Dr Culbertson did a magnificent job on, a very much needed, explant. I had my implants for 30 years, which one has always popped before each 10-year mark, which then I would have both replaced under the implants warranty. The 30 years were riddled with weird unexplained illnesses and autoimmune issues. The last implants, Dr Culbertson removed were silicone because I was told they wouldn't pop as easily as saline, by a different doctor. Because its harder to know if silicone implants are ruptured, I was living with a ruptured silicone implant, without knowing and without knowing for how long. Strangely, I started to get weird excruciating pain in the opposite implant/breast, which was not ruptured. The pain was so bad, I was in and out of the ER for almost a month. Kaiser didn't care and their plastic surgeon offered to just basically rip out my implants with no more examination or care, even though my insurance would’ve covered that cost. I was desperately calling around (during COVID), trying to find a surgeon who would listen and compassionately understand that I needed an explant with exploration ASAP, even if I had to pay for it myself out of pocket. Dr Culbertson was that surgeon. Not only did he compassionately listen and offer different options to help, so did ALL of the staff. Keri who takes reservations, understood my very painful situation, and found a way to get my surgery moved up, which I'm sure wasn't easy since COVID already messed with their schedules. But she listened to me and understood how bad my pain was and helped. All of the staff were amazingly sweet, respectful and very knowledgeable. Rachel, Dr Culbertson assistant was always there to help me and answer any questions or concerns I had. And I had a lot, since I read numerous issues with explant surgeries and whether or not having the entire capsule removed was good/bad and the dangers around full removal. Dr Culbertson made me feel at ease and that I could trust his best judgment when he knew what he was dealing with. I also entrusted Dr Culbertson with performing a full lift after explanation and his final results are astounding. He did an absolute fantastic job and took the extra care of making sure all the ruptured free-floating silicone was removed. He also explored the side with the pain but found nothing he could attribute to my agonizing month. The pre-op and post-op nurse was sweet who made me feel comfortable and at ease, during a very high anxiety time, followed by pain and fogginess. The anesthesiologist was also amazing. I explained how I've had multiple surgeries that I have woken up during and how those scary wake-ups during surgery has added to my anxiety. He listened to me, applied what he thought was best in my situation and I only woke up after my surgery was completed. He informed me I woke up immediately after removing the gas. That is how awesome he did his job!! The surgical staff helping Dr Culbertson were also stellar, they helped Dr Culbertson get the best possible outcome without wasting any unnecessary time under anesthesia. I seriously can't say enough about how wonderful Dr Culbertson was, and the staff, and how pleased I am with the outcome. I owe them an apology for this review being long overdue. Yes, I may be back in the itty-bitty titty committee, but I've never felt better or looked better. Thank you, Dr. Culbertson and staff. Thank you for understanding how important explant surgery can be and how much it can help give someone back their life. Much love, appreciation, and respect - Racquel
For many years I have enjoyed many visits to both Allegro Med-Spa and PSA for minor treatments. What I have discovered through my long friendship with them is that “if it doesn’t work, you won’t find it there”. What they offer works. Their products, service, professionalism and VALUE are in my opinion unmatched. They have a kind, caring and personal approach with each one of us who seek to bring out our unique and sometimes hidden beauty. I had a consultation with Dr. Furnace to see what options were available for painful stubborn fat inside my knees, thighs and saddlebags. These problem areas would not respond to diet or exercise and tortured me my whole life. We decided lipo was the best solution for my case. I was given comprehensive details and extremely well prepared for my surgery. Every question I had was answered and I went into my big day with complete confidence. It was an quick and easy morning and every member of the staff was kind helpful and supportive. I Woke up feeling better than I expected dressed and ready to travel home. The first two days were extremely soar. Then the bruising began which worked its way don to my feet. PSA prepared for this so it was not upsetting. The arnica they prescribed and ice packs rally helped through the first two weeks. I followed their directions to the letter, and enjoyed a slow but consistent recovery. It took 4-6 weeks for the bruising to fade and to feel almost fully recovered. The compression garments are a must and always made me feel much more secure. I still wear compression pants for working out and hose at work. It can take up to six months for the swelling to heal completely so I’m still looking forward to seeing my full results. Speaking of results; Dr. Furnace and the team removed approximately 1 gallon of undesirable material from my problem areas. Although very swollen at first the difference in my saddlebag area was significant! As time has passed the reduction in swelling has revealed better and better results. My knees are half the size they were and my legs look great. At work I notice I’m not running into everything with those saddle bags anymore. To sum up my impression of PSA and family. They are artists and they view each patient as a real heart full of real art. They bring it out! Personal connections and true passion for their work accomplish great results.
After having two children who were both breastfed, my breasts looked deflated and were sagging pretty bad. Dr. Furnas was my very first consultation based on personal referrals and Plastic Surgery Associates' reputation. I felt comfortable with Dr. Furnas right away. She initially recommended a donut mastoplexy (a mini lift where the incision is made just around the nipple and excess skin is removed from there rather than having a lateral scar running down the breast) along with the implants placed above the muscle. I felt like I owed it to myself to get a 2nd opinion since it would be the most extensive medical proceedure I have ever done, outside of a c-section I had with my first child. Long story short, I wound up having 3 other consultations because the opinions varied so differently (over the muscle/under the muscle, no lift/donut lift/full lift). In the end, with all the varying opinions and my own research, I was most comfortable with Dr. Furnas and I went back to her for a 2nd look to see if she would advise the donut lift with under the muscle placement of the implants. She determined that would work for me and I scheduled the surgery that day. Leading up to the surgery date, the PSA staff was so wonderful. They answered all of my questions and made sure I was well-prepared to make the surgery and recovery go as smooth as possible. When the day of surgery came I was pretty nervous. I was concerned about what felt a bit like a selfish choice and how my recovery may affect my young children (2 and 4). The nurse and anesthesiologist made me very comfortable and I also met with Dr. Furnas again before going into surgery. We reviewed my choice for size and would up going ever so slightly larger than the rice test dictated. After surgery I was pretty groggy and sore when I woke up in the recovery suite. My husband was there to take me home and receive instructions on my care from the nurse. I was sore, but the prescribed medication kept me quite comfortable. The first three days of recovery were the worst. I was very sore and didn't notice much improvement over those days. Dr. Furnas' office called me the day after to make sure I was doing well, and I appreciated that follow-up. I did follow the post surgical instructions to the T and strongly beleive that resulted in zero complications during my recovery. After those first three days the recovery went quicker and quicker. By the end of the first week I was nearly without any pain and by the end of the second week I was feeling almost normal. Two months later, I feel wonderful and any post-surgical pain is a distant memory. I'm overjoyed with the results of the surgery. The donut lift was perfect for me. I appreciate that it was a more conservative lift, but that it provided me exactly what I needed and the scarring is already very minimal. I love the sizing and feel it is perfect for my frame. Even my gynecologist commented that my new breasts look great and look very natural. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Furnas and her amazing team!
Hi everyone! I'm new to this site and just love the wealth of info I've recieved. I'm in Northern California and I'm getting my Breast augmentation on July 21st! I'm super excited/nervous. I was born w tetralogy of fallot (heart condition) and with clearence from my cardiologist I'm ready to get the procedure! I did my pre op 2 weeks ago. I live in the woods so I'm actually driving 4 hours for my appt. I have my boyfriend coming w me to help (he wasn't too keen on the idea of me getting implants). I'm starting w a 32 C (they're deflated tho) and hoping to get a full D+. Any other ladies start w a C cup? My plastic surgeon recommended a lift but since I have a heart condition I would like to spend as least time under as possible. So I'm going to do 400CC with no lift :) Updated on 17 Jul 2015: I know I'm already starting with a C cup but im hoping 400cc is enough to fill my deflated area. I guess I'm getting boob greedy lol I can't believe I'll have my new boobs in 4 days!! Let the countdown begin... Updated on 22 Jul 2015: Updated on 4 Aug 2015: Just a picture to show them mostly healed. I love the size! So happy I went with 435CC!! Updated on 8 Sep 2015: So I had my last appt on Sept. 3rd w Dr. Canales! Everything looks good and I'm cleared to swim. I'm extremely happy with the size and shape of my breasts. I measure at 32DD! I love that my Breast are full and they don't "cone" when I bend over or go into my armpits when I lay down! I would absolutely recommend plastic surgery associates and Dr. Canales. I felt very safe and secure in my decision of surgeon from start to finish and I couldn't be happier with the outcome!