What Is the Difference between Breast Explant and Breast Revision?
Recently, Dr. David Rankin was featured on the daytime show "The Doctors" to discuss a breast explant procedure he performed on former Playboy playmate Karen McDougal. Since then, Aqua Plastic Surgery has received numerous inquiries from women wanting to know more about explant surgery, including how the procedure differs from breast revision surgery. Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel have years of experience treating women in need of explant and revision surgeries. In this blog post, they outline the differences between the two procedures.
Understanding Breast Implant Illness and Explant Surgery
In recent years, some women, like McDougal, have reported experiencing symptoms that some believe to be connected to “breast implant illness.” Common symptoms believed to be related to breast implant illness include fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, muscle pain and weakness.
Breast explant surgery is performed on women who wish to remove their breast implants, some of whom report having symptoms of breast implant illness. In any case, our doctors will design a treatment plan that will yield the most successful results. The doctors meet with each patient to discuss her implant concerns and evaluate her symptoms. Aqua Plastic Surgery Explant Concierge Dee Hicks has worked with hundreds of women reporting symptoms of breast implant illness and offers expert advice on breast implant illness and explant healing.
When Is Breast Revision Surgery Appropriate?
Breast revision surgery is appropriate when a woman is unhappy with the results of her previous augmentation procedure and wants to replace her implants. Breast revision may be performed to replace implants that have deflated, leaked or rippled. Or, it may be performed simply because the patient is unhappy with their current implant size. Breast revision surgery can also address capsular contracture, a complication that develops when scar tissue forms and hardens around the implant and constricts it. Breast revision surgery is performed to replace breast implants, while breast explant is performed to remove implants and almost always without replacing them.
If you wish to remove or replace your breast implants for either cosmetic or medical reasons, Aqua Plastic Surgery can help. Dr. Rankin or Dr. Deziel can personally meet with you to discuss your concerns and your treatment options. Please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Pre- & Post-Op Breast Augmentation Checklist
At Aqua Plastic Surgery, our South Florida plastic surgeons are committed to educating their patients thoroughly to help ensure successful plastic surgery results. The trusted doctors get many inquiries regarding how to prepare for breast augmentation. In this post, the doctors provide a general pre- and post-op checklist for the day of breast augmentation surgery.
Before Surgery
- Quit smoking at least four weeks ahead of surgery.
- Request at least one week off work for your procedure.
- Fill your prescriptions to have your medications ready to take after surgery.
- Stock up on post-op essential items such as water and easy-to-make foods like soups.
- Do not eat anything the morning of surgery.
- Do not take medications or vitamins the day of surgery, unless cleared by your doctor.
- Do not wear any lotions, creams, hairspray or perfume the day of surgery.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing, including tops that zip or button in the front.
After Surgery
- Have a loved one drive you home so you can rest for the remainder of the day.
- Elevate your head and neck using firm, comfortable pillows.
- Rest in a comfortable position on your bed or couch.
- Avoid bending, lifting and any vigorous movement for the remainder of the day. Do not resume these activities until cleared by your doctor.
- Drink at least eight ounces of water every two hours.
- Take pain medication as prescribed.
- Eat a light meal, such as soup or Jell-O.
- Wear your compression garments as instructed.
- Have ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables on hand to help with swelling and bruising.
- Keep your doctor’s contact information near you at all times in case you have questions or experience complications.
Keep in mind that this is a general list of guidelines. Your plastic surgeon will tailor your list to your personal needs and goals.
To learn more about breast augmentation, including whether you are a suitable candidate, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Allyson Deziel. The trusted plastic surgeons from Aqua Plastic Surgery can meet with you to discuss your specific concerns and goals for breast enhancement. To schedule your appointment, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction
Considered to be the gold standard in fat removal, liposuction has long been the preferred choice for patients seeking a slimmer and sexier physique. CoolSculpting is a relatively new treatment and alternative to liposuction that removes fat without surgery. In this blog post, Aqua Plastic Surgery surgeons offer more information on each procedure to help patients decide which fat removal procedure is right for them.
Treatment Areas
Both liposuction and CoolSculpting are FDA-approved to treat excess fat on the abdomen, flanks and thighs. Liposuction is able to treat more body areas including the buttocks, lower legs, back, upper arms, chin and neck.
Procedure Details
Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Prior to surgery, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation will be administered. There are several types of liposuction, tumescent being the most common. In tumescent liposuction, a solution is injected into the treatment area that causes the fat to firm and blood vessels to swell. A hollow tube is then used to break up fat and remove it from the body. Several incisions may be needed to adequately remove all the targeted fat. Liposuction can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete.
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that does not require incisions, anesthesia, injections or incisions. During the procedure, a handheld device is placed over the treatment area. The device draws up the fat between two cooling panels and the fat cells crystallize. The frozen fat cells are then naturally eliminated from the body over the next few weeks.
Recovery Details
The initial recovery period for liposuction can take anywhere between a week and two weeks. During this time, patients will need to take time off from their normal routine, including work and exercise. Rest is essential to allow the body to heal. Swelling, bruising and soreness are temporary side effects with liposuction.
CoolSculpting does not require any downtime. Patients are free to resume their regular routine almost immediately following treatment. Temporary post-op side effects include redness, bruising and numbness.
Find Out Which Procedure Is Best for You
The only way to find out which treatment is best for you is to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel. The trusted plastic surgeons from Aqua Plastic Surgery can meet with you to discuss your specific concerns and goals to determine which treatment is appropriate. To schedule your appointment, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Dr. Rankin on 'The Doctors' For Breast Explant on Playmate
Last year, Playboy playmate Crystal Hefner made headlines for removing her breast implants after she said they made her sick. Now, Karen McDougal, another former Playboy playmate, is coming forward to share her story. McDougal says she began to constantly feel sick and experience severe allergies and thyroid problems seven years after she underwent breast augmentation surgery.
“I would get sick every couple of months and be sick for six to eight weeks at a time,” McDougal tells People. “It just never went away.”
McDougal and Hefner are not the only women to report experiencing symptoms of a condition some refer to as breast implant illness (BII). Symptoms include fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, muscle pain and weakness. A number of plastic surgeons, including Dr. David Rankin of Aqua Plastic Surgery, believe these symptoms may be a result of an inflammatory reaction triggered by a foreign body, which in this case would be the breast implants.
Dr. Rankin removed McDougal’s breast implants in a procedure called a breast explant. The renowned surgeon recently made an appearance on the daytime show “The Doctors” to discuss breast implant illness and the explant procedure he performed on McDougal.
“I had them removed six weeks ago,” McDougal said on “The Doctors.” “Honestly, the day after surgery my blurry vision went away, my heart palpitations went away, and my hearing sensitivity went away.” Although the Playboy playmate says that the majority of her symptoms have subsided, she did acknowledge that she had a long road to recovery. Nevertheless, McDougal was grateful she had the procedure done.
“Do I regret removing [my breast implants]? No.” McDougal tells People. “Do I miss having larger breasts? Yes, of course I do. But my health is so much more important than breasts.”
About Breast Explant
If you choose to have your implants removed, whether it’s for cosmetic or medical reasons, there are options available. The goal of breast explant is to remove the breast implant and capsule while preserving a natural-looking breast appearance. Many women who report symptoms of breast implant illness choose to remove their implants without replacing them. Others choose to undergo a breast lift to remove excess skin and achieve perkier breasts.
Dr. Rankin has performed hundreds of breast explant procedures. The surgeon works closely with Aqua Plastic Surgery’s explant patient liaison Dee Hicks to ensure patients with breast implant illness have a successful procedure and recovery.
If you would like to learn more about breast explant, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Non-Surgical Options for Brighter-Looking Eyes
At Aqua Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel offer a wide selection of cosmetic options to enhance the beauty of the eyes. While surgical procedures like eyelid surgery and brow lift certainly produce great results, many patients are not ready to go under the knife in order to rejuvenate their look. For this reason, Aqua Plastic Surgery is pleased to provide several minimally invasive treatments that can restore a rested and attractive appearance to the eyes. Here, our doctors share their recommendations on the best non-invasive procedures for the eyes.
Botox
Botox continues to be the most popular of all non-surgical procedures, and for good reason. The injectable treatment temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles in order to smooth out creases, wrinkles and fine lines on the overlying skin. Botox is a great option for the branching wrinkles that form around the outer corners of the eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are another temporary solution for wrinkles and lines, including those around the eyes. These injectable fillers have an additional benefit in that they restore volume to facial areas that have become sunken or hollow over time, including the under-eye area. With a dermal filler treatment, you can expect a fuller and more youthful-looking appearance. Aqua Plastic Surgery offers several dermal filler treatments and our team can advise you on which one is best for you during your initial consultation.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a revolutionary treatment that works from the inside out to produce healthier, younger-looking skin. The treatment uses laser energy to eliminate dull, dead skin layers, in turn stimulating the body’s production of collagen. This creates a new layer of fresh, radiant skin. Laser skin resurfacing addresses a multitude of skin concerns including fine lines, wrinkles and acne. It can also treat dark spots and uneven skin tone and texture around the eyes.
Tips for Your Everyday Beauty Routine
The right beauty regimen and habits can do wonders to your appearance. Dr. Rankin recommends these easy tips to preserve the youth of your eyes:
- Sleep for seven to eight hours a night
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your facial skin, including around your eyes
- Avoid rubbing your eyes and tugging the skin around your eyes
- Don’t smoke
- Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection (wraparound style is best)
- Gently wash your makeup off before going to bed
- Only use medical-grade skincare products to moisturize your skin. We can advise you on which is best for your skin type.
To learn more about the non-surgical treatments we offer, please schedule a personal consultation by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Can Liposuction Get Rid of Cellulite?
Well over 90 percent of all women have cellulite, the dimpled appearance on the skin that resembles cottage cheese or an orange peel. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Rankin meets with countless patients, many who struggle with cellulite. A common question the expert plastic surgeon fields from his patients is, “Can liposuction treat cellulite?” Here, we discuss the answer in detail.
Liposuction Is Not an Appropriate Solution for Cellulite
Liposuction is a surgical fat removal procedure designed to treat small pockets of fat that are resistant to exercise and diet. It can be used on various body areas including the abdomen, buttocks, hips, flanks, arms and thighs.
Cellulite occurs when bands of fibrous tissue found between the muscles and skin push pockets of fat into lumps, causing the overlying skin to appear dimpled and uneven. An effective treatment for cellulite treats the fibrous tissue that causes pockets of fat to move upward against the skin. Because liposuction only treats fat, it is not an effective solution for cellulite. In fact, it may worsen the appearance of cellulite. Some patients choose to combine liposuction with a lift procedure (e.g., body lift), which removes loose skin and tightens the remaining skin for a smoother appearance. A combination procedure may improve the appearance of cellulite, but only slightly.
A Better Solution for Cellulite
If you are embarrassed by the appearance of cellulite, Aqua Plastic Surgery offers an innovative fat removal solution that treats cellulite at the same time. The TruSculpt system is a revolutionary treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to remove pockets of fat and temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite. The treatment can be used to sculpt multiple areas of the body including the abdomen, flanks, thighs and buttocks. Most patients need one to two treatment sessions to achieve their desired results. Because TruSculpt is minimally invasive, you can achieve a smooth and slimmer appearance without incisions, injections or downtime!
The best way to find out if TruSculpt (or liposuction) is right for you is by scheduling a personal consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. Following an evaluation, the surgeons will make their recommendations on which treatment plan can help you achieve your desired look. To schedule your appointment, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Get Your Summer Body Now
If you want to be bikini-ready by summer time, you’re not alone. Every year, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel of Aqua Plastic Surgery meet with countless patients seeking help to enhance their appearance in time for summer. In this blog post, we discuss the surgical and non-surgical treatment options Aqua Plastic Surgery offers for a beach-ready body.
Surgical Options
Liposuction. Considered to be the gold standard in fat removal, liposuction can be used to treat various body areas including the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, upper arms and face. The procedure can also be combined with other body contouring procedures for a more toned and slim look.
Breast Augmentation. If you’re having trouble filling in your bikini top, breast augmentation can help. Our surgeons can use autologous fat from another body area, or implants, to produce a fuller, more voluptuous chest.
Tummy Tuck. Get rid of a “muffin top” or “love handles” with tummy tuck surgery, which removes loose, flabby skin and fat for a flatter abdomen. The procedure can also repair weakened or damaged abdominal muscles following pregnancy.
Brazilian Butt Lift. This popular procedure uses unwanted fat from one body area (e.g., abdomen or back) to plump up the buttocks for a fuller, sexier look. Brazilian butt lift is great for men and women who have a saggy, flattened or naturally small behind.
Vaginal Rejuvenation. If you’re embarrassed to wear a bikini bottom due to an elongated or unusually shaped labia, a vaginal rejuvenation or labiaplasty procedure may help. By reshaping and resizing the labia, vaginal rejuvenation can restore a normal appearance to your bikini area and boost your self-confidence when wearing form-fitting clothing.
Male Breast Reduction. Gynecomastia (commonly referred to as “man boobs”) is a medical condition that results in enlarged breast tissue in men. The only way to effectively treat the condition is through male breast reduction, which excises loose skin and removes unwanted fat from the chest area. The result is a flatter, more masculine-looking chest.
Non-Surgical Options
Laser Hair Removal. Are you tired of shaving or waxing every few weeks? Laser hair removal can help you get smooth, hairless skin just in time for summer. The procedure targets the hair follicles to discourage further hair growth. Several sessions are needed to get the best results, so book your appointment now!
CoolSculpting. This innovative procedure uses freezing technology to painlessly and safely eliminate unwanted fat cells. The body naturally eliminates the fat cells during subsequent weeks, resulting in a slimmer figure. Thanks to targeted cooling, CoolSculpting is virtually painless.
TruSculpt. TruSculpt is another minimally invasive fat removal procedure but with an added benefit. Using radiofrequency technology, TruSculpt can also temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, for a slimmer and smoother look. TruSculpt can be used to treat the abdomen, flanks, thighs, buttocks and other areas.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
To discuss your beach body concerns with an experienced plastic surgeon, please schedule an appointment with Aqua Plastic Surgery. Call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Surgery Day Do's and Don'ts
The day of your plastic surgery procedure can conjure up a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. If you are feeling nervous in regards to your big day, preparing well ahead of time can help soothe many of the concerns you may be feeling. In this blog post, plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin of Aqua Plastic Surgery shares his recommendations of do’s and don’ts for your surgery day.
Before Your Procedure
- Do make any last-minute preparations to your recovery station (e.g., place soft pillows, blankets on your bed, buy water, have clean clothing ready to wear).
- Do shower using antibacterial soap.
- Do wear comfortable clothing, preferably loose tops that zip or button in the front.
- Do wear flat shoes.
- Do bring your ID and medical insurance with you to the surgery center.
- Do bring your prescription medication with you. Our team will go over instructions on how to take your medication before your surgery.
- Do have someone drive you to and from the surgery center.
- Do arrive to the surgery center early.
- Do not wear lotions, creams, hairspray or perfumes.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- Do not take any medication without consulting Dr. Rankin first.
- Do not wear jewelry, nail polish, makeup, contact lenses or body piercings.
After Your Procedure
- Do drink at least eight ounces of water every two hours.
- Do have your bed or couch ready for you to rest on.
- Do rest in a comfortable position with your head and neck elevated.
- Do eat a light meal (e.g., soup).
- Do have a cold compress or bag of frozen vegetables ready to help control swelling and discomfort.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
- Do not bend or lift anything heavy, including children and pets.
- Do not remove your compression garment or surgical dressings.
- Do not shower until Dr. Rankin recommends you do so.
- Do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions or concerns.
For more plastic surgery tips, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel. Please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
How Soon Is Too Soon for a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a great way to get your pre-pregnancy body back. When working with Aqua Plastic Surgery, you can be assured our skilled plastic surgeons will customize your treatment plan to address your unique aesthetic needs and goals. Before recommending mommy makeover, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel will also discuss the timing of your treatment. Having surgery too soon could compromise your results. In this blog post, Dr. Rankin discusses when could be too soon for mommy makeover.
The Timing of Your Mommy Makeover
Dr. Rankin recommends undergoing mommy makeover only after you are done having biological children. Future weight gain via pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch out abdominal skin previously tightened by tummy tuck and can cause loose skin or fat to reappear on breasts that were treated by breast augmentation or breast lift.
Additionally, you should be fully recovered from childbirth before undergoing mommy makeover. Six months post-pregnancy is the standard timeline for most patients, but yours will depend on your own healing progress. If you are breastfeeding, you will also need to wait until you are done weaning your baby. Prior to undergoing mommy makeover, your weight should be stabilized and you must be in good physical health.
Keep in mind that a mommy makeover requires several weeks to recover from. During your recovery, your energy and mobility will be limited. Household chores like cooking, doing laundry and washing dishes will be off-limits. Simple tasks such as bending or lifting objects and children will also need to be avoided. For these reasons, you should schedule mommy makeover when a loved one is available to look after your children or help with errands and chores. Doing so can help ensure you recover safely and quickly.
What Can Mommy Makeover Accomplish?
As mentioned before, mommy makeover will be customized to fit your specific concerns and desired outcome. Your mommy makeover can include the following:
- Tummy tuck to remove and tighten excess, loose skin and repair damaged or weakened abdominal muscles
- Liposuction to eliminate stubborn fat deposits on the abdomen, back, flanks, breasts, buttocks, thighs and arms
- Breast lift to reshape and raise sagging breasts
- Breast augmentation or breast reduction to restore a proportionate and attractive appearance to deflated or shapeless breasts
To discuss your mommy makeover needs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Deziel or call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Common Myths about Breast Sag
As a highly sought after breast surgeon, Dr. David Rankin of Aqua Plastic Surgery knows there are many misconceptions regarding breasts, including what causes and cures breast sag. In this blog post, he shares the truth about common myths about breast sag and discusses a proven solution for saggy breasts.
Myth #1: Only large breasts are prone to sagging.
Breasts of all shapes and sizes are subject to gravity and breast sag. All breasts lose their firm, elastic quality (some faster than others) and begin to wrinkle and droop over time. Additionally, factors such as genetics and smoking can lead to breast sag, regardless of breast size.
Myth #2: Breastfeeding causes breast sag.
A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal debunks this myth. The study concluded that there is no evidence that breastfeeding causes breasts to sag. Instead, weight fluctuations during and after pregnancy can cause ligaments to stretch and breast tissue to loosen, leading to breast sag.
Myth #3: Topical creams and pills can help improve breast sag.
There are plenty of creams and pills in the marketplace that promise perkier, beautiful breasts, but there is little to no proof of results. In fact, many of these supplements can interact with your prescription drugs negatively and have dangerous side effects.
Myth #4: There is no way I can improve breast sag.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, many women believe breast sag is a part of the aging process and nothing can be done to prevent it. In reality, you can do many things to help preserve the perkiness of your breasts. Protecting your breast skin from the sun, eating healthy and not smoking will all help.
But the only proven way to turn drooping breasts into perky, youthful-looking ones is through breast lift surgery. Breast lift is a popular breast enhancement procedure that reshapes and repositions the breasts for a youthful, more attractive appearance. The procedure removes excess, loose skin, reshapes tissue and lifts the breasts to a higher, more youthful position on the chest wall. The procedure can also be combined with breast augmentation for fuller, perkier breasts.
To find out if you are a suitable candidate for breast lift or breast augmentation, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel. You can also call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 to talk to a member of our team.