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(when done together) Offer expires December 31, 2012.

As a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Beverly Hills with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Corbin has helped many women restore their bodies after childbirth.

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“A Big Shout out & Aloha Dr. Corbin. You have changed my life forever. With over 20 of years modeling, a kid, being a stunt women, and my breasts are still perky & beautiful. ~ THANK YOU ALWAYS!” - Kara" Click here to read about more mommy makeovers...

Weight Loss Surgery Question

Question: My mom is a bigger lady and one of your clients had The LAP-BAND surgery and I was surpised by her results. Is there anyway that she could come see you for a consultation about this surgery. I told her about your client and the results and she is very interested to talk with you.

Answer: Call the office at (714) 671-3033 for an appointment.
Dr. Corbin

Plastic Surgery Q and A - What's the Best Anesthesia for Breast Augmentation?

Question: I want breast implants, but I am scared of being put to sleep. I have never had any type of surgery in the past. What type of anesthesia is there and which one is the best for a breast aug?

Answer: There are basically three types of anesthesia available: 1) Straight local. The doctor injects medication into the area that he plans to operate on and this medication contains something in it to both numb the area and to shrink the blood vessels. 2) Local with sedation. An IV sedation is started prior to surgery and through that IV sedation, medication is given prior to injecting the local. This helps decrease any pain associated with local sedation. 3) General anesthesia. The patient is brought to the operating room and an IV is started and the patient goes to sleep. While asleep a local anesthesia may or may not be used. This last technique with general anesthesia is the most popular because the patient is totally unaware of what is going on and feels absolutely no pain during the procedure. Generally for the comfort of my breast augmentation patients my anesthesiologist uses general anesthia or a combination of local and general.

Plastic Surgery Q and A - How long before I can mess around after Breast Augmentation?

Question: Hi Dr.C this is Tracy. You just did a breast augmentation on me last week. When I came in to see you for my post op appointment I was so excited I forgot to ask you a personal question. This is kind of embarrassing, but here goes. I am wondering when I can start having sex. I feel great, but I don't want to mess anything up.

Answer: There really is no definite answer to this question. It can vary from patient to patient. Generally, you should wait 2 to 3 weeks before having sex. Even at this time you should be careful not to put pressure on the breast implants and surgical sites and not to play too rough. I just had a patient who came in 2 weeks following her breast augmentation because her husband grabbed her breast too firmly. Afterwards it swelled and she felt uncomfortable. Luckily there was no damage done and really nothing to be overly concerned about. Even though you feel great the healing process takes some time. As long as you and your partner are respectful and aware of this process you should be fine having sex after breast surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A - Breast Augmentation Recovery Time

Question: Dr. Corbin, I am thinking about getting a breast augmentation. I work full time, but I have 2 weeks vacation. How will I feel after surgery? How many days off work will I need to recover? Should I take the entire 2 weeks off work to recover? And when can I start exercising? Thanks for your help. 
Answer: Each patient heals differently: however, most patients say the first day after surgery is the most uncomfortable. Following breast augmentation surgery, some patients may experience temporary swelling, soreness, change in nipple sensation and possible bruising. In terms of how many days you will need to recover this too varies. Generally speaking most breast aug patients take 5 to 7 days off of work. If you have a physically demanding job than more time would be recommended and maybe 2 week recovery period would be advisable. For the average patient, exercise and strenuous activity may be done at 3 to 4 weeks after the operation. Activity is discussed individually with each patient as it depends on the type of exercise, the length of the exercising program and how well the patient is healing. Thanks for your questions.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am booked to have a breast reduction. I am going from a DD to around a C cup. I am in good health and not a smoker. I try to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. I have to get rid of these huge breasts! My back and shoulders are aching. I have never had any surgery before and I am so nervous about what to expect afterwards.
Answer: Post operative discomfort is common, but subsides over time. Each patient heals differently; however, following breast reduction surgery some patients may experience fatigue, temporary pain, swelling, soreness loss of sensation in the nipples, throbbing, tingling, dry skin and possible bruising. The incisions will flatten and fade in time depending on the individual. It has been our experience that patients are very happy with their post op results and their new look.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I love your work!! The only problem is that I am in St. Louis MO and I can't afford to fly to LA to have surgery. Is there anyone really good who you would recommend I have my surgery with? Thanks for your help.
Answer: Thank you for contacting my office. I would be happy to recommend another surgeon to you, but I don't know anyone in your area. What I can suggest is contacting ASPS Plastic Surgeon Referral Service 1-888-4-PLASTIC (1-888-475-2784). Book consultations with 2 or 3 Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. Interview the surgeons to see who the best is for you. Ask questions about the risks and benefits of breast surgery make sure you see many photos of the operation you are seeking. And ask to speak with a couple of his or her patients. Ask if the surgeon has hospital privileges to perform breast surgery. Try and find a plastic surgeon who does all 4 approaches to breast surgery. If he or she can successfully put implants in through the Axilla, Nipple, bellybutton or breast crease he may be able to get a better surgical result than someone who uses the same approach on all his or her patients. There is not one approach that is best for everyone. Breast surgery if done well ca
n be a very rewarding surgery. All the best to you.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: This might seem like a stupid question, but can men grow breasts? My boyfriend looks good in clothes, but when he takes off his shirt he looks like he has breasts. He is very self conscious about this and I am wondering if Dr. Corbin can help him?
Answer: Male breasts is a medical condition referred to as Gynecomastia. Gyno as some people call it can be due to actual breast tissue or fat. The cause of gynecomastia can be developmental, a side affects of medications, a side affect of anabolic steroids, smoking marijuana or weight gain. Whatever the cause this appearance of breasts on a man's body can be a source of embarrassment and or physical pain. The male breast tissue or extra fat can be removed via liposuction, excision or in combination. Small incisions are inconspicuously placed along the border of the nipple areolar.The average length of gynecomastia surgery is between 1 to 3 hours. Following a successful surgery most patients return to work in 5 to 7 days. For photos of other men I have helped with Gyno go to www.GynecomastiaExpert.com. On this site you and your boyfriend can see a television clip of a gynecomastia surgery I performed, as well as before and after photos. When he is comfortable have him call
my office to book a personal consultation to be evaluated. I look forward to hearing from you and helping him achieve a body image he is proud of. Thank you for contacting my office.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I've seen on line a plastic surgeon who does navel incisions is that worth it. Do you do put implants in this way? Whats the advantage and disadvantage??
Answer: I do perform the TUBA (Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation) and I have patients who are very happy with this approach. The advantage of a TUBA is that patients who are candidates for this approach will have no scars on their breasts. A minor disadvantage of having breast implants placed in through the belly button is that patients will have a scar around the belly button. Another potential disadvantage of the TUBA is incorrect implant placement. I have corrected patients done else where who have had problems with implant placement. One implant was submuscular and the other was in front of the muscle leaving the breasts looking different. Or one breast implant is higher than the other. Another disadvantage of the TUBA is that not everyone is a candidate. Only patients with excellent measurements, symmetrical breasts, nipples that are at the same heights and no drooping or sagging are candidates for this procedure. The surgeon's evaluation of his patient's anatomy is k
ey to getting the best surgical outcome and some may do a TUBA on a patient who would get a better result with another approach. Further disadvantages of the TUBA are that the belly button is a long way from the breasts and the long tunnel created to put the breast implants in through creates a track leading from the belly button to the breasts that in some patients may leave irregularities. If patients wish to have the more natural feeling silicone breast implants they can not be put in using a trans umbilical approach and the breast implant manufactures recommend using saline breast implants only for the TUBA approach. The final disadvantage of a TUBA is if the patient is unhappy with the final outcome or needs a breast revision rarely can the correction be done using the same belly button scar and new scars may have to be placed elsewhere to correct a problem.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Hi, my name is Abby, 24 years old. I had a breast augmentation 2 years ago. Silicone implant. and a nipple revision although the nipple went back in. I was wondering if there is still a chance I could get my breast more bigger? Right now it's about a c cup went down a little bit but im not happy with my breast. I really want to go bigger than c. do you have to take out the existing implant? please e-mail me back if there's a way.and I do not really want to go back to the same doctor where I got these.Thank you,Abby
Answer: Hi Abby, thanks for your E-mail. I do breast surgery revisions on a regular basis. First, I need to examine you to see what changes you want to make to improve the appearance of your breasts and nipple. It is possible for you to have larger breast implants. You asked if I would have to remove the old implants and the answer is yes. I would remove and replace the old implants and do any breast and nipple revisions at the same time. Please contact Dee my patient care coordinator at (714) 671-3033 to book your consultation. Please bring your operative report and photos from your other surgeon.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have heard that the breasts can be made smaller using liposuction. Who are the best candidates for this type of breast reduction?
Answer: Liposuction only breast reduction is an alternative to the traditional breast reductions where breast tissue is cut out. The best candidates for liposuction reduction are patients who have very fatty breasts with high nipples.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have had breast implants for over 8 years and I love them. This year I noticed that one of my breasts was becoming firm and shifting a little on my chest. I went to see a doctor and he said I have Baker Class 3 Capsular contracture. What exactly does this mean? Can Dr. Corbin fix this?
Answer: The Bakers classification of capsular contracture is the most popular method doctor's use as a way of describing clinical firmness of the breast implant. It is a grading system I through IV. I is normal feeling like a natural breast, II is slightly firm, III is firmer than a natural breast and slightly distorted and IV is firm, distorted and painful. I do correct capsular contracture by removing the old capsule and breast implant and putting in a new implant. There are no guarantees, however, that capsular contracture will not come back even after corrective surgery. In most patients capsular contracture never returns, but in a small percentage of women they will have reoccurring firmness of the breast implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am interest in Breast Augmentation Surgery, I was hoping for larger implants more like 1100cc, does Dr. Corbin do procedures like this?
Answer: Yes I do larger breast implants in patients if they request them. Whether or not you are a candidate for 1100cc's is of concern to me. Some determining factors may include your current breast size, the texture of your skin and your natural anatomy. Many times the women people see with huge breast implants have had more than one surgery to get to the final implant size of 1100cc's. I will only perform these surgeries if I feel they are safe and will give the patients the best result for their body image. You need to book an appointment to come in and be examined as well as educated on breast augmentation with large implants. To see one of my patients with 1100 cc breast implants go to www.TheBreastExpert.com If you search the model archives for Tracy she is the patient of the month for ??.Because she was very thin with little breast tissue it took more than one breast augmentation to ultimately get her to her desired 1100cc implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Does Dr. Corbin put his patients on antibiotics before a breast augmentation?
Answer: Yes, I do place my pre surgery patients on antibiotics before surgery. At the time of their preoperative appointment they are given a prescription for antibiotics to be taken 2 days before their surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What Insurance does Dr. Corbin accept? Does health insurance cover breast reduction surgery?
Answer: My office accepts Aetna PPO, Healthnet PPO, & Pacific Care, PPO. There is no guarantee that breast reduction surgery will be covered by any insurance company. Some insurance companies have BMI requirements and some health insurances require that a minimum of 1000 grams of breast tissue be taken out per breast. Please check with your healthcare provider to see what their individual policy is on breast reduction coverage. If you have additional questions for my office, please call Alice at (714) 671-3033.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have G cup breasts and I am only 24 years old. It is painful carrying all the extra weight around. My back, shoulders and neck are always aching. I can't fit into normal bras and shopping for clothes is impossible. I always have to get the tops separate from the bottoms. I am not overweight, I just want the top of my body to match the bottom. Can Dr. Corbin help me?
Answer: Absolutely I can help you. It sounds like you are a perfect candidate for breast reduction surgery. Patients suffering from macromastia like yourself often suffer both physically and emotionally due to their extra large breasts. For a young woman like you breast reduction will dramatically improve your self image and make it easier for you to fit into clothing and bras. In the past young women were afraid of all the big scars associated with breast reduction surgery, but I do a minimal scar breast reduction that limits the scar to around the nipple areolar complex and vertically down the breast. I do not place the long scars along the entire crease of the breasts. With my breast reduction surgery technique the patient will benefit from less scarring, and smaller perkier breasts that are more proportionate for their body. The benefits from breast reduction surgeries that I have performed on hundreds of women are both physically and emotionally rewarding for the patien
ts.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I had my nose done years ago and after my surgery I vomited for an entire day. It was the worst feeling! I am interested in having a breast augmentation and lift, but I can't stand the thought of anesthesia and throwing up all day again. Is there anything Dr. Corbin suggests?
Answer: Medications have improved from years ago. In order to prevent nausea and vomiting with our patients the anesthesiologists administers anti nausea drugs at the time of surgery. If a patient is nauseated in the recover room the nurse can give them a shot to help prevent vomiting. Once a patient is home sometimes taking pain medicine on an empty tummy can also cause vomiting so we advise patients to eat before they take pain meds. As a part of our regular post operative care to keep our patients comfortable we give them a prescription for a supository that after it is inserted stops nausea and vomiting. While I can not guarantee that any patient will not feel nauseated following a procedure you can see that with the latest anti nausea meds we make every effort to prevent vomiting and ensure a comfortable recovery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have had 3 breast reductions and my breasts keep growing! Is there anything Dr. Corbin can do to help me? I am so frustrated with these enormous breasts.
Answer: In some patients if they continue to gain weight after their breast reductions the breasts can also increase in size. It is unusual though that you have already had three previous surgeries and your breasts are still growing. I would need to examine you and take a look at your medical history including all your past pre and post operative photos, operative reports, and mammograms. It could be that in a rare instance a patients breasts continue to grow due to a tumor increasing in size. I am not saying this is happening to you; however it can be a reason for a size increase in the breasts. Contact Dee my patient care co coordinator to arrange a personal medical examination. (714) 671-3033.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have asthma will Dr. Corbin perform a breast augmentation on me?
Answer: Yes, I can perform a breast augmentation on you if you have asthma, but you will have to discuss your medical issues with the medical doctor who is going to be performing your anesthesia. Asthma is not a contraindication for a breast augmentation.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have given birth to three children and I want my body back. I want to have my breasts made bigger and lifted and a tummy tuck. Can Dr. Corbin do all the surgeries on the same day?
Answer: Yes. It is very common for multiple plastic surgery procedures to be done at the same time. In fact it is usually beneficial for a patient to do the surgeries at the same time because it cuts down on the operating room fees and it requires only one recovery period. For many women with jobs or family's with busy schedules multiple procedures is often the most time and cost effective way to do more than one surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I want to have my breast done at the same time as my nose. Does Dr. Corbin do noses and would he do the 2 surgeries together?
Answer: Yes I do rhinoplasty surgery. I do the full gamut of plastic and reconstructive surgeries. It is very common for two plastic surgery procedures to be done at the same time. In fact it is usually beneficial for a patient to do the surgeries at the same time because it cuts down on the operating room fees and it requires only one recovery period. To see photos of some of my rhinoplasty s go to NoseExpert.com or Dr.Corbin.com

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have lost over 150 lbs. I have worked so hard to get the extra weight off my body, but now I have a bunch of hanging skin. I used to have nice full breasts and now they are just sagging skin with nipple attached! Help, I need the breast expert. Does Dr. Corbin perform surgery on major weight loss patients?
Answer: Yes I perform the full gamut of plastic and reconstructive procedures. I do body lifts, thigh lifts, tummy tucks, brachioplasty, butt lifts and breast lifts on patients who have lost massive amounts of weight. Body resculpting procedures are very popular procedures.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I currently have 500 cc implants that I have had for over 10 years. I want to go with a smaller implant maybe 375 cc or 400 cc. My breasts are not droopy now, but I have heard that my breast shape will change if I put smaller implants in. Is this true?
Answer: Yes there will be some change in your breast shape if you replace your larger implants with smaller ones. Because you have had the larger implants for a long time the pocket and skin have stretched to accommodate a 500 cc implant. If something smaller is put in that space the larger pocket and extra skin will not have changed and will probably need to be tightened. The breasts may appear a little droopier. Depending on how much breast sag and nipple location you may also benefit from a breast lift with the implant exchange. Once you have had implants for 10 years your breasts are never just going to go back to where they were before surgery. Even without breast implants your natural breast shape would change over 10 years.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Does Dr. Corbin recommend taking herbs or vitamins before and after plastic surgery and if so which ones?
Answer: Pre operative and Post operative surgery patients have to be very careful what vitamins and herbs they take before and after surgery because some may cause problems like bleeding or cause surgery complications and possible complications with anesthesia. To simplify our patient's lives and to aid in the healing process we use a surgery program that is specifically developed for the surgery patients needs. Some of the main vitamins include Arnica and Bromelyn to help reduce bruising and swelling.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I get breast implants will I loose the feeling in my nipples?
Answer: Though it is uncommon, a small percentage of women who get breast implants loose some or all nipple sensation in one or both nipples. The majority of patients with breast implants have nipple sensation, but loss of sensation is a known risk of the procedure.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have an embarrassing problem. Just below my left breast I have a third nipple. Besides looking strange, it is sensitive and I am embarrassed to be intimate because of it. Can it be removed?
Answer: Having a third nipple may look out of place, but it can easily be removed with a simple surgery. You will have a small incision where the nipple was, but it will look more balanced and better than the third nipple.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a crescent breast lift and who is a good candidate for this surgery?
Answer: A Crescent breast lift is a type of breast lift that involves the resection of a crescent shaped area of skin from the superior aspect of the areola of the breast. This breast lift technique is most commonly used to correct slight differences in nipple-areola heights on the breasts. This breast lift is not recommended for patients who are in need of a major breast lift.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am a 19 year old girl who has lopsided breasts. One of my breasts is a small A cup and the other is almost a C cup. The bigger boob is also a lot droopier than the small one and this nipple is lower. I have gone to one surgeon who recommended just putting a breast implant in on the smaller side to match the larger boob. Will the implant also help match the shape of the larger side and make the nipples at the same place?
Answer: Thank you for contacting the breast expert site. Based on your physical description, generally, I would recommend a breast implant on the smaller breast and a breast lift on the larger breast to try and match the nipple height of the other breast. To get the best surgical advice I would have to examine you to determine the best type of breast lift and the best implant size to even the breasts out and make them more symmetrical. A breast implant alone on the smaller breast will only solve the size difference and will not address your nipple concerns on the larger breast. The nipple needs to be repositioned in order to match the other side.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: My mom had a breast augmentation done over 20 years ago. Now I want to have my boobs done and she is very supportive and has been helping me to choose my surgeon. My mom's scars are under her breast in the crease. Is this still the best place to put the breast implants in through?
Answer: If you had asked me this question 20 years ago I would have said, 'Yes', but today women have better choices as to where their incisions are placed. The inframammary breast augmentation is the oldest technique. Since the development of breast augmentation surgery, there have been many advances in the techniques to include, Peri areolar breast augmentation, axillary breast augmentation and the tuba breast augmentation. The best place to put the implants through varies from patient to patient. I don't believe that one approach to breast surgery is the,' Best' for every patient. Because I perform breast augmentations using all 4 options, Nipple areolar, Tuba, Axillary, or Inframammary, I carefully evaluate each patients individual needs to educate them on the best surgery approach for them. If my patient has good measurements and is selecting an average size breast implant, I prefer to let my patients have the option of deciding where they would like their small incisi
ons placed. I tailor the surgery to suit each individual patient.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I went for an appointment with a plastic surgeon and he only puts breast implants in through the nipple on all of his patients. I have small light pink nipples and I am nervous about having a noticeable scar on them. Are the nipples the best place to put the implants in through?
Answer: The best place to put the implants through varies from patient to patient. I don't believe that one approach to breast surgery is the,'Best' for every patient. Because I perform breast augmentations using all 4 options, Nipple areolar, Tuba, Axillary, or Inframammary, I carefully evaluate each patient's individual needs and educate them on the best surgery approach for them. If my patient has good measurements and is selecting an average size breast implant, I prefer to let my patients have the option of deciding where they would like their small incisions placed.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What does half over and half under mean?
Answer: It is a term describing the breast implant location relative to the pectoralis major muscle. The breast implant is not totally sub muscular.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I had an inverted T breast lift with another plastic surgeon. After letting my scars heal for about a year I went and had them lasered to try and make them less noticeable. What a huge mistake! Now my scars are darker and brown. It looks worse. If there is anything Dr. Corbin would recommend to help me I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Answer: Because there is no magic eraser to erase the scars, I would recommend cutting the dark scars out and starting over again with fresh scars. No surgeon can control or determine how a patient will scar. After surgery many of our patients use a topical formula called Scarguard. This is believed to help scars heal better.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have one child and am planning to have another baby in a year or so. After my first baby and breastfeeding my breasts are so small and droopy. I really need a breast lift. What would Dr. Corbin recommend?
Answer: If you are planning on having more children in the near future I would recommend you wait to have your breast lift surgery. As you have seen from your first pregnancy, the appearance of the breast can change dramatically after childbirth so waiting until you are finished having children in usually the best advice.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Over the past 2 years I have had three breast surgeries with my plastic surgeon. She recommended the implants from the 410 study. I went along with her recommendation, but I am very unhappy with the scars, the size and the shape of my breasts. After my last surgery she switched me to smaller implants, but did nothing to change the size of the pocket that the larger implants were in. After about a month I noticed that the shape got worse and very distorted looking. I went on another consultation and the doctor thought the breast implants shifted. Is this possible?
Answer: Yes sometimes breast implants may shift from their original position. This shift may change the appearance of the breasts, giving them and unusual shape and look. (especially the pre-shaped anatomical breast implants) Implant shifting can happen for a number of different reasons: Injury to the breast implants, pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss or if the implant is not securely positioned in the breast pocket. Breast implant shifting is unusual, but can be corrected with surgery. I just corrected a patient with implants from the 410 study that shifted. The initial plastic surgeon did not tighten the pocket around the breast implants and they were moving around and flipped distorting the breast shape. I had to revise her pockets and replaced the anatomical (teardrop) shaped silicone breast implants with round silicone gel. The patient is very happy with the appearance and feel of her new breasts. For photos go to www.TheBreastExpert.com photo gallery redo section.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I read that textured breast implants rupture more frequently than smooth surface breast implants? What does Dr. Corbin think?
Answer: Luckily, we have very few ruptures in our practice, although of those we have had the majority is with textured surfaced implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a doughnut breast lift?
Answer: Some patients refer to the circum areolar breast lift as the,'doughnut lift' because the shape of the scars resembles the shape of a doughnut.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a circum vertical breast lift?
Answer: A circum vertical breast lift is a lift that places the incisions around the nipple areolar and vertically on the breast. The scar shape is like the shape of a lollipop.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I was in a car accident a month ago and ever since one of my saline implants feels and looks like it is getting smaller. Is it possible that only one of my breast implants has a slow leak?
Answer: It is possible that you may have a ruptured breast implant and it is leaking slowly. You should make an appointment to be evaluated. Depending on what the physical examination determines I also send my patients who are concerned with implant ruptures for an MRI.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am a man who is in the process of becoming a woman. I am receiving hormone therapy. My breasts have grown, but I would still like them to be larger to give me a more feminine shape. I have heard that silicone breast implants look and feel more natural than saline breast implants. Am I a candidate for silicone implants?
Answer: Yes silicone breast implants are more natural looking and feeling than saline implants. You would benefit from having a silicone implant because you probably don't have a lot of natural breast tissue, unfortunately the FDA does not allow men to qualify for silicone breast implants. If you want breast implants you will have to choose from saline.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have heard that breast implants may interfere with mammograms. Is this true?
Answer: Yes breast implants can make it more difficult to read a mammogram. To detect breast cancer in breast implant patients I also recommend regular breast self exams and MRI's to aid in the detection of any unusual growths or cancers.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am a petite 5'0 100lb woman with an A cup size. I recently went on a consultation for breast implants with another surgeon in Beverly Hills. I told him that I want a small natural size breast in a B or small C cup range. He recommended a 500cc saline implant filled to 550cc's. This sounds too big. What bra size will this make me?
Answer: It is impossible to say exactly what bra size you would be with 550 cc breast implants, but one thing I can guarantee you is that you will definitely be larger than a B or C cup size. Generally, a 500cc or 550 cc will be in the D to DD size range.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have had capsular contracture in the past with another surgeon. Is there anything I can do as a patient or Dr. Corbin can do as a surgeon to help me from getting it again?
Answer: Capsular contracture is a frustrating situation for both the surgeon and the patient. It occurs when the patient's body heals aggressively and forms thick scarring around the breast implant. Capsular contracture can occur in one or both breasts. And the severity varies from patient to patient. Generally the longer it is left untreated the worse it becomes. Some things I do to help reduce capsular contracture is placing the breast implants sub muscular or using textured implants if the implants are placed in front of the muscle. I also have patients take Accolade after breast surgery as a preventative measure. Accolade or Singular is believed to reduce the incidents of capsular contracture

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: When was the first Saline breast implant used?
Answer: The first saline breast implants were used in 1968.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: When was the first silicone breast implant used?
Answer: The first silicone breast implant was used in 1962.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am considering getting breast implants, but I am very thin and afraid of rippling. What is this caused by and is there anything Dr. Corbin recommends to prevent ripples?
Answer: Rippling can occur in very thin patients, patients with little breast tissue or patients with thin skin. Generally what causes the ripple is the edge or outer shell of the breast implant. Another reason for rippling is as the breast ages and becomes ptotic and ripples may occur or become more noticeable as the skin looses its elasticity and firmness over the breast implants. Rippling generally occurs more with saline breast implants than in silicone breast implants. With the new firmer silicone breast implants ripples are almost non existent. Some basic ways I correct rippling is to use alloderm to reinforce the areas where the skin is thin and ripples many be, injecting free fat into the breast (difficult in the presence of implants) or switching the patients breast implants from saline to silicone. Some things that may help prevent rippling are: smaller breast implants, putting the breast implants behind the pectoral major muscular, as well as filling saline breas
t implants slightly more than the minimum specified by the implant manufacture. If you look at a saline breast implant like a water balloon, you want to fill it just enough to get the wrinkles out yet keep it soft and not too firm.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Will my breast implants last forever?
Answer: Breast implants do not last forever and usually will have to be replaced at some point. The breast implant manufactures recommend replacing implants about every 10 years. Most patients who have breast implants do not replace old implants unless they have having problems like capsular contracture or a rupture. Most patient who have had breast implants for a long period of time will have additional surgery to change the size of their breast implants and or to lift their breasts as they may have changed because of gravity, childbirth, weight changes etc.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a circum vertical mastopexy?
Answer: It is a type of breast lift that involves placing a scar around the nipple areolar complex and a vertical scar down the breast. This is a more advanced way of performing breast lift surgery. It does away with the old inverted T scars. And less scarring on the breasts is more aesthetically pleasing.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Pseudoptosis. What is it?
Answer: Pseudoptosis is when breast tissue is below the inframammary crease of the breasts, but the nipples are above. Pseudoptosis can sometimes be seen after breast feeding and also weight loss.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am a teenager who is always getting teased because of my enormous breasts. I read on the internet that there is a new surgery where they can make the breasts smaller with liposuction. I am wondering if I would be a good candidate for this breast reduction surgery.
Answer: It sounds like you are a perfect candidate for breast reduction surgery. Patients suffering from macromastia like you often suffer both physically and emotionally due to their extra large breasts. For a young woman, breast reduction will dramatically improve your self image and make it easier for you to fit into clothing and bras. The liposuction breast reduction technique is not recommended for teens. However there are other breast reduction options for you with less scarring than the old inverted T reduction. In the past young women were afraid of all the big scars associated with breast reduction surgery, but I do a minimal scar breast reduction that limits the scar to around the nipple areolar complex and vertically down the breast. I do not place the long scars along the entire crease of the breasts like the inverted T scars. With my breast reduction surgery technique the patient will benefit from less scarring, and smaller perkier breasts that are more proporti
onate for their body. The benefits from breast reduction surgeries that I have performed on hundreds of women are both physically and emotionally rewarding for the patients. I look forward to helping you.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a capsulotomy?
Answer: A capsulotomy is when the capsule surrounding the breast implant is cut

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have read that with the new cohesive gel implants the scar has to be 5 cm. Is this true?
Answer: Yes, this is what the implant manufactures are recommending with the newer cohesive silicone gel breast implants that the incision be at least 5cm long.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Are silicone breast implants more expensive than saline breast implants?
Answer: Yes. Silicone breast implants cost more than saline breast implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a Spair breast lift?
Answer: A Spair breast lift is a short scar, circumareolar inferior based pedicle mastopexy ? This is an advanced form of vertical mastopexy leaving the patient with a lollipop shaped scar instead of the old breast lift technique the inverted T where the patient has the T shaped scars that are around the nipples, vertically down the breasts and also in the contour of the breast.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is an inverted T breast lift?
Answer: The inverted T mastopexy is description of the appearance of the scar following the commonest and oldest form of breast lift techniques. This inverted T breast lift leaves the patient with the most scarring of all the breast lift techniques. The T shaped scar pattern goes around the nipples, vertically down the breasts and also in the contour of the breast.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a Binelli breast lift? And where are the scars located on the breasts?
Answer: A Binelli is a circum areolar mastopexy as described by Dr. Binelli. The scar goes around the areolar complex.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a lumpectomy?
Answer: A Lumpectomy is surgery to remove the cancerous lump and a portion of normal tissue around the breast cancer lump. The surgeon may also remove some of the lymph nodes under the arm to determine if the cancer has spread

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a skin sparing mastectomy? And does Dr. Corbin recommend this surgery?
Answer: A skin sparing mastectomy is a procedure in which the skin envelope and much of the skin of the breast is preserved in order to allow for a more natural breast reconstruction. Not all patients are candidates for this procedure. The best candidates for a skin sparring mastectomy is determined by the general surgeon.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am in my 20's. How often should I do a self breast exam?
Answer: A BSE should be performed once a month, usually at a time other than the days before, during, or immediately after the menstrual period.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can a person who has a breast cyst have a breast augmentation? Sue
Answer: Yes, if the cyst is benign. Tests prior to a breast augmentation have to be done to confirm that the cyst is benign and not cancerous. After this is determined, if the benign cyst is close to where the breast implants are being put in the cyst can be removed at the same time as the breast augmentation. If a patient is concerned that the cyst will interfere with breast implants it can be removed or aspirated before the breast surgery. The surgeon can then use the scar from the cyst removal to put the breast implants in through.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a tummy tuck breast reconstruction?
Answer: A tummy tuck breast reconstruction is a transverse abdominis myocutaneous flap.Skin. This breast reconstruction technique uses fat and muscle from the abdomen to create a new breast mound.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a tram flap breast reconstruction?
Answer: A tram flap is a transverse abdominis myocutaneous flap or in layman's terms a 'tummy Tuck' Breast Reconstruction. This breast reconstruction uses fat and muscle from the abdomen to create a new breast mound.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What are inverted nipples?
Answer: Inverted nipples are nipples that do not protrude above the surface and are retracted below the areola complex. Inverted nipples do not project outward above the areolar like normal nipples do.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is rippling?
Answer: Rippling is folds or dents in breast implants that can be seen or palpated through the skin on the breast. Ripples in breast implants are most commonly seen in saline breast implants and textured surfaced breast implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a double bubble?
Answer: A double bubble is a condition of the breast associated with breast augmentation when either the breast implant sits noticeably above the normal breast tissue mound creating a double bubble or below the natural breast crease creating a double bubble or double crease.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is symastia?
Answer: Symastia is a breast deformity that causes the breasts to look like a uniboob. The medial skin on the midline of the breasts is not attached or scarred down to the chest wall. This condition can be congenital or caused by surgery. Surgical causes of symastia can happen when very large implants pull the skin away from the chest bone.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have had 3 botched breast surgeries. I am so frustrated! I now have a double bubble on one of my breasts. Can Dr. Corbin fix a double bubble so I can look normal again!! I feel so deformed.
Answer: Yes I can fix a double bubble breast deformity. If you look on the redo section of the breast expert website you will see some other patients with double bubble corrections these can be difficult surgeries and depending on the severity of the deformity it may require more than one surgery to correct.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I went to another plastic surgeon for a breast augmentation consultation. He recommends putting the implants in through a scar made in the breast crease. I know 2 patients of Dr. Corbin's and they both look great. One had her scars put on the nipples and the other has hers in her armpit. Why didn't Dr. Corbin put their scars under their breasts?
Answer: Today women have better choices as to where their incisions are placed. The inframammary breast augmentation is the oldest technique. Since the development of breast augmentation surgery, there have been many advances in the techniques to include, Peri areolar breast augmentation, axillary breast augmentation and the tuba breast augmentation. The best place to put the implants through varies from patient to patient. I don't believe that one approach to breast surgery is the,' Best' for every patient. Because I perform breast augmentations using all 4 options, Nipple areolar, Tuba, Axillary, or Inframammary, I carefully evaluate each patients individual needs to educate them on the best surgery approach for them. If my patient has good measurements and is selecting an average size breast implant, I prefer to let my patients have the option of deciding where they would like their small incisions placed. I tailor the surgery to suit each individual patient.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I had my first set of breast implants put in through the armpit 7 years ago. I want to go bigger, but my surgeon said he would have to put the new implants in through my nipples. I love not having any scars on my breasts. Can Dr. Corbin put my new implants in using my old scars under my arms?
Answer: Yes I can put your new breast implants in through your old incisions under your arms. I have done thousands of axillary breast augmentations. As long as your breasts are not drooping and your nipples don't need to be altered or moved I will use an axillary approach to exchange your implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is the TUBA breast augmentation? Does Dr. Corbin perform this surgery?
Answer: The TUBA is a Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation. Basically, an augmentation where the incision is placed in the belly button. A tunnel is made from the belly button to the chest and the breast implants are placed via this approach. I do perform the TUBA breast augmentation, but it is not a suitable technique for every patient. For example I would not recommend a TUBA on a patient who would benefit from having a breast lift or one who has nipple height differences. The TUBA can only be done using Saline breast implants. It is not recommended by the implant manufactures to put Silicone breast implants in through a transumbilical approach. Because I perform breast augmentations using all 4 options, Nipple areolar, Tuba, Axillary, or Inframammary, I carefully evaluate each patients individual needs to educate them on the best surgery approach for them. If my patient has good measurement and is selecting an average size breast implant, I prefer to let my patients have t
he option of deciding where they would like their small incisions placed.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is BDD?
Answer: BDD is Body dysmorphic disorder. BDD patients are abnormally preoccupied with a real or imagined defect in their physical appearance. Body dysmorphic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. BDD patients are obsessed with their physical appearance. Physical features or attributes are what provokes the patient's anxiety and negative perception. Individuals with BDD are not suitable candidates for plastic surgery because they may have unrealistic surgery expectations.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: After my breast augmentation I felt a tight painful vein on my chest. What is this and will it go away?
Answer: The painful vein on your chest is referred to as Mondors Syndrome. It is Thrombophlebitis of the thoracoepigastric vein of the breast and chest wall. The vein feels tight and it is uncomfortable. Mondors Syndrome is temporary and will resolve in time.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Whenever I go to the mountains or skiing my breast implants feel different and they make a squishy sound? What is this?
Answer: This is commonly seen because of the pressure change and probably a small amount of residual air is in the pocket than is compressed at sea level.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I just finished my radiation and chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. I have also had two radical mastectomies and am anxious to have breast reconstruction surgery. When does Dr. Corbin recommend starting breast reconstruction?
Answer: If you have just completed generally Dr. Corbin recommends waiting 6 months before starting any breast reconstruction. However the patient should be seen prior to the 6 months to be evaluated to see what procedure would give her the best outcome.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am an Asian female who would like to enlarge my chest area. I want very natural looking breasts so no one thinks I have had plastic surgery. What does Dr. Corbin recommend?
Answer: I have a lot of Asian patients who are very happy with their breasts after surgery. For natural looking breasts I would recommend smaller breast implants put in through an approach that will leave no scars on your breasts. A noticeable scar on the breasts is a dead giveaway of surgery. To see photos and testimonials of other Asian women who have had a breast augmentations go to, www.BreastImplantsforAsianWomen.com

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am a female body builder and I would like to have breast implants but I don't like the way they look when the pectoral major muscle is flexed. What causes this and can I have breast implants without this happening?
Answer: If the breast implants are placed in front of the muscle this avoids the contracture of the muscle. The trade off is that thin patients with little or no breast tissue or fat to cover over the implants may see ripples and also some studies indicate that implants placed in front of the muscle have a higher incident of capsular contracture. However, stats don't apply to individuals. Textured breast implants in front of the muscle reduce the incident of capsular contracture.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I recently lost weight and now I can feel the edge of the breast implants. Is there anything Dr. Corbin would recommend?
Answer: Implant rippling can be seen in some thin patients because there is less breast tissue to cover over the breast implant. Some solutions for patients is to switch from saline breast implants to silicone implants as they ripple less. Or another option may be to use alloderm to put between the skin and the breast implant. In some patients fat injections are used to restore fat into the breast and help with rippling.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am a transgender female interested in breast surgery. Does Dr. Corbin perform this surgery and what are my breast implant options?
Answer: Yes I do perform breast augmentation surgery in transgender patients. After November 17, 2006, your breast implant options now include silicone gel breast implants. In the past silicone breast implants in women and for use in women having mastopexy, reconstruction, and revisions from saline implants complications. There are many different sizes and styles of saline or silicone breast implants for you to choose from. For a complete catalogue go to www.MentorCorp.com and look at the different implant styles.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have had Keloid scars in the past. I want to get my breasts enlarged, but I am afraid I will keloid again. What does Dr. Corbin recommend for patients who may form keloid scars?
Answer: I recommend that patients who have a history of forming keloid scars have their incisions placed in an inconspicuous location off the breasts. Also, just because a patient has formed keloid scars in the past doesn't mean they will have it occur again.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a Siltex breast implant?
Answer: Siltex breast implant is a textured surfaced implant. These breast implants are sometimes used to help prevent capsular contracture. Siltex implants are also sometimes used if the implants are placed sub mammary instead of sub muscular.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a teardrop shaped breast implant?
Answer: A.A teardrop or anatomical implant is a pre shaped tear drop shaped breast implant. Generally this implant is firmer so that it maintains its shape and it requires a larger incision to place the implant through. Sometimes the implant may shift causing the pre shaped teardrop implant to have a distorted look.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is the Memory Gel Implant?
Answer: It is a silicone breast implant manufactured by Mentor. According to the manufacturer it is a unique elastic solid. The content of this silicone breast implant sticks together uniformly inside its casing while maintaining a shape that resembles a natural breast.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Is it possible to get capsular contracture in just one breast if both breasts have implants?
Answer: Some patients heal more aggressively than others and some form capsular contracture which is scar tissue that forms around the breast implant. The scar constricts and pulls against the breast implant. Capsular contracture can happen in one or both breasts and it may only happen once or in a small percentage of patients it can reoccur. Capsular contracture may be painful and it may also distort the shape of the breast. In some extreme cases it may cause an implant rupture because the scar is so tightly contracted around the implant. Capsular contracture can happen soon after breast surgery or years afterwards. It varies. Generally if capsular contracture occurs surgery is recommended to remove the capsule and remove and replace the breast implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I need a breast reduction. My back and shoulders ache, I have head aches, I have deep groves in my shoulders from my bras. Help! I really want to have my breasts reduced from a DD to a C cup, but I am so afraid of all the scars on the breasts from the inverted T. Is there another option to give me smaller, perkier breasts?
Answer: It sounds like you are an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. Patients suffering from macromastia like you often suffer both physically and emotionally due to their extra large breasts. Breast reduction surgery can dramatically improve your self image and make it easier for you to fit into clothing and bras. There are other breast reduction options for you with less scarring than the old inverted T reduction. At my office I don't do the old inverted T reduction unless the patient already has those scars and is having a revision done by me or they request an inverted T. The other 2 breast reduction techniques I may recommend for you is liposuction breast reduction or a circum vertical breast reduction. If you only need a small amount of breast tissue removed and you don't need a lift you may be a candidate for liposuction to reduce your breast size. If you require the removal of breast tissue and a lift then I would recommend the circum vertical breast r
eduction. Like you, most women have concerns about scars on their breasts, so I do a minimal scar breast reduction that limits the scar to around the nipple areolar complex and vertically down the breast. I do not place the long scars along the entire crease of the breasts like the inverted T scars. With the breast reduction surgery techniques I use, the patient will benefit from less scarring, and smaller perkier breasts that are more proportionate for their body. The benefits of breast reduction surgeries that I have performed on hundreds of women are both physically and emotionally rewarding for the patients. I look forward to helping you.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have very small nipples and I would like to make them larger and more prominent. Is there a surgery can do this?
Answer: Yes inverted nipples or small nipples can be projected further with surgery. The nipple is released by surrounding tissue and brought forward via a small incision.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have had 3 children and my breasts are very saggy. My nipple hangs down to the bottom of my breast. I went to one surgeon who suggested a 'Crescent Breast Lift ' I will only have a small scar on the top of my nipple. When I looked on your website I saw other women who also had very droopy breasts like mine that you did a spair breast lift on. What is the difference between the lifts and which one will be the right surgery for me?
Answer: It sounds like you would be a candidate for a more effective breast lift than a crescent. I generally use a crescent lift to reposition or raise a nipple slightly. This is a minimally invasive lift with minimal lift advantages for patients with very droopy breasts and nipples at or below the breast crease. If a crescent lift is done with breast implants on very ptotic breasts this can elongate and distort the shape of the nipples and also make the breasts droop more because of the extra weight of the breast implant. Minimal lift = minimal changes to the breasts. The best thing for you to do is to come in for a consultation to be physically examined and informed in person what is the best surgery for you. I try to give my patients the most lift with the least amount of scarring and if you would benefit from a crescent breast lift I perform this surgery successfully on a regular basis.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I have liposuction on my breasts to make them smaller will they also be lifted?
Answer: Depending on the initial breast shape before surgery some patients may see a subtle lift, but in larger droopier breast there will be no signs of a lift only a size decrease.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If a surgeon uses a laser instead of a scalpel on a breast lift will this make a difference in the size of the scars?
Answer: No. A laser is nothing more than another form of a scalpel used to cut or deepatheliazed the skin. The size of the scars is a function of the tension on the wound, the pattern of mastopexy used, the skill of the surgeon and ultimately how ell the individual heals.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I want to have my droopy breasts lifted. I have been on 3 other consultations and all the plastic surgeons recommend an inverted T breast lift. I am nervous because I scar easily and do not want to have all those scars. I read that Dr. Corbin does a minimal scarring breast lift instead of the inverted T. Where are the scars located with his breast lift? Thanks
Answer: In most cases the scar can be either limited to around the nipple-areola complex, or for larger breasts a short vertical scar going down from the areola. With this technique the incision under the breast has now been done away with. Throw away the anchor scar!

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I live in New York and I want to have my breasts done by Dr. Corbin. Does he accept out of town patients? Do you offer aftercare?
Answer: Yes, I see patients from all over the world for breast surgery. Generally, I recommend my out of town patients get medical clearance for cosmetic surgery before they fly to California for surgery. We can arrange different aftercare options for you depending on what your needs are. Some out of town patients like to stay in an aftercare facility their entire recovery period and others prefer to recover in a hotel with a private nurse. This is a detail my patient care coordinator will arrange for you at the time of your surgery booking. Dee will assist you with all your surgery arrangements so you will be comfortable and well taken care of.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I live in New York and I want to have my breasts done by Dr. Corbin. Does he accept out of town patients? Do you offer aftercare?
Answer: Yes, I see patients from all over the world for breast surgery. Generally, I recommend my out of town patients get medical clearance for cosmetic surgery before they fly to California for surgery. We can arrange different aftercare options for you depending on what your needs are. Some out of town patients like to stay in an aftercare facility their entire recovery period and others prefer to recover in a hotel with a private nurse. This is a detail my patient care coordinator will arrange for you at the time of your surgery booking. Dee will assist you with all your surgery arrangements so you will be comfortable and well taken care of.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I live in Florida and I want Dr. Corbin to do my breast surgery. Where do I start? And what do I have to do?
Answer: I perform breast surgery on patients from all over the world. First you need to E-mail me medical style photos of your breasts. Send a front view and a side view. Along with the photos write down what your surgery goals are. These are the first steps you need to take. We also require that our out of town patients be cleared for surgery and have lab work done before they fly into have surgery. To find out what lab work and or EKG is needed, contact our patient care coordinator Dee at (714) 671-3033. She will arrange to have a nurse call you to discuss your pre surgery care. Dee will arrange a surgery date, accommodations, transportation and post operative care and follow-up for you. We try an accommodate our out of town patients and make their surgery and stay as comfortable as possible.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I loose weight will I have smaller perkier breasts?
Answer: It depends on how much weight you lose and how much natural breast tissue you have. Because women's breasts are made up mostly of fat the breasts can change shape and size after weight loss. Generally, the breasts become droopier and not perkier after a patient looses weight especially if it is a major amount of weight.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I just found out that I am pregnant. Should I cancel my breast surgery?
Answer: Absolutely. We do pregnancy tests on our patients before surgery. If a patient is pregnant we cancel their surgery because they cannot have general anesthesia. The surgery can always be rescheduled when the patient is not pregnant.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I am breast feeding can I get a breast augmentation?
Answer: No. Breast surgery is not recommended on patients who are still actively breast feeding. Your breast change once they dry up. I generally wait 6 months after a patient stops breast feeding or until the breasts have dried up before I do any breast surgery on them.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have a dental appointment a week after my breast augmentation. I've heard that this may cause problems for my breast implants? Should I cancel my dentist appointment?
Answer: If one needs to go to the dentist shortly after surgery it is recommended to be on antibiotic before and after the dental appointment.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can I get my teeth cleaned right before my breast implant surgery?
Answer: If one needs to go to the dentist shortly after surgery it is recommended to be on antibiotic before and after the dental appointment. If a patient wants to be totally safe schedule dental appointments one month before or after surgery and also take prophylactic antibiotic.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a cohesive gel implant?
Answer: They are silicone breast implants that bond together as a unit rather than a runny liquid. If the implant is damaged or cup in half the silicone inside the casing remains cohesive and does not run out of the outer implant shell.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: One of my nipples is higher than the other. Will breast implants correct this?
Answer: Breast implants only make the breasts larger. Breast implants will not lift the nipples only a breast or nipple lift will change the location of the nipples. Sometimes if the nipple height is a subtle difference I can correct this using a Peri areolar approach. If the nipple heights are dramatically different then a lift would be required to change the location of the nipple.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: On one side of my body my ribs stick out more than the other side. Will this affect of my breast augmentation surgery?
Answer: Absolutely, if you have a chest wall deformity the breast implant will look different of the side where your chest wall protrudes out more. Because the chest wall sticks out farther it may give the breast implants the appearance of being larger on that side. Some things can be done to try and even out the differences, but in extreme cases visible differences may always occur. Sometimes what happens is that patients do not notice or appreciate the chest wall deformity when the breasts are small , but once the breasts are made larger the problem also may appear larger and more obvious. I always try and diagnose a chest wall deformity, asymmetry, scoliosis or differences in patient's breasts with them after their first evaluation with me. I also try and inform them of surgical strategies to try and make the breasts look as good as possible.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have a bladder infection. Will I have to cancel my breast surgery that is in 2 days?
Answer: Yes, you can not have any active infection and have surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: After my breast augmentation I now have a uniboob! What is this deformity called and does Dr. Corbin know how to fix it?
Answer: The uniboob breast deformity is known as symastia. The medial skin on the midline of the breasts is not attached or scarred down to the chest wall. This condition can be congenital or can be a surgery complication. Obviously, in your case symastia is a result of a breast augmentation complication. Surgical causes of symastia can happen when very large implants pull the skin away from the chest bone. I have fixed some of the most challenging and difficult cases of symastia. It is a very hard deformity to correct and depending on the severity it may require more than one corrective surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a Spectrum breast implant?
Answer: It is an adjustable saline breast implant manufactured by Mentor. This saline implant is unique because it has a small removable fill tube that allows the plastic surgeon to go back up to 6 months after the initial breast surgery and adjust the amount of saline solution in the implant.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a natural breast made of?
Answer: A natural breast is made up of fatty breast tissue and milk ducts. Behind the breast is the pectoralis major muscle (chest muscle) and behind the muscle is the ribcage. Note if a patient has no pectoral major muscle this medical condition is referred to as Poland Syndrome. Poland Syndrome chest deformity can be corrected with reconstructive surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can Silicone breast implants cause cancer?
Answer: According to the National Cancer Institute, and their study of over 13,500 women with silicone implants from before 1989 they found no significant increase in breast cancer.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What gets rid of scars?
Answer: Unfortunately there is no magic wand or erasure that will permanently remove scars. There are some topical gels and silicone sheets that can be applied to the scar that may lighten it or make it less noticeable. If a scar has healed poorly it can also be cut out and revised.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can I choose the shape I want my breasts to be with a breast augmentation?
Answer: I generally tell patients that an augmentation takes your natural breast shape and enlarges it. To a small degree shaped breast implants may have a subtle shape difference on the breast. In my opion maybe in a very large implant more significant shape changes can be seen with shaped breast implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Does Insurance cover breast augmentation surgery?
Answer: Health Insurance does not cover cosmetic breast augmentation surgery. The only time they may cover breast augmentation surgery is if it is for reconstructive purposes to correct a congenital deformity like Poland syndrome or another type of breast developmental deformity.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: How old do you have to be to have a cosmetic breast augmentation?
Answer: The FDA states patients have to be 18 years old before they have a cosmetic breast augmentation. Reconstructive breast surgery can be done on younger patients and these patients are also candidates for silicone breast implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I have a breast lift will it last a lifetime?
Answer: The positive results of a breast lift do last a lifetime and the breasts will always look better than if a breast lift surgery was not performed. There are factors that may affect the appearance of the breast over time such as gravity, weight gain or weight loss, pregnancy, aging, lax skin and breast cancer.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I just stopped breast feeding my baby. How long should I wait until I have my breast augmentation?
Answer: Generally, I recommend waiting until the breast dries up first and sometimes this may take up to 3 months. This also allows the size and shape changes in the breasts to occur before surgery so the patient and surgeon can decide what breast surgery will give the best result.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I read about breast implants that are made of sugar is this true?
Answer: Yes, the heritage company is searching for a silicone alternative breast implant. They have come up with a Hydrogel breast implant that is filled with distilled water and natural sugars. They are similar to the latest cohesive silicone gel breast implants (Gummy Bear implants). Breast implants made of sugar have not been granted approval by the FDA yet.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Will a breast augmentation lift my breasts?
Answer: No. A breast augmentation only makes the breasts bigger it does not lift the breasts. Only a breast lift will lift the breasts.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I loose weight will my breasts droop?
Answer: Generally most patients notice changes in their breast shape after weight loss. The breast is mainly made up of fatty tissue so when women lose weight they may also lose it in their breast too. In the case of major weight loss patients they definitely can expect to have droopy breasts after loosing massive amounts of weight. Whereas a women who looses a small amount of weight may see little to no change in her breast size and shape.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Will a tightening cream make my breasts firmer?
Answer: Some firming creams may firm the skin around the breast tissue, but it will not lift, tighten or firm the breasts in any way.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can I still have a mammogram if I have breast implants?
Answer: Yes patients with breast implants have mammograms. You will have to let the radiologist know before the mammogram that you have implants. Some places may have you fill out a questionnaire before hand that asks if you have breast implants and they warn you of the possibility of implant rupture following a mammogram.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a Seroma?
Answer: A Seroma is a collection of fluid in a closed space. It is usually seen following dissection under the skin as in an abdominoplasty or dissection of the skin as in a breast augmentation. The collected serum is basically blood without the red cells.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a hematoma?
Answer: A hematoma is a collection of blood usually associated with a surgical incision site frequently causing noticeable swelling and ecchymosis. The body can usually absorb small hematomas, but larger ones may require a simple surgery to drain the excess blood from the site.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can exercise lift my breasts?
Answer: Exercise may firm your pectoral muscle, but it will not do anything to change the shape of your breasts or change the location of your nipples. Exercise will not lift your breasts.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Will I have to spend the night in a hospital after my breast augmentation?
Answer: Generally, breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis. However, if a patient has a pre existing health condition their surgery may be done in a hospital.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: How long is a breast augmentation surgery?
Answer: Generally breast augmentation surgery is an hour long. This does not mean that's all the time you will be at the surgery center because there is pre surgery preparation and post operative recovery time which may add an extra 2 or 3 hours on to the total time involved for breast augmentation surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I have a breast reduction will this make my breasts firmer?
Answer: Initially following the breast reduction the breasts may feel firmer, but sometimes over time the skin envelope accommodates the new breast size and they may not be as firm. Usually, the breasts will look and feel firmer after a breast reduction, but with gravity and skin laxity it can change as it would even without the surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: How long after my breast augmentation can I wear an under wire bra?
Answer: Generally, I recommend that my first time breast augmentation patients don't wear under wire or push up bras for 3 to 6 months following surgery because scar contracture may cause the implants to sit too high.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can I wear a push up bra after a breast augmentation?
Answer: Every surgeon has their own take on this. Generally I recommend my first time breast augmentation patients don't wear under wire or push up bras for 3 to 6 months following surgery because scar contracture may cause the implants to sit too high.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I do not have anyone to take care of me for the first 24 hours what do you recommend?
Answer: We can arrange different aftercare options for you depending on what your needs are. Some surgery patients like to stay in an aftercare facility for the first 24 hours or their entire recovery period while others prefer to recover in a hotel with a private nurse. This is a detail my patient care coordinator will arrange for you at the time of your surgery booking. Dee can assist you with all your pre and post surgery arrangements so you will be comfortable and well taken care of.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can I drive myself home after my breast surgery?
Answer: No you can not drive yourself home after surgery. You will be under the influence of a general anesthetic and it is recommended that you wait 24 hours before driving provided you are not taking any pain medication.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Is the facility where I would have my breast surgery accredited?
Answer: Yes, I only operate at an accredited surgery center or accredited hospitals.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: How would I know if my silicone breast implants were ruptured?
Answer: Silicone breast implant ruptures are harder to detect than saline implant ruptures. If a patient with breast implants is concerned about a rupture I recommend an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to view the breast implants to see if it is ruptured. When a silicone implant has a rupture usually the sticky silicone gel stays isolated in the scar that surrounds the breast implant. With ethier newer silicone gel implants the silicone is a cohesive unit and if ruptured it does not run out in liquid form like the saline breast implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: At what age do I have to get a mammogram if I have breast implants?
Answer: Generally, if you have no family history of breast cancer I would recommend you have a mammogram once a year starting at age 40. However, I have breast cancer patients who are under 40 and they believe women should go for regular mammograms at any age.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What lab work do I have to have done before my breast surgery?
Answer: We generally get a pregnancy test, cbc, protime and ptt. If a patient is over 40 and or has a family history of heart or health problems we recommend an EKG. If a patient is over 40 or has a family history of breast cancer we require a mammogram. Some exceptions apply, based on the general health of each patient and their family history. Specific lab work needed before surgery is discussed with each patient at their pre operative appointment.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Do you have hospital privileges to perform breast surgery?
Answer: Yes I do have hospital privileges to perform breast surgery. In fact for many breast reconstructions and reductions I prefer to operate on these patients in a hospital.

Plastic Surgery Q and A - Financing Surgery

Question: I can't afford to pay for my breast augmentation and lift all at once can I make payments? 

Answer: Yes, we have several different financing options available for patients. We work with excellent finance companies to get the best rates and the lowest payments available. Some patients also choose to use their charge cards and make payments to the charge card company. Our patient care coordinator Dee has assisted hundreds of patients find affordable financing solutions. If you need financial assistance please contact her at (714) 671-3033 or visit http://thebreastexpert.com/cost-breast-surgery.htm

Plastic Surgery Q and A - When do you recommend surgery for massive weight loss ?

Question: I have lost over 100 lbs over the last year. My breasts are a mess!! They are just loose skin and my nipples are hidden under the breast fold. I was on the web site www.CosmeticSurgeryAfterWeightLoss.com and I saw some of your work. You perform miracles. I don't plan on loosing any more weight. When do you recommend surgery for massive weight loss patients like me? 

Answer: The answer to this question is that it varies from patient to patient. However, for the best surgical results I recommend the patient has been at a stable weight for a good period of time and they don't plan on loosing any more weight. Also, the massive weight loss patient must be evaluated thoroughly prior to surgery to make sure their nutritional levels are good and that they are healthy and strong enough to have an elective procedure. Medical clearance and lab work is done prior to surgery to help with a safe surgical outcome. It is very common for massive weight loss patients to see changes to their breasts following weight loss. After weight loss women's breasts lose shape, fullness, and droop. Because natural breasts are made up fatty tissue once the fat is reduced or loss it dramatically affects the shape and size of the breasts. Often there can be excess hanging skin covering the remaining breast tissue causing an aesthetically unattractive look. I perform cosmetic surgery on weight loss patients on a regular basis and these aesthetic changes can be very rewarding for both the surgeon and the patient. I enjoy helping these women achieve their ultimate goals to look the best they can after all the sacrifices they made to lose weight.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Do nurses administer anesthesia at your surgery center?
Answer: No. I prefer not to cut corners when it comes to patient care and safety. I only use Board Certified Anesthesiologists (Medical Doctors) to administer anesthesia to my surgery patients. It may be more cost effective to use nurses, but I would rather have another Doctor doing anesthesia and charge my patients a little more.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Who does Dr. Corbin use for anesthesia? Are they board certified?
Answer: Yes, I only use Board Certified Anesthesiologists (Medical Doctors) to administer anesthesia to my surgery patients.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I have stretch marks on my breasts will they go away after a breast augmentation?
Answer: Stretch marks on the breasts will not go away after a breast augmentation. There is nothing that makes stretch marks disappear. In a small number of patients their stretch marks may become more noticeable.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Does wearing a bra really help stop the breasts from sagging?
Answer: This is an interesting question. Most doctors would say that giving support to the breasts particularly if they are large will help prevent sagging over time as the skin and breasts age. Naturally over time the weight of the breast, gravity and the loss of elasticity age the breasts causing them to sag.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a Becker breast implant?
Answer: It is an adjustable silicone gel and saline breast implant manufactured by Mentor. Usually this implant is used for breast reconstruction to enlarge the breasts over time. The Becker breast implant may also be used for standard breast enhancement in some patients.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What are textured breast implants?
Answer: Textured breast implants are implants that have a textured outer shell. These implants are also known as Siltex breast implants. These breast implants are sometimes used to help prevent capsular contracture. Textured surface implants are also used if the implants are placed sub mammary instead of sub muscular.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: If I get breasts implants will they stop my breasts from sagging?
Answer: Breast implants do not prevent the breasts from sagging. A breast lift and implants may improve the appearance of a sagging breast, but implants alone will not stop sagging. In fact if a patient with sagging breasts only puts in breast implants there is a chance that the extra weight of the breast implant could make their breasts sag even more.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Are breast implants guaranteed for a lifetime?
Answer: No breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime, however the manufactures warranty the implants for a lifetime. Mentor the implant company I use offers free replacement implants should the patient ever have a rupture.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Why do I have to stop taking Aspirin before my breast augmentation?
Answer: Aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: How long before my breast surgery do I have to stop taking aspirin?
Answer: Generally, in a healthy patient we have them stop taking Aspirin or anything containing Aspirin at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a tram flap?
Answer: A tram flap is a transverse abdominis myocutaneous flap or in layman's terms a 'tummy Tuck' Breast Reconstruction

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a tissue expander?
Answer: A tissue expander also referred to as a Skin Expander is a silicone bag usually progressively filled with saline to expand the skin and surrounding tissues in the breast or other area used. This device is frequently used to create more skin following a mastectomy to allow for placement of a permanent breast implant.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: My nipples do not stick out. I think they are inverted. Is there a surgery that can correct inverted nipples?
Answer: Yes I can perform a surgery on you to make the nipple protrude more or I can also increase the size of your nipples making them more prominent looking.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have huge nipples. Can I have the nipples made smaller?
Answer: Yes large nipples can be made smaller with surgery. Depending on what your needs are this can be done at the same time as a breast lift if the breasts need to be lifted. If all you wish to change then we can just perform a nipple reduction surgery to create a smaller nipple and areolar.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Can I change the color of my nipples? They are pink and I would like them to be darker?
Answer: Yes the color of your nipples can be made darker by tattooing them. We will provide you with a color chart so you can decide on the new nipple color.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I am a surfer. Will I be able to surf with breast implants?
Answer: Yes you will be able to surf with breast implants. I have other female patients who are professional athletes and some who are surfers with breast implants. If you look at Kara the playboy playmate who is in the patient of the month archives you will see that she is a surfer from Hawaii.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Are breast implants permanent and do they last a lifetime?
Answer: Changes to the breasts following a breast surgery can be permanent. Breast implants however do not last a lifetime. The implants come with a lifetime warranty from the manufactures in case they rupture and need to be replaced. Also they recommend the implants be replaced every 10 years. Many surgeons argue that if it aint broke don't fix it. So if there is nothing wrong with the implants leave them alone. There are many patients of mine who have had their breast implants for many years, but eventually for one reason or another they decide to change implants and or improve the appearance of their breasts. Some potential reasons patients need additional surgery are; breast implant deflation, capsular contracture, infection, implant shifting, aging breasts, childbirth, weight loss, weight gain, natural changes in the breasts appearance or calcium deposits in the breasts. Fortunately, these side affects do not happen to all patients, but I do inform my patients of all the
potential risks and known complications of breast surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What is a chest wall deformity?
Answer: A chest wall deformity is the most common congenital deformity of the anterior wall of the chest, in which several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally. This produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. It can either be present at birth or not develop until puberty.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I have scoliosis will this affect my breast surgery?
Answer: Excellent question. Yes scoliosis does affect the surgical out come because of the chest wall deformity. A patient with scoliosis generally has breasts that are at different heights and the ribcage projects out more on one side affecting the appearance of the breast on this side. If one shoulder is higher than the other this may also contribute to one breast being higher. Patients with chest wall deformities should be aware of the differences in their breasts before surgery because sometimes putting breast implants in intensifies these differences and they become more obvious after surgery. I take measurements of each surgery patient's breasts and try to point out any differences to them so they are aware that they have differences that may exist after surgery.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: Generally how long do the sutures stay in for before you remove them?
Answer: If I place sutures in a patient I like to remove them 5 to 7 days post operative to avoid problems with scarring.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: What are tuberous breasts?
Answer: Tuberous breasts refers to a breast deformity where the breast is shaped like a tuberous plant such as a potato. It is a form of constricted breast deformity. The diagnosis of a tuberous breast must be made prior to surgery so the surgeon can tailor the corrective surgery that will most improve the shape of the deformed breast. A simple breast augmentation alone will not correct this breast deformity it will only enhance it. To view photos of breast deformities go to www.TheBreastExpert.com and look under procedures. In the deformity section you will see photos of this and other breast problems.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: After I breast fed my child my breast skin drooped and they became smaller. My nipples are still in the same place, but all the skin abound them sags. Do I need a breast lift?
Answer: It is hard to say weather you would benefit from a breast lift with out physically examining you. Based on your physical description it sounds as though you may have what is referred to as Pseudoptosis. If your nipples are above your inframammary crease and the only thing sagging is the breast tissue you may benefit from breast implants to fill in the breasts and you would not need a lift. To determine exactly what surgery will give you the best result you need to book a personal consultation to be evaluated.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: After my breast surgery how would I know if I had an infection?
Answer: Infections following breast surgery are rare, but can occur. Generally speaking some things to watch for that might indicate a patient has an infection are, a fever, one or both breasts are very swollen and red.

Plastic Surgery Q and A

Question: I had a breast augmentation done a week ago and I am feeling shooting pains one in a while in my breasts. Is this normal?
Answer: Yes, these pains are a normal part of the healing process. The nerve endings are responding to the trauma of breast surgery and or healing changes are also occurring.

Plastic Surgery Q and A - After my breast lift and augmentation I began lactating

Question: After my breast lift and augmentation I began lactating? Is this normal or should I be concerned?
Answer: Interestingly, lactation after a breast surgery is an odd finding in some women that stops over time, this should not be a major concern.

Plastic Surgery Q and A - sensitivity in my nipples

Question: Will I still have sensitivity in my nipples after a breast augmentation?
Answer: Most patients nipple sensitivity is not affected by a breast augmentation, however, a small percentage of patients have temporary changes of sensation or loss of nipple sensation. It is also possible to experience hypersensitivity of the nipple or nipples after breast surgery.

breast reduction and breast feeding

Question: I want to get a breast reduction I'm still lactating could I still get a consultation and would the procedure be performed on me?
Answer: I generally wait 3 months before operating on someone who has been breast feeding. Some women do continue to lactate after that time but their breasts have generally shrunk in size so when we do the reduction I know the size and shape I obtain will be stable.
Dr. Corbin

Can you have implants with an ICD defibrillator?

Question: I recently was given an ICD defibrillator for a congenital heart defect, I am 34 and very thin in the chest I hate the way it sticks out and looks. I always wanted breast augmentation. My question is, is it still possible for me to have the breast augmentation with the defibrillator?
Answer: YES! Call (714) 671-3033 for an appointment
Dr. Corbin

Queston about implants dropping

Question: I was wondering if there is anything i can do to stop the implant from dropping anymore. I am 3 weeks post and I don't want them to drop anymore and lose my upper pole.
Answer: Wearing an under wire bra may helpDr. Corbin

Cost of Breast Lift

Question: Hi Dr. Corbin. I am a 23 year old student from Barbados going to school in Alabama. and I was wondering what would be the price to have a breast lift done. Currently I have no insurance.
Answer: Call (714) 671-3033 for the prices
Dr. Corbin

cost of breast augmentation?

Question: Hello sir, I need to ask you the cost of this procedure, as I am from Canada and I cant find good surgeons here. Please kindly tell me the cost including all taxes, as I have heard lot about you.
Answer: Call the office at (714) 671-3033 for the information you are seeking. We have operated on a lot of patients from Canada and I am married to a Canadian.
Dr. Corbin

Capsular Contracture

Question: I have the worst case of capsular contracture. It may have just happened by itself, or it may have been caused by mastitis. I have a 4 month. old baby and have been nursing full time. I got mastitis when he was 2 weeks old, and started antibiotics right away. I had breast augmentation in Nov. 2005 from another surgeon. I have recently heard that he has some lawsuits against him. I am afraid to have him correct my CC. He is going to do it free of charge. I am worried something bad will happen. I am starting to have pain when I move my arm out or up. I wanted to nurse til the baby is 6mths. old. But, I don't know if this pain will get worse or not. Should I continue to nurse for 2 more months? Should I have the surgery as soon as possible? And does CC usually come back? Thank you.
Answer: Come in for an appointment so I can get a full history and examine you and then discuss with you what may be your best option.
Call (714) 671-3033 or (310) 284-8384 for an appointment.
Dr. Corbin

Need your expert advice - capsular contraction

Question: In 2000, I got breast implants (smooth, round, submuscular). I was happy with them until a few years later they became hard and felt unnatural. I had developed capsular contraction! My breasts looked normal, but felt hard. I think the CC was contributed to breast feeding and also having mastitis (milk duct infection) in one of my breasts. After a few more years of debating whether or not to have the capsulectomy/otomy (fear of the initial painful recovery), I finally scheduled the surgery to rectify the problem. To my horror, when I woke up from surgery, my implants had been removed! The surgeon said I needed to wait 3-6 mos. before replacing the implants. He found breast milk in the left breast capsule and thought I might have an infection. The culture came back negative for infection, but he still wants me to wait at least 3 mos. For a naturally very flat chested woman who has had implants for 7 years, and then without her consent, has them removed, I was very
devastated and depressed about the situation. I know my body and if I had an infection I would know. He should not have removed my implants without my consent!
Since he's refusing to replace my implants for several months, I'm asking you for your expert advice...do I really need to wait? I feel perfectly fine, healthy, no pain, no infection and I want to have implants again. Can you help me?
Answer: Call the office at (714) 671-3033 and make an appointment. If you have your records that too would be helpful.
I look forward to seeing and helping you.
Dr. Corbin

Question about breast implants

Question: Have you come across or taken out silicone implants that have been in a 50 year old female patient for 20 years, if there no visible or obvious problems or concerns with them, is there any reason to have them remove. Beside a bit of sagging going on.
thank you for your wisdom and advice.
Violette
Answer: Thank you for contacting my office. Your question is a popular one. Because I have been performing breast surgery for over 20 years many of my own patients ask the same question. Basically, many doctors believe ,'If it ain't broken don't fix it.'
In other words if you are not having any problems with your old silicone breast implants why mess with them.
The breast implant manufacturers, Mentor, recommend patients exchange breast implants for new ones after 10 years.
To Rule out any concerns you may have about breast implant ruptures I would recommend regular mammogram's and MRI'S.
The FDA now recommends that Silicone breast implants be replaced after 10 years and that MRI'S be done every 3 to 5 years.
I have many patients who have had silicone breast implants for 20 or more years who are now coming in for breast implant exchanges along with a lift.
If you would like me to personally examine you so I can give you my recommendations please contact
  us at (714) 671-3033 to book an appointment.
Sincerely, Dr. Corbin

consultation please

Question: Can I schedule a Consultation please?
Answer: Call the office at (714) 671-3033 to arrange for a consultation with Dr. Corbin.

nipple reconstruction questions

Question: Can you add/recontruct a nipple if implants(silicon) are already in, and have you done a procedure like that and cost???
Answer: Yes nipple reconstruction can be performed with Silicone breast implants present. After breast reconstruction following breast cancer, I generally do the nipple and areolar reconstruction last. It is like the icing on the cake.
I have been performing breast reconstruction surgery for over 20 years.
For surgery fees contact Dee (714) 671-3033 and she will assist you.
Sincerely, Frederic H. Corbin M.D.

Plastic Surgery Q and A What causes Capsular contracture?

Question: What causes Capsular contracture?
Answer: Some patients heal more aggressively than others and some form capsular contracture which is scar tissue that forms around the breast implant. The scar constricts and pulls against the breast implant. Capsular contracture can happen in one or both breasts and it may only happen once or in a small percentage of patients it can reoccur. Capsular contracture may be painful and it may also distort the shape of the breast. In some extreme cases it may cause an implant rupture because the scar is so tightly contracted around the implant. Capsular contracture can happen soon after breast surgery or years afterwards. It varies. Generally if capsular contracture occurs surgery is recommended to remove the capsule and remove and replace the breast implants.

Plastic Surgery Q and A Capsular Contracture

Question: What is capsular contracture?
Answer: Capsular Contracture is scar tissue that forms around the breast implant. The scar constricts and pulls against the breast implant. Capsular contracture can happen in one or both breasts. Capsular contracture may be painful and it may also distort the shape of the breast or breasts.

Do I have to be put to sleep to have breast surgery?

Q. Do I have to be put to sleep to have breast surgery?

A. Yes. My Anesthesiologists do use general anesthesia for breast surgeries like breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lifts etc…

Will breast implants affect my ability to have children?

Q. Will breast implants affect my ability to have children?

A. Breast implants will not affect your fertility. However, even without breast implants there are no guarantees a woman can have children. This is something to discuss with a fertility expert.