To My Patients and Prospective Patients:
From Alisa G. Rekow, M.D.
Dr. Rekow has extensive experience in cosmetic breast enhancement surgery and while she makes every attempt to make this procedure as safe as possible and provide you with the outcome you desire
you should also know that she has extensive experience in treating complications associated with breast implants.
Dr. Rekow encourages all women who have had a complication,
“undesireable outcome”, or problem with their implants to attempt to resolve the “problem” with their initial / primary surgeon.
However when this is not possible Dr. Rekow is available to assist in treating these problems.
Capsular Contracture:
Following breast implant surgery all implants are in a “pocket” (a space) which is lined by a tissue layer which the body creates to isolate the implant from “you” (your tissues).
This layer which is termed a capsule is desirable and a healthy, supple and pliable capsule is the outcome we all strive for and which is generally attained.
When the capsule / scar tissue which forms around the implant becomes excessively tight it may elevate the breast, distort the shape of the breast and even become painful.
This phenomenon may occur at any time following breast implant surgery.
The degree to which the scar tissue becomes tight is variable.
It may affect one or both breasts.
A trial of antibiotic therapy may be instituted.
A discussion relating to surgical options may also be undertaken.
Removal or all or part of the capsule (capsulectomy), a release of the capsule (capsulotomy) and the use of a different type of implant (e.g. a textured surface implant) as well as implant removal will likely also be discussed.
Treatment timing and election to undergo secondary operation for breast implant capsular contracture are highly individual decisions – there is no one uniformly correct answer.
If operation is decided upon it can be performed through the inframammary crease incision utilized by Dr. Rekow to perform the augmentation procedure.
Post operatively there is another six week period of restricted activity and attire – following which a full and unrestricted return to normal activity and attire is anticipated.
Once again long term follow-up with Dr. Rekow is recommended.
Bottoming Out:
Following breast implant surgery all implants are in a “pocket” (a space) which is lined by a tissue layer which the body creates to isolate the implant from “you” (your tissues).
This layer which is termed a capsule is desirable and a healthy, supple and pliable capsule is the outcome we all strive for and which is generally attained.
When the capsule / scar tissue which forms around the implant is not sufficiently strong or well developed the implant may begin to drift downward.
(The soft tissues supporting the implant are not adequate to maintain it in the desired position.)
This may occur in one or both breasts following implant surgery.
Mild degrees of this are generally well tolerated as the appearance of the breast is good (it may even be preferred by some women) and the the breast and implant are soft.
When it becomes significant the nipple may appear to be on the top side of the breast or a significant portion of the breast volume may be below the level of the nipple.
A procedure known as a capsulopexy (internal suturing of the scar tissue higher up to replace the implant into its desired position) can be performed.
Generally at the same time a discussion will be undertaken regarding the consideration of a smaller (less weight and volume) implant and the possibility of implant removal.
As with all secondary implant surgery the election to undergo a secondary procedure and the timing of that intervention are highly individual – there is no uniformly correct answer.
Treatment of Complications:
Other complications including implant deflation (saline implants), loss of implant shell integrity (cohesive silicone gel implant),
rupture of older non-cohesive silicone gel implants, implant / peri implant infection, malpositioned implants, ptosis (drooping of the breast), or
“change of heart” regarding size or presence of implants are all problems which Dr. Rekow can assist you in dealing with.
Dr. Rekow again reiterates that if your relationship with your primary / initial surgeon remains good it is strongly to be recommended that you return to them to deal with any of these problems.
Consultation is required to ascertain how best to address any of these situations and treatment is for obvious reasons individualized to best accommodate your needs and preferences.
If you are seeking a cosmetic surgeon in the Seattle area for breast augmentation Seattle, breast lift Seattle, breast reduction Seattle,
or other cosmetic procedure such as “tummy tuck Seattle” (abdominoplasty Seattle), facelift Seattle, browlift Seattle, eyelid surgery Seattle, labiaplasty Seattle or liposuction Seattle we would be delighted to see you in consultation.
Alisa Rekow, MD - 1221 Madison St., Suite 1102 - Seattle, Washington 98104 - 206.682.2200
Cosmetic Surgery
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