Breast Implant Alternatives Procedure in Norwalk, Connecticut

Dr. Laurence Kirwan. is one of the most experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Norwalk, Connecticut, and in the entire country. He is a recognized international leader in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He offers a superior level of knowledge, care and understanding to help you achieve the youthful, bright and contoured look you desire.

Conveniently Located: Every patient is a VIP. For your breast lift appointment, you will see Dr. Kirwan himself at every single appointment. Our Norwalk, CT location is conveniently located in between Manhattan, New York and New Haven, Connecticut. Patients regularly visit from across Connecticut (Stamford, Greenwich, Stratford, Fairfield, Westport, Bridgeport, Darien, New Canaan, Trumbull), New York ( Manhattan, NYC, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, White Plains, Harrison), New Jersey and other neighboring cities/towns for their breast lift surgery and other plastic surgery procedures. Our office is close to all of the New York Airports for patients who are coming from out-of-state or other countries.

What is the definition of “breast implant alternatives”?

Breast Implant Alternatives are a menu of procedures to lift the and enlarge breasts without implants. Implants may be removed for many reasons. They may no longer fit into a lifestyle or body-image. Breasts may grow with age, menopause or weight gain and may now be too large. There may be a capsular contracture, implant rupture, asymmetric or uncomfortable breasts. Other reasons for removing implants are the presence of textured implants and concerns about the risk of developing BIA-ALCL. Breast Implant Illness is a poorly defined condition but may also be a reason for implant explantation. Sometimes patients simply want to have their implants removed. Surgery can include removal of the implants and capsule removal (capsulectomy).

Capsulectomy is not mandatory for patients without symptoms. Capsulectomy adds substantially to the surgical risk and the cost. Implant removal or an exchange for smooth implants without a capsulectomy is an acceptable choice for women with no capsular contracture. However, a capsulectomy is done in cases of a thickened or a calcified capsule or if there are symptoms or surgical findings suggesting BIA-ALCL. En- bloc resections are reserved for patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL.

If implants are removed without replacement a breast auto-augmentation™ (BAA™) is performed simultaneously. This is called a Simultaneous Salvage Auto-Augmentation™ or SSAA™. Breast augmentation using the patient’s own fat may also be done at the same time as SSAA. The fat is harvested from the thighs, hips or tummy and then filtered and reinjected into the breasts.

Age

Breast surgery is appropriate after the age of 18 and is tailored to the specific condition of the breasts and the patient’s general health .

Surgical technique

There are multiple techniques, which may be combined:

1. Breast implant removal with partial or complete (en-bloc) capsule removal
2. Breast Auto-augmentation™ / mastopexy
3. Simultaneous Salvage Auto-Augmentation™ or SSAA™: (1) & (3) combined
3. Fat Injection (Autologous Fat Injection or AFI)

See Breast Auto-Augmentation™.

Breast Autoaugmentation, Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery, Volume 15, Number 2:73-76, Summer 2007

[1.] Breast Auto-Augmentation: A Versatile Method of Breast Rehabilitation. A Retrospective Series of 107 Procedures, Archives of Plastic Surgery, 2015; 42:438-445.

See Dr. Kirwan’s publication in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open; published March 6, 2023.

Kirwan, Laurence MD, FRCS*; Wazir, Umar MBBS, MD, FRCS†; Mokbel, Kefah MB, BS, MS, FRCS†. Simultaneous Salvage Auto-augmentation: Contemporary Strategy for Management of the Breast Explantation Patient. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open 11(3):p e4860, March 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004860

Philosophy

To create a soft natural-feeling breast that is perky or teardrop-shaped, with thin scars that turn white and are almost unnoticeable when completely healed.

Surgical time and recovery

Surgery takes 3-4 hours depending on the type of breast capsule removal and the number of areas of liposuction . There is no drain. A soft bra, without underwires, is worn day and night for two-three weeks, and then for three weeks during the day. Liposuction garments are worn day and night for two-three weeks, and then for three weeks during the day. All sutures are absorbable. The patient can go back to work in 7 days. Light exercise is permitted after 14 days. Normal daily activities can be resumed in 21 days. Gym: light schedule four weeks, Regular schedule: six weeks. No contact sports for 3 months.

Related procedures

Liposuction to contour the outer edge of the breast where excess fat or breast tissue extends to the side of the chest and under the arm. Liposuction of multiple other areas.

Nipple reduction.

Dr. Kirwan has published several articles on breast lifting:

SEE THE TRANSFORMATIONS & BEAUTIFUL RESULTS