Treating Your Unique Concerns
As one of the leading breast plastic surgeons worldwide, Dr. Teitelbaum treats a wide range of breast implant-related concerns at his private practice.
ALCL
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or ALCL, is a rare type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants. It is not a cancer of the breast tissue. ALCL begins as a collection of fluid around the implant containing abnormal white blood cells, and results in breast enlargement. If caught early, Dr. Teitelbaum can treat ALCL by fully removing the implant and the surrounding capsule.
Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant illness refers to a wide range of symptoms that can be attributed to a patient’s implants. While research into implant illness is ongoing, many patients report a significant improvement in their symptoms after undergoing implant removal surgery. Dr. Teitelbaum takes an individualized approach when he suspects breast implant illness, ensuring your breast revision surgery in Los Angeles is tailored to your body and you get the medical attention you need.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue around the implant tightens abnormally, resulting in unnatural firmness, discomfort, and a distorted appearance of the breasts. Because each patient’s experience is different, treatment may include a capsulectomy to remove the tight scar tissue, or an implant replacement or reposition to adjust the internal structure of the breast.
Deflation Rupture
In a deflation rupture, an implant develops a small leak, leading to the breasts appearing deflated or flatter over time. Saline implant deflation is often immediately noticeable, while silicone implant ruptures are more subtle. Implant removal is required after a deflation rupture, and many patients opt for an implant replacement in the same procedure to maintain their breast shape.
Drooping
While breast augmentations, lifts, and reductions are long-lasting, natural aging will occur. Some patients notice slight drooping after 10 or more years with their implants, though drooping can also occur due to weight fluctuations or a post-op pregnancy. Most patients address drooping through a breast lift, while some undergo an implant replacement to extend the longevity of their results.
Malposition
Malposition occurs when an implant shifts from its intended position, whether due to poor placement or improper healing of the surrounding tissue. Many patients with malposition notice asymmetry or distortion of the breasts. Your revision surgery will be tailored to your unique needs, and may include any of the following options:
- Implant pocket adjustment
- Implant repositioning or replacement
- Structural reinforcement within the breast
Replacement After Removal
Some patients who remove their breast implants later decide to undergo another augmentation, often after significant weight loss or when their aesthetic desires have changed. During your implant replacement procedure, Dr. Teitelbaum will work closely with you to choose your ideal implant, walking you through the different types, sizes, and shapes available at his Los Angeles clinic.
Rippling
Patients with thinner breast tissue may notice visible or palpable folds in their implants over time, creating a rippling effect on the skin. Most patients choose to treat this condition by replacing their implant with a new type or shape. If you’d like to keep your existing implant, treatment involves the following:
- Adjusting implant placement in the breast
- Adding tissue coverage around the implant
Saline to Silicone
Some patients with saline implants choose to switch to silicone implants for a softer, more natural feel beneath the skin. Beyond simply replacing your saline implants with silicone ones, Dr. Teitelbaum uses this procedure to adjust the implant pocket, if needed, and to monitor the health of your surrounding breast tissue.
Size Change
Aesthetic desires change over time, and some patients wish to increase or decrease the size of their implants as they age. Dr. Teitelbaum will work with you to choose your optimal implant, taking into account your aesthetic preferences, body proportions, and medical needs. This procedure may involve a careful adjustment of the implant pocket and surrounding tissue to properly accommodate the new implant.
Strattice and AlloDerm
AlloDerm® and Strattice™ are biologic matrices, meaning they are derived from natural sources, used to support implants in the breasts. Some patients receive this support during their original procedure, but many require it post-op to address aesthetic or medical concerns. AlloDerm® and Strattice™ can be used to achieve the following:
- Reinforce weak or thin breast tissue
- Improve implant positioning
- Reduce recurrence of certain complications, like dropping or malposition
Symmastia
Symmastia occurs when implants shift toward the center of the chest, creating a loss of natural separation and a “uniboob” effect. Correction typically involves a restructuring of the implant pocket to restore proper positioning, and reinforcements may be needed to support the implant and the surrounding breast tissue.
