One of the most common forms of plastic surgery that is performed today is that of liposuction.  Whether you need to have a little bit of body fat removed from your thigh area, or simply an overall body contouring, liposuction can certainly be a way to help get the body you want.  Plus, in the last decade, with the advent of Slim Liposuction, the advances have made it easier than ever.

Slim liposuction is a form of laser liposuction, and the name itself actually describes it quite well.  The word “Slim” in this case is an acronym, which stands for Specific, Laser Induced Melting.  The creators of this procedure took over six years to perfect it before even introducing it.   Believe it or not, this technique is the first FDA approved laser assisted lipolysis system and is extremely effective with the removal of fat deposits in just about any area of the body.

There are quite a few benefits to using Slim Liposuction.  It not only helps in the removal of fat, but has also been shown to help the patient shorten the collagen fibers.  This allows for a tightening of the skin, and a more youthful appearance.  Also, a fiber optic is used, and the laser is emitted over a wider area, there is less chance of internal damage.   Also, Slim Liposuction has been shown to result in less bruising, and an overall faster recovery time for the patient.

Like all cosmetic surgery, there are issues of artistry as well as surgical skill that go into getting the optimal results with Slim Liposuction.  Since all cases are unique, it is important to come in for a consultation with me to discuss with me your situation and goals.  In addition, I will address any concerns or questions that you might have.  I have used Slim Liposuction successfully on many areas of the body, including stomach, inner thighs, arms, and the buttocks region.  As I am sure you are interested in learning more, I sincerely invite you to call my office and make an appointment with me for a one on one consultation.  After all, not only strive to make you look your best, but feel your best as well.

If you are thinking about having breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, you are certainly not alone.  Just in 2010 alone, nearly 300,000 surgeries were completed by qualified plastic surgeons like me.  If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to read below, and come in and have a conversation.  I’d love to sit down with you and see if breast reduction surgery is a viable alternative for you.

Breasts that are oversized, otherwise known as breast hypertrophy can occur as soon as you begin puberty, or shortly thereafter. Sometimes, the enlargement of your breasts because of pregnancy can stay long after the child is born. While the causes for breast enlargement are many, the results seen are pretty universal. Oversized breasts can cause a strain on your back and stomach muscles neck strain, and headaches. While specialized bras can help to alleviate the symptoms, the only proven way to actually solve the problem is through breast reduction surgery.

Besides easing your physical discomfort, there are other benefits to this type of surgery.  For starters, breast reduction can help you have a more proportional curvature to your chest, making it easier to fit into the clothes that you want to wear.  Also, having a reduced breast size can help you lead a more active lifestyle by giving you the confidence you need to get out there and enjoy life.  If your breasts are different sizes, reduction mammoplasty can also be used to achieve better symmetry and proportions.  Truthfully, it is all about making you the best that you can be.

Considering an undertaking like breast reduction surgery is not something to take lightly.  I invite you to schedule a detailed consultation with me to discuss your options and special situation.  At the initial consultation, I will make sure that you have all the information you need, and answer your concerns so that you can make the best possible decision for you.  I am confident you will have a pleasant and rewarding experience after your visit with me.

Simply stated, breast reconstruction surgery is a technique used to help rebuild a breast’s shape, especially after something like a mastectomy.  While it cannot give the actual sensations of a normal breast, it can certainly provide the woman with the shape and feel to the touch that she remembers.  It can help her clothes fit more naturally, and certainly help to boost her self-confidence after experiencing such a life changing event.

There are many different individuals, each with specific needs when it comes to breast reconstruction, there are also a number of different techniques available.  The technique utilized will depend on a number of factors, including, your age, body type, and the initial reason for the procedure, such as type of cancer treatment.   It is also not a single stage process.  In order to ensure that my patients get the best possible results, breast reconstruction often takes multiple stages.  These stages can include expanding the skin to make sure implants are properly set, changing the shape or size of the breast to more accurately match the overall body image, adding a nipple, and occasionally operating on the other breast to maintain a more natural look.

There are certainly many reasons to consider breast reconstruction surgery, but none are as important as the improvement to your self-esteem and body image once the surgery is complete.  I understand that this is a very important and critical decision for your future health and happiness, so I strongly encourage you to come in and have a conversation with me about what to expect, and how breast reconstruction can potentially help you make your life that much better than before.

However, patients with a small breast in which the majority of the breast would be removed with a lumpectomy are usually advised to have a mastectomy.  Those that have a recurrent cancer after having been treated with a lumpectomy and radiation in the past will also require mastectomy.  Women whose lesions are quite small and that do not take up most of the breast volume would be afforded the option of lumpectomy and radiation or the option of mastectomy.  If you decide or require a mastectomy then your surgeon will refer you to a Tampa Florida area plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction.

As a plastic surgeon specializing in breast surgery I perform a large number of reconstructions after a mastectomy.  Usually reconstruction is coordinated with the surgical oncologist so that it can be performed at the time of the mastectomy.

Next, we will discuss the options for breast reconstruction.

Today, we will describe the use of tissue expanders and implants for breast reconstructive surgery.  (Remember, a lumpectomy and radiation is considered breast conserving therapy and requires no reconstruction.)  Tissue expanders are a type of saline implant with an access port built into the implant.

The breast tissue expander is thicker than a typical breast implant and usually teardrop shaped.  The expander port is accessed periodically after your wounds have healed and the expander is inflated with saline.  Usually this is done weekly.  The entire process to full expansion may take a few weeks to a few months depending on final expansion size, healing times, and whether or not you need chemotherapy.

I favor the use of a cadaver skin product called Alloderm to be used as a protective covering for the expander.  This cadaver skin has been treated so that there are no live cells.  There is only the framework of the skin remaining.  This product helps minimize capsular contracture, assists with overall contour and shape, acts as an internal brassiere, and acts as a protective covering for the breast tissue expander in case of poor healing.

Next time we will discuss breast reconstruction with your own tissue.

For women that have had a breast augmentation, the mammogram will have 2 additional diagonally oriented views to help diagnose breast cancer that may be partly obscured by the implants.  If an abnormality is found there may be a need for an ultrasound of the breast for further evaluation or for assistance with biopsy. If a lesion continues to appear suspicious on these exams there may be a biopsy performed to get a definitive diagnosis.

  In addition, your physician may order an MRI or PET scan to evaluate the breast and lymph nodes in even more detail.  At this point if you are diagnosed with breast cancer you will likely be referred to a surgical oncologist or general surgeon for further treatment.  At that point, a plastic surgeon may become involved in your care depending on your needs and desires for further treatment.  We will discuss those options next.

Essentially, there are 2 parts to a breast self exam.  These 2 steps are looking and feeling.

First, you will observe each breast individually with hands on the hips.  You will be looking for evidence of puckering of the skin, nipple inversion or retraction, change in the skin color, and nipple discharge.

Then, while lying on your back begin feeling the breast with a flat hand and fingertips.   It is best to use multiple patterns to ensure the entire breast it palpated.  Start in a spiral pattern, then in a vertical pattern and finally in a horizontal pattern.  Squeeze the nipple looking for discharge.  Remember to examine the upper chest area and armpit area since these areas also contain breast tissue.

If there are any areas in question or of abnormality noted then consult your primary care physician for a breast exam and possible mammogram.

Screening mammography is a type of x-ray that looks at the breasts allowing physicians to look for areas of abnormal calcifications.  These areas of calcification can be early evidence of breast cancer.  Recently, there has been considerable controversy with regards to when women should begin screening mammograms.  The highly respected American Cancer Society (ACS), American College of Radiology (ACR),  and National Cancer Institute (NCI) all recommend early screening at age 40 and then yearly after that.

However, the U.S. Preventative Service Task Force recently published a recommendation saying that “routine” screening mammography could begin at age 50 and women in their 40’s can make an “individual decision”  as to when to begin mammograms.  Unfortunately, every year I see numerous women from the Tampa Bay Florida area that are in their 20s and 30s for breast cancer reconstruction.

I have evaluated the data and after consideration of the age of patients in my plastic surgery practice that present with breast cancer I continue to agree with the Mayo Clinic, ACR, ACS, and NCI’s recommendation.  I recommend women 40 years of age or older to perform monthly self breast exams, receive yearly breast exams by a physician, and a yearly screening mammography.  It is my belief that this is the safest and least controversial set of recommendations for my Tampa area breast plastic surgery patients.