need to be evaluated In the meantime, using a compression bra and avoiding excess breast motion as you're doing are solid steps. Avoiding underwire may also help if there's nerve involvement.
You're asking a great and thoughtful question. Preparing your body before surgery can absolutely support healing, skin quality, and scar outcomes. Please communicate this with your surgeon who knows your body and medical history. Key Supplements for Recovery and Skin/Scar Health 1. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) • Essential for collagen synthesis and tissue repair • Antioxidant properties reduce inflammation and support immune function 2. Zinc • Crucial for wound healing and skin regeneration • Too much zinc can interfere with copper absorption. Don't exceed 40 mg/day unless under supervision. 3. Collagen (Hydrolyzed Peptides) • Supports skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal healing • Start 4–8 weeks before surgery and continue after • Collagen supplements do not cause keloids. Keloids are an overactive wound-healing response (usually genetic). Taking collagen supports organized healing and may actually help reduce scar severity in most people. 4. Silicon/Silica • Promotes collagen formation and may improve scar texture 5. Bromelain & Arnica Montana (Homeopathic) • Help reduce bruising and swelling after surgery • Start 2–3 days before surgery and continue for 7–10 days post-op 6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) • Reduces inflammation and supports skin health • Must stop 1–2 weeks before surgery due to blood-thinning effect • Resume after your surgeon clears you post-operatively Supplements to Avoid Before Surgery At least 1–2 weeks before surgery, avoid the following as they can increase bleeding risk: • Vitamin E (unless in a multivitamin at low doses) • Ginkgo biloba • Garlic (high dose) • Turmeric/Curcumin • Fish oil • NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin — unless prescribed) Post-Surgery Topicals for Scarring Once your incisions are healed (usually ~2 weeks post-op or as advised by your surgeon), you can start: • Silicone sheets or gels (e.g., ScarAway, Biocorneum) – gold standard for scar flattening and fading • Vitamin C serum – for skin tone and collagen • Retinoids – only after full healing, and with doctor approval • Massage – gentle scar massage helps with collagen remodeling, if cleared by your surgeon If You Have Poor Skin Elasticity In addition to collagen and vitamin C: • Hyaluronic acid (oral): Supports hydration from within • Protein-rich diet: Ensures amino acids needed for tissue repair • Avoid smoking: Smoking severely impairs wound healing and skin elasticity Always check with your plastic surgeon before starting any supplement, especially if you’re on medications or have health conditions. Keloid risk is more genetic or related to skin type. If you’re prone to keloids, tell your surgeon, they may recommend additional interventions (e.g., steroid injections, pressure dressings, or early silicone therapy).
Absolutely, a breast lift (mastopexy) without implants is definitely possible and can give you beautiful, natural-looking results! Since you're 37, have had one breastfed child, and your stats are 135 lbs at 5’4”, a lift can address sagging or loss of volume caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding, restoring a firmer, perkier breast shape. The procedure reshapes and raises the breast tissue, improving contour and nipple position, without adding volume like implants do. What you can expect • A more youthful breast shape with nipples positioned higher on the chest • Removal of excess skin to tighten the breast envelope • Fuller, lifted appearance but your natural breast size will remain roughly the same (no added volume) • Scarring that typically fades well over time, depending on the technique used • Results that last for years, though natural aging and gravity will continue to affect breast shape Many women find a lift alone gives them the rejuvenation they want, especially when implants aren’t desired. It sounds like your goals are very achievable with a skilled plastic surgeon.
Yes, the old capsules can potentially affect your new augmentation cosmetically and structurally but not always. It depends on the condition of the capsules and how your body heals. Let’s break this down: What are the Implant Capsules? Capsules are scar tissue your body forms around implants. If your explant surgery did not remove them (no capsulectomy), they are likely still intact to some degree. Potential Issues with Keeping the Old Capsules During Re-Augmentation 1. Distortion or Irregular Shape If the old capsule has contracted (capsular contracture) or is uneven, it can distort the shape of the new implant. This might not be visible now because there’s no implant pushing against it. 2. Implant Malposition The capsule can guide or restrict where the new implant sits, possibly making the implant appear too high, low, or to the side. 3. Palpability or Rippling A thick or uneven capsule could show through the skin more if the implant is placed again especially if you’re thin or using saline implants. 4. Unknown Integrity of the Capsule After 5 years, capsules may be calcified, thickened, or fibrotic, not ideal for a smooth, natural look. What to Consider • If your breasts look normal now and the capsules aren’t contracted, there’s a chance they won’t pose a major issue, but it’s not guaranteed. • If you want a different size, shape, or type of implant, the capsule may not fit properly and should be modified. • If you had any symptoms of capsular contracture before, removing or releasing the capsule is more strongly recommended. You can get new implants after explant without capsulectomy but the old capsules may need to be addressed during surgery. Most likely, an experienced surgeon will inspect them and adjust as needed to ensure your cosmetic result is smooth, symmetrical, and natural-looking.
Thanks for sharing your concern, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious when recovery isn’t going the way you expected. Let’s break this down and give you some clarity. Can Smoking Affect Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery? Yes, it absolutely can. Smoking whether it's cigarettes, vaping, or marijuana can impair healing after surgery in several ways: • Reduced blood flow: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, decreasing oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues. • Delayed healing: Poor circulation slows down the recovery process and can cause prolonged swelling or even tissue necrosis in severe cases. • Increased inflammation: Smoking may worsen post-op inflammation, leading to swelling that lingers longer than normal. • Reduced immune function: Your body may struggle to deal with internal bruising or fluid buildup properly. At 1.5 Months Post-Op – Is Swelling Still Normal? Some mild swelling and firmness (especially under the nipple area) can persist for up to 3–6 months after gynecomastia surgery. However, if your swelling hasn't improved at all, feels hard, hot, or painful, or if one side appears larger than the other, it may not be part of the typical healing process, it could indicate fluid buildup (seroma), fibrosis, or scar tissue, and should be evaluated by your surgeon. What You Should Do Now 1. Stop smoking immediately. Even stopping now can help reduce further complications and aid recovery. 2. Contact your surgeon. Don’t wait. Let them know about your ongoing swelling and history of smoking. They may want to: o Examine for fluid buildup or scar tissue o Possibly drain a seroma if needed o Recommend massage or ultrasound therapy o Reassess your compression garment usage 3. Wear your compression vest consistently, if you're still within the wearing window. It helps control swelling and shape the chest. 4. Don’t self-diagnose. Only a hands-on evaluation can confirm if it’s just swelling, fibrosis, or something else. Your surgeon will work with you on the best way to help heal and recover.