Dr. Killeen's Plastic Surgery Blog
How Many CCs Are in a Cup Size?
April 23, 2026
Dr. Killeen breaks down the average cc-to-cup-size conversion for breast augmentation and reduction — why 150 cc ≈ one cup size on average, why the range is really 100 to 250 cc, and why responsible surgeons don't promise specific cup sizes.
PSA: Get Your Silicone Implants Imaged Before Any Breast Surgery
April 22, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why anyone with silicone breast implants heading to the OR for *any* breast procedure — revision, biopsy, lumpectomy, or a previous lift revision — should have an ultrasound or MRI first, and how it can change the surgery and unlock insurance coverage.
When AI Cost a Patient His Life: A Tragic Story About Perplexity and Leukemia
April 21, 2026
Dr. Killeen breaks down a devastating New York Times story about a man with leukemia who declined treatment based on a Perplexity AI report — even after the authors of the cited papers told his family the AI had misread their research — and the broader danger of letting AI override your doctor.
Why Didn't the OR Team Stop Surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky?
April 16, 2026
Dr. Killeen answers the most common follow-up question about the Shaknovsky case: why didn't the other staff in the operating room stop him? She breaks down who's in the OR, what they do, and why they often can't see what the surgeon is doing.
Surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky Charged With Manslaughter: What Actually Happened
April 15, 2026
Dr. Killeen reacts to the news that surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky has been charged with manslaughter after removing a patient's liver instead of his spleen — and explains why this case is beyond a normal surgical complication.
How Many Opioid Pills Should You Get After a Mastectomy With Implant Reconstruction?
April 13, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains the evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines after mastectomy with implant reconstruction, why the numbers are lower than you'd expect, and the multimodal protocol that makes it possible.
Will Insurance Cover Your Breast Reduction?
April 9, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains how insurance coverage for breast reduction works — the Schnur scale, BMI cutoffs, out-of-pocket costs, and why you should never ask a surgeon to lie for coverage.
Surgeon Sues Surgery Center in Rachel Tussey Case: An Unusual Development
April 8, 2026
Dr. Killeen breaks down the unusual lawsuit filed by Dr. Tork against the surgery center and anesthesia group in the Rachel Tussey case, including both sides' claims.
Oncoplastic Breast Reduction: Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction Together
April 6, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains oncoplastic reduction — combining breast reduction with lumpectomy — why it leads to better symmetry after radiation, and why it doesn't compromise cancer outcomes.
My Oura Ring Review After 18 Months: Honest Pros and Cons
April 5, 2026
Dr. Killeen shares an honest review of the Oura Ring after 18 months of daily wear — what works, what doesn't, and whether it's worth it compared to the Apple Watch.
Breast Reconstruction for Larger Breasts: Volume Options Beyond 800cc
April 3, 2026
Dr. Killeen discusses breast reconstruction options for patients who need larger volume — from Mentor's extended size implants and fat grafting to hybrid flap procedures.
Outpatient Surgery Center vs Hospital: Which Is Safer for Cosmetic Surgery?
March 30, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why freestanding ambulatory surgery centers have better outcomes and lower costs than hospital-based centers for cosmetic procedures, plus her stance on anesthesiologist-led care.
Why Diastasis Repair Should Be Part of Every Tummy Tuck
March 30, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why she repairs the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) on virtually every tummy tuck patient and how it improves results.
Breast Implants and Cancer Risk: BIA-ALCL, BIA-SCC, and Motiva Implants
March 27, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains the two rare cancers associated with breast implants — BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC — and why Motiva smooth cell implants appear to be safe.
Does Hybrid Breast Reconstruction Increase Cancer Recurrence?
March 25, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why the type of breast reconstruction — implant, DIEP flap, or hybrid — does not affect cancer recurrence rates.
The FDA Is Rolling Back Tanning Bed Protections — A Melanoma Survivor Responds
March 20, 2026
Dr. Killeen, a melanoma survivor who fought for tanning bed bans for minors in Kansas, responds to the FDA's decision to weaken tanning regulations.
Is There a Minimally Invasive Breast Augmentation? The Honest Truth
March 19, 2026
Dr. Killeen reviews every minimally invasive breast augmentation option — PRP, filler, biostimulators, Renuva, AlloClay — and explains why none are recommended yet.
Hospital Privileges: Why They Matter When Choosing a Surgeon
March 16, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains what hospital privileges are, how they work, and why it's critical that your surgeon can follow you to the hospital if complications arise.
Do You Need a Tissue Expander to Downsize During Breast Reconstruction?
March 12, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains whether you need a tissue expander if you want smaller breasts after mastectomy, and why downsizing carries more risk than upsizing.
Breast Reconstruction When You Already Have Implants
March 11, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains how pre-existing breast implants affect mastectomy reconstruction risk, why pre-pectoral placement is now standard, and her published complication data.
Scar Treatment After Surgery: What's Normal and When to Intervene
March 9, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains the natural history of surgical scars, when intervention is needed, and the honest truth about scar treatments — from silicone gel to lasers.
Why Can't My Surgeon Drain My Seroma?
March 5, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why draining a seroma isn't always straightforward — from fluid thickness and cavity shape to loculations that block needle access.
Preservé vs Traditional Breast Augmentation: Recovery Differences
March 4, 2026
Dr. Killeen compares recovery between Preservé and traditional breast augmentation — from pain management to return to activity and long-term implant placement.
Breast Implant Infections: How We Diagnose and Treat Them
March 3, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains how breast implant infections are diagnosed, when antibiotics aren't enough, and her implant salvage algorithm for saving infected implants.
Can Silicone Breast Implants Get Into Your Lymph Nodes?
March 2, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains silicone migration to lymph nodes — how common it really is, what the studies show, and why modern implants have reduced this risk significantly.
What Is Recovery Like Moving Implants From Under to Over the Muscle?
February 28, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains recovery after switching breast implants from under the muscle to over the muscle — timeline, pain management, and what to expect.
Why UK Plastic Surgeons Are Calling for a Ban on Breast Filler
February 26, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why injecting filler into breasts is dangerous — from cancer screening interference to infection risk and why most providers doing it aren't qualified.
Why Don't I Have Cleavage After Breast Implants?
February 24, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why some patients don't get the cleavage they expected after breast augmentation — from chest wall anatomy to breast tissue density and implant profile.
Should You Replace Your Implant During Revision Surgery?
February 23, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains when it's okay to keep the same breast implant during revision and when you absolutely need a new one — from contracture to infection to implant age.
Can Breast Implants Cause a Facial Parasite? A Surgeon's Response
February 19, 2026
Dr. Killeen responds to Brandi Glanville's claims that ruptured breast implants caused a facial parasite, and explains how silicone in lymph nodes actually works.
How Patients Are Being Exploited by Product Liability Schemes
February 18, 2026
Dr. Killeen discusses a New Yorker investigation into how third parties are accessing patient records, scaring them into unnecessary mesh removal surgery, and selling their cases to law firms.
Understanding Implant Profiles in Breast Reconstruction
February 17, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains how breast implant profiles work in reconstruction, why anatomy matters more than profile selection, and common mistakes surgeons make.
Why Won't My Wrinkle Go Away After Botox?
February 16, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why some wrinkles persist after Botox — from undertreated muscles to etched-in lines — and what treatments can help.
You Have a Seroma After Surgery — What Should You Do?
February 13, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains what to do if you develop a seroma after surgery — from office drainage to when it's actually an emergency, and why you should always call your surgeon first.
When Should You Consider Replacing Your Breast Implants?
February 12, 2026
Dr. Killeen covers six signs it may be time to replace your breast implants — from rupture screening and BIA-ALCL to aesthetic concerns and newer implant options.
Prenuvo MRI: When Marketing Becomes Dangerous Medical Advice
February 12, 2026
Dr. Killeen discusses suspicious bot and influencer comments promoting Prenuvo MRI as a replacement for cancer follow-up care — and why that's dangerous.
Can You Remove Lipomas With Liposuction?
February 10, 2026
Dr. Killeen compares lipoma removal methods — traditional excision vs liposuction vs Kybella — and explains why excision is usually the best option.
Immediate vs Delayed Breast Reconstruction: Which Is Riskier?
February 9, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why immediate breast reconstruction has higher complication rates — and why the mastectomy, not the reconstruction, is what drives those complications.
Breast Asymmetry After Surgery: What's Normal?
February 5, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why every patient has breast asymmetries, how fixing one can highlight another, and how to evaluate your results after surgery.
Fat Necrosis After Breast Reduction: Causes and Treatment Options
February 4, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains fat necrosis after breast reduction — what causes it, when it resolves on its own, and treatment options from massage to minimally invasive removal.
Preservé vs Traditional Over-the-Muscle Breast Augmentation: What's Different?
February 2, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains how Preservé breast augmentation differs from traditional over-the-muscle techniques — hydrodissection, tissue preservation, and reduced biofilm risk.
Why Do My Breast Implants Drift Into My Armpits?
January 30, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why breast implants can slide to the sides when lying down — capsule stretch, tissue quality, implant size, and why it requires surgical correction.
Why Do Breast Implants Flip? AP Malposition Explained
January 29, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why breast implants can flip upside down — from capsule stretch to implant profile — and when surgery is needed to fix it.
Can You Have a Second Breast Reduction? What to Know About the Risks
January 28, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains the risks of a second breast reduction — why it's the same risk profile as the first, why the pedicle matters, and the five-year rule for blood supply.
How to Fix a Breast Implant That Sits Too Low
January 27, 2026
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Killeen explains three ways to fix breast implant malposition — from underwire bras to capsulorraphy and surgical mesh scaffolding.
How Implant Size Is Chosen for Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction
January 26, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains how she determines implant size for direct-to-implant breast reconstruction — from patient goals and 3D imaging to mastectomy specimen weight.
What to Do If Your Surgical Drain Gets Stuck
January 23, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why surgical drains get stuck, the different types of drains, and what your surgeon does to safely remove a stuck or accidentally sewn-in drain.
Why Breast Implants End Up in Different Positions and How to Fix It
January 22, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why breast implants can settle unevenly — from capsular contracture to tight muscles — and the treatments that help, including time, massage, Botox, and revision surgery.
Why Do Breasts Look Like a Torpedo After a Breast Lift?
January 21, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains the reasons breasts can look torpedo-shaped after a breast lift — from implant choice and tissue stretching to tuberous breast anatomy.
Nipple Reconstruction Options After Mastectomy
January 20, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains the options for nipple reconstruction after breast cancer surgery — from 3D tattooing and flap procedures to silicone prosthetics.
How to Tell If Your Implants Are Over or Under the Muscle
January 20, 2026
Dr. Killeen shares a simple at-home test to determine whether your breast implants are over or under the pectoralis muscle.
Can You Have a Breast Reduction While on Accutane?
January 19, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains the current evidence on Accutane and surgery — why the old rule of waiting six months may no longer apply for breast reduction patients.
What Are Dog Ears After Surgery and How Are They Fixed?
January 16, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains what dog ears are, why they happen after surgeries like tummy tucks and breast reductions, and the options for fixing them — from Kybella to in-office revisions.
Do You Need Antibiotics Before Dental Cleanings If You Have Breast Implants?
January 13, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains whether antibiotic prophylaxis before dental cleanings is necessary to prevent capsular contracture in breast implant patients.
Why I'm Not a Fan of Prenuvo and HerScan Self-Service Screenings
January 9, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains her concerns with direct-to-consumer screening services like Prenuvo and HerScan — from fear-mongering to the lack of physician advocacy when abnormalities are found.
Should You Skip a Tummy Tuck in Case You Need a DIEP Flap Later?
January 6, 2026
Dr. Killeen pushes back on the advice to avoid tummy tucks or liposuction in case of future breast reconstruction — and explains why most women will never need a DIEP flap.
Why Thermograms Don't Work for Cancer Screening
January 5, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why thermography is not an effective screening tool for breast cancer or any cancer, and why the right test for the right condition matters.
Tethered Areola Scars: Causes and Treatment Options
January 3, 2026
Dr. Killeen explains why areola scars can become tethered after breast surgery, and walks through treatment options from cupping to fat grafting to surgical correction.
Can You Permanently Get Rid of Cellulite?
December 30, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down the two causes of cellulite — tight bands and loose skin — and explains which treatments work best for each, including Aveli and skin tightening.
Are My Breast Implants Causing My Health Problems?
December 26, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains how breast implant illness is diagnosed, why seeing your primary care doctor first is essential, and what the research says about symptom improvement after explant.
Can You Fix a Diastasis Without a Tummy Tuck?
December 24, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why diastasis repair can be done without skin removal, but why most patients with a significant diastasis get better results with a full tummy tuck.
What to Do If You Have Complications After Surgery
December 22, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains the steps to take if you're experiencing surgical complications — from calling your surgeon to finding a new one through your primary care doctor.
Belly Button Problems After a Tummy Tuck
December 19, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains the most common belly button issues after tummy tuck surgery — scar stenosis and draining sinuses — and how they're treated.
How to Properly Treat Capsular Contracture
December 19, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains what causes capsular contracture, how it should be treated — including capsule removal, bacterial testing, and recurrence prevention — and common mistakes to avoid.
What Happens If You Leave a Ruptured Silicone Implant?
December 18, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains the complications of leaving a ruptured silicone implant in place — from capsular contracture and silicone granulomas to extrusion through the skin.
Why Do Breast Reconstruction Implants Feel Firmer?
December 15, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why firmer implants are often chosen for breast reconstruction patients, how they reduce rippling, and when firmness may actually signal a capsular contracture.
Why Refusing Standard Breast Cancer Treatment Is So Dangerous
December 11, 2025
Dr. Killeen responds to a viral case of a young woman refusing breast cancer treatment, comparing survival statistics with and without standard care.
Why Breast Exams and Implant Care Matter More Than You Think
December 9, 2025
Dr. Killeen makes the case for thorough breast exams beyond mortality stats, and calls on breast surgeons to address implant issues when they're already operating on patients.
Do Saline Implants Need Imaging Like Silicone Implants?
December 8, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why saline implants don't require routine imaging but still need regular follow-up — especially older implants placed through high-risk incisions.
The Crease Incision Breast Lift: Why It's Not Always the Best Choice
December 7, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why the crease incision breast lift often produces a boxy shape, doesn't fix bottomed-out implants long-term, and when auto-augmentation is a better use of the technique.
Capsular Contracture: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
December 6, 2025
Dr. Killeen provides a comprehensive overview of capsular contracture — what causes it, how prevention has improved dramatically, and how modern treatment approaches are evolving.
Breast Implant Screening: A Message to Primary Care and OB-GYN
December 5, 2025
Dr. Killeen calls on primary care doctors, OB-GYNs, and radiologists to improve breast implant screening — from ordering imaging to documenting exams to catching contractures early.
Should Patients Record Their Own Surgeries?
December 3, 2025
Dr. Killeen discusses a viral case of a patient who secretly recorded her surgery — why patients want recordings, why secret recording is problematic, and better communication alternatives.
Your Surgeon Should Never Abandon You After a Complication
December 2, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why surgical complications are always in a surgeon's scope of practice, the red flags of being abandoned after surgery, and why you should ask "what if?" before any procedure.
What Is Biofilm on Breast Implants?
November 30, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains what biofilm is, how it forms on breast implants, its link to capsular contracture, and the prevention techniques that have cut contracture rates to under 2%.
Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: What You Need to Know
November 28, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, why some patients are told they can't have it, and why the mastectomy surgeon choice is as important as the plastic surgeon.
When Can You Get a Breast Reduction After Having a Baby?
November 28, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains how long to wait after pregnancy and breastfeeding before having a breast reduction — and why timing matters for safety and results.
Can You Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?
November 27, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains how breast augmentation affects breastfeeding, why the incision location matters more than implant placement, and shares her own experience breastfeeding with implants.
How to Get the Most Accurate Price for a Breast Lift
November 26, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why breast lift pricing varies, the factors that affect cost, and the best way to get an accurate estimate before your consultation.
How to Hide Implant Edges If You're Thin
November 25, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains options for thin patients concerned about visible implant edges — from fat grafting and fat substitutes to implant selection and placement strategies.
Can You Do Fat Grafting With a Breast Lift or Explant?
November 25, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains when fat grafting can be combined with a breast lift or implant removal, and when it's better to wait and do it as a separate procedure.
Belly Button Necrosis After a Tummy Tuck: What to Expect
November 24, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains belly button necrosis after tummy tuck or DIEP flap surgery — why it happens, what it looks like, how it's treated, and why the outcome is usually better than expected.
Motiva Round vs. Ergonomix: Which Implant Is Right for You?
November 21, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down the differences between Motiva round and Ergonomix implants — shape, softness, rippling — and how fat grafting can refine either option.
Alloclae Off-the-Shelf Fat: Why I'm Cautious About the Hype
November 20, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why she's cautious about Alloclae — the off-the-shelf cadaver fat product — including unknowns about take rate, longevity, cost, and its effects on breast tissue and mammograms.
The Real Problems That Happen With Ruptured Silicone Implants
November 20, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down the specific problems that can happen when a silicone breast implant ruptures — capsular contracture, silicone granulomas, lymph node involvement, and why routine replacement beats waiting for rupture.
How to Reduce Seroma Fluid Output: Practical Steps That Actually Work
November 19, 2025
Dr. Killeen outlines the practical ways to reduce seroma fluid output — compression, activity restriction, steroid instillation, and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) — from simple at-home steps to prescription-level interventions.
How Skin Quality Affects Your Breast Augmentation Results
November 18, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains how skin quality affects breast augmentation — from stretch mark risk with tight young skin to the need for mesh support with poor skin quality, and why wearing a supportive bra protects your investment long-term.
Dr. Killeen's Ear Piercing Tour: Current Setup and Favorite Pieces
November 18, 2025
Dr. Killeen shares her current ear piercing setup — Maria Tash and BVLA pieces across both ears, mixed metals in white and rose gold, and the piercers she trusts at Oak and Poppy.
How to Treat Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) After Scars and Injuries
November 17, 2025
Dr. Killeen walks through the evidence-based treatments for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — topical TXA and hydroquinone, laser and microneedling, oral TXA for stubborn cases, and why sun protection makes or breaks your results.
Kris Jenner's Gloves and the Case for Hand Rejuvenation
November 14, 2025
Dr. Killeen uses Kris Jenner's recent glove appearance to talk hand rejuvenation — topical retinoids, sun protection, and why fat grafting to the hands is her favorite, most cost-effective way to restore lost volume.
Skin Quality and Body Contouring: Why Your Surgeon May Recommend a Tummy Tuck Over Lipo
November 13, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains how skin quality affects liposuction and tummy tuck results — what causes poor skin quality, what topicals and procedures can do, and why a tummy tuck is often the most cost-effective route to a flat abdomen.
Who Should Actually Call You With a Biopsy Result?
November 12, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why biopsy results with a diagnosis, treatment plan, or life-changing news should come from a physician, NP, or PA — not left on voicemail — and what every good diagnosis call should include.
What We Inject Into Problematic Scars: Kenalog vs. 5-FU
November 12, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down the two medications used to inject hypertrophic and keloid scars — Kenalog (steroid) and 5-FU (chemotherapy) — including their trade-offs, complications, and how to space injections for the best result.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck — and Why Some Scars Are Longer Than Others
November 11, 2025
Dr. Killeen walks through how to choose between liposuction and a tummy tuck based on your anatomy, why some patients opt for lipo even when a tummy tuck is technically better, and how your body determines how long the tummy tuck scar will be.
Hypertrophic vs. Keloid Scars — and How They Look on Darker Skin
November 10, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains the difference between hypertrophic scars and keloids, and how they can behave differently on darker skin — including pigmentation that often layers on top of the raised scar and how to treat both issues together.
Radiation May Be Unnecessary for Many Breast Cancer Patients — and Plastic Surgeons Are Thrilled
November 7, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down a major new NEJM study showing that radiation may not improve outcomes for intermediate-risk breast cancer patients after mastectomy and chemotherapy — and why avoiding unnecessary radiation is a huge win for reconstruction.
Motiva Implants for Breast Reconstruction: Why They're Still Off-Label
November 7, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains why Motiva implants are currently off-label for breast reconstruction in the US, what the FDA approval timeline looks like, and the real practical limitation patients should know about — the current size ceiling of 625 cc.
A 66-Year-Old, A Secret Surrogate, and a Zoom Hearing She Faked — A Wild IVF Story
November 6, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down a wild New York Times story about a 66-year-old mother of 12 who hired a surrogate behind her husband's back, impersonated him on a Zoom court hearing, and was arrested for attempted kidnapping when the twins were born — and the bigger ethical questions it raises about IVF at advanced maternal age.
How to Treat Bad Scars After a Breast Reduction
November 4, 2025
Dr. Killeen walks through how hypertrophic and keloid scars behave after a breast reduction, how to spot them early, and the step-by-step treatment plan — from silicone and injection therapy to scar revision and low-dose radiation in severe cases.
China's New "Influencer Law": Should Credentials Be Required to Post About Medicine?
November 3, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down China's new "Influencer Law" requiring credentials to post on social media about medicine, law, education, and finance — why it's interesting, where it falls short, and what a lighter-touch version might look like in the United States.
The Breast Reconstruction Access Bill: Who's Behind It and How to Help
October 31, 2025
Dr. Killeen runs through the major physician organizations, patient advocacy groups, and state medical associations backing the breast reconstruction access bill (#AWHCA) — and how patients can call their representatives and share their stories to help push it through.
Plastic Surgery Price Quotes: Bundled vs. Line-Item Is Not a Scam
October 29, 2025
Dr. Killeen pushes back on viral TikTok content claiming plastic surgeons scam patients with line-item price quotes — and walks through what actually goes into a quote, from surgeon's fees and facility fees to anesthesia and single-use products like Exparel, Prevena, and Renuvion.
Breast Implant Imaging: What You Actually Need (and When)
October 23, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down the imaging recommendations for breast implants — why saline implants don't need routine monitoring, when and how often silicone implants should be imaged (MRI vs. ultrasound), why mammograms don't cover it, and what textured-implant patients need to watch for.
How Surgeons Decide Where to Put the Nipple in a Breast Lift or Reduction
October 22, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down the three main tools surgeons use to decide NAC placement in a breast lift or reduction — sternal notch measurements, the mid-humerus landmark, and Pitanguy's point — plus why placing the nipple too high is far more problematic than placing it too low.
Subglandular, Submuscular, Dual Plane, Subfascial — Implant Placements Explained
October 21, 2025
Dr. Killeen breaks down the four most common breast implant placements — subglandular, submuscular, dual plane, and subfascial — what each one means anatomically, what the trade-offs are with animation deformity and biofilm, and how to think about which is right for you.
Why Doctors Don't Give Free Medical Advice on Social Media
October 20, 2025
Dr. Killeen responds to a common comment — "it's ironic that doctors argue on TikTok but won't give you free medical advice" — and explains why no responsible physician can safely give individualized medical advice through DMs, why it's a real legal liability, and what helpful use of medical content actually looks like.
How High Up Do We Go When Repairing Diastasis in a Tummy Tuck?
October 17, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains how high the muscle repair extends in a tummy tuck — from pubic bone to rib margin — why diastasis is almost always present, why a strong core matters more than your faja, and the problem with wearing your garment for months too long.
Do You Really Need to Replace Your Breast Implants at 10 Years?
October 16, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains where the 10-year breast implant replacement rule actually comes from, why modern implants have changed the math, when proactive replacement still makes sense, and how to decide whether to swap your implants or watch them with imaging.
Can You Breastfeed After Breast Reduction Surgery?
July 25, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains the likelihood of successful breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery, including success rates and preparation strategies.
Can You Safely Have a Second Breast Reduction?
July 20, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains when and how second breast reductions are performed safely, including incision choices and timing.
Understanding Scars After Breast Reduction Surgery
July 18, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains what to expect from scarring after breast reduction surgery and how scars can be improved.
Are GLP-1 Medications Effective for Reducing Breast Size?
July 11, 2025
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Killeen explains why GLP-1 medications aren't effective for breast reduction in adolescents and young women with glandular breast tissue.
How Young Is Too Young for Breast Reduction Surgery?
July 10, 2025
Dr. Killeen discusses important factors determining the appropriate age for teenage breast reduction surgery, including development, risks, and individualized decision-making.
How Insurance Coverage Works for Breast Reduction Surgery
July 9, 2025
Dr. Killeen explains how insurance coverage, deductibles, and ...
Introducing FDA-Approved Motiva Implants
October 23, 2024
Motiva implants may lead to less contractures and a much thinner capsule, offering....
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
February 12, 2024
Today, we're diving into a thorough review of the Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion...
Brella 3-Minute SweatControl Patch
February 2, 2024
The Brella 3-Minute SweatControl Patch is a new, FDA-cleared in-office approach to sweat control...
When can fat grafting be covered by insurance?
June 19, 2023
Fat grafting to the breast can also be covered by insurance, depending on the situation...
Is my doctor board certified?
June 17, 2023
Everyone should know how to confirm that their surgeon is board certified, here's how...
Unlocking the Benefits of Peptide IV Therapy
March 16, 2023
Peptide IV is a type of intravenous therapy that delivers a specialized mixture of peptides directly into the bloodstream...
Interview with Nicol Concilio
January 26, 2023
Dr. Killeen sits down with patient Nicol Concilio to discuss her surgery...
5 Questions to ask for a Breast Augmentation
January 25, 2023
Let's talk quickly about 5 things every woman should ask their surgeon when they are considering a Breast Augmentation...
4 Tips I've learned as a Plastic Surgeon
January 25, 2023
4 Tips I've learned as a Plastic Surgeon, who was also a patient with a Breast Augmentation...
Should doctors bill like lawyers?
November 18, 2022
Should doctors charge for emails and phone calls? Cleveland Clinic to soon bill for MyChart messages...
What's the deal with separated abdominal muscles?
July 23, 2022
So whats the deal with rectus diastasis? Separation of your abdominal muscles can happen for a variety of reasons...
I'm having surgery, can I add on a cosmetic procedure?
March 29, 2022
It seems like a great idea right? You are already going to be in the operating room, why not?
Liposuction Options
March 7, 2022
One of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States is liposuction. I’ll explain some of the more common liposuction options...
Nipples, Areolas, and More!
March 4, 2022
Patients frequently come to the office worried about their nipples. Often, it’s not even the nipple that concerns them, so let’s go over some anatomy...
4 things that can influence your surgical outcome
February 28, 2022
Pain management, dressings, and activity restrictions are discussed pre-op, but there are other things that can greatly impact your surgical outcome...
Is my doctor being dishonest?
July 6, 2021
Plastic surgery is a strange world compared to normal medical specialties. There is an aspect of sales intertwined with the medicine...
Helpful hints for evaluating Before and Afters
June 10, 2021
There are lots of misleading images out there on social media, here are a few tips to get you evaluating before and afters like a pro...
What will my surgery recovery be like?
June 2, 2021
One of the things that causes the most amount of stress when planning surgery is not knowing how you are going to feel and how long you will need help...
Will Insurance Cover My Breast Reduction?
May 13, 2021
Breast reductions are a life changing procedure for most patients. Not only do you get the cosmetic improvement of smaller, proportionate, and perky breasts...
8 Tips for a Great Consultation
April 29, 2021
Plastic surgery consultations can be very overwhelming. Not only are you talking about an area of your body that you are uncomfortable with and embarrassed about...
Removing Ruptured Implants
January 20, 2021
Today I had the pleasure of ridding a lovely patient of 40 year old silicone implants. With older, ruptured implants like this, it is so helpful to remove them En Bloc...