July 23, 2010 | Breast Implants, Plastic Surgery In The Media
6 minute read
Learning from Breast Augmentation Gone Wrong
For anyone considering breast augmentation, headlines about botched surgeries are more than sensational stories—they are critical cautionary tales. The Orange County Register recently highlighted several such cases, and each one delivers an important takeaway: the decisions you make before your procedure can determine your safety, satisfaction, and long-term well-being. At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene, OR, Dr. Lee B. Daniel emphasizes patient education and safety, making sure each individual receives expert care and realistic guidance before pursuing breast enhancement surgery.
These cautionary stories underscore the importance of choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, setting safe and realistic goals, and planning appropriately for post-operative needs. Let’s break down the critical lessons every patient should learn before undergoing breast augmentation.
Beware of Surgeons Operating Outside Their Specialty
Perhaps the most harrowing tale involves Kenyatta Brown, a mother of four from Atlanta who nearly lost her life after undergoing breast augmentation performed by an ophthalmologist. Drawn in by a low price, Brown opted for surgery by a physician with no formal training in plastic surgery—a mistake that resulted in significant internal bleeding and an emergency intervention.
What most people don’t know is that in many states, licensed doctors can legally perform cosmetic surgery even if it falls outside their area of expertise. This regulatory loophole is why patients must take it upon themselves to research a provider’s credentials.
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lee B. Daniel is double board certified in both general surgery and plastic surgery, and he has over 30 years of experience. Unlike opportunistic practitioners jumping into the cosmetic field for profit, Dr. Daniel brings decades of training, artistry, and ethics to each procedure. Patients can rest assured knowing their health and results are in the hands of a true specialist.
Setting Realistic Breast Augmentation Goals
Another case profiled in the article is that of Sheyla Hershey, who sought extreme breast enhancement in Brazil after U.S. surgeons declined her request due to safety concerns. After receiving record-breaking silicone implants to achieve a 38KKK bustline, Hershey developed a severe staph infection that nearly took her life and resulted in the removal of her implants—and possibly her natural breast tissue as well.
This extreme example reveals what can happen when patients seek out unethical surgeons willing to disregard medical guidelines. Hershey ignored the advice of qualified U.S. plastic surgeons and traveled abroad in pursuit of an unrealistic and dangerous goal.
Choosing a breast implant size that suits your body is essential to avoiding complications such as back pain, skin thinning, and infection. Dr. Daniel works closely with patients to determine an implant size that complements their body type, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Through advanced 3D imaging and personalized consultations, he ensures every patient has a clear vision of their expected results and understands the limits of safe enhancement.
Budgeting for Potential Complications
While most breast augmentation patients enjoy excellent results, complications like capsular contracture, implant deflation, or asymmetry can sometimes arise. Nicola Stratton learned this the hard way after traveling from the U.K. to Los Angeles for an extensive makeover. When one of her saline implants deflated, she realized she couldn’t afford the cost or logistics of flying back for revision surgery.
This story underscores a crucial lesson: always budget for the possibility of future care. Even routine surgeries carry some risk of complications, and being financially prepared for revision surgery is part of being a responsible patient.
Dr. Lee B. Daniel’s Eugene location makes follow-up care more accessible for Oregon patients. Additionally, because he is also an expert in breast revision surgery, patients experiencing complications can trust that he has the skill to resolve even the most challenging cases. His team provides clear pre- and post-operative guidance, helping patients plan for every scenario.
How to Choose the Right Breast Augmentation Surgeon
The takeaway from these real-world examples is clear: your plastic surgeon’s credentials, ethics, and location all matter. Here’s what to look for when choosing your breast augmentation provider:
1. Board Certification
Only trust surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or an equivalent governing body like the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. These credentials verify that your surgeon has undergone rigorous training and testing specifically in plastic surgery.
2. Experience in Breast Procedures
Not all plastic surgeons specialize in breast augmentation. Seek a provider like Dr. Daniel, who has performed thousands of successful breast surgeries and offers a variety of procedures including breast lifts, implant revision, and breast reduction.
3. Ethical Medical Practice
Beware of any provider who pushes you toward overly large implants, suggests shortcuts, or ignores FDA guidelines. A trustworthy surgeon will prioritize your health and long-term outcome over short-term satisfaction or unrealistic enhancements.
4. Proximity for Follow-Up Care
Choose a surgeon whose practice is accessible for your post-operative appointments. Complications often require prompt attention. Having your provider nearby ensures that any issues can be resolved quickly and professionally.
5. Expertise in Revision Surgery
Even with the best care, revision surgery is sometimes necessary. Surgeons like Dr. Daniel, who are skilled in correcting prior breast augmentations, are especially valuable to patients looking for peace of mind.
A Better Way to Augment: The Dr. Daniel Approach
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lee B. Daniel has earned a reputation as one of Oregon’s top breast augmentation surgeons. His practice is built on three core principles: safety, artistry, and honesty. From your first consultation to your final result, his patient-centered approach ensures that every step is guided by clear communication, ethical decision-making, and an uncompromising commitment to natural-looking outcomes.
Rather than rushing patients into surgery, Dr. Daniel takes the time to understand their goals, educate them on implant options (including saline, silicone, and Motiva®), and map out a safe surgical plan. Whether you’re interested in primary augmentation or need expert revision after a less successful procedure elsewhere, Dr. Daniel’s Eugene practice is a trusted destination for cosmetic excellence.
Your Beauty, Safely Enhanced
Breast augmentation can be a life-changing procedure—boosting confidence, restoring post-pregnancy shape, and enhancing natural curves. But the key to success lies not in chasing dramatic results or bargain prices, but in working with a qualified, ethical, and experienced surgeon.
Let the unfortunate stories of others serve as a guide: don’t compromise your health, expectations, or safety for quick fixes or overseas discounts. At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene, Dr. Lee B. Daniel is committed to delivering transformative yet safe breast enhancement that aligns with your personal goals and protects your long-term wellness.
If you’re considering breast augmentation, start your journey the right way. Contact Dr. Lee B. Daniel’s office today to schedule a consultation and discover how safe, beautiful, and confidence-boosting this procedure can truly be.