What do I do when my doctor used a moderate high-profile implant when I SPECIFICALLY asked for a high-profile implant??

Question

1yr post mastopexy & augmentation & very unhappy with my result #1 my right nipple is larger than the left #2 they are not perky and full as I stressed to him I wanted I wanted the high profile, He put in a moderate profile implant he told me he would fix the nipple for free but I would still have to pay for the implant exchange + the surgery, still full cost when its not what I wanted. I am furious knowing he specifically did NOT do what I asked, and more importantly did NOT even tell me!!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after breast augmentation surgery.  You are not alone; every plastic surgeon will have patients who are displeased with the outcome of their procedure.   In most cases,  it is possible to "remedy" the outcome, more to the patient's liking.    Careful communication (as in any relationship) is key.

In cases where an unfavorable outcomes are present it is best for patients to discuss their concerns in a calm/constructive fashion; most plastic surgeons very much want their patients to be pleased and will do everything they can to improve outcomes.  On the other hand, an accusatory stance taken by a patient does not end up working out well for anybody involved.  For example, I would suggest avoiding using inflammatory term such as "botched"... Overall, staying emotionally even keeled (even if easier said than done) tends to be helpful in these cases.

In your case, I understand that "anger" is an emotion your experiencing.  I would be concerned that if you communicate with your plastic surgeon in an "angry" state of mind, the "calm and constructive communication" I mentioned above will not occur.  Again, do your best to stay emotionally even keeled  and communicate concerns/goals clearly and carefully. Avoid too much focus on the past and see what can be done to achieve an outcome that you will be happier with.

Best wishes for an outcome that you are pleased with long-term.

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

I’m sorry for your concerns. 
Often, when in th operating room, the surgeon must use their best judgement as to which implant will function the best. My guess is that this is likely the case.
Unfortunately, sometimes despite our best judgement, patients are not always satisfied with the outcome.
Implants and time in the operating room are quite expensive. There are risks to further surgery. 
I would make sure a higher profile implant could make the difference you want before having a revision. 
Best of luck.

Michelle Bonness, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and sorry you are unhappy with your result. Please continue to discuss with your surgeon and work together to come to an option that is agreeable to both of you. There must have been a reason for his decisions during surgery. Be very sure that when you say perky and full, the surgeon knows exactly where on the breast you are talking about. Sometimes, due to patient anatomy,  where patients want the breast fuller it is not possible even with the highest profile and largest implant. Good luck and continue the conversation.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. Every surgeon may have different policies.

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

What do I do when my doctor used a moderate high-profile implant when I SPECIFICALLY asked for a high-profile implant??

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What do I do when my doctor used a moderate high-profile implant when I SPECIFICALLY asked for a high-profile implant??

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Answer: Recommendation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.