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A+ Doctor & Team; Couldn't Be Happier with my Results!
Short version:
Mid-40s female; 1 month post capsulectomy and breast implant exchange to correct capsular contracture. I am shocked by my gorgeous results, and have been treated like a VIP throughout the entire process by Dr. Teitelbaum and his caring, professional team. I would highly recommend Dr. Teitelbaum's practice to a friend or family member with zero hesitation.
Super long version:
I am NOT an easy patient for any doctor.
My entire family going back many generations is chock full of doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers. I'm a former RN myself and generally see one of my family members for anything more complicated than a vaccine or my yearly physical.
I had previous breast augmentations in my 20s; all were performed by a Board-certified plastic surgeon family member who passed away unexpectedly when I was in my 30s. Entering my 40s, I developed severe capsular contracture that was getting worse every year; I suspected one implant had ruptured - turns out it had - and then my Biocell implants were recalled by Allergan. Overall, it was a mess. I knew I needed a complicated revision, but I was terrified as all previous surgeries I've ever had were done by family.
There may be quite a few qualified plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, but I asked 3 separate groups of nurses for recommendations for implant revision and I only got one name: Dr. Steven Teitelbaum in Santa Monica. (Word to the wise, nurses ALWAYS know what's up with the local docs!) After reviewing his website to confirm his training/credentials and get an idea of his personal aesthetic, I booked an initial consult with a 3-month lead time. All pricing was clearly stated over the phone when booking by their helpful surgical coordinator, Vicki.
At my initial consult, I was barely concerned with aesthetics as I believed my breasts were so terrible that the looks couldn't be salvaged anyway; I just wanted to fix the contracture and replace the recalled, leaking implants. Dr. Teitelbaum believed he could solve the medical problems AND make them look better. He stated, "these are the cases I can't wait to do since I know I can make you look much better." I liked his calm, thoughtful manner - but moreover I trusted my nurse friends' recommendations! - so I spoke with my husband and booked surgery a few days after the consult. Due to a cancellation in his calendar, I was able to get in for surgery just a month later.
All of Dr. Teitelbaum's staff including friendly Maria at the front desk, the stellar nurses Ashley, Nancy & Michelle, and superstar Chrisley could not have been more helpful and kind. They expertly guided me through all of the necessary paperwork, pre-op appointments, mammogram scheduling, pre/post op instructions, etc., and were all very understanding of how difficult it was for me to talk about the death of loved ones to strangers with my shirt off.
The surgery day was relatively easy for me with Michelle calmly handling my pre and post-op care. At the day after surgery appointment, I was completely shocked to see my new breasts for the first time. My results are absolutely gorgeous and I could not even have imagined a more perfect outcome. Dr. Teitelbaum absolutely delivered on his promise to fix my problems AND make me look better. If anything, he undersold since I don't just look better, I look outstanding!
Additional thoughts:
Pain - The surgery was done under general anesthesia with rib blocks placed in surgery by the anesthesiologist, Dr. Moorman. I recall only one instance of any pain at all - directly after surgery when I woke up. Michelle gave me the only oral pain pill I needed for the entire recovery (!) and I promptly went back to sleep until I was discharged shortly afterwards into my husband's care. The next 3-4 days I took Tylenol only. I am not a patient overly concerned about pain, but if you are I would honestly say I've done workouts and had massages that hurt more afterwards.
Office - The office and surgery suite are located in a nice, generic medical office building. (I personally prefer this to some other LA plastic surgeons that have somehow decided that their MEDICAL office should be decked out like the lobby at The Four Seasons. That type of office reeks of someone more interested in updating their Insta and charging my credit card than providing professional level care IMO.) This building is very private as you simply drive into the underground parking structure, take an elevator to the third floor and enter the office. I have only seen one other patient in the waiting room over my 5-6 appointments so far - and I was 30 minutes early for my scheduled appointment that day so it was likely my fault anyway. If privacy is important to you, this office delivers in my experience.
Appointments - These are run consistently on time and efficiently. If you are scatter-brained or nervous when taking your clothes off for (albeit nice) strangers like I can be, consider writing down questions beforehand so you don't leave without getting everything answered. I did forget something at one appointment, but I just called lovely Maria and she got me an answer promptly.
Aesthetics - I would agree with the reviews that say Dr. Teitelbaum likes to deliver a naturally voluptuous result. The gallery pics on his website are an accurate representation of his aesthetic in my experience, and my results are consistent with this "sexy but elegant" look. If you are seeking an overly large result noticeable from 3 blocks away, I would venture a guess that this doctor may consider that against his artistic/medical sensibilities.
Pricing - I cannot speak to where this office's prices fall in the LA range as I was not interested in selecting a surgeon based on cost and thus didn't call around for comparison. I saved for almost 2 years to finance this revision and then I chose a doctor based on recommendations/qualifications. I can say however that it was worth every single penny to me as I am thrilled with my new shape.
Photos - I have a professional level career, so I will not be posting or emailing pictures of my tatas on the internet - regardless of how fabulous they are now. If you look at Dr. Teitelbaum's website, my starting point was as bad or even worse than the worst "Before" pic and my results are just as good or more beautiful than the best "After" pic. (Just ask my husband who can't stop raving about how great I look!)
Final Comments - I could not be happier with my experience/results with Dr. Teitelbaum and his dedicated team. I would highly recommend scheduling a consultation with him to anyone looking for a natural yet fantastic breast augmentation or in need of a complicated implant revision.
And if Dr. Teitelbaum or anyone from his wonderful team reads this review, know that I'm sending you thanks from the bottom of my heart for your kind, professional care.
Mid-40s female; 1 month post capsulectomy and breast implant exchange to correct capsular contracture. I am shocked by my gorgeous results, and have been treated like a VIP throughout the entire process by Dr. Teitelbaum and his caring, professional team. I would highly recommend Dr. Teitelbaum's practice to a friend or family member with zero hesitation.
Super long version:
I am NOT an easy patient for any doctor.
My entire family going back many generations is chock full of doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers. I'm a former RN myself and generally see one of my family members for anything more complicated than a vaccine or my yearly physical.
I had previous breast augmentations in my 20s; all were performed by a Board-certified plastic surgeon family member who passed away unexpectedly when I was in my 30s. Entering my 40s, I developed severe capsular contracture that was getting worse every year; I suspected one implant had ruptured - turns out it had - and then my Biocell implants were recalled by Allergan. Overall, it was a mess. I knew I needed a complicated revision, but I was terrified as all previous surgeries I've ever had were done by family.
There may be quite a few qualified plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, but I asked 3 separate groups of nurses for recommendations for implant revision and I only got one name: Dr. Steven Teitelbaum in Santa Monica. (Word to the wise, nurses ALWAYS know what's up with the local docs!) After reviewing his website to confirm his training/credentials and get an idea of his personal aesthetic, I booked an initial consult with a 3-month lead time. All pricing was clearly stated over the phone when booking by their helpful surgical coordinator, Vicki.
At my initial consult, I was barely concerned with aesthetics as I believed my breasts were so terrible that the looks couldn't be salvaged anyway; I just wanted to fix the contracture and replace the recalled, leaking implants. Dr. Teitelbaum believed he could solve the medical problems AND make them look better. He stated, "these are the cases I can't wait to do since I know I can make you look much better." I liked his calm, thoughtful manner - but moreover I trusted my nurse friends' recommendations! - so I spoke with my husband and booked surgery a few days after the consult. Due to a cancellation in his calendar, I was able to get in for surgery just a month later.
All of Dr. Teitelbaum's staff including friendly Maria at the front desk, the stellar nurses Ashley, Nancy & Michelle, and superstar Chrisley could not have been more helpful and kind. They expertly guided me through all of the necessary paperwork, pre-op appointments, mammogram scheduling, pre/post op instructions, etc., and were all very understanding of how difficult it was for me to talk about the death of loved ones to strangers with my shirt off.
The surgery day was relatively easy for me with Michelle calmly handling my pre and post-op care. At the day after surgery appointment, I was completely shocked to see my new breasts for the first time. My results are absolutely gorgeous and I could not even have imagined a more perfect outcome. Dr. Teitelbaum absolutely delivered on his promise to fix my problems AND make me look better. If anything, he undersold since I don't just look better, I look outstanding!
Additional thoughts:
Pain - The surgery was done under general anesthesia with rib blocks placed in surgery by the anesthesiologist, Dr. Moorman. I recall only one instance of any pain at all - directly after surgery when I woke up. Michelle gave me the only oral pain pill I needed for the entire recovery (!) and I promptly went back to sleep until I was discharged shortly afterwards into my husband's care. The next 3-4 days I took Tylenol only. I am not a patient overly concerned about pain, but if you are I would honestly say I've done workouts and had massages that hurt more afterwards.
Office - The office and surgery suite are located in a nice, generic medical office building. (I personally prefer this to some other LA plastic surgeons that have somehow decided that their MEDICAL office should be decked out like the lobby at The Four Seasons. That type of office reeks of someone more interested in updating their Insta and charging my credit card than providing professional level care IMO.) This building is very private as you simply drive into the underground parking structure, take an elevator to the third floor and enter the office. I have only seen one other patient in the waiting room over my 5-6 appointments so far - and I was 30 minutes early for my scheduled appointment that day so it was likely my fault anyway. If privacy is important to you, this office delivers in my experience.
Appointments - These are run consistently on time and efficiently. If you are scatter-brained or nervous when taking your clothes off for (albeit nice) strangers like I can be, consider writing down questions beforehand so you don't leave without getting everything answered. I did forget something at one appointment, but I just called lovely Maria and she got me an answer promptly.
Aesthetics - I would agree with the reviews that say Dr. Teitelbaum likes to deliver a naturally voluptuous result. The gallery pics on his website are an accurate representation of his aesthetic in my experience, and my results are consistent with this "sexy but elegant" look. If you are seeking an overly large result noticeable from 3 blocks away, I would venture a guess that this doctor may consider that against his artistic/medical sensibilities.
Pricing - I cannot speak to where this office's prices fall in the LA range as I was not interested in selecting a surgeon based on cost and thus didn't call around for comparison. I saved for almost 2 years to finance this revision and then I chose a doctor based on recommendations/qualifications. I can say however that it was worth every single penny to me as I am thrilled with my new shape.
Photos - I have a professional level career, so I will not be posting or emailing pictures of my tatas on the internet - regardless of how fabulous they are now. If you look at Dr. Teitelbaum's website, my starting point was as bad or even worse than the worst "Before" pic and my results are just as good or more beautiful than the best "After" pic. (Just ask my husband who can't stop raving about how great I look!)
Final Comments - I could not be happier with my experience/results with Dr. Teitelbaum and his dedicated team. I would highly recommend scheduling a consultation with him to anyone looking for a natural yet fantastic breast augmentation or in need of a complicated implant revision.
And if Dr. Teitelbaum or anyone from his wonderful team reads this review, know that I'm sending you thanks from the bottom of my heart for your kind, professional care.
Provider Review
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
1301 20th St., Santa Monica, California