Category Archives: Plastic Surgery

Today, breast enhancement ranks as the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the United States, according to ASPS data. 

During the pre-operative consultation, the breast surgeon will discuss various facets of the surgery with the patient to enable them to make a judicious choice. At times, the surgeon may display breast enhancement before and after images during the initial appointment. 

The primary concern of a committed surgeon will be to inform the patient about the advantages and limitations of the procedure and establish its suitability for the patient. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast enlargement surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities. 

What are Breast Enhancement Before and After Images? 

Breast enhancement ‘before and after’ images refer to a set of photos of a previous patient who has undergone the same procedure with good outcomes.  

The set includes pictures before the procedure, and after the surgery at a time when the post-op inflammation and bruising has resolved, the incision lines have faded, and the complete effects of the breast enhancement surgery are visible. Such “after” images may be taken several months or up to a year after the procedure.

The plastic surgeon will make sure that these images are acquired with the express consent of the patient and shown to new patients in a discreet manner. The patient’s identity will be kept private, as per standard protocol. 

The sole purpose of the surgeon is showing these images is to use them as a visual tool to inform new patients about what breast enhancement surgery can and cannot do for them. These images can be seen from any location. The convenience factor of these images for so many people cannot be overstated. 

Advantages

A woman considering breast enhancement cosmetic surgery may be unsure about how the procedure will improve the appearance of her breasts and whether the outcomes will be natural-looking and proportionate. For some patients, the surgeon may recommend a breast lift along with breast enhancement.

Regardless of the case, the patient will be better positioned to make the correct decision when she understands how each option may impact her breast appearance. This is where breast enhancement before and after images can be helpful. 

Being Realistic 

An experienced plastic surgeon may choose to present breast enhancement before and after images at the initial appointment itself. This will help ensure that the patient has complete clarity on the potential outcomes of this procedure. Some women may view appealing images online or in celebrity publications and hope to achieve a similar body shape.

Transparency is the key and Dr. Kim is a big believer in his work. He has a serious amount of satisfied clients to his credit. He knows this industry well. It does not matter what the patient chooses to do, Dr. Kim will support that decision. You will not receive any type of pressure either way because it’s your decision. 

Breast enhancement ‘before and after’ images will offer them a reasonable idea of what to expect and what not to expect from the procedure. This reduces the possibility of any disappointment at a later stage when it may be difficult to reverse the procedure. In general, women with reasonable expectations usually achieve higher levels of satisfaction from their breast enhancement surgery. 

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast enlargement.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Breast enhancement is mainly an elective cosmetic surgery procedure performed by a surgeon to increase the size of a woman’s breasts. Insurance providers typically do not offer coverage for this procedure. 

This makes the cost of breast enhancement a vital factor in decision-making. But the cost of the procedure should only be a secondary consideration, and patients should choose the procedure according to their needs with no compromise on safety and quality.

At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient about the various benefits and limitation of the procedure, including its estimated costs. The patient can make a more informed decision with clear information.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast enlargement surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

Factors Impacting the Cost

Breast enhancement costs can vary between two practices as well as between two patients at the same practice. The following factors will affect the overall costs of the procedure:

Practice Location

The average costs of living tend to be higher in major metropolitan cities along the East and West Coasts. Factors such as employment opportunities, real estate costs, local taxation, and median household income affect the cost of living in an area. This element will also impact the costs of various goods and services, such as plastic surgery services. 

Surgeon’s Charges

A well-qualified and experienced plastic surgeon may charge higher fees compared to a new or less trained surgeon operating under the supervision of a senior surgeon. 

Board certified plastic surgeons typically adopt the most advanced surgical techniques and technology, follow the latest safety protocols, invest in continuing education, and stay focused on the patient’s best interest throughout the surgical process.

Anesthesia and Surgical Venue Costs

In case the breast enhancement cosmetic surgery procedure undertaken using general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist or a certified anesthetist nurse will administer the anesthesia. They will remain in the operating room during the surgery to monitor the patient’s response and may charge on an hourly basis. Their charges will depend on their qualifications and experience. 

The breast enhancement procedure may be undertaken at a hospital, an accredited surgery center, or a private surgical venue. In each case, the costs and benefits will differ and impact the overall costs of the procedure. 

Breast Implant Costs

An important element in breast enhancement surgery is the implant costs. Traditional saline implants usually cost less compared to silicone implants. Some new qualities in ultra cohesive silicone implants will cost more but provide the patient with superior value. The choice of implants will impact overall surgery costs.  

Insurance and Financing

When breast enhancement is undertaken as an element of a reconstruction procedure after a mastectomy, the patient may be eligible to receive insurance coverage. In other cases, patients will have to bear the costs of the surgery out-of-pocket. 

They may consider various financing options to pay for their breast enhancement procedure in convenient monthly installments. Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast enlargement.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

The decision to undergo breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery can be a life-changing one. Patients should only decide to undergo this procedure after assessing all aspects and attaining full clarity on the surgical process. 

During the pre-operative consultation, the patient will be able to ask the surgeon any questions that they may have regarding the reconstructive process.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities. 

List of Questions

The patient should ideally make a list of any questions that she may have about the procedure or the surgeon’s background ahead of the consultation to ensure that no important questions are missed out.

The surgeon will offer the patient in-depth and accurate answers to the questions to help her make an enlightened decision. 

• Do you have a board certification in plastic surgery from the ABPS?
• How many years of experience and training do you have in the area of cosmetic surgery?
• Have you undertaken breast surgeries previously?
• What breast reconstruction surgery approach would be suitable for me?
• What time commitment will I need to make to the entire breast reconstruction process?
• How long will it take to perform the reconstructive procedure within the operating room?
• What surgical venue will the breast reconstruction surgery be undertaken at?
• Am I an ideal candidate for breast reconstruction?
• Are the outcomes that I am expecting realistic?
• Can you show breast reconstruction ‘before and after’ photographs? 
• Where will the surgical scars be located?
• What anesthesia type will be used for this procedure?
• What are the lifestyle modifications and preparatory steps that I will have to undertake prior to the procedure?
• What will be the post-operative downtime? How many days of leave will I require from my workplace? 
• What are the potential risks and complications related to breast reconstruction surgery?
• In case I am dissatisfied with the outcomes of my procedures, what will my options be for revision surgery?
• What are the approximate costs of breast reconstruction, including pre and post-operative expenses?
• Will your staff guide or assist me on my medical insurance claim?
• Can I see the testimonials of previous patients to understand their experience at your practice?

Technique-related Questions

It is important for the patient to comprehend the surgeon’s advice related to the breast reconstructive cosmetic surgery technique. There are certain benefits and limitations associated with both breast implant surgery and flap reconstruction techniques. In case the patient lacks clarity on the techniques, they should freely express their concerns and seek clarity from the surgeon. 

Tissue Expander-related Questions

If the patient has inadequate skin in the breast area to support the implant, the plastic surgeon may recommend a tissue expander technique. The patient should understand if a tissue expander is required or not in her case. In addition, she should understand how comfortable she is with the surgeon’s recommended plan.

The patient should only go ahead with the procedure once she is fully satisfied with the surgeon’s responses to her questions. In order to make the process more seamless, she should make a list of questions beforehand and take this list to the initial consultation to make sure that no vital questions are missed out.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

It can be a life-changing decision to undergo breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery after mastectomy. The patient should evaluate all facets of this procedure before committing to it.

The pre-operative consultation is an important element of the breast reconstruction process as it offers the patient a detailed understanding of the procedure and the various stages that it involves over several months. 

During the consultation process, the patient will receive detailed information on the surgical procedure. The surgeon will create an individualized surgical plan for the patient based on the inputs that they gather during the pre-operative consultation. 

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

Determining Candidacy

A patient may undergo a single or double mastectomy leading to the removal of her breast(s). Breast reconstruction plastic surgery is an effective procedure to restore breast appearance in such patients.  

The surgeon will inform the patient about the physical and emotional advantages of this procedure. However, breast reconstruction is not an ideal procedure for every patient. 

The surgeon will establish if the patient is presently free of cancerous tissue. In addition, they will review the patient’s lifestyle behaviors pertaining to smoking and drinking. The surgeon will also understand if the patient is committed to devoting significant effort and time on the prolonged process of breast reconstruction. 

The surgeon will review the patient’s medical records to see if she has any medical conditions that may pose a risk during the reconstructive process. Stemming from this, the surgeon will understand how the patient coped with her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. 

Developing Reasonable Expectations

The surgeon will help the patient in establishing realistic expectations from the reconstructive procedure by educating them about its benefits and limitations. They may present breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery before and after pictures to the patient to allow her to develop reasonable expectations from the procedure. 

Every patient has a different experience with cancer. Their aesthetic and physical needs may vary as well. Good breast reconstruction candidates have reasonable expectations, precise goals, and a positive mind frame about the reconstructive process. 

Surgical Planning

Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed using various techniques, according to the needs of the patient. Specific patients may choose to undergo mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery simultaneously while others may decide to wait for some time following their mastectomy. 

The surgeon will recommend the most appropriate treatment options to the patient on the basis of her body type, tissue quality, and overall medical condition. 

The two primary breast reconstruction surgery techniques are flap and implant reconstruction. Both of these techniques involve different surgical approaches. 

Sharing Additional Information

At the time of the pre-operative consultation process, the surgeon will inform the patient about the potential risk related to the surgery. They will explain the anesthesia type to be used, the duration of the surgical procedures, and the approximate cost of the surgery. 

A majority of patients will be eligible for insurance coverage for the reconstructive surgery under their health plans. In case the patient’s insurance provider does not offer full coverage, they can consider various other financing options available to them. 

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

The decision to undergo a plastic surgery procedure should be made after careful deliberation. Specifically, a surgical procedure such as breast reconstruction can involve numerous procedures to be undertaken over several months. 

For this reason, potential breast reconstruction surgery candidates should judiciously assess if this procedure is suitable for them.

The breast reconstruction plastic surgeon will offer the candidate guidance to allow them to make a well-informed decision. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities. 

Ideal Candidates 

Women who have lost one or both breasts due to breast cancer and seek to restore their breast appearance are suitable candidates for breast reconstruction surgery. The candidate may decide to initiate the reconstructive process at the time of the mastectomy or at a later date when she has healed from the breast removal surgery. 

Patients must have reasonable expectations from the breast reconstruction surgery, and understand that reconstruction cannot create the look and feel of a natural breast. But despite these limitations, breast reconstruction plastic surgery can offer the patient long-term emotional and physical benefits. 

Additionally, it is important for patients to understand that not every woman who has undergone a mastectomy is a good candidate for breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery. An ideal candidate for this procedure will be a woman who:

• Seeks to restore the shape and size of one or more breasts
• Is free of cancerous tissue
• Does not smoke or can discontinue smoking according to the surgeon’s guidelines
• Has coped well with cancer treatment and the mastectomy
• Is not suffering from diabetes or severe hypertension
• Has clear goals and reasonable expectations

Patients who have heart disease or diabetes may experience an increased risk during breast reconstruction surgery. Such patients may also be more prone to complications following the procedure.

Flap and Implant Reconstruction Candidates

Breast reconstruction candidates who choose to undergo the procedure with surgical techniques such as latissimus, dorsi, gluteal, TRAM, or DIEP flap methods should not have any underlying medical conditions that may impact their procedure. 

In these surgical techniques, the tissue is taken from various areas of the body, and these approaches are often more invasive than the implant reconstruction technique.

For candidates who are undergoing unilateral breast reconstruction for the restoration of a single breast may be good candidates for the flap reconstruction technique. This method makes it easier to match the look and feel of the other natural breast when moving tissue. 

For older candidates, implant reconstruction may be more suitable as it is less invasive and involves less recovery time. 

In addition, implant reconstruction may also be appropriate for women who do not have significant excess tissue available. The implant technique is appropriate for bilateral patients as it can successfully accomplish symmetrical outcomes. 

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery may be an ideal solution for women who have undergone mastectomy or breast removal and seek to restore their breast appearance.

At the time of the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will display breast reconstruction before and after photos of previous patients to the new patient to help them achieve clarity on the likely results of the procedure.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

What are Breast Reconstruction Before and After Pictures?

Breast reconstruction ‘before and after’ photos refer to a pair or group of images of previous patients who have received reconstruction surgery with effective results. 

These pictures are taken before the surgery and after the procedure when the post-op swelling and bruising have subsided, and the complete results of the procedure are apparent.

The surgeon will attain these pictures with the express consent of the patient and show them to new patients in a discreet and judicious manner. The surgeon will not reveal the patient’s identity, as per standard protocol. 

The sole purpose for displaying these images is to allow the new patient to develop clarity on the potential results of the reconstructive surgery and make an enlightened decision.

The decision no matter what will always come to you. It’s your body and financial situation. It’s your quality of life. Dr. Kim will never attempt to usurp the power that you have. These images should assist you in your decision making process. 

Advantages

Breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery is a significant and life-altering procedure for patients, and they are understandably concerned about any procedure that involves artificial reconstruction. 

The surgeon can show the new patient breast reconstruction before and after images to provide her with reassurance on the outcomes of the procedure and its ability to address her cosmetic goals. 

Certain patients may need reconstruction only in one breast, while others may require it in both breasts. Some patients may need only minor reconstruction after a lumpectomy. Irrespective of the case, the patient can make a more informed decision on the procedure after viewing breast reconstruction before and after photos. 

A Combination of Pictures and Text

New patients may find it even more beneficial if breast reconstruction before and after photos are accompanied by descriptive text elaborating the reasons for the procedure and how it accomplished the unique goals of the patient.  

It may be easier for new patients to understand a previous patient’s reconstruction journey if clear, concise, and informative descriptive text accompanies before and after images of the procedure.

Including such text in before and after photo galleries is a good idea as patients tend to connect more effectively with pictures while stories enable them to recall the associated details correctly. 

Sharing Your Photos

A plastic surgeon may share before and after images in the following ways:

• Photo gallery on the practice website: Creating a breast reconstruction before and after image gallery on the practice site which has been done. Dr. Kim’s website has helped people ascertain the situation from all over the world. As long as someone can access the internet they can see these vital images that can help them make a poignant decision that will affect their quality of life either way. 
• Portfolios: Developing an image portfolio to show to new patients seeking breast reconstruction surgery.
• Augmenting blog posts with images: Adding photos to a blog post offers patients visual proof of the procedure results. 
• Social media forums: Images can optimize social media posts in an effective manner. But due to their public nature, posting on social media platforms requires discretion. 

The power of digital technology is manifesting itself all the time. With digital imagery, you can take what you see on your screen and apply it to your own body. This means that someone can make a serious decision without dialing one phone number. 

The surgeon can use a detailed ‘before and after’ image gallery as a platform to showcase their skills and simultaneously educate prospective patients on complex surgeries such as breast reconstruction. Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Breast enhancement is usually performed as a cosmetic surgery in which the shape and size of a woman’s breasts is increased with placement of an implant within the breast tissue. 

In addition, it is possible to enlarge the breasts using fat taken from another site on the patient’s body, such as the buttocks or abdomen. 

According to the annual statistical reports published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), nearly 4.5 million breast enhancement surgeries were undertaken in the US between 1997 and 2012. Breast enhancement surgery is the second most-sought after cosmetic surgery procedure during that span, preceded only by liposuction. 

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast augmentation surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.

Choosing to Undergo Breast Enhancement

Breast enhancement, clinically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is commonly undertaken for aesthetic purposes, whether to add fullness to small breasts, restore balance to asymmetrical breasts, or simply create a more sensuous body shape. 

The risks associated with breast implants have been the focus of significant media attention. However, the satisfaction rate among patients who have had their breasts enlarged is among the highest in cosmetic medicine. 

The decision to undergo breast enhancement is a very personal one and should be made only after understanding all aspects of the procedure. Women considering breast enhancement will likely find the answers to all their questions during a detailed consultation with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. 

Breast Enhancement Outcomes

When seeking breast enhancement cosmetic surgery, it is vital for patients to seek improvements in their breast appearance rather than perfection. 

Breast enhancement has its benefits as well as limitations. The patient’s satisfaction with their breast enhancement outcomes will depend on their ability to understand the capabilities and limitations of this surgical procedure. 

Breast enhancement can increase breast size. It also offers correction of asymmetry to some level (but no pair of breasts are entirely symmetrical), and a restoration of volume and “perkiness” to breasts that may have lost their fullness due to aging or pregnancy. 

Women who choose to receive breast implants may look more appealing in certain clothing, and at times, experience an increase in their self-esteem and confidence. But breast implants should never be seen as a way to change a life, make more friends, and improve a career. This procedure only makes the breasts more voluptuous and larger. 

The most successful breast enhancement outcomes are the result of good communication. Patients should discuss their goals and expectations with a breast surgeon who they can trust and feel at ease with. 

The surgeon’s feedback can ensure that their expectations are reasonable, which will help them feel more satisfied with the outcomes. 

Benefits of Breast Enhancement

The most apparent benefit of breast enhancement is an appealing, and proportional figure. But the benefits of this procedure extend to various aspects of the patient’s well-being. 

A successful breast enhancement procedure can have a significant positive effect on the patient’s life offering them an enhanced body, new options in clothing, and more self-confidence. 

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast augmentation surgery.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Breast Reconstruction

Patients who have lost one or both breasts due to a mastectomy may consider a breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery procedure. 

At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will offer details on various aspects of this procedure, including the estimated costs. 

In many cases, the breast reconstruction costs are covered by the patient’s medical insurance plan. The patient should openly discuss the impending surgery beforehand with her insurance provider and get information from the surgeon about the costs and medical documentation necessary. 

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

Cost Factors

The costs involved in breast reconstruction surgery can differ between practices. It can also vary between patients even at the same practice. The following aspects may affect the cost of the breast reconstruction procedure:

Geographical Location of the Practice

The region where the practice is located can have an effect on the cost of the surgery. Practices located in busy urban centers and metropolitan cities will usually have higher real estate and overhead costs, which can slightly increase the cost of the surgery. 

Surgeon’s Fee

The surgeon’s fee will depend on their qualifications, experiences, skills, and recognition in the area of breast cosmetic surgery. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the main consideration in choosing a surgeon should be the patient’s personal goals and the surgeon’s qualifications. The fee and other such factors should be a secondary consideration when selecting a suitable surgeon.  

Surgical Facility Expenses and Anesthesia

The procedure may be undertaken at an accredited surgical center or a hospital. An anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist will administer the anesthesia. The costs can differ depending on the choice of surgical venue as well as the qualifications and experience of the anesthesia provider.

Type of Technique

In some cases, a breast reconstruction procedure will involve the placement of silicone or saline implants. Other patients may need the flap reconstructive technique. Sometimes, a combination of these methods is used to develop more comprehensive outcomes.

The procedure can be performed along with the mastectomy or at a later date. The manner in which the surgery is undertaken also affects the costs involved.

Insurance

In a majority of cases, the costs related to breast reconstruction surgery will be entirely or partially borne by the insurer. 

It is advisable to understand this facet in-depth with the insurance company well in advance of the procedure. In addition, the patient should acquire information on the documents necessary from the surgeon’s office to file the insurance claim. 

The insurance claim should ideally be placed before the procedure if the patient has sufficient time to plan for the mastectomy and reconstruction. Patients who cannot get insurance coverage may consider seeking funds from one of the various financing options available, such as loans by medical care finance companies. 

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction. 

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

In the event that a woman loses one or both breasts during a mastectomy, she can restore the appearance of her breast(s) with breast reconstruction plastic surgery. 

This cosmetic surgery procedure can improve the patient’s confidence, self-worth, and sense of femininity. But breast reconstruction is a major procedure which should be performed only by a qualified and highly trained surgeon. 

At the time of the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will determine the patient as a candidate for breast reconstruction and offer recommendations on the most appropriate breast reconstruction technique. In addition, they will address any questions or concerns that the patient may have to allow them to make a judicious choice.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities. 

Appropriate Candidates

Ideal candidates for a breast reconstruction procedure usually have the following qualities:

• Is interested in restoring the natural breast appearance after a mastectomy
• Is free of cancer
• Is willing to discontinue smoking for a specified period and follow the surgeon’s guidelines before and after the procedure
• Has coped well with the cancer treatment
• Is willing to devote the time necessary for various procedures
• Is positive with reasonable expectations from the procedure

The surgeon will explain the benefits and limitations of the breast reconstruction plastic surgery to the patient and offer details on the steps that are involved in the process to allow the patient to prepare properly for the surgery. 

Surgical Procedure

A patient can decide to undergo breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery simultaneously with the mastectomy or wait until the mastectomy has been done and the healing is complete. 

The flap reconstruction and implant technique are the two main methods of breast reconstruction. In the flap method of reconstruction, the surgeon uses excess fat, tissue, and skin from other areas on the patient’s body to recreate the breasts. 

The implant procedure involves the surgical placement of silicone or saline implants beneath the chest muscle. The surgeon will assist the patient in determining the correct method based on their unique needs. 

Implant Breast Reconstruction

The implant method of reconstruction is undertaken in various phases. Initially, the surgeon will expand the chest skin and muscle by placing a balloon expander in this region. It can take up to a few months for this area to extend sufficiently to create space for a breast implant. Afterwards, the surgeon will place an implant of the appropriate size and shape. 

Flap Breast Reconstruction

This process starts with the elimination of excess tissue from donor areas such as buttocks, back, or abdomen. This tissue then undergoes purification prior to being grafted in the chest region. This new tissue helps develop the chest mound. In some cases, the surgeon may insert an implant at this time.

The flap technique may need more incisions, which creates slightly more scarring and necessitates an extended recovery period. However, the results of the flap technique can be more natural in appearance and longer-lasting in comparison to the implant method. 

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction. 

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

More than 300,000 women undergo breast augmentation cosmetic surgery annually in the US alone. It is an effective procedure for the right candidate, and many women only regret that they did not undergo this procedure sooner.

Most patients who receive this procedure are younger women prior to having children. Therefore, breastfeeding is a concern for a vast segment of women considering breast augmentation with implants.

A Basic Fact

Breast augmentation can be undertaken through various incisional options such as breast crease, areolar, belly button, and armpit. Many surgeons use only the areolar incision (around the pigmented portion of the nipple) or breast crease incision.

The results have been shown to be more effective with these approaches in comparison to other options. While there is no wrong choice for incision placement, some incisions allow for better control and excellent outcomes with certain surgeons.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast augmentation surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

Conditions that Impede Breastfeeding Ability

In general, it is vital to remember that not all women can breastfeed their babies. This can occur due to various reasons, and often the specifics are unknown and unidentified until the patient attempts to feed her child. This is called “low milk supply” and may be a consequence of several underlying causes, such as:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Inadequate glandular breast tissue
• Previous breast radiation
• Hypothyroidism
• Scar contracture

The good news is that this occurs only in a small percentage of new mothers. Specific drugs can cause low milk supply. In rare cases, the baby may have a functional or metabolic condition that affects their ability to breastfeed.

Does periareolar breast augmentation impact breastfeeding?

The periareolar incision is placed in close proximity of the aerola and nipple, yet this incision type does not increase the risk of sensation loss in the nipple or the risk of breastfeeding after the procedure.

The reason for this is that the breast ducts and nerves enter the nipple from below, similar to the roots of a tree. Therefore, an experienced surgeon can avoid crucial structures located right underneath the nipple by remaining on the periphery of the areola.

Any breast-related surgery carries a risk to the underlying structure of the milk-producing system due to injury or uncontrolled scar contracture that may change the shape of the breast ducts or tubules where the milk is generated.

In general, the surgeon will take care to make sure that the procedure is undertaken in a manner such that it does not affect the ability of the patient to breastfeed.

However, scar formation is a process that occurs slowly throughout the weeks to months following the surgery. There is a small possibility that the scar will kink the ducts, which will block the milk from reaching the nipple. This occurs rarely and is not a concern for many women.

Something in Common

If the patient undergoes a breast lift cosmetic surgery along with the augmentation, there could be a small increase in the risk of developing breastfeeding issues due to the elimination of tissue to reshape the breasts. Fortunately, a majority of women who undergo a lift are not considering becoming pregnant in the future.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast augmentation surgery.Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.