Monthly Archives: May 2020

Will a Tummy Tuck Give Me Better Curves?

To many people, having children is the greatest joy life has to offer. But as much love and happiness as they bring, unfortunately many women are upset to find that no matter how much they diet and exercise, their body never looks the way it did before they had kids. Even those women who are able to lose all of their “baby weight” are often bothered by loose sagging skin and stretch marks on their abdomen. Every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful, but many struggle to do so when these stubborn flaps of skin just won’t go away no matter how hard they work! Luckily, there is a way to get your pre-pregnancy body back through the tummy tuck procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen. This surgical procedure uses a combination of liposuction for body sculpting, muscle repair, skin removal and tightening to dramatically reshape the abdomen. While most women know that a tummy tuck procedure removes excess fat and skin in order to flatten and tighten the stomach, many have concerns about getting a flat tummy but being stuck with the excess fat on their back and sides, resulting in an unnatural, boxy shape. What most women really want is a flatter tummy, no more muffin tops, better curves and an hourglass waist – but is this really possible to achieve with a tummy tuck? This post will answer this question, showing how a tummy tuck performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen can give you pre-baby body back, plus the sexy curves and hourglass figure you’ve always wanted!

The traditional tummy tuck procedure removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen, pulling the remaining tissue together to create a flatter and firmer tummy. However, this does not improve the shape of the waist, muffin tops, or lower back. Dr. Traci Temmen has found that modifying this method creates the best results for her patients – leaving them with not only a flat tummy, but also removing love handles, narrowing the waist, and eliminating stubborn fat deposits from the lower back. These amazing results are achieved through a combination of the standard tummy tuck technique plus targeted liposuction that removes excess fat to sculpt the abdomen into an attractive hourglass shape.

The liposuction component of this procedure is performed first, eliminating fat from the lower back, stomach, and sides to create a slimmer, smoother figure. The next step after body sculpting with liposuction is repair of the abdominal muscles. During pregnancy, these muscles are slowly pulled apart, causing the abdomen to widen. These muscles can be pulled back together into their original positions during surgery, narrowing the abdomen. After muscle repair, the traditional tummy tuck technique is used to remove unwanted excess skin and fat from the front of the abdomen, creating a firmer and flatter stomach. An added benefit of performing liposuction prior to the tummy tuck portion of the procedure is that the tummy tuck can be accomplished through a shorter incision, leaving a smaller scar – just a little bit longer than a typical C-section scar. Dr. Temmen takes care to leave the shortest scar possible while still creating stunning results, and her patients are thrilled that their scar is usually easily concealed below the top of their bikini bottoms! A final important (but often overlooked!) component of an attractive abdomen is the belly button. Just look at any image of toned stomach and you will notice that the belly button is dimpled and has a smooth oval shape. During tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Temmen meticulously recreates a beautiful and natural-looking belly button, all through an almost invisible scar.

In addition to body sculpting with liposuction, abdominal muscle repair, and excess skin removal with the recreation of a beautiful belly button, Dr. Temmen finds that some patients may benefit from additional fat transfer, or moving fat from one area of the body to another. One of the more common examples of this is the Brazilian Butt Lift, which repurposes fat that was removed during liposuction of the stomach, back, and sides and transfers it to the buttocks to create a rounder, shapelier behind. Dr. Temmen meets extensively with each patient to build a personalized surgical plan that considers their individual anatomy and aesthetic goals in order to give them the best possible result.

Many moms struggle to get their pre-baby body and confidence back after they have children. The special tummy tuck procedure performed by Dr. Traci Temmen that combines both liposuction and standard tummy tuck techniques is a safe and extremely effective way to eliminate sagging skin, flatten the tummy, and sculpt the back, stomach, and sides into that sought-after hourglass figure. Check out some examples of real patient results by Dr. Temmen in the Before and After section of this website, and see the amazing transformations for yourself! Want to learn more about if you are a good candidate for this life-changing procedure? Call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Is the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Safe?

With summer just around the corner, many women are starting to think more about how they can look and feel their best in a cute swimsuit, jean cut-offs, or new tank top this summer. For many women, a key problem area that continues to bother them despite diet and exercise efforts is the shape of their behind. No matter how many squats you do, sometimes it’s just not possible to get that perfect lift and full shape through lifestyle changes alone! The Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is a great option to consider for finally achieving that flawless derriere you’ve been dreaming of. This ingenious procedure utilizes the powerful precision of liposuction to remove unwanted fat from problem areas like the tummy, back, and sides and then transfer it to the buttocks to create a fuller, rounder shape. The concept of transferring one’s own fat to a different region of the body may be unfamiliar to many patients, and raise questions about the safety of this procedure. In this post, I will address these concerns and explain how this procedure is very safe when performed by a highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen.

At first glance, the idea of moving fat from one region of the body to another may sound pretty simple. However, there are a few key factors to keep in mind that affect the safety of this procedure. First is the amount of fat that is harvested via liposuction. This varies significantly depending on the patient, as a patient with more excess fat will have more accessible fat for removal, while a slim patient will have less. It is possible to remove too much fat during this procedure, and as such, your plastic surgeon should not have a “one size fits all” approach but instead customize the quantity of fat and areas that it is harvested from depending on the shape, size, and aesthetic preferences of the patient. Although slender patients have less fat available for transfer, it is important to remember that a small volume of fat can make a big impact for these patients, so it is perfectly okay that less is able to be harvested. Dr. Traci Temmen works extensively with each patient to ensure that she fully understands their goals before forming a personalized plan to create a result they are happy with. In addition to her extensive training in the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, Dr. Temmen also has additional training in how to safely perform this procedure on thinner patients (called the “Skinny BBL”) to ensure that these patients can achieve an equally safe and beautiful result.

The second piece of information that is integral to ensuring the safety of the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is the manner in which the fat is injected into the buttocks. After the fat is harvested, it should be transferred subcutaneously using large bore, side port, blunt cannulas while withdrawing. This method ensures that the fat injection process is as safe as possible, and minimizes the risk of complications. While the buttocks may feel mostly composed of fat, there are important neurovascular structures and muscle groups underneath the superficial tissue layers that should not be disturbed during the BBL procedure. That is why it is crucial to remain in the subcutaneous plane (just under the skin) while injecting to avoid impacting these deeper structures. In fact, in the state of Florida, it is illegal for surgeons to inject fat deep into the muscle because of the increased risk of serious complications such as fat embolization (when some fat accidently gets into the bloodstream and causes a clot somewhere in the body, such as in the heart or lungs.) By always staying in the shallow subcutaneous plane, this risk is much, much lower, as the fat is being injected into the layer where preexisting fat already naturally exists just beneath the surface.

Finally, an important factor to consider regarding the safety of the BBL procedure is the setting in which it is performed. This procedure should be performed in an accredited surgical facility, meaning that it has been verified to be clean, up to code, and be fully equipped with everything needed to respond in a life-threatening situation. Temmen Plastic Surgery meets hospital standards and has been approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. Furthermore, every detail has been designed with patient safety, comfort, and privacy in mind in order to ensure that every patient has the best experience possible. One additional feature that pertains to the BBL specifically is this facility’s ability to utilize ultrasound guidance if needed during fat transfer to avoid improperly placed fat – just another feature that maximizes patient safety.

As you can see, there are many different factors that play into the safety and efficacy of the Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure. Hopefully, this article shed some light on a few aspects to keep in mind. Of course, first and foremost, it is important to choose an experienced, highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon who will work alongside you from initial consultation to post-op. Dr. Traci Temmen is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who consistently achieves safe and stunning BBL results for her patients. If you’re ready to take the first step and learn more about this life-changing procedure or any other cosmetic procedure you may be interested in call 813-771-6393 today to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Does Labiaplasty Surgery affect sexual sensation or function?

While you have probably seen lots of advertisements about using plastic surgery to enhance the appearance of their breasts, tummy, and bottom, another area that is less talked about but very important to the confidence and comfort of many women is the external genitalia. In particular, many women find that due to factors such as genetics, exercise, childbirth, and aging, they are unhappy with appearance of their labia majora and minora, or the “wings” that frame the vaginal opening.

Oftentimes, the labia may appear engorged, elongated, or asymmetrical, causing embarrassment over this very intimate area of the body. In addition, this may prevent women from donning swimsuits or tight-fitting clothing such as athletic apparel that they would otherwise enjoy wearing. In other cases, increased size or protrusion of the labia minora beyond the protective labia majora causes irritation from rubbing against clothing or pain during sexual intercourse, interfering with daily life and personal relationships.

Whether a woman is interested in learning more about labiaplasty due to embarrassment or dissatisfaction with her appearance or to alleviate pain and discomfort, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that this is a very personal decision, and ensures that every patient feels listened to and cared for from initial consultation to post-op recovery. Due to the delicate nature of the area involved in this procedure, many women have a lot of questions and concerns about labiaplasty. This post will discuss a few of the most common worries women have who are considering this procedure, including changes in sensation and sexual function after surgery and scar placement.

One common concern women have who are interested in learning more about labiaplasty is if this procedure will affect sensation or function of the area and reduce enjoyment of sexual activity. Fortunately, the labiaplasty surgery does not have a detrimental effect on sexual sensation or function. This is because this procedure is performed very superficially, only impacting the skin and underlying mucosa. The nerves supplying this region are located deeper in the pelvis, and are not affected during surgery. Therefore, sexual sensation and function are preserved. An additional benefit of this surgery is that for women undergoing labiaplasty due to enlarged labia causing pain or discomfort during sex, the reduction in the size of the labia during this procedure should make sex more comfortable and enjoyable! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen forms a detailed and personalized surgical plan with each patient, taking into account their individual anatomy and goals. Patients are consistently impressed with Dr. Temmen’s kind and calming bedside manner throughout this sensitive procedure, and her exquisite surgical skills and gentle touch ensure a great aesthetic result while preserving sensation and function.

Another common concern women have is about the location of their surgical scars following labiaplasty. Some patients worry about the scars being super obvious to themselves or a partner, or that they will cause pain during intercourse. Dr. Traci Temmen is meticulous and precise in her pre-surgical evaluation of the patient, ensuring that she knows exactly how much tissue will be removed and where the scar will be located. The surgical scar is placed on the inner surface of the labia, with the suture line oriented away from the vaginal opening. This deliberate and precise placement not only makes the scar as invisible as possible, but also minimizes irritation against clothing or during intercourse. Dr. Temmen typically recommends that patients wait about three weeks after surgery to resume light exercise and six weeks to engage in sexual activity in order to give the tissues time to heal.

Patients considering labiaplasty often have many concerns including those addressed in this post, ranging from worries about sexual function to scar placement to recovery. It is imperative that every patient finds a board-certified plastic surgeon who they feel listens to and understands their needs and desires. Patients should spend time researching plastic surgeons, ensuring that they are board-certified, have ample experience, and have before and after pictures of real patients they have worked with and achieved great results. Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled and experienced at performing labiaplasty procedures and consistently produces results her patients are happy with – many of these examples can be viewed in the “Before and After” section of this website. In addition, as one of the few female plastic surgeons in the area who are experienced in this procedure, Dr. Traci Temmen is uniquely positioned to understand her female patients wishes and concerns. She meets extensively one-on-one with each patient to ensure that she fully understands their desires before forming a personalized surgical plan to achieve those goals, and treats every patient as she would want a friend or family member to be treated.

While it is a great first step to learn from online resources such as this one, nothing can replace an in-person meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this specialized and sensitive procedure. Call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen, MD today!