POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Revision REVIEWS
Breast Implant Revision Following Infection
ORIGINAL POST
Breast Implant Revision Following Infection
My surgery with Dr. Dubrow will be in 2 weeks, so I'm creating a RealSelf review page to document my experiences.
Procedures:
1. Breast implant revision
2. Fat necrosis removal
3. Capsulectomy
For context, I previously underwent a breast augmentation in London UK on Harley Street and contracted a rare infection (NTM). Reason is contentious, but it's likely due to improper sterilisation of equipment given that the infection impacted all areas that were operated on. I won't disclose the surgeon's name here as I don't want to contaminate this review with that incident, but I'll create a RealSelf review of the other surgeon once this my procedures with Dr. Dubrow are done & dusted.
My Stats:
Height - 163cm
Weight - 51kg
Chest Width - 11.5cm
Starting Size - 32 AA
I flew to LA from London for an in-person consultation with Dr. Dubrow on May 2025. Spent in total about 1.5 hours with Dr. Dubrow, Jacqueline Brambila (Physician Assistant) and Kim (Surgical Co-ordinator). We went through my medical history, examining my wounds and discussed recommended procedures.
In terms of implants, we've earmarked Motiva Ergonomix between 300cc to 350cc. I previously got 275cc Mentor Mod-Plus and in hindsight were too small. For wish boobies, my new north star is EmRata. I'll discuss with Dr. Dubrow on the day how close he can safely get me there.
On impressions, Dr. Dubrow has a confident but down-to-earth energy (similar to what we see on Botched). I really like Jackie - she was my first contact over the phone and clearly a very sharp person. My decision to fly in was largely because of how impressed I was dealing with her.
On the administrative side, it was messier than I liked. Communication with Kim was really spotty and the vibes were off (maybe we just don't jive well). Eventually I was handled by Maryam. I believe she's a Nurse but covering for Kim. Maryam's lovely and she's been working with Dr. Dubrow for over 25 years.
With payment, I was given 2 different business bank accounts - 1 for deposit and a different one for the remaining balance.
I gotta admit that had Dr. Dubrow not had the reputation he has, the initial spotty comms and strange payment process would've scarred me off. But I reminded myself that no way a surgeon as high profile as this guy would be running a scam without getting called out and I was going to him for his skills with complicated cases, not how smoothly his team handles the paperwork.
I'm certainly nervous, but his team have been reassuring. It sounds like I'm one of the 'easier' cases which I'm happy to hear.
Other things to note:
- They recommended weekly check ins with an Infectious Disease specialist, which I've engaged
- Also Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy post-op
- My post-op check ups will mainly be with Jackie, with Dr. Dubrow on Day 6
On location, they were previously based in Newport Beach but have very recently relocated to Beverly Hills. I'm glad they moved to LA because NB was not my vibe.
That's all I can think of sharing for now. I've included photos of my breasts so you know what the starting point is.
Procedures:
1. Breast implant revision
2. Fat necrosis removal
3. Capsulectomy
For context, I previously underwent a breast augmentation in London UK on Harley Street and contracted a rare infection (NTM). Reason is contentious, but it's likely due to improper sterilisation of equipment given that the infection impacted all areas that were operated on. I won't disclose the surgeon's name here as I don't want to contaminate this review with that incident, but I'll create a RealSelf review of the other surgeon once this my procedures with Dr. Dubrow are done & dusted.
My Stats:
Height - 163cm
Weight - 51kg
Chest Width - 11.5cm
Starting Size - 32 AA
I flew to LA from London for an in-person consultation with Dr. Dubrow on May 2025. Spent in total about 1.5 hours with Dr. Dubrow, Jacqueline Brambila (Physician Assistant) and Kim (Surgical Co-ordinator). We went through my medical history, examining my wounds and discussed recommended procedures.
In terms of implants, we've earmarked Motiva Ergonomix between 300cc to 350cc. I previously got 275cc Mentor Mod-Plus and in hindsight were too small. For wish boobies, my new north star is EmRata. I'll discuss with Dr. Dubrow on the day how close he can safely get me there.
On impressions, Dr. Dubrow has a confident but down-to-earth energy (similar to what we see on Botched). I really like Jackie - she was my first contact over the phone and clearly a very sharp person. My decision to fly in was largely because of how impressed I was dealing with her.
On the administrative side, it was messier than I liked. Communication with Kim was really spotty and the vibes were off (maybe we just don't jive well). Eventually I was handled by Maryam. I believe she's a Nurse but covering for Kim. Maryam's lovely and she's been working with Dr. Dubrow for over 25 years.
With payment, I was given 2 different business bank accounts - 1 for deposit and a different one for the remaining balance.
I gotta admit that had Dr. Dubrow not had the reputation he has, the initial spotty comms and strange payment process would've scarred me off. But I reminded myself that no way a surgeon as high profile as this guy would be running a scam without getting called out and I was going to him for his skills with complicated cases, not how smoothly his team handles the paperwork.
I'm certainly nervous, but his team have been reassuring. It sounds like I'm one of the 'easier' cases which I'm happy to hear.
Other things to note:
- They recommended weekly check ins with an Infectious Disease specialist, which I've engaged
- Also Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy post-op
- My post-op check ups will mainly be with Jackie, with Dr. Dubrow on Day 6
On location, they were previously based in Newport Beach but have very recently relocated to Beverly Hills. I'm glad they moved to LA because NB was not my vibe.
That's all I can think of sharing for now. I've included photos of my breasts so you know what the starting point is.
Sociable43922's provider
UPDATED FROM Sociable43922
1 day post
Day 0
Op day was yesterday. Still feeling groggy, so this is just a brief update. I feel pretty good overall and the drains aren't as bad as expected. Most importantly no strange symptoms, unlike my primary where I experienced continuous bleeding and fluid secretions pretty much straight away.
I'll post detailed reports on Pre-Op, Op Day and follow ups when I'm past peak soreness and have more mobility/freedom with my arms & chest!
I'll post detailed reports on Pre-Op, Op Day and follow ups when I'm past peak soreness and have more mobility/freedom with my arms & chest!
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM Sociable43922
11 days post
Pre-Op Day
Appointment was made for 13:30, but I was running behind and Maryam was great with being flexible so I came in at 14:00.
Part 1
- Met Maya at reception and was promptly given a stack of papers to read & sign
- Papers were essentially contractual agreements across a range of matters from understanding the risks, acknowledging receipt of pre-op/post-op information, confirming presence of a carer, incurred costs should surgery need to be rescheduled and so on.
- It was A LOT, but I'm not surprised with how litigious the USA can be.
- Ideally would've preferred to have had these sent to me beforehand so I could take my time reading through rather than being put on the spot.
- That said, it wouldn't have changed my mind about moving forward with the procedures. Having the paperwork beforehand would've just helped me prepared better!
- The pre-op information was not shared with me beforehand and had this been my primary, I probably would've been more annoyed. Because this wasn't my first rodeo, I was already aware of how to prepare so it wasn't a huge deal. But if it's your first procedure, definitely push harder to get papers beforehand!
- I should also note that I am seeing a doctor on a personal basis (i.e. we're dating, he's a London-based doctor) and he was really helpful with advising & answering all my dumb questions beforehand. That's also perhaps a consideration in additional support when it came to preparation. I will not share any of his advice as I don't want to muddy this review with information that came from a doctor not related to Dr. Dubrow's team. But it's something to keep in mind for later as I'm now 10 days post-op as I write this and his ad-hoc support was quite crucial in how I took care of myself during recovery (or, stayed out of trouble!). Of course, Dr. Dubrow's team (especially Jackie) have been incredible when it came to post-op but I only see her during follow ups. Outside of the surgeon's office, support came from him.
- If it needs to be made crystal clear, Dr. Dubrow is treating me on a purely professional basis. All interactions were controlled with chaperones present.
- The carer is a family member, not the boyfriend.
Part 2
- Once the papers were signed, I was brought through to Maryam's office where she looked through the papers to make sure all's in order.
- It's my first time meeting Maryam in person. She has really lovely hair!
- I raised that I hadn't received the pre-op instructions and she kindly printed off both pre-op & post-op instructions.
- The post-op instructions were already with me from my first phone consultations with Jackie back in 2023. The information appears to be largely similar to the older copy I have.
- She advised that my prescriptions have been sent to a nearby pharmacy (Beverly Hills Concierge Pharmacy) and ready to be collected after the pre-op consult is done. I was then to give her a call so she can go over each of the meds and how they should be taken.
- She also advised that the anesthesiologist will also give me a call later today.
Part 3
- I was then brought to a consult room, where Maya took my vitals and instructed to undress & put on a gown.
- Dr. Dubrow, Maryam, Kim and another team member then came through - time to talk about the fun part, implants and desired results!
- I'd already prepared pictures of desired results, which were essentially topless photos of EmRata. Preparing pictures was way easier than trying to describe what I was after.
- Dr. Dubrow was pretty straight with me. He said if I wanted THAT look, I might need to go up to as high as 400cc.
- They then brought through a selection of implants in various sizes. They deliberately did not tell me the sizes as they wanted me to try them on without getting too fixated on the number. The purpose was to 'get a feel' of how the implants fit my frame.
- I was given the most hideous post-op bra to put on to hold the implants. I think that bra and how awkwardly the implants sat in them made it difficult to get a feel on fit. The largest pair was 400ccs and I looked comical! The 300cc pair was probably the most sensible looking without being too small.
- That said, I was conscious that trying on implants this way isn't always the most realistic and I'd expressed my priority was the 'look' at its core (i.e. I wanted EmRata's look as close as possible when undressed)
- We agreed on implants between 350cc to 400cc, but Dr. Dubrow was given 'creative freedom' to make judgements on how the implants look when I was on the operating table and make adjustments to size as necessary to achieve the desired results.
- We then went over the concerns in relation to the remnants of the infection, i.e. scarring left behind. Dr. Dubrow ELI5 on how he'd deal with the scar tissue that would've formed post-infection and potentially how that may impact final results. I confirmed that I had maintained contact with an Infectious Disease (ID) specialist in Newport Beach and have organised post-op follow ups with him. Also advised the ID doctor was NOT keen to put me on any preventative courses. That said, Jackie (Dr. Dubrow's PA) had prescribed antibiotics as part of my post-op medication pack. These are specific for plastics, not ID.
Part 4
- Collected medication at the pharmacy. Medication prescribed were Cephalexin, Diazepam, Percocet, Zofran and Scopolamine.
- Had a call with Maryam that evening and we went through what these were & when to take them.
- Scopolamine was to put placed behind my ear just before bedtime, 10PM.
- Zofran was to be taken when I woke up, placed under the tongue without water
- Cephalexin was the antibiotic that needed to be started 1 day post-op.
- Percocet to be taken as needed for pain management, but only once every 8 hours
- Diazepam to be taken as needed for sleep management, but only once every 8 hours
- No food and water by 10PM (my surgery slot was booked for 6AM)
- Was contacted by the anaesthetist later in the evening and went through medical history, along with what to expect and tips on how to manage the after effects
That's all for pre-op day. On the personal side, it was pretty hectic trying to prepare. Rushed trips to Wholefoods to stock up. Didn't get a chance to collect the car, which turned out to be a mistake. If you're going to get a car while in LA for medical procedures, sort it ASAP. Otherwise, make an iron-clad plan on transport to-and-from the medical sites to make sure you have that lined up without stressing. For my primary, it was easier being my 'home' base and already had a car to drive home. Bit of an oversight on my part.
LA is not the same as London, especially as a visitor. Either arrange a car or make sure you have a driver arranged.
That's all for pre-op day.
Part 1
- Met Maya at reception and was promptly given a stack of papers to read & sign
- Papers were essentially contractual agreements across a range of matters from understanding the risks, acknowledging receipt of pre-op/post-op information, confirming presence of a carer, incurred costs should surgery need to be rescheduled and so on.
- It was A LOT, but I'm not surprised with how litigious the USA can be.
- Ideally would've preferred to have had these sent to me beforehand so I could take my time reading through rather than being put on the spot.
- That said, it wouldn't have changed my mind about moving forward with the procedures. Having the paperwork beforehand would've just helped me prepared better!
- The pre-op information was not shared with me beforehand and had this been my primary, I probably would've been more annoyed. Because this wasn't my first rodeo, I was already aware of how to prepare so it wasn't a huge deal. But if it's your first procedure, definitely push harder to get papers beforehand!
- I should also note that I am seeing a doctor on a personal basis (i.e. we're dating, he's a London-based doctor) and he was really helpful with advising & answering all my dumb questions beforehand. That's also perhaps a consideration in additional support when it came to preparation. I will not share any of his advice as I don't want to muddy this review with information that came from a doctor not related to Dr. Dubrow's team. But it's something to keep in mind for later as I'm now 10 days post-op as I write this and his ad-hoc support was quite crucial in how I took care of myself during recovery (or, stayed out of trouble!). Of course, Dr. Dubrow's team (especially Jackie) have been incredible when it came to post-op but I only see her during follow ups. Outside of the surgeon's office, support came from him.
- If it needs to be made crystal clear, Dr. Dubrow is treating me on a purely professional basis. All interactions were controlled with chaperones present.
- The carer is a family member, not the boyfriend.
Part 2
- Once the papers were signed, I was brought through to Maryam's office where she looked through the papers to make sure all's in order.
- It's my first time meeting Maryam in person. She has really lovely hair!
- I raised that I hadn't received the pre-op instructions and she kindly printed off both pre-op & post-op instructions.
- The post-op instructions were already with me from my first phone consultations with Jackie back in 2023. The information appears to be largely similar to the older copy I have.
- She advised that my prescriptions have been sent to a nearby pharmacy (Beverly Hills Concierge Pharmacy) and ready to be collected after the pre-op consult is done. I was then to give her a call so she can go over each of the meds and how they should be taken.
- She also advised that the anesthesiologist will also give me a call later today.
Part 3
- I was then brought to a consult room, where Maya took my vitals and instructed to undress & put on a gown.
- Dr. Dubrow, Maryam, Kim and another team member then came through - time to talk about the fun part, implants and desired results!
- I'd already prepared pictures of desired results, which were essentially topless photos of EmRata. Preparing pictures was way easier than trying to describe what I was after.
- Dr. Dubrow was pretty straight with me. He said if I wanted THAT look, I might need to go up to as high as 400cc.
- They then brought through a selection of implants in various sizes. They deliberately did not tell me the sizes as they wanted me to try them on without getting too fixated on the number. The purpose was to 'get a feel' of how the implants fit my frame.
- I was given the most hideous post-op bra to put on to hold the implants. I think that bra and how awkwardly the implants sat in them made it difficult to get a feel on fit. The largest pair was 400ccs and I looked comical! The 300cc pair was probably the most sensible looking without being too small.
- That said, I was conscious that trying on implants this way isn't always the most realistic and I'd expressed my priority was the 'look' at its core (i.e. I wanted EmRata's look as close as possible when undressed)
- We agreed on implants between 350cc to 400cc, but Dr. Dubrow was given 'creative freedom' to make judgements on how the implants look when I was on the operating table and make adjustments to size as necessary to achieve the desired results.
- We then went over the concerns in relation to the remnants of the infection, i.e. scarring left behind. Dr. Dubrow ELI5 on how he'd deal with the scar tissue that would've formed post-infection and potentially how that may impact final results. I confirmed that I had maintained contact with an Infectious Disease (ID) specialist in Newport Beach and have organised post-op follow ups with him. Also advised the ID doctor was NOT keen to put me on any preventative courses. That said, Jackie (Dr. Dubrow's PA) had prescribed antibiotics as part of my post-op medication pack. These are specific for plastics, not ID.
Part 4
- Collected medication at the pharmacy. Medication prescribed were Cephalexin, Diazepam, Percocet, Zofran and Scopolamine.
- Had a call with Maryam that evening and we went through what these were & when to take them.
- Scopolamine was to put placed behind my ear just before bedtime, 10PM.
- Zofran was to be taken when I woke up, placed under the tongue without water
- Cephalexin was the antibiotic that needed to be started 1 day post-op.
- Percocet to be taken as needed for pain management, but only once every 8 hours
- Diazepam to be taken as needed for sleep management, but only once every 8 hours
- No food and water by 10PM (my surgery slot was booked for 6AM)
- Was contacted by the anaesthetist later in the evening and went through medical history, along with what to expect and tips on how to manage the after effects
That's all for pre-op day. On the personal side, it was pretty hectic trying to prepare. Rushed trips to Wholefoods to stock up. Didn't get a chance to collect the car, which turned out to be a mistake. If you're going to get a car while in LA for medical procedures, sort it ASAP. Otherwise, make an iron-clad plan on transport to-and-from the medical sites to make sure you have that lined up without stressing. For my primary, it was easier being my 'home' base and already had a car to drive home. Bit of an oversight on my part.
LA is not the same as London, especially as a visitor. Either arrange a car or make sure you have a driver arranged.
That's all for pre-op day.
Replies (1)