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CLAIM YOUR PROFILEHi,
Thank you for your question. If your implants are not giving you problems, you may continue your routine checkup without need for replacement. However, the FDA does recommend getting an MRI every 2 years (3 years after initial placement) for silicone implant follow up. Replacement may be needed if you develop capsular contracture, asymmetry, pain, or other symptoms that are causing you trouble. I would recommend continued routine surveillance with your plastic surgeon.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi,
There are several methods to tattoo removal. Many lasers are capable to removing tattoo ink over the course of several treatments. In areas where there are sufficient skin to cover the tattoo area, excising the tattoo, as you mentioned, is also an option. The tradeoff would be a scar, although this can be oriented to match your skin lines. Without seeing your tattoo, we would not be able to give you advise on your best options. I would advise seeing a plastic surgeon to properly identify the best method to achieve your goals.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi,
Thank you for your question. A history of previous hernia repair should not preclude you from having a mommy makeover. In fact, sometimes a hernia repair is safely done in conjunction with or before the abdominoplasty portion of procedure. It may be beneficial to find a surgeon trained in both general surgery and plastic surgery who has experience in both procedures. I would advise that you undergo a consultation with a plastic surgeon for full history and physical exam to individualize your care.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi,
Thanks for your question. An abdominal liposuction would indeed shrink and give you a contour of the waist. These are done through several small port sites that are hidden along your umbilicus and inguinal areas. On patients who are younger and have good skin elasticity, we do expect the skin to retract back down. For others who do not have elastic skin, we do recommend a full abdominoplasty to remove the excess skin. I would recommend a full consultation with a plastic surgeon in order to perform an examination and evaluation of your specific goals and desires.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
The tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) procedure will remove the excess skin along your lower abdomen. As part of the procedure, your widened or weakened rectus muscles postpartum will also be tightened together. In certain patients, liposuction may also be added to remove some of the subcutaneous fat from the flanks and upper abdomen to improve contouring. Based on your pictures, abdominoplasty can address the areas of your concern.
I recommend you undergo a consultation and physical exam with a plastic surgeon in order to communicate your specific goals and desired outcomes.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi Jenn,
Some people are more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring than others. Genetics, skin color, open wounds, and amount of tension on closure can all contribute to the scar aesthetics, although the final outcome can often be difficult to predict. There are various treatments, ranging from injections to scar revision. I would recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon for full physical exam and to discuss your goals and priorities.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi,
Yes, a tummy tuck will remove the subcutaneous fat and skin along the lower abdomen as part of the tightening surgery. However, the areas of subcutaneous fat outside of that region will mostly remain intact. In certain patients, we utilize liposuction combined with tummy tuck in order to remove the fat from flanks and upper abdomen.
I would advise that you meet with a plastic surgeon to perform a physical exam and discuss your specific goals and priorities.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi,
The beauty of the latest technology of implants is that plastic surgeons are able to gear the augmentation toward each patient's preferences and priorities. Selecting an implant will depend on the particular aesthetic you wish to achieve. Generally, implants are chosen within 1/2 to one centimeter of your breast width. For the same size implants, moderate profile will offer more projection at smaller diameter than the low plus profile. However, there are other factors to consider such as which plane the implants are placed in and breast thickness. It may be best to select an implant that is slightly narrower, rather than wider than your breast. Therefore, if you do not wish for wider implants, moderate profile may be preferred.
Ultimately, I recommend you speak to a plastic surgeon regarding the specific goals and priorities you hope to achieve.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi,
Rippling may occur when there is insufficient tissue between the skin and implants. Depending on where the implants were placed, correction may require changing to a "dual plane" method, in which half of the implant is covered underneath the muscle. That way, there is more coverage above the implant to minimize palpability. Other times, a mesh may be placed to add coverage to the area.
I recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon in person for a physical exam and to see how rippling may be corrected for you personally.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi,
Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule around your implant hardens. There different classifications, ranging from palpability only on exam to pain. There is always a risk capsular contractures may reoccur after implant replacement, even if the previous capsule was taken out in its entirety. However, the use of "no touch" technique of transferring implants, capsulectomy of previous capsule, and use of antibiotic irrigation lends to lowering of contracture rates.
I would advise that you speak with a plastic surgeon regarding the risks and benefits of implant exchange.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Chen thoroughly explained the entire procedure and took the time to educate me on the different implant sizes and projections. He was very patient and encouraged me to ask questions, which made me feel confident and informed throughout the process. I’m incredibly happy with my results and always recommend him to anyone considering breast augmentation!
In my honest opinion I 100% recommend Dr. Chen! I received breast implants in August of 2020 and after 3 years post op I can't believe I am just now writing my review! He truly cares about his patients and is the most Amazing Doctor/Surgeon I have ever met. I went on the larger side of implants and they look soooo amazing and natural. They sit perfectly. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE comments on how perfect they look. They are soft to the touch and my scar, under the boob, is virtually invisible now. I have nothing but amazing things to say about Dr. Chen and I couldn't be happier with my results. Highly, highly recommend him!!!!
Being my first ever surgery of any kind, I am blown away by the experience and treatment received from Dr. Chen and his team. I inquired about a gynecomastia removal and within a month I was already on the table. Very kind and warm treatment from everyone from the very first call until post-op. Can't recommend him enough. Currently healing and will update as the swelling comes down.
Had an outstanding and impressive experience here with Charlie chen and his anesthesiologist Dr chiu. They treated me like family from the beginning, above and beyond all of my expectations. Highly recommended if you want to be treated with respect and taken care of. Dr Chen is a perfectionist, I'd never consider anyone else.
Dr.Chen is amazing. I feel very lucky and grateful to have found him to do my breast explant. I was having trouble with my implants and was researching surgeons who specifically performed the en bloc procedure. Dr.Chen listened to my concerns, didn’t push any additional procedures, and was thorough in explaining the process and set expectations transparently. He was so meticulous in the process that my scars have already healed so nicely 3 months post op. I was pretty nervous about various complications post op and he always made himself available to answer my (many) questions, no matter the hour. I truly couldn’t recommend him more!
Dr. Chen and his staff were everything I was looking for in a surgeon and practice. The most crucial elements I sought for my breast augmentation provider were skill, education, experience and bedside manner. Doctor Chen’s office are 10/10 in all of the above. You can tell a lot about a provider based their employees and the second you walk into the reception. I was treated kindly by all staff from day. The surgery coordinator Elizabeth was very sweet and accommodating. Doctor Chen himself is very patient. He takes the time to really listen to your goals and answer all questions. He called me the day before my procedure to go over any questions or concerns and even was so accommodating changing some last minute medications. As for the procedure itself, It was so quick! It felt like my husband didn’t even leave the parking lot. I’m only 1 day post-op but I can already tell how phenomenal the results will be. I 1000% recommend Dr. Chen. Thank you guys!
I am so very happy I chose to do this procedure. My tummy was never cute before or after kids, but now….. it has a bright future :) I am so grateful for Dr Chen and his entire team. This office is truly beyond words professional, welcoming and caring. Dr Chen performed an abdominoplasty w/ muscle repair on me about 8 days ago. I feel great! Dr Chen and his team were w/ me every step of the way. The level of care they provide as well as results delivered are above and beyond. Dr Chen NEVER makes you feel rushed when you are speaking w/ him he is patient , answers your questions etc. there office also has there own Massage Therapist (Aimee) she is amazing at what she does. Follow them! IG @drcharliechenmd @curveservebyaims San Diego
I went to Dr. Chen for liposuction for gynecomastia. Together we came up with a treatment plan for my goals. The whole experience was amazing, from consultation to day of surgery to aftercare. Dr. Chen is certainly very detail oriented and very accessible to all my concerns. Thus far, all has been healing well and looking great!
Hello, At this point I have had a few consultations with Dr. Chen for Breast Augmentation, Lift, and Liposuction. First and foremost, everyone at the office is so kind and welcoming. Dr. Chen himself is so very patient and takes his time explaining details of procedures and questions you may have. Let me tell you, I have had a ton of questions. Dr. Chen has called me twice himself to answer questions I had emailed the patient coordinator. My surgery is scheduled 45 days out and I can tell I all be in great hands Updated on 13 May 2021: I am one week and one day post surgery w/ Dr. Charlie Chen. I am so pleased with how well my surgery went as well as the exemplary care I was given by Dr. Chen and his team. So far , I am very pleased with my results and I feel as I continue to heal, I will continue to love my results more and more. I am beyond grateful I found Dr. Chen and his team and I will sing their praises to anyone that wants to listen .
Dr Charlie Chen and his entire staff. Deserve 10 stars! Dr Chen goes above and beyond to make sure all his patients are very well Cared for he called me back right away every time answered every time. And was always so understanding. Not to mention he took such good care of my body during surgery . If you are looking to get a procedure done I absolutely would recommend him . If you want to be happy with your outcome. K Mitchell
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