Dr. Killeen's Plastic Surgery Blog
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.
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...