Archive for Breast Reconstruction

What Is Capsular Contracture and How Can It Be Fixed?

by Kyle Song, MD
October 29th, 2015

Song-Breast-Implant-Capsular-Contracture-When you’ve undergone a breast augmentation procedure, one of the last things you might be thinking about is the possibility of capsular contracture.  However, this is one of the most common problems that occur after getting breast implants – therefore, it’s important for patients to understand the symptoms and risks associated with capsular contracture.

What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when your immune system attacks the breast implants in your body.  Your immune system recognizes the implants as a foreign body; as a result, the white blood cells attack the implants in an effort to protect your body from a perceived threat.  The immune system creates a thin fibrous scar tissue around the implant, which creates a “capsule”.

While this is normal, capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue becomes thick and hard.  As a result, extra pressure is placed on the implant, which can disrupt the shape or cause misalignment.  Additionally, capsular contracture can result in a painful sensation within the chest.

It’s thought that capsular contracture can develop as a result of leaking implants, bacteria, incorrect implant placement, smoking, and/or trauma to the breast.

Total Capsulectomy: The Best Way to Fix It

The most effective treatment for capsular contracture involves removing the hard tissue from the breast, as well as the implant itself.  This procedure is known as a total capsulectomy, as it involves removing the hardened scar tissue that has surrounded the old breast implant.

Additionally, this procedure allows a plastic surgeon to convert the subpectoral pocket, if the breast implant was originally placed subglandular.  In other words, a plastic surgeon will place the breast implant underneath the breast muscle, rather than over it.

New textured implants replace the old ones, which provides a patient with the opportunity to change the implant size.  In some cases, a plastic surgeon may only be able to remove some of the hardened tissue; if this happens, he or she will widen the capsule so it can better accommodate the implant.

There’s an incredibly high success rate with this procedure, which is why it comes so highly recommended.

However, it’s important to note that you’re more likely to experience capsular contracture again, as it can be a chronic condition.  That’s why textured implants should always be used during a total capsulectomy, as it can help decrease the chances of experiencing capsular contracture again.

Capsular Contracture Revision at Song Plastic Surgery

If you think you have capsular contracture, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kyle Song at Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine, California.  Dr. Song can walk you through the process of removing the hardened tissue, as well as replacing the old implants with new and improved ones.

Song Plastic Surgery serves the Orange County area. Call 949-701-4454 for more information.

Categories Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Reconstruction
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Advice for Exercise after Breast Augmentation

by Kyle Song, MD
April 2nd, 2015

working out after breast surgeryThere are some general guidelines regarding exercise after breast augmentation surgery . However, you should pay close attention to the post-operative instructions from your surgeon, regarding when to restart your exercise program.

In the first two weeks after surgery, you want to keep your blood pressure from being elevated.  This means your activity should be limited to your normal daily activities and unrestricted walking. It’s important to give the breasts adequate time to heal, and exercising too early may cause bleeding.

Light aerobic exercise can be resumed after 2 weeks, and moderate exercise at 3 weeks.  You may also begin weightlifting at 3 weeks, but this should be limited to lower body exercises. At 4 weeks, you are free to resume any exercise or activity you desire.

These are rough guidelines, and every person’s recovery will be a little different.  It is best to listen to your body, and let your surgeon know how you are feeling. If you have any additional questions about with breast augmentation recovery call (949) 701-4454 and speak with Dr. Kyle Song at Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine, California.

Categories Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reconstruction, Recovery
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Breast Reconstruction Options at Song Plastic Surgery

by Kyle Song, MD
February 13th, 2014

breast reconstruction options in IrvineIn 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act was signed into federal law to protect women who choose to have their breasts rebuilt (reconstructed) after treatment for breast cancer.  Breast reconstruction is also a covered benefit for women who have a significant likelihood of developing breast cancer and are seeking treatment for prophylactic purposes.  Angelina Jolie recently underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgeries, which highlighted how important it is for women to understand their reconstructive options after undergoing such a vital surgery.

At Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine, Kyle R Song, MD, provides superior breast reconstruction surgeries for patients who want to achieve a natural and balanced look.  Whether you want to replace your breasts after undergoing a mastectomy or simply want to enhance your shape and restore your confidence, Dr. Song can offer the following breast reconstruction options:

  • Fat Grafting:  A fat grafting procedure is an ideal choice for patients who also want to enjoy the benefits of body contouring.  With a fat grafting procedure, Dr. Song will remove fat from a pre-determined part of the body (usually the stomach, thighs, buttocks, or hips) and use that fat to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.  Fat grafting can produce breasts that look and feel much more natural, as the body’s natural fat is being used.  What’s more, these results are perfectly complemented with a more contoured waistline or buttocks.
  • Breast Revision:  If you have previously undergone breast reconstruction and are not totally satisfied with the result, Dr. Song may be able to offer an innovative solution to achieve a more natural and balanced appearance.
  • Breast Augmentation: Dr. Song specializes in breast augmentation procedures that look and feel natural.  During the initial consultation, Dr. Song will work with you to determine what size and shape implants will look best with your body type.  During the procedure, Dr. Song will utilize minimal incisions to ensure that minimal scarring is experienced.  Patients should expect to experience a personalized surgical procedure, as Dr. Song ensures that all patients are extremely satisfied with their results.

For patients who are looking for breast reconstruction after undergoing a mastectomy, Dr. Song specializes in using shaped implants and unique skin-and-nipple-saving techniques to produce your most natural-looking breasts possible.  Dr. Song’s patients who have undergone this surgery have often raved about their results.

In addition to these reconstructive breast surgeries, Dr. Song can also provide breast lifts, breast reductions, breast implant revisions, and mommy makeovers.

To learn more about breast reconstruction procedures at Song Plastic Surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Song by calling 949-701-4454.  Dr. Song will be happy to discuss your breast reconstruction options to ensure that you’re satisfied with your end results.

Categories Breast, Breast Reconstruction
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